Could Aerys Have Remarried After Rhaella's Death?

The fate of Rhaella Targaryen after childbirth brings into question the strategic marriage choices of Aerys Targaryen. If she had died in childbirth, would Aerys have sought to remarry, and if so, who might he have chosen? This article explores the possibilities within the context of Westerosi marriages, focusing on Targaryen dynastic strategies and historical events.

Targaryen Marriage Strategies and Rhaella's Death

Aerys Targaryen was known for his particular marital and dynastic strategies. If Rhaella had died in childbirth either of Rhaegar or Viserys, Aerys would likely have sought another noble wife to ensure the continuation of the Targaryen line. However, the timeline and availability of suitable wives would have been critical factors.

Immediate Options After Rhaella's Death

Valyrian Bloodline: Aerys would ideally have married someone with Valyrian blood to ensure the purity of the Targaryen line. The immediate loss of Rhaella would have prompted a search for a suitable Valyrian wife. Though there were limited options, it is possible that both the daughters of the Eggs sisters had viable options. However, the Eggs sisters' descendants included the House Baelish, and Aerys would not consider a Dornish wife.

Rhaenys Hightower: The Hightower lineage could have provided a viable option, as the Hightowers were known for their political acumen and alliance-building. This would align with Aerys's need for a strong political alliance. However, Aerys would not have considered a wife who appeared Dornish.

Alternative Marriage Strategies

Internal Noble Marriages: Aerys could have looked within the existing nobility for a suitable bride. House Velaryon, for example, would have had a Valyrian ancestor, but Aerys had already ensured Rhaegar's marriage to a Valyrian princess. Therefore, this option would have been less likely.

Cersei Lannister: While considered somewhat unconventional, there was a possibility that Aerys might have contemplated marrying Cersei Lannister due to her family's rise in power. However, this would have been a controversial choice and potentially destabilized his reign.

Political Expediency and Personal Issues

Given Aerys's known psychological issues, it is probable that his marriage choices were influenced by personal and political factors. If Rhaella had died during childbirth, Aerys would have grappled with a significant loss. This event could have triggered his unstable behavior, including burning and violent tendencies. His decision to marry might have been influenced by his need for a stable and politically aligned wife, as opposed to his personal feelings for Rhaella.

Conclusion: Dynastic Continuity and Psychological Impact

The death of Rhaella Targaryen would have necessitated a strategic remarriage for Aerys Targaryen. The search for a wife with Valyrian blood would have been essential, balancing the need for political alliances and the stability of the Targaryen dynasty. The political context of Westeros would have greatly influenced these decisions, reflecting the complex and often unstable nature of nobility during this time period.