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Β Β Elia, a Calm Flame
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So many thoughts have been given to Rhaegar and Lyanna. So many speculations and phenomenal theories. But how many have done an character analysis of Princess Elia? So many times due to her illness, she is viewed as a sad abandoned damsel.Β
Sickly and docile are not one in the same. In younger years, I was a sickly child using much of my down time reading the encyclopedia or watching the history channel (when it actually showed historical events). But my wits were sharp and none could face me once I recovered. I played and tussled with boys for hours. Having only male cousins before me, I had little other choice.
My point here is that sickness does not automatically change a nature of a person.
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http://burdge.tumblr.com/post/83118073432/yosb-tell-your-father-im-here-and-tell-himΒ
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So, who was Elia. Well, a Princess of Dorne, sister to Oberyn and Doran; Most formally known as Princess Elia Nymeros Martell. She was Salty Dornish and a descendant of Princess Nymeria, a fierce leader, conqueror and the reason for the ruling house being Nymeria Martell. Not to mention she has Targaryen blood. Marriage to house Martell was the only way to bring Dorne into the fold. </center>
When we meet Elia's brother, Oberyn, he is full of life and vigor. He embodies all the pleasures of a Prince of Dorne. Though his appearance in both book and show are brief, the impression he left was magnanimous.Β
β’~Β₯~β’ ββ β’Β₯β’ π΅β’Β₯β’ ββ β’~Β₯~β’
Yet, Elia is described as sickly and ultimately victimized. Does that sound like the blood of Dorne? I know, I know... Rhaegar passed over her, and named Lyanna the Queen of Love and Beauty. And we all view it as a major slight, not only against her, but against Dorne as a whole. But why? A slight?...maybe? So, where was her outrage? Surely if she felt set aside or disrespected she would at least say so. She would exclaim her anger or cry openly or privately. She could have resolved to head home to her native territories. Dorne would always welcome her and even stew in rage with her. Instead we hear of NO outcry from Elia, anguish or anger. Nor any anger from the South and they are quick to anger
We hear of no attempt to return to her birthplace. Instead she stays and gives Rhaegar another babe, Aegon; a very curious response to a slight.Β
Even with all her proper training, not even Queen Cersei could hide her bruised feelings when King Robert openly flirted with other women (I speak of the encounter at the feast in Winterfell)
πΎβ’ βββ ~ β’ βοΈ β’ ~ βββ β’ πΎ
One of Elia's brothers was the Red Viper and the other Prince Doran, ruler of Dorne. Truly if she felt insulted she had refuge. Oberyn loved a good fight. And single combat between the fiery hot Dornish Prince and the cool collected Prince Rhaegar would be epic. But it does not occur. As close as Elia and Oberyn are said to be, it seems odd that she would be mortified and he wouldn't give Rhaegar the pointy end of a venomous blade. Or s contemptuous "promise" of repaying the slight.Β
Given the history of Oberyn, it would not be the first time he'd done so? At age 16, when he was caught abed with the paramour of Lord Edgar Yronwood, a duel commenced to the first blood. As expected each man was left cut, but Lord Yronwood died from his festering wounds. Leaving many to believe Oberyn's dagger was poisoned. Leading to Oberyn's nickname the Red Viper. The Prince was forced into exile for his deed. So, if he would end a man's life after sleeping with his paramour, what then would he do to someone who caused his closest sibling dismay and blatant disregard?
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Looking deeper into this story, we know that amnesty existed between house Yronwood and Martell for centuries. They had different ideals about ruling; The Yronwood's favoring a more Andal approach to rulership. Their customs differed, with exception to the bedding customs. Lord Edgar was Dornish, Stoney, but still Dornish. He had a paramour which says much about him. He would never let a woman rule, but would place one in the position of courtesan.
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I can only come to he conclusion that the open sexuality we see with Oberyn and later on with Princess Arrianne are not exclusive to Salty Dornish. Lord Yronwood having a paramour and feeling slighted when she beds another is huge in understanding Dornish culture. Consider this, Lord Edgar had a wive, though not mentioned, his children were rightful heirs, if they had've been bastards they would have no right to his name or his land. This duel was a about a woman that a lord in any other part of the seven kingdoms would simply consider a bed warmer, a whore and not much else. Whereas Oberyn is a Prince of Dorne.Β
Itt speaks abundantly clear when a Royal lad has to duel an adult man over a elevated "woman of the night." That is Dornish custom. Can you imagine any circumstance in which Prince Joffrey would be forced to duel a Lord?Β
πΎβ’ βββ ~ β’ βοΈ β’ ~ βββ β’ πΎ
So, why do we assume that Elia was offended. It was not uncommon in her native lands for husbands to bed more than one woman. Paramours are a norm. I am NOT suggesting Lyanna was a paramour, but that the Prince of Dragonstone could show interest in and bed whosoever he desired. No different from Dornish royalty and lords.
Yet another factor to consider, Oberyn was present at the Tournament at Harrenhal. If Rhaegar's actions were so uncouth, Oberyn could have at least verbally expressed his disapproval. But we hear no record of any ill regard towards Rhaegar on Oberyn or Elia's behalf. We hear that all the smiles died, but that had to do with all the lords and ladies with all their Westerosei values responding towards what they consider to be a slight.
β’ βββ β’ ~ β’ πΈ~β’~πΈβ’ ~ β’ βββ β’
The crowd cannot speak for Elia. And as of yet, we have no POV chapter for her. What we know is that she is a Princess of Dorne, sister to Oberyn and that they were close. Taking Dornish ideals into account, we can say that there is a high possibility that she was not offended at all and might have even given Rhaegar leave to bring Lyanna into the family or at least into his bed.
Not every woman is Cersei, feeling slighted and repulsed at every woman her Kingly husband beds. Some woman come from a more accepting culture where men and women are seen as perfectly normal for indulging in their sexual appetites.
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So did Rhaegar kidnap Lyanna?...possibly. But possibly not. Lyanna was said to be one with her horse and was a child of the North. Even if Rhaegar could match her speed and capability on horse, Lyanna could hide Oh..anywhere in the vastness of the North. So, I find it unlikely that he was able to capture and somehow leave the large expanse of the North with an unwilling Lyanna. But even if the official narrative is true, it would not have caused a rift between Prince Rhaegar and Princess Elia.
If the show's narrative proved true, that is quite another story. An annulment of Rhaegar and Elia's marriage could disinherit their children. Though Rhaella was his first born and "Aegon V" his eldest son, an annulment could be a catalyst for Dorne to claim independence once more. This annulment would be the true slight and unnecessary if Rhaegar's purpose was to unite the realm. A task in which he was almost fulfilled. It was his "abduction" of Lyanna which caused the fair prince to fall from favor.Β
β’ βββ β’ ~ β’ πΈ~β’~πΈβ’ ~ β’ βββ β’
https://pin.it/4rqns3wa5rpi5c marigoldevents.com
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Reducing Elia to nothing more than an ex-wife could cause Dorne to rise in protest. The only logical reason to take such steps is to appease Westerosi lords. Fear of Dornish influence had long permeated Kingslanding. Dismissing the Princess of Dorne might ensure his next true born son is accepted. To win the throne from his father, he would need all the support he could garner. The lords north of the Red Mountains would prefer a babe without Dornish blood.
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Though making enemies of Dorne would not be wise. This would be the true slight..:against Elia and her home. This unequivocally would cause a rift. Dorne would lose one of its own sitting the Iron Throne. This is not something to be dismissed. Neither Doran or Oberyn could allow such a political loss to stand unanswered.
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So, though I don't see the Princess of Dorne as easily offended. I do see her husband annulling their marriage as an insult to her person and her lands.Β
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All this being said, it's obvious to me, the books will offer polygamy, not an annulment. George RR Martin has hinted at it far too frequently in speaking of the Targaryens. This would cause issue with the Faith, but would have precedent with Aegon the Conqueror. Not to mention it solve the issues of heirs. With there being a chance for a non-Dornish Targaryn (by Lyanna) to inherit the throne, the lords would sleep easier.
These are simply A Girl's thoughts and opinions. If you have a different take or interpretation, I love to hear from you. Leave a comment or a link to your own theory. Thanks for reading!!!
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