In the world of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” and its television adaptation “Game of Thrones,” the Targaryen family is known for their distinct appearance: platinum blonde hair and violet eyes. While the novels and show provide some information on why the Targaryens have this unique look, a more detailed understanding requires an exploration of the Targaryen’s history, biology, and culture.
The Targaryens are a family of Valyrian descent, a group of people who lived in a region known as the Valyrian Freehold before a catastrophic event known as the Doom destroyed their civilization. Valyrians are known for their distinctive physical traits, such as their silver-gold hair, and the Targaryens were no exception. The Targaryens’ ancestors were dragonlords, and they used their dragons to conquer and rule over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros for nearly three centuries. During this time, they intermarried with other noble houses, but they continued to maintain their Valyrian looks through a practice known as “sister-wives” or polygamy.
Polygamy allowed Targaryen men to marry multiple women, including their sisters or other close relatives, without violating the incest taboo. This practice was accepted in Valyria, and it continued among the Targaryens even after they came to Westeros. By marrying within their family, the Targaryens hoped to preserve their bloodline and maintain their Valyrian looks, which were considered a sign of their superiority.
However, the practice of incest can also lead to genetic problems. When close relatives have children together, there is a higher chance that any genetic defects they carry will be passed down to their offspring. This phenomenon, known as inbreeding, can cause a variety of health problems, including physical and mental disabilities. The Targaryens were aware of this risk but believed that their magical connection to dragons would protect them from any ill effects.
Over time, however, the Targaryens began to experience the consequences of their inbreeding. Some Targaryen children were born with physical deformities or mental disabilities, which were known as “the Targaryen madness.” The madness was thought to be caused by a combination of inbreeding and the stress of ruling over the Seven Kingdoms. This condition manifested differently in different individuals, but it often included paranoid delusions, violent outbursts, and other erratic behavior.
Despite these risks, the Targaryens continued to marry within their family. By the time of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, there were only a few remaining members of the family, and they struggled to find suitable marriage partners outside of their bloodline. They also believed that their Valyrian looks were a sign of their royal status and were reluctant to dilute their bloodline with “inferior” Westerosi blood.
In conclusion, the Targaryens’ distinctive appearance can be attributed to their Valyrian ancestry and their practice of incestuous marriage. While this practice allowed them to maintain their unique looks, it also led to genetic problems and the Targaryen madness. The Targaryens’ obsession with their bloodline and their Valyrian heritage contributed to their downfall, as they were unable to adapt to the changing political landscape of Westeros and ultimately lost their grip on power.