Taboo Incest: Unveiling the Targaryen and Lannister Secrets in GoT and HotD

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George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is often hailed as one of the most outstanding fantasy novel series ever written, yet it has also attracted a fair share of debate. The explicit content presented in the books and its adaptations have sparked numerous discussions about the boundaries of media representation. One topic frequently brought up in these debates is the portrayal of incest within the series.

In both “Game of Thrones” and the upcoming series “House of the Dragon,” characters engage in incestuous relationships for various reasons. The Targaryens and Lannisters, two families known for this practice, stand out. While the Lannisters’ incest is considered more taboo within the world of “Game of Thrones,” the Targaryens’ incestuous relationships serve a higher purpose in their royal family, which may be on the brink of extinction. The Targaryens play a significant role in “House of the Dragon,” set to begin its third season next year. In both series, among others in “Game of Thrones,” the depiction of incest raises discomfort and moral ambiguity for viewers.

The Targaryens Married Each Other for Purity

The Controversial Tradition Went On for Centuries

In both “Game of Thrones” and its prequel “House of the Dragon”, there is an emphasis on incest more than any other household. This theme was seeded in the final two seasons of “Game of Thrones” when Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow developed romantic feelings for each other, unbeknownst to them that they were aunt and nephew. For Daenerys, this wasn’t a moral issue, but rather her concern was that their union might weaken her claim to the Iron Throne. As the Targaryens were almost extinct in “Game of Thrones”, non-Targaryens openly showed disgust for their incestuous practices, arguing that it was a tradition better left in history and not revisited.

In the realm of Westeros, the Faith of the Seven has long held incest as a grave sin. However, around 200 years ago, this taboo was not as strongly enforced in Westeros. This leniency can be attributed to the Targaryens, who were the last Valyrian dragonlords and ruled with power. Unlike other families like the Starks, Lannisters, or Martells, the Targaryens saw incest not only as acceptable but also as a symbol of their superiority. This unique practice helped them maintain their dominant position in Westeros.

To ensure that dragonriding remained exclusive to the Targaryen line for future generations, they began intermarrying among themselves. This could involve uncles marrying nieces, as in the case of Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen, or siblings such as Aegon II and Helaena. King Jaehaerys I Targaryen established the Doctrine of Exceptionalism within the Faith of the Seven to justify these incestuous unions. This doctrine argued that Targaryens were more divine than ordinary men, so they were exempt from the Faith’s disapproval of incest. Their Valyrian traditions differed significantly from those of the Andals.

The Targaryens generally avoided marrying individuals from outside their dynasty, fearing that their lineage might become impure. However, there were exceptions like the Velaryons, who shared Valyrian roots but did not possess dragon-riding abilities. Over time, political and superstitious considerations led to a decline in Targaryen marriages among themselves. After the tragic War of the Five Kings, or Dance of the Dragons, dragons started dwindling and internal conflicts further weakened their bloodline. To strengthen their position, they began marrying into the Martell family to incorporate Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms, as well as other houses for strategic purposes. Aegon V, in particular, recognized that the Targaryens’ practice of close inbreeding could be hazardous.

The Red Sowing Exposes Gaps in House Targaryen’s Incestuous Traditions

Rhaenyra Targaryen Recruited Dragonseeds to Strengthen Her Army

Among the House Targaryen, incest was commonly employed to preserve the integrity of their bloodline and prevent outsiders from seizing their dragon-like powers. For centuries, they reigned over Westeros due to the devastating might of their dragons, a power no other house could rival. In essence, it was only those within their own ranks who held the potential to bring about the Targaryens’ downfall. This prophecy came true when Maegor the Cruel turned against his own kin.

In the passage of time, the Dance of the Dragons led to an internal split within House Targaryen, a devastating conflict detailed in “House of the Dragon”. The concept of purity and tradition that had long characterized House Targaryen started to become irrelevant during the Red Sowing, or the Sowing of the Seeds. This was a daring strategy conceived by Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons, aimed at enlisting Targaryen bastards and arming them with dragons to bolster her forces.

In “House of the Dragon” Season 2, an incident transpired that tragically claimed numerous innocent lives, yet it ultimately bore fruit: three mighty dragons and their riders pledged allegiance to Rhaenyra, significantly altering the trajectory of the Targaryen civil war. This event, known as the Red Sowing, exposed the questionable validity of the long-held Targaryen tradition of intermarriage. It revealed that while only Targaryens could harness dragons, their bloodline didn’t have to be pristine for dragon-riding abilities.

Cersei and Jaime Lannister Were Bonded by Toxic Love

Their Forbidden Romance Was the Catalyst for War

In the world of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, incestuous relationships are portrayed differently. While viewers of House of the Dragon find it more acceptable due to the Targaryens’ unique culture, fans of Game of Thrones found it disturbing, as intended by the series creators. From a broader perspective, Jaime and Cersei’s incestuous relationship played a significant role in shaping almost every major event in Game of Thrones. For instance, they were discovered having intimate moments with Bran Stark, who was later pushed out of a window by Jaime to conceal their affair. However, the attempt on Bran’s life did not succeed, leading to a chain reaction of further deaths and family feuds.

The dynamic between Jaime and Cersei is seldom portrayed as enchanting, illicit love, yet it poses a significant threat to their family, the Lannisters. Their clandestine union often jeopardizes their house, causing deep concern for their father, Tywin. The Lannisters are known for their ferocity, strength, and superiority over other houses. An incestuous relationship could sully all the efforts Tywin made to position his bloodline on the Iron Throne. Their illicit affair results in their eldest son, Joffrey, who shows no remorse for his heinous acts, including the torment of his subjects. At one point, even Cersei feels that Joffrey is a heavy price to pay for her romantic feelings towards Jaime, as if she’s been afflicted by some divine curse.

The Nature of Incest Beyond the Wall

Craster Abused and Married His Own Daughters

In Season 2 of Game of Thrones, you’ll encounter a character from the Free Folk named Craster. Despite him offering hospitality to scouting parties, there’s an unsettling condition: he beds his own daughters. This practice, similar to that of Jaime and Cersei, is portrayed as distasteful when they reach maturity.

In Season 2 of Game of Thrones, you meet a man named Craster who lives among the Free Folk. He lets scouting parties stay at his place, but there’s a strange rule – he sleeps with his daughters. This is like Jaime and Cersei, as their tradition is also seen as unacceptable when they grow up.

In simpler terms, Craster can be described as a despicable individual who acts like a tyrant within his household, treating his daughters in a cruel and disrespectful manner. He revels in being the only adult male in his home, often displaying hostility towards members of the Night’s Watch when they come into contact with his daughters. Despite having many unmarried women from the Free Folk available for marriage, Craster intentionally practices incest to create a wicked character that stands out among others.

The Scale of Acceptability for Incest in the Books

The Game of Thrones Show Was Milder

In the fictional universe of “Game of Thrones” or “A Song of Ice and Fire,” it’s interesting to note that incest among the Targaryens was tolerated, whereas it wasn’t acceptable in other families. This discrepancy raises questions about the definition of incest within Westerosi traditions. To fully grasp what behaviors are deemed acceptable or unacceptable in this world, fans must set aside their contemporary understanding of incest and consider the unique cultural norms at play. The detailed accounts of historical marriages among noble houses in the series provide a more accurate view of the types of incest that were considered acceptable within this fantastical society.

In essence, the fictional series “A Song of Ice and Fire” presents a flexible view on incest. Unions between cousins are not only permissible but quite common, while relationships between uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews (avunculate marriages) are less frequent yet still not universally condemned. A relatively recent instance of such acceptable incest is the union between Tywin Lannister and his first cousin, Joanna Lannister. This relationship is explicitly stated in the books; however, it’s implied rather than shown on the TV series, potentially to heighten the incestuous undertones within the family dynamic, particularly regarding Cersei and Jaime.

In the television series, House Stark, known for its firm stance against incest, is an exception when it comes to Jon Snow’s relationship with Daenerys Targaryen. This Northern house, which values individuality and independence distinct from Southern cultures, generally shares a disapproval of incest. However, there have been two recorded instances of avunculate marriages within the Stark family in the past: Serena Stark with her half-uncle Edric, and Sansa Stark with her half-uncle Jonnel Stark. More recently, the relationship between Sansa Stark and her cousin Robin Arryn was accepted without question on Game of Thrones. It’s important to note that the Faith of the Seven and the Old Gods only view incest as relationships between parents and children, and siblings. This suggests that other forms of incestuous relationships within the Stark family may be considered acceptable according to their beliefs.

Game of Thrones Is a Fantastical View of Bizarre History

George R. R. Martin Found Inspiration in Real Dynasties From the Past

The TV series “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” are standout examples of television with captivating gray characters, mixed with clear-cut heroes and villains. However, some critics argue that the inclusion of incest in “Game of Thrones,” while distasteful, is crucial to both shows’ narratives. Despite its questionable nature, there is a compelling case to be made for the role it plays in these storylines.

In a creative twist, both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are fictional representations of historical dynasties from the past, such as the Ptolemaic and Habsburg royal families. These real-life dynasties were known for intermarrying closely related individuals, like siblings or cousins, to preserve their royal bloodlines. This practice, while less extreme in Game of Thrones, is depicted through characters like the Targaryens who show signs of psychological issues such as Targaryen madness and Joffrey’s unpredictable behavior. The portrayal of incest in these shows raises questions about cultural conflicts between houses, ethnic supremacy, and the implications of such practices on television. However, it also stirs discussions off-screen regarding the acceptance of morally questionable content on television.

In the context of ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Game of Thrones’, it’s important to acknowledge that the Targaryen family relationships are central to the storyline. The debates about romanticizing incest have sparked intriguing discussions about the boundaries between real-world ethics and fictional acceptability. Some viewers find this theme too transgressive, while others argue that the captivating nature of George R.R. Martin’s world allows them to become fully immersed, distinguishing the values portrayed in these series from their personal beliefs. Ultimately, incest remains a troubling element in these narratives, reflecting the complex and morally ambiguous universe depicted in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’.

Games of Thrones Seasons 1-8 and House of the Dragon Seasons 1-2 are available to stream on Max.

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2025-05-14 21:26