All 3 Of Aelin’s Throne Of Glass Romances, Ranked
Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass novels, while focusing mainly on the fantasy elements of the story, have very compelling romance arcs sprinkled in throughout. While there are several Throne of Glass characters who end up together in the end, getting there sees them go through many trials and hurdles before reaching their happily ever after. However, one character over the rest has the most tumultuous romance arc throughout the Throne of Glass novels.
Aelin Galathynius, also known as Celeana Sardothien in the early series, experiences several relationships throughout the eight-book series. Being such a unique and undeniably strong character, it’s no wonder so many others fell for her and attempted to court her throughout the narrative. And while she has a brief fling with Dorian Havilliard in Throne of Glass, she has fully developed relationships with Sam Cortland, Chaol Westfall, and Rowan Whitethorn from Assassin’s Blade to Kingdom of Ash — but not every relationship holds as much weight as the others.
3
Chaol Westfall
Aelin’s Romance With Chaol Doesn’t Last For Long
Unlike the majority of readers, I’m not a Chaol hater — but I can recognize that their relationship wasn’t healthy or set up to last for long. Aelin and Chaol’s romance was at first really wistful and exciting, especially knowing her character was rather closed off when it came to letting people in after Sam’s death. And her relationship with Chaol picks up on the heels of their friendship in the first Throne of Glass novel, which is a great step to have in place beforehand. But what they built in Crown of Midnight is quickly shattered by Chaol’s actions.
Related
Aelin has multiple romances over the course of Throne of Glass, and the one from the early books deserved a better ending in Queen of Shadows.
Chaol is one of the parties very much to blame for Nehemia’s death, and it’s understandable that their relationship would fall apart after this event. However, it’s Chaol’s actions in the latter books that continue to showcase how the two aren’t meant to be. His character is extremely judgmental and prejudiced against Aelin once he learns of her true identity, and even when she returns to help them in Queen of Shadows, Chaol lets the hurt and betrayal he felt from her departure affect their relationship. He never truly understood her, which is what puts him in third place.
2
Sam Cortland
Their Romance Is Innocent And Tragic
Aelin and Sam’s relationship, however short-lived, is one of the best romances found throughout the Throne of Glass series. The two begin as rivals in The Assassin’s Blade novella, and while they were raised to compete against one another for Aroben’s approval, the love that grows between them is incredibly endearing and reminiscent of young first loves. Sam understood Aelin better than most and loved who she truly was to his core, and I’d like to think that he would have taken the knowledge of her true identity — as Terassen’s queen — incredibly well if given the chance.
But she squared her shoulders. Straightened her spine.
My name is Celaena Sardothien,” she whispered, “and I will not be afraid.”
— The Assassin’s Blade
Their dream of a brighter future together depicts how innocent the two were in their love for one another — and while that future is cut tragically short, his love for Aelin leaves an impression that carries throughout the rest of the series. This helped to keep Sam’s character and their love for one another alive far after his death. Nothing can compare to one’s first love, and Sam’s impact on Aelin’s life is seen both in her struggles to move on from his death and her continued use of Sam’s mantra, “I will not be afraid.“
1
Rowan Whitethorn
He Is Aelin’s Perfect Match
Rowan is Aelin’s most established relationship, and, unlike Sam and Chaol, had the chance to develop over several books in the Throne of Glass series rather than a single novel. The two characters are perfectly matched, and considering he punched her in the face during their early relationship, it was quite a shock to see how their relationship progressed. However, both Aelin and Rowan continuously pushed one another to become greater versions of themselves, and their initial dislike of one another develops into a beautiful friendship that leads into their romance storyline seen in the latter novels.
However, both Aelin and Rowan continuously pushed one another to become greater versions of themselves, and their initial dislike of one another develops into a beautiful friendship that leads into their romance storyline seen in the latter novels.
While I loved her and Sam’s relationship, Aelin and Rowan’s encompassed so much more in the way of emotional development, breaking down barriers, and building complete trust in one another. Her future with Sam wasn’t one she was sure she wanted — regardless of how much she loved him — but both she and Rowan were aligned in their plans for the future, and the freeing of Terrasen. Aelin needed someone who would help her overcome her fears and who could see past her tough exterior into the woman who was afraid to fail.
Aelin needed someone who would help her overcome her fears and who could see past her tough exterior into the woman who was afraid to fail.
No other character understood Aelin as much as Rowan, and their similar trauma of losing a loved one helped them to heal their own hearts while falling in love with one another. Rowan was loyal to Aelin to a fault, and Aelin was just as protective of him. Their relationship is the strongest it can be in the final Throne of Glass novel, and Rowan, even though he’s afraid of losing her, lets her make her own decisions when it comes to opening the Wyrd gate and saving Terrasen — and his complete trust in her awards Rowan the top ranking.
The Throne of Glass franchise is a high fantasy series centered around Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a hidden royal lineage who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, power, and rebellion against oppressive forces. The series, written by Sarah J. Maas, spans eight books, including prequels, and has garnered a large following for its complex characters, intricate world-building, and epic storyline.
- Character(s)
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Celaena Sardothien, Dorian Havilliard, Rowan Whitethorn, Chaol Westfall, Manon Blackbeak, Nehemia Ytger, Aedion Ashryver, Lysandra, Elide Lochan
Summary
The Throne of Glass franchise is a high fantasy series centered around Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a hidden royal lineage who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, power, and rebellion against oppressive forces. The series, written by Sarah J. Maas, spans eight books, including prequels, and has garnered a large following for its complex characters, intricate world-building, and epic storyline.
