What if Rhaegar Targaryen Was Fostered with Jon Arryn and Robert Baratheon Alongside Eddard Stark?

Imagine a scenario where Rhaegar Targaryen, the heir to the Iron Throne, was fostered alongside Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark, while his brother Robert Baratheon was also at Jon Arryn's castle. How would this have altered the political landscape of Westeros, and what impacts would this have had on key characters and events in the A Song of Ice and Fire series?

Altered Relationships

Friendship with Ned and Robert

If Rhaegar had grown up alongside Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon, it could have fostered a strong bond among the three. This friendship might have led to a more unified front among them, preventing the animosity that developed later. Jon Arryn, as a mentor figure, could have instilled values of honor and duty in Rhaegar, which might have steered him away from the impulsive decisions that led to his later downfall.

Political Alliances

Stronger Targaryen-Stark Alliance

A close relationship between Rhaegar and the Starks might have resulted in a stronger alliance between House Targaryen and House Stark. This alliance could have prevented Robert's Rebellion altogether. With a strong bond among the three, Robert might have been less inclined to rebel against Rhaegar, viewing him as a friend rather than a rival.

Rhaegar's Character Development

Different Leadership Style

Growing up in a more stable environment with the Starks and Arryns might have influenced Rhaegar's leadership style, making him more pragmatic and less aloof. This could have led to a more effective ruler who prioritized the well-being of the realm over personal desires. Such a ruler might have approached his marriage and his relationship with Lyanna Stark very differently, potentially leading to a different path for their story.

Lyanna Stark's Fate

Potentially Avoiding the Tragedy

If Rhaegar had developed a deep bond with the Starks, it is possible that he would have sought a different path with Lyanna, which could have prevented her abduction and the ensuing chaos. This outcome would have had significant ripples throughout the series, potentially averting the war that resulted in the fall of House Targaryen.

Impact on the Iron Throne

Stability in the Realm

A united front among Rhaegar, Ned, and Robert during their youth could have created a more stable realm. This stability might have averted the war that resulted in the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, leading to a vastly different Westeros. The long-term consequences would have been profound, with a united Westeros potentially facing different challenges and opportunities in the years that followed.

Conclusion

Overall, fostering Rhaegar with Jon Arryn, Ned Stark, and Robert Baratheon could have significantly altered the course of Westerosi history. The bonds formed during their youth could have led to a more unified and stable realm, with potentially different outcomes for major events in the series. While the exact details of such a scenario would be open to interpretation, the hypothetical scenario of Rhaegar and his friends growing up together highlights the power of relationships in shaping the future of a realm.