He was one of the most inspiring people in House of The Dragonand her death in episode 9 of season 2 traumatized Twitter: Rhaenys Targaryen, aka the Queen Who Never Was, had a profound impact on people’s minds. This character is a little different in the series as in the book by George RR Martin, Fire and Blood : the changes made by HBO are beneficialwe’ll explain why.
Rhaenys’ right to the Iron Throne explained by the series
Readers of the work of George RR Martin know this well, Game of Thrones teeming with characters. The novelist has populated his Westeros with so many protagonists that it is difficult to navigate, especially since some are sometimes only mentioned once during the story, unlike to the great families that are the Lannisters, the Targaryens or the Starks. These prestigious houses were given a more extensive and detailed genealogy than the others. Among them, the dragon riders are those whose history was most elaborated by George RR Martin. From the arrival of Aegon the Conqueror, Visenya and Rhaenys to Dragonstone, until the assassination of Aerys II the Mad Kingseveral generations of Targaryens have succeeded one another on the Iron Throne. Between betrayals, intrigues and plots, legitimate heirs have not inherited the famous crown: this is notably the case of Rhaenys, the Queen who Never Was.
Rhaenys is a key character in House of The Dragon, and unlike the way she is portrayed in Fire and Bloodthe HBO series is very clear about its “serious” right to the Iron Throne. In George RR Martin’s novel, we learn that the princess is the daughter of Aemon Targaryen, the eldest son of King Jaehaerys, and his wife Jocelyn Baratheon. His father is supposed to inherit the Seven Kingdoms upon the death of the sovereign, but unfortunately it is he who dies before the old King. Being the oldest child, it is then Rhaenys who is supposed to become the next monarchespecially since she seems cut out for this role: she rides the dragon Meleys, is intelligent, strong, and loved by the people. Only, it’s a woman, and his grandfather will prevent him from gaining power by removing him from his succession for the benefit of his uncle, Prince Baelon.
But Baelon also died a few years later, and for many, this event made Rhaenys the rightful heir to the throne, once again. The old King then organizes a Grand Council, an extraordinary meeting of the lords of the Seven Kingdoms, to debate his succession. No woman having ever ascended to the Iron Throne, George RR Martin writes that Jaehaerys must choose between Laenor, the first son of Rhaenys and Corlys Velaryon, and Viserys, the son of Baelon, but Rhaenys does not enter “seriously” in the equation. A bitter injustice, which will cause serious arguments between Jaehaerys and his wife Alysanne, and which will earn Rhaenys her title of “Queen Who Never Was”. However, in the HBO series, it is strongly suggested that Jaehaerys chose between Rhaenys and Viserys, and that Rhaenys was a serious contender for the throne.
This subtle change helps make the character a key part of House of the Dragon, and proves beneficial. It gives weight to Rhaenys’s claims and enhances her status. As a spectator, we sympathize with the injustice she suffered, and we feel empathy towards her.
And you, what do you think of this modification?
Source: hitek.fr
