Rhysand: Morally Grey, Morally Perfect, and Somehow Both
I think one big reason Rhysand is so controversial is that SJM tried to make him too many narrative archetypes at once.
1. Morally grey
Rhysand is framed as morally grey because he repeatedly commits immoral acts for a “greater good” (usually the protection of Velaris). He wears a fearsome mask for centuries to deter other courts. He commits crimes Under the Mountain to maintain that cover. He steals from Tarquin—who offered him genuine friendship—to keep the Hybern from using the Cauldron.
On paper, that is morally grey. And it’s fine—interesting, even—to like a character who makes unethical choices.
Except—
2. Morally perfect
Within the narrative, Rhysand is never allowed to be wrong.
None of his morally questionable actions receive lasting backlash. After centuries of cultivating an image as the most feared High Lord in Prythian—an image he deliberately created—most characters accept his explanation of “actually I was good the whole time” with minimal resistance.
The one crime he’s truly accused of (killing the Winter Court children) turns out to be the one thing he didn’t do. Everything else goes largely unchallenged. Tarquin forgives him after a long speech. Characters who don’t immediately trust Rhys—despite having every in-universe reason not to—are framed as irredeemable villains (cough*Tamlin* cough*Beron*).
We’re told Rhys has flaws, but the story consistently insists he’s right. The “good” characters side with him; anyone who doesn’t is condemned. That dissonance is what feels hypocritical to many readers.
3. The underdog
Rhysand is also written as an underdog. He’s half-Illyrian in a High Fae–dominated society. He opposes sexist traditions. He wants to reform Illyrian culture but is supposedly powerless against entrenched warlords. He had to wear the mask, we’re told, because otherwise his court would be destroyed.
He’s framed as trapped by circumstances larger than himself.
4. The most powerful High Lord ever
And yet—simultaneously—we’re told Rhysand is the most powerful High Lord in history. Capable of mind-controlling other High Lords. Nearly unmatched in raw magical power. On top of that, his Inner Circle is repeatedly framed as being powerful on the level of other High Lords themselves, turning his court into a concentration of power that rivals entire courts on its own.
At that point, the underdog narrative starts to crack.
If he’s that powerful, why was the mask necessary for centuries? Why can’t he dismantle toxic Illyrian traditions? Why is he perpetually constrained when the text insists he could dominate everyone in the room if he wanted to?
Conclusion: Rhysand is controversial because SJM wanted him to fulfill every popular archetype—all at the same time.
