Rhysand and Tamlin’s Relationship
Just a quick comment: When I first read ACOTAR, I thought Rhysand and Tamlin were ex lovers and I was enjoying all the sloppy crumbs they were leaving me. I didn’t think Feyre was gonna end up with either. I thought she was gonna kick Rhysand’s ass and end up with Lucien. I was so wrong. So entirely wrong.
I normally don’t go on here to write anything. I just scroll and look at everyone’s arguments when it comes to these two characters. This is my first and last post lmao. But I’m a Tamsand stand (let me be delusional in peace). I survive off of fan fictions of these two.
But I believe Rhysand and Tamlin’s relationship deserves and needs a redemption arc. I believe the fandom tends to forget these two were once best friends. Their broken friendship HAS to exist out of Feyre. There’s been rivalry between these two long before Feyre’s time. We cannot judge their friendship based off how Feyre feels when Rhysand tells her what happened between both his and Tamlin’s families. She’s going to be biased based off her feelings for Rhysand and her past relationship with Tamlin.
We don’t know the full story of what happened between Rhysand and Tamlin’s families. We don’t know if Tamlin was present when Rhysand’s mother and sister died. We don’t know if Tamlin gave up the information of where Rhysand’s mother and sister were willingly, was tricked, or it was tortured out of him. Rhysand stated that Tamlin’s father was worse than Beron. We don’t the trauma Tamlin has received from his family. We never get his side of the story. Rhysand doesn’t reveal much either. How do we keep forgetting these two have known each other for centuries? Did Rhysand ever try to confront Tamlin? Did he ever try to figure out what happened? Did Tamlin ever try making peace with Rhysand? What was their relationship like before their families passed away?
Also, did Rhysand ever try to step in on how Tamlin was being treated by his family? Did he ever question if this young boy (that he sought out and befriended) is being abused? Did it ever bother him that a much older woman (older than him as well) is preying after a young boy? Amarantha harassed Tamlin consistently. She placed a curse on the entire land because he didn’t want to enter a relationship with her. His constant refusal to her demands is ignored. Amarantha throws a tantrum but Tamlin never backs down or bends for Prythian. It sort of just baffles me that for someone like Rhysand that upholds consent “supposedly” that Tamlin’s treatment is pushed to the background. There’s a lot of dark undertones happening between these characters that are never really addressed unless it’s related with Feyre. I find that sort of odd.
We know their families were opposed to their friendship. We know the IC disapproved of their friendship as well. Just like Romeo and Juliet, Rhysand and Tamlin’s relationship ends in tragedy. Instead of the two lovers dying, they continue on the cycle of hatred. In a way, they become their fathers instead of working it out. There’s no closure. There is only miscommunication, pain, threats, anger, and grief. This isn’t defending either side. I just think these two characters have such an interesting backstory. A story that haunts their present selves. I would love to see platonic love between some characters. It would be great to see Rhysand interact with an individual that’s outside of the IC. Rhysand being a dreamer clashes really well with Tamlin’s realistic/logical view on life.
I wouldn’t mind the redemption arc where it’s Rhysand that pulls Tamlin out of himself ( we are already seeing that). There doesn’t need to be another lover involved. Feyre does not need to be involved. It can be a journey of healing for the both of them. I’m not saying the two have to be friends again. But it would be great to see it though. It would be hilarious to see the fandom’s reaction.
I am not condoning Rhysand and Tamlin’s behavior. They are both extremely flawed individuals that have made mistakes. Both need to face accountability instead of glossing over it. I do not agree with Rhysand suicidal remarks towards Tamlin. No one should ever say that to another individual that’s already struggling mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s just flat out inappropriate and I was shocked to read that specific passage.
Also, I’m not posting this to hate on any characters. I’m just trying to have a conversation and point out things I analyzed. My post feels like a “what if?” while trying to stick to canon events. On another note, I think it’s important to separate characters from reality. These are fictional characters made up in the author’s mind. From what I gather, Sarah J Maas writes off how she’s feeling in the moment. Events that happened in her real life tend to intertwine what’s on the page. As someone that tries to keep my personal life separate from my work, I can disagree with her writing style but still respect her craft. She is in charge of how she writes her story. We may disagree with some of her choices and may want to do things differently. It’s okay to feel that way when you feel passionate about a story. You can be inspired by someone’s work. Someone’s work can make us feel things we haven’t before. We can see our selves or be able to relate to what’s on the page.
The limit is how we treat each other outside of the work. I’ve seen so much hatred coming from many sides of the fandom. There’s a lot of bullying and cynicism that it’s disheartening to see and hear. I’m hoping with the future books the community can try and do better with their comments. I don’t want this post to be filled with that negative energy. I want the conversation to be lively while hearing the other’s side’s opinions. You don’t need to knock someone down to express yourself.
That’s all I have to say. I’m gonna leave now.
Thank you so much to everyone for viewing and engaging with my post! I didn’t think anyone would be interested in what I have to say! Thank you for being respectful and kind to others while still having fun!