Why Aegon Targaryen Chose a Dornish Queen Over His Own Sisters

In the tumultuous history of the Targaryen dynasty, Aegon II Targaryen's marriage to a Dornish woman, Helaena Targaryen, stands out as a strategic political move rather than a personal choice. This decision was not just about love or familial bonds; it was rooted in the complex political landscape and the need for alliances in a fractured realm.

Strategic Marriage for Political Gain

Aegon II's decision to marry Helaena Targaryen, a Dornish woman, was primarily a result of political expediency. The Targaryens had a long history of forming marriages to strengthen their influence and secure alliances with other regions. By marrying a Dornish noblewoman, Aegon aimed to foster better relations with Dorne, a region historically resistant to Targaryen rule. This union was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a calculated move to integrate Dorne into the Targaryen sphere of influence.

Political Instability and the Dance of the Dragons

Following the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen kingdom was in a state of political upheaval. Aegon's marriage to Helaena was part of a broader strategy to stabilize the realm and avoid further conflict. During this period, political alliances were crucial, and marrying a Dornish woman was a strategic choice to secure the support of a region with its own distinct culture and historical resistance against external dominance.

Family Ties and Bloodlines

Historically, the Targaryens had a tradition of marrying within the family to maintain purity of bloodlines. However, political necessity often overrode family connections. Aegon II’s choice to marry Helaena, a Dornish noblewoman, underscored the importance of forming alliances over aligning with blood ties. The need to secure political support and maintain stability took precedence over the traditional familial bonds.

Conflict with His Sisters

The choice of marrying Helaena was not without its controversies. Aegon's sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya, were brought up with the expectation that they would marry their brother, which made Aegon’s decision to marry a Dornish woman even more contentious. This act was seen as a significant insult, especially since Aegon had chosen to marry an outsider. The tension between Aegon and his sisters would only intensify, particularly with Visenya, who was known for her sharp wit and unerring loyalty.

Strategic Alternatives

Aegon had considered other options, such as marrying a Dayne woman. Failing that, his sisters and their husbands might have sought to secure a marriage with Daemon Velaryon, who was a relative of the Targaryens. This would have been presented as a safe choice, as marriages within the extended family were generally considered acceptable. However, this would have created a different set of tensions within the realm.

The Conflict with the Velaryons

The marriage between Aegon and Helaena, while politically strategic, did not sit well with the Velaryons. The moment of truth arrived when Argilac Dornish, the ruler of Dorne, maimed Aegon's envoy. This act of aggression prompted the Targaryens to expect the Velaryons to support their war. Yet, this was not to be, as Visenya's fierce nature and loyalty to her half-brother meant she would not be easily swayed.

Strategic Superiority

Despite Aegon's possession of the largest dragon, Balerion, the Velaryons had their own two dragons, which were faster and more agile. Rhaenys, the best dragon rider among the Targaryen sisters, could have balanced this out, but the sheer number of dragons countered Balerion's size. Visenya’s strategic mind and skills as a dragonrider would play a pivotal role in this conflict, as Balerion was likely to be at a disadvantage.

Long-Term Implications

The fallout from these choices had long-term implications for Westeros. The disapproval of Dorne and Orys Baratheon, who remained loyal to his half-brother, brought further tensions. The conflict also served as a warning to other kingdoms about the ongoing threat posed by dragons, delaying the dream of a unified Westeros by several generations.

In conclusion, Aegon II Targaryen's marriage to a Dornish woman, Helaena Targaryen, was a strategic political move aimed at securing allies and stabilizing the realm during a time of great political instability. While it was not without its challenges, it remains a crucial event in the history of the Targaryen dynasty, shaping the political landscape of Westeros for generations to come.