Kind of hilarious that David Lightbringer, one of if not the most prolific ASOIF theorist, has waited this long to cover R+L=J for the first time 😂

Idea: if Rhaegar wanted the third head of the dragon to commemorate Visenya, he might have wanted a warrior woman to be that kid’s mom.

No wonder Robert thinks about Rhaegar bitterly. Homie’s last word was Robert’s fiancée’s name. Rhaegar couldn’t have done it better if he’d moonwalked into all seven of the heavens singing Rick Astley

There is this one line from Eddard IV that is obviously R + L = J. For context, in Eddard III, Ned killed lady. In this scene, he is talking to Little Finger about the assassin sent to kill Bran: “Ned rose and paced the length of the room. "If the queen had a role in this or, gods forbid, the king himself … no, I will not believe that." Yet even as he said the words, he remembered that chill morning on the barrowlands, and Robert's talk of sending hired knives after the Targaryen princess. He remembered Rhaegar's infant son, the red ruin of his skull, and the way the king had turned away, as he had turned away in Darry's audience hall not so long ago. He could still hear Sansa pleading, as Lyanna had pleaded once.” Sansa pleaded with Ned not to kill her puppy. Lyanna pleaded with him to save her baby. Especially after the mention of killing Rhaegar’s first son.

It's funny that Jon is a Targaryen that looks like a Stark (Black hair and brown eyes), while his cousins are Starks that look like Tullys (Red hair and blue eyes)

Maester Aemon remembers how the love of his life looked. The shape of her nose, color of her eyes, etc.

I came to R+L=J through Jaime’s speech to Catelyn about how he has more honor than Ned bc he never dishonored Cersei while Ned dishonored Cat. I realized that Ned would not have done this. But he would sacrifice his own honor publicly to save a child. That plus the blood in the bed and Lyanna’a dying words to Ned at the Tower of Joy in his fever dream.

That ad with reading Rhaegar is just great. Good enough not to skip past 😂

I propose that neither of them lived long enough to have a real fight in their relationship so their bond over the prophecy combined with their attractions towards each other with those rose colored glasses would breed that their relationship was “picture perfect”. Up until they died of course.

"But babe, I wasn't cheating! It was prophecy"

that random clip of Rhaegar just silently eating cereal is a gem 😂

I’ve always found the blame that Rhaegar gets for the death of his wife and children a little unfair. He left them in safe hands, at the seat of his houses power, protected by one of the most naturally skilled swordsman in Westeros who’s a sworn Knight of the Kingsguard and who’s also from a great house, he can’t truly be blamed for Jamie’s carelessness. Now, I do think he made a lot of bad decisions and isn’t innocent by any means, but if Jaime had been there when the Mountain broke through Elia’s door (where Rhaegar had ordered him to be) then his wife and children would’ve been safe, and the Mountain either dead or forced to fall back.

I love hearing Jon called a special snowflake.

I think another important detail and clue from GRRM on Rhaegar’s character (and how he did not abduct/abuse Lyanna) is how the very first time Dany is compared to him, is when she’s defending the women from being r-worded by the dothraki. Have never seen that as coincidence either. But now I did watch and as said earlier, gorgeous video!! You connected the clues simply and it feels just obvious with your explanations. Such wonderful job, thank you!!✨

Great video as always! With the 3 Kingsguard, I think the reason they did what they did and died fighting Ned and company is that while they may have known from Lyanna that Ned would never be a threat to her baby, Ned was still a *political* enemy. From the Kingsguard’s perspective, Ned was still a rebel who helped overthrow the Targaryens and supported the “usurper”. Even after the Sack of King’s Landing and the atrocities against Rhaegar’s family which Robert approved, Ned had still lifted the siege at Storm’s End and made the Reacher lords bend the knee to the new King Robert. So while Ned could be trusted to pass the baby off as his bastard and raise him in safety at Winterfell, that is NOT what the Kingsguard would have wanted. And even with keeping the baby safe, even Lyanna had fear on her face before Ned said “I promise”, and the Kingsguard would have much less reason to trust him. But based on the conversation in the Tower of Joy flashback, it is very clear that the Kingsguard believed baby Jon was the true King. Especially with how they refer to Ser Darry who fled with Rhaella and Viserys (who at that point Rhaella had crowned as King) as “Not of the Kingsguard”, and that “the Kingsguard does not flee”, and they “swore an oath”. One is reminded of Stannis, another prophecy-driven Azor Ahai figure like Rhaegar, who commands his men that if he should die in battle, then they are to “seat my daughter upon the Iron Throne, or die in the attempt”. It is possible Rhaegar gave them a similar order. And even without an order like that from Rhaegar, if the Kingsguard saw baby Jon as the trueborn rightgul King, then they would see it as their duty to seat him on the Iron Throne. So as opposed to Ned raising Jon in Winterfell and keeping his parentage secret, the Kingsguard’s plan was likely to raise Jon either in Essos or in Loyalist Dorne (likely Starfall), perhaps keeping him secret and hidden for a time, but once Jon was old enough, press his claim and use him to try and rally the realm and restore the Targaryen dynasty. And so I think that is why they fought to the death, to stop Ned from being the one to raise baby Jon which would prevent a Targaryen restoration. And as for Gerold Hightower, I personally do not think he was at all hostile to Rhaegar, or was keeping Lyanna hostage for Rhaegar’s good behavior. Particularly because he seemingly did not send any word back to Aerys about Lyanna. But once Rhaegar died, I think he was probably keeping Lyanna hostage insofar as he may have disregarded any wishes she may have had about her or the baby going to Winterfell. And instead would have forced her to stay in hiding with the baby, and eventually pressing the baby’s claim. And since he was not one Rhaegar’s companions like Arthur Dayne and Oswell Whent, he probably was not privy to or cared about the prophecy or “savior of the world” stuff, and was instead focused on the political aspect and his duty as a Kingsguard. Those are just my thoughts on that bit though.

What is interesting about the Hades & Persephone is that in some versions they have a son Zagerus who is killed and then reborn and becomes Dionysius. Yes, most people know it as Zeus and Persephone having a kid, but Hades was often referred to as basically "Zeus of the Underworld". They had a healthy respect of him and didn't want to draw attention to themselves by using his name. Anyway, in regards to that Zagerus myth sometimes it's Zeus that kills him because he promised that the son of Hades & Persephone (or the son of Persephone if Zeus is the father) would inherit his throne. Saw how strong Zagerus was going to be and basically killed him out of fear. To try to cover it up or make things better he implanted the baby in his mortal lover's, Semele, womb. Then Hera tricked her to basically offing herself and so Zeus sowed the fetus into his leg. Thus Dionysius is born. Sorry this is just a really long way of saying that there is a myth out there where Hades & Persephone have a son who dies and is brought back to life. Like Jon will be. Just minus all the hedonistic bit.

Giving Gerold Hightower and these other seemingly throwaway or background characters such depth is actually going to make a reread so refreshing

I've always assumed lyanna told rheagar the story of Beal the bard, the prophecy clicked into place in his head, then the crown of roses given back to her would be more symbolic.

I always imagine that when Rhaegar went off to find the "Knight of the laughing tree", he must have found Lyanna, worked out it was her somehow and the pair of them probably fought! I bet he was like "Come on "my lady"! We'll take you back, you can explain blah blah" and she probably tried to fight him and banter ensued! Maybe they too ended up in the water of a pond or lake and were soaking and as they fought she slowly told him the real story. "Those Squires deserved it for beating up the Crannog man! Someone needed to teach them a lesson!" And the more they fought and the feistier Lyanna got (and maybe she handed Rhaegar his ass too!) Rhaegar was like "Damn, I'm in love." I bet he'd never met any woman like Lyanna, akin to how Jon had never met someone like Ygritte? Someone fiery, fierce and who stood up for everything good, just and righteous! Just like Rhaegar did himself! I imagine after they fought that Rhaegar probably very quickly realised if Lyanna was put Infront of his father (Aerys) he would one, probably kill her because he was nuts and two, Lyanna's father would likely punish Lyanna for what she'd done even if Aerys didn't first. It would have definitely ruined her status as "a lady". Lyanna being punished for doing something right, probably didn't sit too comfortably with Rhaegar at all. He of course, let's her go and later crowns her with the crown of roses because of what she did standing up for Howland. Lyanna WAS the Queen of love and beauty and much much more than that as well. I suppose he was dumb in the sense that he probably didn't realise that no one else knew the reason he was crowning Lyanna... Not because he just randomly fancied some girl in the crowd... But because he was rewarding her for her bravery and righteousness. Maybe Lyanna was sat there, (shitting bricks - as the English saying goes!!) worried that Rhaegar had told his father? Maybe he was going to "out" her when he walked his horse up to where she was sat, watching in the crowd? Only to be presented with the crown of roses and to realise that Rhaegar understood her, that he wasn't going to reveal her secret. In the moment it probably felt like a great idea to Rhaegar! Lyanna too! And then of course the pair realised that to the outsider...... It was going to look very very suspicious. It's not like Rhaegar could have just gone "Oh hey guys! Don't worry! I don't fancy her! It's just that she bested these idiots who were bullying some guy and I thought, let's reward her with this crown to show I appreciate what she did!!" 🤷🏻‍♀️🙈 /end rant

His Magic Spoon Advertising is so fking KINO. The brushing the hair to side. 👁️👄👁️ "I'm a fruity guy myself!" Just KINO

One cannot help but think that George should have had more criteria for D + D to write the show than just the identity of Jon Snow's mother.

Very excited to watch this! Whenever people say “R + L = J” is too obvious for George, therefore “N + A = J” I just think they’ve been in the online fandom for too long. If someone is reading the books for the first time without the show or online theorists… R + L = J probably wouldn’t even cross their mind. It’s not even suggested by a single character. Anyone who says it’s “too obvious” is really just confirming that George did a FANTASTIC job hinting at it just beneath the surface, which the online community has obviously picked up on.

Rhaegar and Lyanna with the ultimate destination wedding.

Jaime says about Rhaella "We are sworn to protect her as well," Jaime had finally been driven to say. "We are," Darry allowed, "but not from him." I had totally missed that Gerold Hightower was sent by Aerys, Rhaegar couldn't protect himself or Lyanna from Aerys, so he probably left reluctantly.

david mentions rhaegar didn't ask lord rickon for permission to marry lyanna. but if you notice lord rickon didn't ask for his daughter back when he went to king's landing. maybe the fathers know what was going on.

@31:15 It is worth noting here that in the original drafts for this story, GRRM had written it as Brandon who shows up to defeat Howland's attackers with a tourney sword. IMO, Brandon makes a lot more sense UNLESS you are trying to establish Lyanna as a character who is just as headstrong and wild as her siblings. The squires also did not appear to have weapons which, despite Lyanna likely being smaller/weaker than they were, gave her a huge advantage. That and Lyanna's sudden appearance.

Hm, it is implied that Rhaegar arranged the Tourney of Harrenhal to depose his father. Varys and his big, fat mouth ruined that. However, Rhaegar showed that he presented a sharp contrast to his mad, insane father. Aerys was doing a good enough job showing everyone that he was nuttier than a fruitcake. While Rhaegar crowing Lyanna his Queen of Love and Beauty could be seen as a romantic gesture, it was stupid. Rhaegar openly snubbed and insulted his wife. By giving Lyanna those roses, it could be implied that she is Rhaegar's mistress, hence Brandon's angry reaction at this perceived slight to his sister's honor. If Rhaegar wanted to use the Tourney as political leverage to assume the throne, crowning someone besides his wife the Queen of Love and Beauty was politically stupid and only alienated the entire audience. Ned himself said it was the moment that "all the smiles died".

That Jon Snow as a Targaryen picture at 1:42 might be the best Jon art I have seen in my opinion. More than just the white hair but the style, brushwork. Oh my

She'll be the woman who will fight for their honour She'll be the hero that he's dreamin' of They're gonna live forever, knowin' together That they did it all for the glory of love

Poor Rheagar, has to listen to all this speculation about the death of his love... Hope the Magic Spoon lifts his spirits!

That was a terrific video thank you for making it. Delivered like a lawyer's closing argument and full of forensic analysis of the source material. Loved every bit of it ❤️

This is the best explanation of the "to the death" business at the tower of joy I've ever heard

I think people who don't take the Dornish chars and Ned's lack of criticism for Rhaegar seriously need to better understand how George tends to write. This is a classic example of 'show, don't tell'. As you point out, he puts the characters who know the truth right next to those who don't and lets us notice the difference. George almost never confirms these types of things explicitly, and while I imagine the next books will contain more information people should be prepared for the possibility that we might already know 60-80% of the information about this that he's ever going to tell us.

Besides your logical and through analysis, I really appreciate your empathetic and sympathetic take on these two. I truly enjoyed your take.

This is really a treat David! Wasn't excepting one of these more highly edited theroy videos but they are my favorite! Thanks for making my day.

😮9:24 i thought this was some early 1700s oil painting repurposed to illustrate a similar scene from asoiaf. That's some gorgeous and detailed artwork, very neat. It reminds of one where Herod's daughter dances around. Thank you Justin!

Ur little editing jokes r always so funny

Straight up lookin like Elric of Melnibone in the cereal ad

Holy shit Rhaegar introducing himself is way too funny

What do you think of the theory that Martin is telling a story about how every time you try to force prophecy to happen, it backfires? There are certainly a lot of misinterpretations of prophecy that ends up destroying the person for trying to make it happen, rather than just waiting to see. Ex: Stannis as Azor Ahai, Aegon's mistake at Summerhall, and even Rhaegar with the Prince that was Promised - as Aemon points out this is Dany, not Rhaegar or his son(s). And so the theory is that Rhaegar's choices to try and fulfill the prophecy ended his life. Vs Dany fulfilled it before she knew about it.

Catlyn: “…so…about Ashara Dayne..?” Calm, stoic Ned: “NEVER ask me about Jon!!!! EVER!!!” Lol

I think N+A=J and him being part Dayne would make him the next "Sword of the Morning/Last Hero" with Dawn/Lightbringer....

I LOVE THESE THEORY VIDS 🫶🫶

So glad I’m late to the party and have so much content to binge, I watch your videos daily, LML should definitely teach a University Course for Lit

Thank you, David, another great video! And one of my favorite topics related to ASoIaF. I agree with you on all points. I have never found a good reason for the fight with the Kingsguard. Your solution makes sense and explains everything. The art you found is awesome. And your ad with Reading Rhaegar is perfect.

drinking contest at 19 is pretty normal tbh

Catching this on my lunch break! Thanks as always David! Phenomenal work as always.

Surely, that line about the wolf's blood in Lyanna and Brandon bringing them to a young death is premonition for a young Arya death?

So pumped for this, best creator out there 💚

Thank you for breaking this down further Dave. I for one am very happy that magic spoon was kind enough to keep R+L well fed during her pregnancy. Makes sense why Jon is such a strong strapping boy

Gatorade of the Evening got me real good.

You are only getting better and better! Thanks for everything, Dave.

Love your video's Lml! Thank you for another one!! You have so much great content on your channel & I'm very grateful for all the literary discoveries you've shared with us!!!

Epic. A great video beautifully executed. Nice one David, thank you.

I e been waiting forever for this! I wish it was a live stream

HOLY CANNOLI! I’m honestly so stoked for part ii of this series. Thanks for making a new ASOIF fan fall for Lyanna 💙

Love the art here David!

I do believe this is one of a very few videos where I remembered, and decided, to hit the thumbs up for ad integration 😂🤘 Well done, David. ❤️‍🔥

These are the best adds on KZfaq! 😂😂😂

Very well researched and put together!

Great video! I sware you are also the only person I sit through the ads for, hahaha. They are always amusing.

Not me looking for a good video on this topic AND FINDING YOU UPLOADED 4 HOURS AGO!! Made my hole year!! Thank you🔥🔥🔥

Excellent video DL!! Also, the Magic Spoon ad segment was hilarious. I saw it coming & still laughed hard enough to scare my cat.

Dave, seriously, thank you so much for helping me stay sane waiting for the next book. You give me the ASOIAF fix that I need.

When Dorne heard of Rhaegar and Lyanna running off, they threatened to withhold their swords/army. Aerys held Lewyn Martell hostage to force them to relent. The Martells were not happy with Rhaegar’s actions.

But I do agree with David Lightbringer, that Littlefinger spread lies about the "abduction". It was all about getting back at Brandon Stark for the "souvenir" he got through their duel. He would have witnessed firsthand the chaos and destruction a few carefully constructed words could cause...and use them as "inspiration" in the future to fulfill his twisted ambitions.

You can demonstrate Rhaegar’s respect, even if not love, for Elia as he doesn’t put her through the risk of another pregnancy to meet his own ends. We see other supposedly “good” characters put their wives through fatal pregnancies.

Love your vids! Always excited to watch! Can’t wait to see this whole thing

This just arrived exactly when i needed thanks David 😊

Great video! Lyanna is a very interesting character for sure, crazy how detailed she is!

Great as always David! Keep up the awesome work!

Brilliant and you made me smile a lot. Thankyou

I LOVE the high output Dave..i could watch a few hours every day i think..dig it👍

Great stuff as always Dave

Great video! I hate to say R+L=J is obvious…but it becomes that way as the story progresses. I’m of the party that Ashara is actually with Howland, and Jojen and Meera are her children. It’s interesting to see the rage and paranoia of the crown effect Robert like it did to Aerys.

Love this stream! Been waiting for it! Thanks! You do a beautiful job linking the symbolism. GRRM is a master of weaving his symbolism in subtle ways. Neds inner monologue is the icing on the cake. He doesn’t think of Rheagar in a negative way at all. He even makes the mental comparison that he didn’t believe Rhaegar would visit a brothel vs. how Lyanna told him she thought Robert had a baby on a girl and would not keep to one bed. He makes that assumption around a memory of his sister. Good stuff!

Ah, Dave, you're so good at this :D

Awesome vid!!! Love the Deftones shirt!!

Enjoyed this video. Your Ads are the best I've seen lol. Very much looking forward to the next video.

Hell yeah dude, nice to see a shiny new produced video

Cant wait for the next video!

Great video, and yet ANOTHER hysterical ad read XD

Oh David’s shirt game on fire as always with that baller Deftones shirt!

David, I love how you are expanding your channel, using art and debate, cosplay, and of course, Joseph Campbellesk symbolism❤

The first in video ad Ive ever watched with a smile on my face. 😊

You make the adds so entertaining I watch them every time haha You hear that Magic Spoon? I WATCH THEM EVERY TIME :D

Loved this video Dave ❤

I wish this had come out last time I got into it with a R + L = J denier. Good vid as always.

Props for the Shoutout!

Great video LML!

👏 👏 one of the best videos, from one of the best asoiaf connoisseurs 👏 👏

I also like the theory that Rhaegar and his wife were both in agreement with him getting a third child with Lyanna. I remember a theory video where they postulated that Rhaegar was out of the war for so long because he was negotiating with Dorne. Prince Dorian is a wily and ruthless man; he would have pushed his advantage while he could. As for the King's Guard, they likely didn't know much of the fighting since they were isolated, so Ned's taunting was actually informing them of events without him realizing it.

The best cereal ads ever 😂.❤

Great video! Thank you!

I loved how you couldnt contain your laugh during the ad !! Lol! So good ❤❤😊😊

So excited for this one!

This was a great video, as always.

Love these videos!

Excellent video. Looking forward to your special R+L marriage video. (Also loved seeing roommate Reagar). ❤

Thank you for all these GOT HOD videos!!! I did not watch any of these shows when they came out..thought they were too bloody. But I got over that and focused on the stories and WOW. So much lore so many characters so much symbolism which I am a sucker for! Keep doing these amazing videos sir! Take care!!