Why King Robert Could Not Marry Lyanna: An Analysis from His Perspective

In the intricate tapestry of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the relationship between King Robert Baratheon and Lyanna Stark remains one of the most complex and tragic sagas. The circumstances surrounding their forbidden love, as well as their tragic end, have been sources of both fascination and analysis among fans of the series. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind Robert's inability to marry Lyanna, especially from his point of view, and explore the cultural and legal context that influenced his decision.

Lyanna's Tragic Death and Its Impact

The death of Lyanna Stark is often cited as the primary reason why Robert could not marry her. She died during childbirth, a common cause of death for women throughout history, attributed to complications such as childbed fever. Lyanna's passing occurred shortly after the birth of her child, Jon, which inadvertently helped Robert and Ned Stark reconcile after a significant ideological and personal dispute. Ned decided to hide the truth about Lyanna's death, stating she had died of a fever, which allowed the two rivals to set aside their differences and work together to protect the realm.

Robert's Perspective: Personal and Political Constraints

From Robert's point of view, the reasons for not marrying Lyanna are multifaceted: Necrophilia and Social Taboos: In the realm of Westeros, necrophilia is heavily frowned upon. Even if his feelings for Lyanna were genuine and not based on a desire for incest, the act itself would be considered taboo and could severely undermine his legitimacy and moral standing. Bastardy and Succession: Jon, who was believed to be Ned Stark's bastard, would have been seen as Robert's enemy's (dare we say Cersei's father, King Aerys II Targaryen) offspring. Making Jon his heir would have been a direct challenge to the established order and likely resulted in rebellion and chaos. Moreover, in the legal context of the realm, bastards cant inherit. Loyalty to a Ruler He Respected: Ned Stark was not a moron. While he allowed Robert and Cersei to know Jon as Ned's bastard, he had a much deeper purpose. In a world where loyalty and honor are paramount, Ned was likely protecting his own interests and the realm's stability by keeping the true parentage of Jon a secret from Robert, as it could jeopardize Ned's own power and the safety of the Starks. The Risks of Admitting the Truth: Acknowledging Jon as a trueborn Targaryen would mean Robert acknowledging his own illegitimacy and the fact that he shouldn't be king. This could lead to political upheaval, particularly given the complex history of Targaryen claimants such as Daenerys Targaryen. By keeping the truth hidden, Robert maintained his power and stability, albeit at the cost of his personal desires.

The Political Calculus and Cultural Norms

Robert's decision not to marry Lyanna was not only a personal one but also a political and cultural necessity. The loose marriage laws, such as being able to only marry a trueborn Baratheon, placed further constraints on his choices. In a world where political alliances and marriages often determine the fate of kingdoms, Robert couldn't afford to make a decision that would destabilize his rule or create further conflict.

While the corpse bride from Tim Burton's film has no place in the lore of Westeros, the cultural impact and social taboos surrounding death and marriage certainly do. The societal norms of Westeros were such that the idea of marrying a dead woman or admitting to necrophilia would have been unthinkable. This further solidifies the fact that Robert's decision was motivated by a complex interplay of love, loyalty, and political stratagem.

Conclusion

King Robert Baratheon's inability to marry Lyanna Stark was a result of multiple factors, including social taboos, political risks, and the intricate tapestry of shifting alliances and loyalties. While the reasons may be tragic and complex, they are crucial to understanding the depth and complexity of characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. Robert's inability to marry his lost love is a poignant reminder of the high stakes and personal sacrifices that come with power in a world where no one escapes the reach of politics.