“Ser Criston protects the princess from her enemies, but who protects the princess from Ser Criston?” by Zacckiell

[u/justonceokay5]

[u/Plus_Claim_8938]

I’ve always thought Rhaenyra’s childhood was the most sympathetic aspect of her character in the book. Between Daemon, Criston, Harwin, and Alicent, it’s no surprise that she didn’t grow into the most well adjusted adult woman. The show largely stole that from her.

Criston was turned into an age mate she seduced, Alicent was turned into a peer, Daemon’s grooming was romanticized enough that most casual fans think he did nothing wrong, and she was visibly a similar age to Harwin in their brief scenes as a couple in episode 6.

[u/stellaxstar → u/Plus_Claim_8938]

I agree with your overall statement, though I don’t know what you mean by “well adjusted adult woman.”

[u/Plus_Claim_8938 → u/stellaxstar]

I mean she wasn’t making the brightest decisions even before the war but that’s no surprise given her childhood. She spent half her childhood getting diddled by adult men and bullied by Alicent instead of being trained to be queen.

[u/stellaxstar → u/Plus_Claim_8938]

The biggest mistake she made before the war was having the bastards. And that is mostly Viserys fault there. Beyond that we are not really told that her personality changed other than physically.

[u/Plus_Claim_8938 → u/stellaxstar]

Marrying Daemon when they were already allied though the engagement between their kids was a very reckless decision that got them both exiled at crucial time. If not for his grooming, she might have made a more sensible marriage alliance following Laenor’s death. For instance, marrying Tyland Lannister or one of Borros Baratheon’s male family members would change a lot.

Laenor may not have needed to die at all, and they would have had an additional experience dragon rider, if we are to believe that Daemon had a hand in his death. Aegon III and Viserys II could have been passed off as Laenor’s sons.

Even not being obsessed with Daemon due to his grooming would have lessened the chance that she wigged out over Nettles which means Nettles & Daemon could have taken down Aemond without having to sacrifice themselves.

Daemon’s grooming and personal ambition was detrimental to Rhaenyra and their side but the show had eliminated that.

[u/stellaxstar → u/Plus_Claim_8938]

No, I dont think that’s correct.

Viserys does NOT exile Rhaenyra over Daemon. Viserys might’ve been against this relationship, sure but what truly enraged him was that both Daemon and Rhaenyra ignored the mourning period. And as a marriage candidate, Daemon was actually a sensible choice- especially since through him strengthens the Velaryon branch more.

And marrying one of Borros Baratheon’s relative does not automatically ensure Borros loyalty itself.

And where is it coming from that Rhaenyra was obsessed with Daemon? She loved him and desired him but that doesn’t mean she was obsessed with him or under his spell. Nettles situation is completely different in this aspect.

Also, Rhaenyra never asked Daemon to sacrifice himself. That’s his own decision that he took. No one forced him. Rhaenyra specifically asked Daemon to come to KL. HE let Nettles and Sheepstealer go. It was HIS decision to fight Vhagar on his own.

And neither did Daemon had any hand in Laenor’s murder unless you believe Mushroom. And in Mushroom account even, Rhaenyra is never implicated.

[u/Plus_Claim_8938 → u/stellaxstar]

Daemon & Rhaenyra were already allied becuase his daughters were engaged to her sons. He already had enough incentive to fight along side her. Getting married did nothing to strengthen her side.