The Origins of Queenship in Westeros: Cersei vs. Rhaenyra

While Cersei Lannister is a prominent queen in the story of ldquo;Game of Thrones,rdquo; she is not the first queen to officially rule the Seven Kingdoms. The title of the first queen of Westeros has a rich history that dates back to the Targaryen dynasty. This article explores the origins of queenship in Westeros, focusing on Cersei and Rhaenyra Targaryen.

The Conquest and Early Queens

George R.R. Martin's world of Westeros is built around the Targaryen dynasty, which conquered the Seven Kingdoms. Alysanne Targaryen holds the distinction of being the first queen consort, married to King Aegon II. However, Aegon I Targaryen, the Conqueror, was the first king of the Seven Kingdoms, and Alysanne was his queen consort.

Queen Regnants in Westeros

The concept of a queen regnant, a reigning monarch in her own right, is significant in Westeros's history. Cersei Lannister became reinstated as the Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms and Light of the West, but she didn't hold the title of the first queen of Westeros. Instead, that title goes to Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first Queen Regnant during the civil war known as ldquo;The Dance of the Dragons.rdquo;

The Half-Year Queen

Rhaenyra Targaryen is often referred to as the ldquo;Half-Year Queenrdquo; due to her short reign. She assumed the throne from 129 to 130 AC, which is about 170 years before the events of ldquo;Game of Thrones.rdquo; However, she was not initially considered a queen in her own right due to a complex political history rooted in inheritance and succession traditions.

Traditions and Inheritance

In traditional Westerosi society, men were prioritized in the line of succession. This practice began with Jaehaerys I Targaryen, who made his son Baelon the heir instead of his daughter. This precedent led to the marriage of Viserys I Targaryen to Alicent Hightower, fathering another male heir. Rhaenyra, Viserys's daughter, faced opposition when her claim to the throne was contested.

The Dance of the Dragons

The civil war, ldquo;The Dance of the Dragons,rdquo; erupted due to the contest of succession. After Viserys's death, Rhaenyra declared herself Queen Rhaenyra I upon her capture of King's Landing. However, the war and subsequent events ultimately led to her downfall. Rhaenyra's death marked the end of her reign, and Aegon II Targaryen seized the throne. Aegon later decreed that Rhaenyra was only a usurper, and this status remained unchallenged even after his own death.

Legacy and Impact

Despite Rhaenyra's brief reign, her significance in Westerosi history cannot be overstated. Her conflict with Aegon II and the ensuing civil war, known as ldquo;The Dance of the Dragons,rdquo; had a profound impact on the Targaryen dynasty and the Seven Kingdoms. All future Targaryens are descended from Rhaenyra's two youngest children who survived the war, yet her claim to the throne remains a controversial topic in Westerosi lore.

Conclusion

While Cersei Lannister is a significant figure in ldquo;Game of Thrones,rdquo; the title of the first queen of Westeros is held by Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first queen regnant during ldquo;The Dance of the Dragons.rdquo; Her brief but tumultuous reign and the subsequent civil war significantly shaped the political landscape of Westeros. The legacy of Rhaenyra and the traditions surrounding queenship in Westeros are crucial aspects of understanding the complex world of the Seven Kingdoms.