A song of ice and fire fanfiction rhaegar
Introduction
The character of Rhaegar Targaryen is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Since George R.R. Martin's epic series 'A Song of Ice and Fire' is narrated from the points of view of various living characters, our understanding of Rhaegar is limited to what these characters know or believe. This ambiguity makes him an enigmatic and captivating figure in the series. This essay aims to explore Rhaegar's character through different perspectives.
Rhaegar: The Crown Prince
In understanding Rhaegar's character, we must first note his position as Crown Prince and heir to the Targaryen dynasty. Labelled as the last dragon, Rhaegar was the epitome of royalty. His station held both privilege and pressure. He bore the heavy burden of expectation, obligated to embody the might, wisdom, and honour of a future king.
Apart from his duties, Rhaegar also felt personal dissatisfactions with the inequity and cruelty present in his kingdom. He was known to be a thoughtful and intellectual prince, focused more on books than wives or warrior skills.
Rhaegar the Passionate
Rhaegar wasn't just a potential king; he was a man with passions and desires. His obsession for prophecy, particularly the Prince Who Was Promised, shaped his aspirations, actions, and reflection on his role. Thus, his actions were not merely politically motivated but were also a reflection of his personal beliefs.
Rhaegar's passion extended to his love for Lyanna Stark. It was a scandal that rocked the kingdom and set the stage for Robert's Rebellion. Despite the consequences, Rhaegar chose love over duty, a choice that ultimately led to his downfall.
The Tragic Figure
Rhaegar's legacy is shaded by tragedy. His actions, fueled by love and prophecy, led to his death, the downfall of his house, and, indirectly, to the complex and brutal war that make up the series' plot.
However, the tragedy of his character is magnified by the glimmers of the potential for greatness that he possessed. His virtues of wisdom, honour, and sensitivity, traits that could’ve made him an excellent ruler, were overshadowed by his mistakes. This dichotomy adds depth to his character and injects a profound sense of melancholy when reflecting on his life.
Legacy
Though Rhaegar's life was cut short, his actions and decisions continue to reverberate throughout the Novel's narrative. His affair with Lyanna led to the birth of Jon Snow and the prophecy of the Prince who was Promised, both of which lie at the heart of the series' central conflicts. His character is at the root of many actions taken by characters within the story, leading to twists and turns in the narrative’s progression.
The Mystery of Rhaegar
Rhaegar's actions, seen through different lenses, may either symbolize nobility or folly. He can be characterized as manipulating destiny or falling prey to prophecy. He can be seen as a romantic figure who chose love over duty or an irresponsible Prince who neglected his duties. The various shades of his character add to the mystery and debate and complicate the narrative of ‘A Song of Ice and Fire�
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rhaegar Targaryen, unique even among Martin's vast array of characters, represents the blurred lines of good and evil, strength and weakness, wisdom and folly. His character serves a significant role in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire� His actions cause ripples that change the lives of those who live long after him, a testament to his lasting impact on both the plot and the story's world.
Discussion Questions
1. How would the narrative of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' change if Rhaegar had acted differently? 2. Do Rhaegar’s motivations justify his actions? 3. How does Rhaegar's identity as a Targaryen govern his behavior and decisions? 4. Do you view him as a tragic hero or merely a tragic figure? Why?
References
1. Martin, G. R. R. "A Song of Ice and Fire." Bantam Books. 2. Larrington, Carolyne. "Winter is Coming: The Medieval World of Game of Thrones." Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. 3. Taylor, Egypt. "Revisiting the Narrative Arc of Rhaegar Targaryen." The Guardian, 2016.
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