Alan Tarly's Choice Unraveling His Support For The Blacks In The Dance Of The Dragons

The Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war that tore through the Targaryen dynasty, is a pivotal moment in House of the Dragon and the history of Westeros. Numerous houses were forced to choose a side, either supporting Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen or her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen. One such house was House Tarly of Horn Hill, led by Lord Alan Tarly. Understanding Alan Tarly's decision to support the Blacks, Rhaenyra's faction, requires delving into the historical context, the characters involved, and the potential motivations that shaped his allegiance. This essay will explore the various factors that might have influenced Alan Tarly's choice, examining the political landscape, his personal relationships, and the strategic considerations that played a role in his decision. The Dance of the Dragons was a conflict fueled by ambition, succession disputes, and long-standing rivalries, making the choices of individual lords like Alan Tarly crucial to the overall outcome of the war. His support for the Blacks highlights the complex web of loyalties and interests that defined this tumultuous period in Westerosi history. Analyzing his motivations provides valuable insight into the broader dynamics of the Dance and the challenges faced by those who navigated its treacherous currents.

The Political Climate Leading Up to the Dance

To grasp Alan Tarly's choice, we must first consider the political climate in Westeros leading up to the Dance of the Dragons. King Viserys I Targaryen's decision to name his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his heir was unprecedented and challenged the established laws of succession. While Viserys made his wishes clear, the realm was divided on whether a woman should sit on the Iron Throne. This division created two factions: the Blacks, who supported Rhaenyra's claim, and the Greens, who supported Aegon II, Viserys's eldest son. The Greens, led by Alicent Hightower and her powerful family, argued that Aegon's claim was stronger due to his gender, citing Andal tradition and the need for a strong male ruler. The Blacks, on the other hand, emphasized Viserys's explicit declaration and the oaths sworn by many lords to uphold Rhaenyra's succession. This fundamental disagreement over the line of succession formed the core of the conflict. The uncertainty surrounding the succession created an atmosphere of political intrigue and maneuvering, as various lords and houses weighed their options and calculated their best interests. Alliances were forged and broken, and the threat of war loomed large over the Seven Kingdoms. In this tense environment, Alan Tarly, like other lords, had to carefully consider the implications of his choice and the potential consequences for his house and lands. The political landscape was further complicated by personal rivalries and historical grievances, which added layers of complexity to the decision-making process. Understanding these factors is essential to appreciate the weight of Alan Tarly's decision and the various pressures he faced.

The Character of Alan Tarly and His House

Understanding Alan Tarly's character and the history of House Tarly is crucial to comprehending his decision to support the Blacks. House Tarly is an ancient and proud house from the Reach, known for its martial prowess and its ancestral Valyrian steel sword, Heartsbane. The Tarlys are traditionally loyal to House Tyrell, the Lords Paramount of the Reach, but their own ambitions and sense of honor likely played a significant role in their choices during the Dance of the Dragons. Alan Tarly, as the Lord of Horn Hill, would have been concerned with the long-term interests of his house and its standing in the Reach. He would have weighed the potential benefits and risks of aligning with either side in the conflict. Was Alan a man of honor and principle, more likely to support Rhaenyra based on Viserys's decree and the oaths sworn to her? Or was he a pragmatic leader, more concerned with securing the best outcome for his house, regardless of the moral implications? His personal values and leadership style would have shaped his decision-making process. Furthermore, the history of House Tarly and its relationship with other houses in the Reach could have influenced Alan's allegiances. Past conflicts, alliances, and marriages might have created a network of loyalties and obligations that factored into his choice. To fully understand Alan Tarly's motivations, it is necessary to delve into his personality, his family history, and the strategic considerations that would have been paramount for a lord of his stature.

Reasons for Supporting the Blacks

Several reasons may have influenced Alan Tarly's decision to support the Blacks. Firstly, the principle of legitimate succession could have played a significant role. King Viserys I had explicitly named Rhaenyra as his heir, and many lords, including Alan Tarly, had sworn oaths to uphold her claim. Supporting Rhaenyra could be seen as a matter of honor and upholding their sworn word. Breaking an oath was considered a grave offense in Westeros, and Alan Tarly might have felt bound by his commitment to Viserys's declared heir. Secondly, the influence of House Tyrell might have swayed Alan Tarly's decision. While the Tyrells initially remained neutral, their eventual support for the Blacks would have carried significant weight in the Reach. As vassals of Highgarden, the Tarlys would have been inclined to follow the lead of their liege lords. A desire to maintain good relations with House Tyrell and to remain in their favor could have been a compelling factor for Alan Tarly. Thirdly, Alan Tarly might have perceived strategic advantages in supporting Rhaenyra. The Blacks had a strong claim, considerable resources, and the support of key figures like Prince Daemon Targaryen. Aligning with the Blacks might have seemed like the most promising path to victory and the best way to secure favorable terms in the aftermath of the war. Furthermore, Alan Tarly might have considered the potential consequences of supporting Aegon II. The Greens were seen by some as usurpers, and siding with them could have led to retribution if the Blacks ultimately prevailed. Alan Tarly would have carefully weighed the risks and rewards of each side before making his final decision.

The Potential Consequences of His Choice

Alan Tarly's choice to support the Blacks would have had significant consequences for his house and his lands, regardless of the war's outcome. If the Blacks were victorious, Alan Tarly would likely be rewarded for his loyalty with lands, titles, and other favors. However, if the Greens emerged triumphant, House Tarly could face severe repercussions, including the loss of their lands and titles, and even the execution of its members. The Dance of the Dragons was a brutal conflict, and the stakes were incredibly high for all involved. Lords who chose the losing side often faced dire consequences, as the victors sought to consolidate their power and punish those who had opposed them. Alan Tarly would have been keenly aware of these risks and would have carefully weighed them against the potential rewards of victory. In addition to the immediate consequences of the war, Alan Tarly's choice would have had long-term implications for House Tarly's standing in the Reach and in Westeros as a whole. His decision would have shaped his house's reputation and its relationships with other houses for generations to come. A wise lord had to consider not only the immediate outcome of the war but also the legacy he would leave for his descendants. The potential for lasting animosity between the Tarlys and other houses in the Reach, depending on their allegiances, would have been a major concern for Alan Tarly. Therefore, his choice was not merely a matter of choosing a side in a conflict but a decision that would define the future of his house. Alan Tarly’s calculated decision in supporting the Blacks exemplifies the intricate dynamics and potential ramifications of allegiance during the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons.

Conclusion

Alan Tarly's decision to support the Blacks in the Dance of the Dragons was a complex one, influenced by a variety of factors. The political climate, his personal values, the interests of his house, and the strategic considerations of the war all played a role in shaping his choice. Understanding these factors provides valuable insight into the broader dynamics of the Dance and the challenges faced by those who navigated its treacherous currents. The principle of legitimate succession, the influence of House Tyrell, and the potential for strategic advantages likely contributed to Alan Tarly's decision. He may have felt bound by his oath to uphold Rhaenyra's claim, influenced by the Tyrells' stance, or perceived the Blacks as the likelier victors. His choice would have had significant consequences for House Tarly, both in the immediate aftermath of the war and in the long term. Supporting the Blacks could have brought rewards if they won, but it also carried the risk of severe punishment if the Greens prevailed. Alan Tarly's decision exemplifies the difficult choices faced by lords during the Dance of the Dragons and the complex web of loyalties, interests, and ambitions that defined this pivotal period in Westerosi history. The Dance of the Dragons serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of succession disputes and the enduring impact of individual choices on the fate of kingdoms. Alan Tarly's story, like those of many others who participated in the Dance, highlights the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of this tumultuous chapter in Westerosi history.