Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Ep 1-4 of House of the Dragon and Fire & Blood book.
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Incest, while it has been a topic that has caused shivers in many people’s spines, seems to be less controversial in this context. Game of Thrones Or the House of the Dragon universes. When GOTIt was a very common thing for Targaryens to have close relationships with their families. We finally understood what they meant with the fourth episode. House of the DragonDaemon (Matt Smith), Rhaenyra, and Milly Alcock were getting intimate in a pleasurehouse.
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Although Daemon left the scene before things got out-of-control, shock waves reverberated through the crowd. Some were excited for the episode to end because of the tension from episode 1. Others were disgusted. But, we will explain why you should try to get past these emotions while watching the episode. House of the Dragon.
It’s a Custom in the Targaryen Household
First things first, Daemon and Rhaenyra’s marriage is not a question about ‘if’ but rather ‘when.’ Without spoiling Fire & Blood George R. R. Martin had predicted that the uncle/niece pair would eventually get married and have two kids, Aegon/Viserys. Episode 4 shows that her judgement is clouded with alcohol. However, it doesn’t rule out her feelings for Daemon, even though he may be her uncle.
Even though she was confronted that day by King Viserys and Queen Alicent (Paddy Considine), she was only considering the consequences of what she did, and not because she was with her uncle. The only reason she denies this is because it may affect her chances of being the queen, and that’s why her defence was to decline the rumours.
Even though Emily and the Viserys try to talk things out with Emily, they worry more about Emily’s maiden status than the fact that it was Daemon. Viserys even thought about it when he was hitting Daemon. It would have meant that the throne still remains in the house, regardless of what. However, he soon realises that Daemon’s still married, which rules out the possibility of a second union.
Viserys considers Daemon as a reason for his thoughts. The sibling’s parents and grandparents were siblings who were married. Since it’s common knowledge, Lord Otto (Rhys Ifans), who was the first to sully the princess’ reputation, even suggested a marriage between Rhaenyra and her baby half-brother Aegon before Daemon’s interventions. As long as there’s no polygamy or extramarital affairs, everything is fine. At least not for the lady.
Incest is morally wrong but it did not stop the House of the Dragon Clan
With the Game of ThronesFans and characters wanted to see Jon Snow (Kit Harington), and Daenerys Targaryen(Emilia Clarke) together, as long as they were not aware of their aunt-uncle relationships. They continued their friendship even after they discovered the truth. Only when Jon Snow’s allegiance was in question, did the Starks ever question him. Even those who supported Daenerys didn’t pay much attention to their relationship.
While religions in Westeros frown upon incest, it is possible that the uncles and nieces or aunts and nephews’ relations aren’t exactly seen as incest in their society. Such relationships were commonplace in the Seven Kingdoms. Lord Tywin Lannister, also known as Charles Dance, was married to Joanna, his first cousin. The two of them had three children.
Martin was inspired by real world marriages between royals. This is why many of the equations in Martin’s books are such a common theme. Some examples of real-world incest relations include Margaret of Spain’s marriage to her uncle, the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I (1666) and King George IV’s brief wedding with Caroline of Brunswick, his first cousin (1795). This list could go on and on. Since royals prefer to inbreed to maintain power and wealth, in real life, Martine’s books reflect what history has witnessed. We are angered at our ignorance of these traditions.
Targaryens’ Marriages for Purity Posed Many Challenges
Incest is taboo for both real and fictional families. However, people often ignore it or are not bothered by it. It all depends on how you view it and what your interpretations are. While the Targaryens were used to breaking such laws, they were doing so to keep the bloodline pure and assure the family’s control over the dragons. For instance, one of Mad King Aerys II’s three children was with his wife and sister, Rhaella. Aegon, the first Targaryen dynasty lord, had married his sisters out of love and duty. However, the consequences of this move have many repercussions when it comes to the health of the child, both in the books and in real life—for instance, King Aerys’ insanity.
The Targaryens’ power also resulted in religious heads turning a blind eye to their transgressions. Even Queen Cersei (Lena Headey), used their example as a way to justify her relationship to her twin brother Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj coster-Waldau). Their case casts a shadow over the claim for the Iron Throne, as her brother wasn’t the king and was not as powerful than the Targaryens. Jaime pushes Bran, Isaac Hempstead Wright, out of the window in order to keep Joffrey, their son (Jack Gleeson), at the Iron Throne. Even when their affair was brought to light, the noblemen didn’t care besides casting judgement and looks of disapproval. They never used their rivals as a way to punish them, even when they were. Their relationship would have been chaotic even without King Robert (Mark Addy), but that’s not the end of it.
The only incestuous relationship that angered the characters was the one with whom they were incestuous. Game of ThronesCraster (Robert Pugh), and his daughters-wives was one such case. His crimes went beyond the limits of what was possible. He not only raped and killed his daughters, but also the sons who were born from this violence. Since he was a wildling, his crimes became much more horrific in the eyes of the Night’s Watch and Westerosi people. In that regard, Jaime and Cersei’s or Daemon and Rhaenyra’s engagements were consensual.
A noble person can remain in contact with their family members even if they don’t claim the thrown or have children. This will not cause problems in Westeros. Obviously, the exception only extends to those who aren’t religious. Even if you are Targaryens, they won’t bother. Targaryen Incest, which is another one of the reasons we accepted dragons and face-changing blades for hire, was another. GOTIt is a list of details one must live with for at least an hour per week. We can let it go as soon as it is over and regain our moral compass.
