The Targaryen family has been a focal point of Game of Thrones, and Rhaegar Targaryen stands out as one of its most tragic and fascinating figures. While many fans are eagerly awaiting the final season of Game of Thrones, there’s been much speculation about whether Rhaegar will somehow make a return in Season 8. His death, long before the events of the show began, has left a profound impact on the story. The question of whether this beloved yet enigmatic character will make an appearance, or whether his legacy will continue to influence the key events of the last season, is a point of intrigue for many.
Rhaegar’s return is not a simple concept to address. He was killed by Robert Baratheon in a rebellion that forever changed the political of Westeros. Still, his legacy lives on, particularly through his children, and his connection to Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and the Iron Throne itself remains pivotal to the show’s conclusion. With Season 8 being the final chapter of Game of Thrones, fans are looking for closure and resolution on various fronts. Rhaegar’s role in the Targaryen bloodline, his potential resurrection, and his impact on key characters in the story are all part of this compelling debate.
In this, we will explore the theories surrounding Rhaegar Targaryen’s potential return, his lasting influence on the narrative, and how his presence could shape the outcome of the game for the Iron Throne.
Rhaegar Targaryen’s Importance in the Game of Thrones Saga
Rhaegar’s role in the history of Westeros cannot be underestimated. The elder son of King Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King, Rhaegar was a figure marked by both his intelligence and tragic fate. His life, much like the rest of the Targaryens, was intertwined with political turmoil and deep personal tragedy. Though he was admired by many for his beauty, wisdom, and musical talents, Rhaegar’s actions—particularly his affair with Lyanna Stark—set off a chain of events that ultimately led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.
However, his significance extends far beyond his personal life. The theory surrounding his potential return in Season 8 is grounded in the fact that his bloodline is still essential to the story, particularly in the context of Jon Snow’s true parentage. As revealed in Season 7, Jon Snow is not the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, but rather the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, making him the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne.
In Season 8, Jon’s claim to the throne becomes a key piece of the puzzle, and Rhaegar’s influence on the unfolding events is undeniable. Fans speculate that his legacy—through Jon—will play an essential role in how the final battle for the Iron Throne unfolds. Whether his ghost or a symbolic representation of his ideals will appear remains one of the most tantalizing questions.
The Theory of Rhaegar’s Return: Could He Be Resurrected?
One of the most popular and often discussed theories among Game of Thrones fans is the idea that Rhaegar could return in some form in the final season. This theory is not entirely without basis, especially when we consider the mystical elements within the world of Westeros.
Rhaegar’s death was a pivotal moment in the history of Westeros, but his death was never entirely straightforward. He was killed by Robert Baratheon during the Battle of the Trident, and his body was never found. Some fans point to the possibility that Rhaegar’s body could have been taken by followers of the Red God, who could resurrect him in the same way they’ve brought back characters like Jon Snow. The followers of R’hllor, led by characters such as Melisandre, have shown that magic plays an essential role in Game of Thrones. Therefore, it’s not entirely outside the possibility that Rhaegar’s story could include some supernatural element, perhaps leading to his return.
However, there are significant complications to this theory. For one, Rhaegar’s story was wrapped up in the original rebellion, and his return might interfere with the narrative that the show has already established for the conclusion of the series. Moreover, resurrecting such a major character would raise significant questions about the stakes of the final battle for the Iron Throne. Would Rhaegar’s return throw off the story’s trajectory, or could it serve as a final piece to solidify the Targaryen’s claim to the throne?
The Role of Rhaegar’s Children: Daenerys and Jon Snow
Even if Rhaegar does not physically return, his children—Daenerys and Jon—play an essential role in the final season. Daenerys, as the last surviving Targaryen in exile, has spent much of the series fighting for the throne that she believes is her birthright. Jon Snow, as the secret son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, holds the truest claim to the Iron Throne. The complex dynamic between Daenerys and Jon is one of the most interesting relationships to watch in Season 8, especially given the revelation of Jon’s parentage.
It’s important to consider that, in some sense, Rhaegar’s legacy is still alive in these two characters. Jon Snow’s very existence could be seen as Rhaegar’s final act—his bloodline living on through Jon. The revelation of Jon’s parentage in Season 7 complicates Daenerys’ claim to the throne and sets the stage for a potential conflict between the two, as both are heirs to House Targaryen.
Though Rhaegar may not physically return to the screen, his legacy will undoubtedly shape the choices and paths that Jon and Daenerys take as they navigate the complex politics of Westeros. Rhaegar’s values, his belief in prophecy, and his desire to bring peace could all resonate with Jon and Daenerys in different ways as they seek to claim their right to the throne.
Rhaegar Targaryen’s Legacy and Its Impact on the Final Battle for the Throne
The political implications of Rhaegar’s death were profound. His downfall was one of the main reasons the Targaryen dynasty fell, giving rise to Robert Baratheon’s rebellion. Yet, despite his untimely death, Rhaegar’s influence continues to ripple through the events of the show, especially with the impending war for the Iron Throne.
Given the close connection between Rhaegar’s bloodline and the future of the Targaryen legacy, it’s likely that Season 8 will address his impact indirectly. The question of who will sit on the Iron Throne seems to be the central focus of the final season, and Rhaegar’s death is inextricably linked to that struggle. His death, his family’s history, and his belief in the prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised could all have important roles to play in the climactic battle between the living and the dead, as well as the battle for Westeros.
