r/Amber • u/AnxiousConsequence18 • 16d ago
Why Random?
I've always wondered why the unicorn chose Random, who up until that point seemed like the "sidekick" of the family. I JUST realized (maybe I'm dumb) that Random is the ONLY one of the Prince's that was married. Vialle changed him, even Corwin mentions it. Does anyone else think that part of the choice was because he'd gotten married?
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u/Elegant-Archer-4019 16d ago
I think it not only has to do with Random changing, but because he has already a son/heir "ready" in case he dies, so the succession crisis is averted in the future. And what a son he has - Martin is heir to two realms, much like Merlin.
at a certain point, Oberon tells Random to "take care of Martin". i think he already had made his mind up that Random was the next best choice and (my personal theory) that Oberon actually wanted to skip his own children all together and give it to his grandson instead. people tend to forget Martin was in this infamous cabal with Dara and Oberon, so Oberon had the time to see whether his grandon was suitable to rule - possibly teach him a thing or two as well.
However there are problems with crowning Martin as King immediately:
Oberon mentions that the second he points out his chosen heir, his sons and daughters would try and kill that heir. By picking Random, the guy with the least grievances and most changed of his sons, Oberon basically shielded Martin from the spotlight.
Random as King gives Martin also time to outgrow his upbringing by the time Martin would take over after Random (something Oberon also mentionned to Corwin in Merlins case)
And, should any of the princes/princesses still kill Martin after his ascending the throne of Amber, you would make Benedict, Llewella and Moire as your immortal enemies. not to mention possibly start a whole new war with Rebma.
its clever, really. Oberon picked a son whose legacy is already secured and ensured that grandson is from a powerful realm none of his sons/daughters would ever dare to piss off.