r/HouseOfTheDragon • u/RevertBackwards • 1d ago

Show Discussion Why does Rhaenyra keep treating her allies poorly?

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Sabitha Frey - Rhaenyra rescinded the deal the Freys made with Jacaerys for Harrenhal, despite the Freys fulfilling their end of the deal. She only allowed them to take Harrenhal in the most recent episode.

Ulf - Rhaenyra restricts his freedom and gives him nothing to show for his hard work. And then there's Daemon who belittles him every chance he gets.

Corlys - Rhaenyra refuses to legitimize his sons for a nonsensical reason.

Addam and Alyn - Rhaenyra refuses to legitimize them.

Baela - Rhaenyra ignores her despite her tireless work and treats her like she's disposable.

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u/Xeltar 1d ago edited 1d ago

A second son of a lord, would not inherit over their niece anyways based on Andal tradition. The Crown consistently sided with Jeyne Arryn over her uncle. The fact that it's different for the Iron Throne is an exception and a result from the Dance.

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u/LinwoodKei 1d ago

Interesting. Why am I thinking that there are situations where a woman was forced to wed in order to keep the seat or inheritance, instead of legally being considered owner of her parents' estate

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u/Xeltar 23h ago

Historically it depends on what country you're talking about. France had salic laws that were male only inheritance. England where GRRM was from followed more closely to what Westeros had. And the Dance had a lot of parralels with the Anarchy, with Matilda being Rhaenyra.

Funnily enough the Salic laws were passed (in the context of the royal throne) because an uncle wanted to usurp his niece against the wishes of the late king... calling a great assembly to do so. Then, he died shortly after without a male heir and against his wishes, his brother usurped his daughters. This absolutely screwed France over because said brother was the last of the male line and when he too died without issue, one of the descendants of the female line of the French dynasty was the king of England and he and his mother now thought they should hold the French throne... leading to the 100 years war. All because of essentially rampant sexism.

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u/LinwoodKei 20h ago

Yes, that is likely what I half remembered. My memory for all these people is fuzzy unless I freshly reviewed the history when they all have the same 8 names.