It was defintely a relationship that stemmed from a political need, but I do think Amren loves her. I don't think she cares for him nearly as much, but I wonder if that would change if Trystan wasn't there all the time.sharkyjen998 wrote: ↑14 Sep 2018, 19:48Yes, I do think it's realistic and I totally agree with CommMayo! It was all about power and their "duty" to do what was expected of them.CommMayo wrote: ↑14 Sep 2018, 11:18 It is not a love match. If you read the book, it is clear that Amren is much older than his Queen and she was pregnant with Trystan's child when they married. Amren only put up with the ongoing affair because of the curse that he was going to have a child that would make his entire world implode. From what I remember, Agrona put a spell on them to get them to make Catrin. They kind of remind me of the lead couple in House of Cards. They had a common goal in their relationship: Power.
Catrin's Parents
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Re: Catrin's Parents
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I didn't even think of the potential story line of the king being out of the picture. If she is treated as an equal and can choose her own husband, she could be free to choose Trystan, barring any political need to marry someone else. But I feel like that would be a slap in the face to Amren, who I do think loves her.kdstrack wrote: ↑14 Sep 2018, 16:03But you know, if we start considering Trystan's power play, then you have to bring Vala back into the picture? How power hungry is she?
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This is really insightful and really points out some great features about the much maligned queen. I agree that she is doing everything to strive towards peace for her people and believe that she only has the best intentions towards her daughters, despite being caught up in the same arranged marriage trap.cpru68 wrote: ↑15 Sep 2018, 12:47 I think the Queen did what she had to do in order to keep her husband happy and war from breaking out. She was used as a pawn in a game between men. Yet, at the same time, he seems to look to her for answers. I feel like she has the passionate side of life with Trystan, but there seems to be a sort of an affection for her husband. After all, she does try to save him from death, so that speaks to something of honor, perhaps?
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You know, it just occurred to me, but wouldn't the most logical thing for Amren to do would be to not marry at all? It would have been one thing if he thought Rhan's curse was a bunch of nonsense, but he clearly took it seriously from the start. The whole thing seems like a giant plot hole to me.
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Us modern folks forget that marriage was used as much for creating alliances as anything else. It slips my mind, but wasn't she offered to him as a part of a peace deal?AliceofX wrote: ↑16 Sep 2018, 05:16You know, it just occurred to me, but wouldn't the most logical thing for Amren to do would be to not marry at all? It would have been one thing if he thought Rhan's curse was a bunch of nonsense, but he clearly took it seriously from the start. The whole thing seems like a giant plot hole to me.
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I based the above scenario on accounts by Julius Caesar that Celtic women in Gaul and Britain were considered equals in marriage and each owned their property. Women could choose their own husband, but arranged marriages were often contracted among the nobles. Caesar also indicates there was apparent sexual liberalism. Some of the the ancient Celts were polygamous and certain Celts were polyandrous, meaning their women could have multiple husbands. I find it fascinating that the Celtic warrior society viewed women as equals, with historical and legendary accounts of warrior queens.
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I agree that this most likely was an arranged marriage because of the time period in history and the statement that Rhiannon was given as a prize to King Amren. I think there is mutual respect for one another, especially on the part if Rhiannon. She found herself with child by another man and the King has taken them in. He could have cast out the child, Vala, at birth but did not. Her fight to save the King may show some affections have grown over the course of time though.BookDragon100 wrote: ↑15 Sep 2018, 12:15It's definitely an arranged marriage, but I think Amren really does love Rhiannon. I think if Trystan wasn't right in front of her face everyday she could even grow to love him.AliceofX wrote: ↑12 Sep 2018, 03:39 It seemed like an arranged marriage to me - respectful, but not what we would call love. And this has been mentioned in different discussions, but the fact that Amren tolerated Rhiannon's affair with Trystan just didn't make sense given the time period we're talking about.