this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2026
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The likelihood of noticeable genetic defects in offspring from an incestuous relationship is far less likely than most people think (unless there was a lot more incest in their ancestry). Cersei and Jaime Lannister having pretty and generally healthy kids is not that surprising. Pretty Targaryens are more tricky to justify but can be explained by magic and shit (I mean, they have purple eyes, as you do seem to be aware, judging from the pic, and can communicate with big lizards - it doesn't seem too far-fetched that they have some protection against genetic disorders).
Also, I actually can't think of prominent cases of incestuous offspring in fiction beyond ASoIaF, not enough to claim there is some pattern there, at least.
The 'Flowers in the Attic' series by V.C. Andrews is full of incestuous relationships. Actually, incest seems to be a theme in many of her books.
Only ones I can think of are from The sound and the Fury and Xfiles episode Home.
The problem is that the chances are significantly higher and they only go up with each round of incestuous offspring, which is very likely with royalty.
Also, having a certain genetic trait doesn't mean that the line is immune to other genetic disorders. There can even be a problem where the genetic mutation which causes a benefit can cause other traits which are neutral or negative.