Rhaegar Targaryen
From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
 Rhaegar Targaryen by M.Luisa Giliberti© | |
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| Alias | Silver Prince The Last Dragon |
|---|---|
| Title | Prince of Dragonstone Knight |
| Allegiance | House Targaryen |
| Culture | Valyrian |
| Born | In 259AL, at Summerhall |
| Died | In 283AL, at Trident |
| Spouse | Elia Martell |
| Book(s) | A Game of Thrones A Clash of Kings A Storm of Swords A Feast for Crows |
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen was the eldest son of Aerys II and, as heir-apparent, Prince of Dragonstone. Rhaegar was popular with the smallfolk during his life, but died in Robert's Rebellion, which was triggered in part by his alleged abduction of Lyanna Stark. Rhaegar is remembered as a heroic figure to Targaryen loyalists.[1]
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Character and Appearance
Rhaegar was exceedingly intelligent and excelled at anything he put his mind to, he was considered to be a talented musician and skilled knight. He was deeply affected by "the shadow of Summerhall", because he was "born in grief" and was considered melancholic at times. Many thought of Rhaegar with respect, even Robert's best friend, Ned Stark. Rhaegar was tall and handsome, he had dark lilac eyes and the silver hair of the Targaryens.
History
Early Life
Prince Rhaegar was King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella first born son, and was born in the year 259AL, on the very same day that the Tragedy at Summerhall took place. As a child he read obsessively, to the point that jests were made about his habits. He became a noted warrior later in life, although he did not initially seem inclined to martial habits. However, he became motivated to excel in this field, apparently by something he read.[2] At seventeen he was knighted, and from all reports grew into a highly skilled and capable fighter, always distinguishing himself well at tournaments, but seldom entered the lists. Men said Rhaegar loved his harp more then he loved his lance.
He often liked to visit the ruins of Summerhall with only his harp and when he returned he sang songs of such beauty they could reduce women to tears. Although Rhaegar was often dour, private, and bookish, Cersei Lannister once noted that the smallfolk cheered for Lord Tywin Lannister twice as much as for King Aerys II, but only half as loudly as for Rhaegar, and Jaime Lannister still thinks he would have made a good king. Barristan Selmy who served three kings recalled that Rhaegar would have been better then all three combined.
Rhaegar's squires were Myles Mooton and Richard Lonmouth, and after he knighted them they remained close companions. Lord Jon Connington was a good friend to Rhaegar too, but Rhaegar's closest and oldest friend was Ser Arthur Dayne. Later Rhaegar married the Dornish princess Elia Martell, with whom he had two children: a daughter, Rhaenys, and a son, Aegon Targaryen. Elia due to her delicate health was bed ridden for a year after giving birth to Rhaenys and nearly died giving birth to Aegon. After which the Maesters told Rhaegar she would be unable to have any more children.[3]. Maester Aemon who Rhaegar corresponded with via raven messages remembered that Rhaegar erroneously believed his child Aegon to be the Prince Who Was Promised.[4]
Love and Death
During the Tourney at Harrenhal, Rhaegar Targaryen seemed unstoppable, and defeated even Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Taking the winter rose crown for the Queen of Love and Beauty, he revealed his interest in Lyanna Stark by passing over his wife, the Princess Elia of Dorne, and setting it in Lyanna's lap[2] A year later Rhaegar apparently kidnapped Lyanna, for reasons unknown, however this act ultimately triggered Robert's Rebellion and the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.
Rhaegar himself met Robert in combat at a ford during the Battle of the Trident, where the pair had a legendary duel in the raging rivers of the Trident, Rhaegar despite wounding Robert was struck down with a massive blow from Robert's warhammer, which scattered the rubies encrusted in Rhaegar's armor under the water. That location was named the 'Ruby Ford' thereafter. Later his wife Elia and their son were murdered by Ser Gregor Clegane and Ser Amory Lorch during the Sack of King's Landing. Lorch dragged the screaming toddler, Rhaenys, from under her father's bed and stabbed her to death. Ser Gregor killed an infant (who was believed by many to be Aegon VI, but was actually a peasant baby) by dashing his head against the wall. He then raped and killed Elia.
Recent Events
Clash of Kings
Daenerys names one of her newborn dragons in honor of her brother Rhaegar. The green and bronzed scale dragon was named Rhaegal in honor of her brave brother who died on the green banks of the Trident.
Rhaegar appears in Daenerys Targaryen's vision in the House of the Undying. He's seen talking to his wife Elia discussing what he'll name his son (Aegon) and his destiny. He also states that...
| “ | "The Dragon has three heads, there must be one more". [1] | ” |
It is largely rumored that Jon Snow is the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark.
Quotes about Rhaegar
| “ | Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaegar died. - Jorah Mormont[5] | ” |
| “ | "In my dreams, I kill him every night. A thousand deaths will still be less than he deserves"-Robert Baratheon. [6] | ” |
Family
References and Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 48, Daenerys.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 42, Daenerys.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, The Griffin Reborn
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 35, Samwell.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 23, page 222, Daenerys
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 4, Eddard.
This page uses content from the English Wikipedia. The original content was at House Targaryen. The list of authors can be seen in the page history of House Targaryen. As with the A Wiki of Ice and Fire, the content of Wikipedia is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.
