The Legitimacy of Aegon Targaryen: An In-Depth Analysis

Within the realm of A Song of Ice and Fire and its adaptation, A Song of Ice and Fire series, the question of Aegon Targaryen's legitimacy often raises heated debate. This article examines whether Rhaegar Targaryen's annulment of his marriage with Elia Martell would nullify Aegon's claim to the Iron Throne. We will also explore the motives and loyalties of characters like Illyrio Mopatis and Lord Varys.

Understanding the Legal Framework: Marriage and Legitimacy

The situation in Westeros is governed by a complex legal system where annulment is a significant issue. Let us first explore the legal framework within the Game of Thrones universe. The Church's role in marriage is critical, and annulments are not taken lightly. The key points to consider are:

The children of a marriage can prove its legitimacy. The Church does not grant annulments easily or secretly. A credible accusation of infidelity by the woman is required to proceed with annulment.

A marriage with children cannot be legally annulled on the grounds of possibly flawed pre-consummation knowledge. Any such claim would be considered insubstantial in the eyes of the Westerosi courts and the faith of the Seven.

Legitimate or Fictitious: The Birth of Aegon

Aegon Targaryen's birth date, estimated between late 281 or early 282 AC, places his conception within a time that Rhaegar and Elia were married. This establishes Aegon as a legitimate child of the marriage, absent any evidence to the contrary. Here is the timeline to illustrate his birth:

Marriage of Rhaegar and Elia: 10 RA (429 AC) Aegon's Birth: Late 281 or early 282 AC War of the Five Kings: 299-300 AC (mid-298 to 300 AC)

Given this timeline, Aegon's birth predates or occurs at the outset of the War of the Five Kings, affirming his legitimacy in the eyes of the law and most likely the faith of the Seven as well.

Illyrio Mopatis and Lord Varys: Motives and Loyalties

The question of why prominent figures like Illyrio Mopatis and Lord Varys support Aegon is often raised. Let’s delve into their motives:

Illyrio Mopatis:

Supporting Aegon: Illyrio is a complex character with motivations that are not always transparent. However, it is known that he had significant financial and political interests in the Targaryen claim. His support for Aegon can be seen as a strategic alliance rather than a personal belief in his Targaryen lineage.

Blackwater Bay Funding: Illyrio was instrumental in funding the carve-out of Blackwater Bay, the ship that brought Jon Connington and Ser Jorah Mormont to King’s Landing. This indicates his wealth and political clout, making him a pivotal figure in any Targaryen succession plan.

Lord Varys:

Supporting Aegon: Varys, the "Faceless Man," is the Master of Whisperers, a position that requires him to maintain stability. His support for Aegon is more about ensuring stability and order than Aegon’s bloodline.

Stability and Order: Varys’s actions throughout the series often reflect his desire to prevent chaos. Supporting Aegon is a means to achieve this end, as he believes Aegon’s claim to the throne will provide a certain level of stability compared to the various warring factions.

Conclusion

The question of whether Aegon’s claim to the Iron Throne can be nullified by his father’s annulment is a complex one. In the Game of Thrones universe, there is no evidence that annulment disinherits a child. Given the timeline and the events leading up to Aegon’s birth and the War of the Five Kings, Aegon remains a legitimate claimant to the throne, supported by figures like Illyrio and Varys for their own political and strategic reasons.

The narrative portrays these characters as shrewd and calculating, with their loyalty to Aegon rooted in a desire for stability and order, rather than a belief in his Targaryen lineage.