Rhaenys Targaryen, the rider of Meleys the Red Queen, is often referred to as the Queen Who Never Was. But why did she earn this title, and how close was she to becoming queen? Let's delve into her story.
Early Life and the Targaryen Legacy
By the time of the Dance of the Dragons and the House of the Dragon TV show, Rhaenys Targaryen was already known as the Queen Who Never Was, a title coined by Mushroom, a character in the book. Born in 74 AC, Rhaenys was the granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alysanne, who ruled wisely and produced a large family after the turbulent years following the death of Aegon the Conqueror.
Rhaenys's father, Aemon, was the eldest son and the undisputed heir to the Iron Throne. Rhaenys grew up as his only child, a situation that seemed to position her as a future ruler. Queen Alysanne even declared her "our Queen to be" when she was presented with baby Rhaenys. At this time, the idea of a woman ruling the Seven Kingdoms had not been thoroughly questioned.
The Turning Point
Rhaenys's prospects changed dramatically when her father, Aemon, was killed by a stray crossbow bolt. King Jaehaerys then had to choose a new heir and selected his second son, Baelon, over Rhaenys or her unborn child. Although Baon was a strong leader and popular among the people, many believed that Rhaenys would have been chosen if she were male. This decision caused significant rifts within the realm.
Rhaenys married Corlys Velaryon, forming a powerful political alliance. Despite her strong claim to the throne, the Great Council of 101 AC ultimately passed over her claim because she was a woman, choosing her cousin Viserys instead.
The Queen Who Never Was
Despite the realm's decisions, Rhaenys continued to be a significant political figure. She was clever, proud, and ambitious, but the succession rules of her time prevented her from becoming queen. Instead, she supported her son Laenor's claim, and later, his children's claims.
Rhaenys's role in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons highlighted her enduring influence. She urged an all-out dragon attack on King's Landing and played a crucial role in the early stages of the conflict. Her final act of defiance came at the Battle of Rook's Rest, where she faced Aegon II and his dragon, Sunfyre. Despite being outnumbered, she fought bravely and died in battle, showing her fierce spirit until the end.
Conclusion
Rhaenys Targaryen was known as the Queen Who Never Was, but she remained a powerful and influential figure throughout her life. Her story is one of resilience, ambition, and defiance, even in the face of insurmountable odds. Though she never sat on the Iron Throne, her legacy as a formidable Targaryen lives on.
This blog post explores the life of Rhaenys Targaryen, her near ascension to the throne, and her lasting impact on the Targaryen legacy. For more deep dives into the worlds of A Song of Ice and Fire, Lord of the Rings, and The Witcher, stay tuned to InDeepGeek.