The Targaryen Descent of Hoster Tully and Minisa Whent: A Speculative Analysis

Introduction:

The world of A Song of Ice and Fire, as penned by George R.R. Martin, is rich with complex family trees and intricate lineage. A recurring question that unfolds is whether figures like Hoster Tully and Minisa Whent might have some connection to the legendary Targaryen house. This article delves into the plausibility of these connections and the available evidence.

Is it Possible Hoster Tully or Minisa Whent Descent from Aegon V Targaryen’s Sisters?

The core of the discussion revolves around the hypothesis that Hoster and Minisa Tully, as well as Minisa’s mother, Minisa Whent, might have Targaryen blood. However, several factors contribute to making such a connection doubtful:

Age and Genetics

Hoster Tully is likely born around 238 AC or earlier, while Minisa Whent is estimated to be the same age or younger. On the other hand, Aegon V Targaryen had his sisters around 227 AC. Therefore, the timeline suggests that the age gap would make it highly improbable for these individuals to have siblings from Aegon V’s lineage:

Daella and Rhae, Aegon V's sisters, would be at least 40 years old when their first son was born. Historically, women typically have their first child in their late teens to early twenties, and giving birth at such an advanced age is highly improbable. Moreover, Aegon V’s behavior later in life, including his cautious approach to marriages, suggests he was against inbreeding, making it less likely he would have any children with his sisters.

Historical Context and House Allegiances

Aegon V Targaryen made strategic marriages with House Baratheon, House Redwyne, House Tyrell, and House Tully to ensure political stability and strengthen alliances. It is highly unlikely that these houses would have been involved with his sisters, as incest was a cardinal sin in the Targaryen court:

Jaehaerys, Aegon V's son, broke an engagement with Celia Tully, who is likely a cousin. If the Tullys were Targaryen cousins, this would be noted. Rhaegar Targaryen's alliance with the Whents at Harrenhal and his relationship with Oswell Whent also suggest a clarification if the Whents were indeed Targaryen relatives. The marriage alliances, particularly the choice of Elia Martell over Catelyn Tully, indicate that the Targaryens were cautious with their relations, avoiding close blood ties.

Genealogical Records and Evidence

The Targaryen lineage is well-documented, especially for key figures such as the Tarths, who are explicitly noted as Targaryen descent. In contrast, the Tullys and Whents have not been mentioned as such, despite potential entry points:

Rhae, for example, might have married into a Tarth house and potentially another house like House Celtigar. Daella, similarly, married into House Arryn, which does not suggest Targaryen descent. The fact that there is no proactive evidence linking the Tullys or Whents to Targaryen ancestry further diminishes the likelihood of such a connection.

While the complete lack of evidence does not entirely rule out the possibility, the available historical records and strategic marriages of Aegon V provide a strong basis for dismissing these connections as highly unlikely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the possibility of Hoster Tully and Minisa Whent having Targaryen blood is an interesting speculation, the available evidence and historical context strongly suggest that they are not direct descendants of Aegon V Targaryen or his sisters. The Targaryen house’s adherence to strict lineage and the pragmatic nature of their political marriages further support this conclusion.