Why Were There So Few Marriages Between the Targaryens and Baratheons?
The lack of Targaryen-Baratheon marriages in Westeros can be attributed to a combination of political, historical, and cultural factors. This article explores these elements to provide insight into why such union was rare and often resisted.
Political Alliances: The Targaryen Strategy
The Targaryens were master strategists when it came to forming political alliances through marriages. Their primary goal was to maintain and strengthen their own dynasty, often prioritizing unions with powerful houses that possessed dragons or significant influence. The Baratheons, while formidable, were relatively new to the noble hierarchy, having risen to prominence during the tumult of Robert's Rebellion. Their sudden ascent to power may have seemed less appealing to the Targaryens, who preferred to align with more established noble families.
Historical Context: The Intrigue of Targaryen Royal Marriages
The Targaryens had a tradition of marrying within their own family to preserve their bloodline and maintain their connection to dragons. This practice was deeply rooted in their history, often superseding alliances with other houses. The Baratheons, on the other hand, were seen as usurpers, a perspective that further diminished the likelihood of intermarriage. The Targaryens' fall from power may have made them view the Baratheons with suspicion and hostility, further solidifying their reluctance to form unions.
Power Dynamics: The New Rulers of Westeros
Following Robert Baratheon's ascension to the Iron Throne, the relationship between the Baratheons and the Targaryens shifted from rivals to antagonists. The Baratheons were now the new rulers of Westeros, while the Targaryens were considered remnants of a fallen house. This adversarial shift significantly reduced any incentives for intermarriage, making such alliances less politically attractive.
Cultural Differences: Internal vs. External Marriages
Both houses had distinct customs and traditions, particularly when it came to marriage and family. The Targaryens preferred marriages within their own family to maintain their pure bloodline and connection to dragons. The Baratheons, however, focused more on forging alliances with other houses to gain political strength. This cultural divergence made it even more challenging to find common ground for inter-house alliances, such as marriage.
Personal Choices and Feuds: The Complexity of Human Relationships
Personal preferences and rivalries also played a significant role in the lack of Targaryen-Baratheon marriages. Not every potential match was feasible or appealing, as individual conflicts and personal rivalries hindered the possibility of forming alliances. For instance, when Lady Jocelyn Baratheon married Prince Aemon Targaryen, their union was more of a political arrangement rather than a personal choice. Similarly, when Lady Cassandra Baratheon’s marriages were thwarted, it was due to the political and personal circumstances of the times.
Conclusion: Marriage Strategies in Westeros
The sparse number of Targaryen-Baratheon marriages can largely be explained by a combination of political motivations, historical context, and cultural differences. While there were a few notable unions, such as those between Lord Ormund Baratheon and Princess Rhaelle Targaryen, these were exceptions rather than the rule. The complex interplay of political strategy, historical grievances, and cultural practices resulted in the rarity of Targaryen-Baratheon marriages in Westeros.