The Impact of a Living Blackfyre on Robert's Rebellion

If a Blackfyre had still been alive during Robert’s Rebellion, it would have significantly complicated the political landscape of Westeros. The Blackfyres, being a legitimate branch of House Targaryen, held a strong claim to the Iron Throne, especially given their descent from Daemon Blackfyre, a legitimized bastard of King Aegon IV. This complex situation would have required a nuanced understanding of historical context and political dynamics.

Potential Responses from the Rebel Lords

Support for the Blackfyre Claim: Some of the Rebel Lords, particularly those who were disillusioned with the Targaryens due to the perceived tyranny of King Aerys II, might have supported the Blackfyre claimant as a means to restore a Targaryen to the throne who was not part of the old regime. This could have fostered a coalition of houses that were more sympathetic to the Blackfyres, especially if the claimant could present himself as a more just ruler.

Divided Loyalties: Other lords might have been torn between supporting Robert Baratheon, who represented the rebellion against the Targaryen dynasty, and the Blackfyre claimant, who would be seen as the legitimate heir to the throne. This division could lead to a fragmented rebellion, weakening their overall efforts against the Crown.

Opposition from the Targaryens: If a Blackfyre claimant emerged, the loyalists to the Targaryen line, including those who still supported Aerys II despite his unpopularity, would likely rally around the idea of restoring the Targaryen dynasty, even in the face of public disapproval.

Would the Blackfyre Be the New King Instead of Robert?

This scenario hinges on several factors:

Military Success: If the Blackfyre claimant could garner enough support and military strength, he might successfully challenge Robert. The loyalty of key houses would be crucial. If prominent houses like House Tully or House Stark chose to support the Blackfyre, it could shift the balance of power.

Public Perception: The legitimacy of the Blackfyre claim would also play a role. If the populace saw the Blackfyre as a more legitimate ruler than Robert, especially in the context of the rebellion being framed as a fight against a tyrant, this could sway public opinion.

Internal Conflicts: The presence of a Blackfyre would likely lead to infighting among the rebel factions. If Robert could leverage this division, he might still emerge as the victor, especially if he could present himself as a champion of the common people against the old Targaryen regime, even if it was a rival branch.

Conclusion

In summary, a living Blackfyre during Robert’s Rebellion would have introduced a complex layer of political intrigue and conflict. While he could have potentially claimed the throne, whether he would have succeeded over Robert would depend on alliances, military strength, and public perception. The outcome could have drastically altered the course of Westerosi history, leading to a different ruling family than the Baratheons.