Plausible Family Trees

[storyteller]

So far most of the OUAT Family Tree of our main characters has been filled in  but a couple of black holes still exist that could  very well turn out to be consequential.  Please confine to characters with unknown family members

What we know so far:

David and James, sons of Ruth & unknown father (whose occupation apparently was a shepherd)

Cora, daughter of unnamed miller and unknown mother (possible magical origins)

Henry, fifth son of Xavier and unknown mother (fate of mother and other siblings requires elaboration)

Rumple, son of unnamed  father (let’s call him deadbeat dad) & unknown mother

Robin Hood, son of unknown parents (backstory required), married to Marian (deceased), father to Roland (aged 4 as of 3×03)

George adoptive father to James & David (for a time) married to unknown wife (presumed deceased) apparently no biological heir

Based on this let the speculation begin:

I’ll start off with King George. He’s a curious one, he dreads the prospect of being alone with no family. He claims to have had a blissful marriage to his Queen until she was cursed by a “vile potion” that rendered her incapable of bearing a child with George. Now Rumple in his words in exchange for “a pittance” provides George with infant James (who although undoubtedly a cunning and  brave warrior was a cruel sybarite).

A couple of theories that I’ll just spitball here:

Is  George a son of King Xavier and brother to Regina’s father Henry?  Cora did mention that four siblings preceded her betrothed in the succession. Assuming George was one of the elder siblings he’d understandably be miffed if he got shoved down the line. Considering that Henry and Cora wind up in that country estate, George could have deposed them leading a vengeful Cora to render George’s wife barren.) George has demonstrated that he is a vengeful man and recall that Rumple has remarked that Regina’s family sought power the death of enemies and friends,  and Regina’s father clearly has some experience with revenge calling  it “a dark and lonely road.”

Another reason this seems plausible is the fact that so much of King Xavier’s palace is virtually identical to George’s both are  located on waterfronts, both the thrones are identical save for the upholstery, the chamber where Cora discusses running away with Rumple is the same one where James has an encounter with his latest dalliance, as well as numerous other architectural features.

 

[RumplesGirl]

Is George a son of King Xavier and brother to Regina’s father Henry

This was an *incredibly* popular theory back in season 2. Many people expected it to play out in the Miller’s Daughter. I still think it’s viable.

David and James, sons of Ruth & unknown father (whose occupation apparently was a shepherd)

A bit of headcanon but I am under the impression that David’s father wasn’t always a shepherd. I tend to think he was a brave knight of some sort who gave it all up out of love. David had skills in slaying that dragon. He knew *stuff* and has a very White Knight code of honor. I’ve always suspected that there is more to his father than meets the eye

Rumple, son of unnamed father (let’s call him deadbeat dad) & unknown mother

Headcanon again but I think Rumple’s mother died in childbirth delivering Rumple. His father was an abusive and cruel man.

Robin Hood, son of unknown parents (backstory required), married to Marian (deceased), father to Roland (aged 4 as of 3×03)

They could take one of the more traditional approaches to RH and make him a nobleman. Earl of Huntington. Marian is sometimes the niece of King Richard.

 

"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"

[storyteller]

One thing about Robin that sticks in my head is Rumple’s response to the Sheriff saying: “Robin Hood. He goes by Robin Hood.”
Two things I parsed out of this exchange. 1) Is Robin Hood an alias? A possibility considering how many of our characters have been cross-pollinated Ex. Cora/Queen of Hearts, Rumple/Beast/Crocodile etc. 2) Rumple’s facial reactions to hearing that name which from my PoV shifted from concern (perhaps fear) to an opportunistic smile. I’m betting he knows he’s meant for Regina and if Belle hadn’t been there and Marian been pregnant with Roland that arrow would be in Rob’s heart. Side note must keep track of that wand he stole and the bow that never misses.

Custodian of Graham's darts, Rumple's spindle and Robin's quiver

[RumplesGirl]

1) Is Robin Hood an alias? A possibility considering how many of our characters have been cross-pollinated Ex. Cora/Queen of Hearts, Rumple/Beast/Crocodile etc

I thought the same thing when the line was spoken. (Crack theory: could they combine Robin and King Richard?)

Side note must keep track of that wand he stole and the bow that never misses.

Oh that wand. lol. We’ve many a discussion over this wand.

From what we can tell, it’s the exact same one Ella’s FGM was about to use before Rumple killed her and took it. We *think* it’s in Rumple’s shop.

Not a clue on the bow.

"He was a lot of things to me" "The only conclusion was love"

[storyteller]

To the best of my knowledge the bow is either lying in the woods abandoned by Snow after David was taken by George’s men or one might speculate Snow kept it as a personal weapon (which I think is doubtful).

If Robin has been cross-pollinated my money for the present  is on Arthur aka Wart. We’ve seen Lancelot, allusions to the Lady of the Lady, Camelot, Excalibur, and the Grail. That tattoo makes me think of the Sword in the Stone.  Gotta love the Arthur legend he grew up an orphan (he was just Sir Ector’s ward) after his father Uther  made a deal with Merlin to posses the Lady Igraine, that resulted in Uther’s death and Arthur belonging to Merlin so he could fulfill his destiny. (I digress)

On David and James  parentage, I will say David does have darkness in him that he’s been denying (evidence that short temper of his, his pig-headedness that he won’t even put aside when he’s taken full poison) the other characters with a similar short fuse are the Mills women Cora and Regina. That would be something, if Regina turned out to be David’s cousin.

 

Custodian of Graham's darts, Rumple's spindle and Robin's quiver

[Phee]

Is George a son of King Xavier and brother to Regina’s father Henry?

I’d rule this one out based purely on ethnicity. They made a point of casting Latin men for both Xavier and Henry Sr, and Alan Dale most definitely doesn’t have Latin blood in him. Also, Xavier’s family crest has a blue background with what looks like an eagle on it, which is very different to George’s crest. You can see it in the backround of this shot…

A bit of headcanon but I am under the impression that David’s father wasn’t always a shepherd. I tend to think he was a brave knight of some sort who gave it all up out of love. David had skills in slaying that dragon. He knew *stuff* and has a very White Knight code of honor. I’ve always suspected that there is more to his father than meets the eye

I like it! Maybe his father was a Knight of Arthur’s, and that’s how David knew the story of Excalibur?

One thing about Robin that sticks in my head is Rumple’s response to the Sheriff saying: “Robin Hood. He goes by Robin Hood.”
Two things I parsed out of this exchange. 1) Is Robin Hood an alias? A possibility considering how many of our characters have been cross-pollinated Ex. Cora/Queen of Hearts, Rumple/Beast/Crocodile etc. 2) Rumple’s facial reactions to hearing that name which from my PoV shifted from concern (perhaps fear) to an opportunistic smile. I’m betting he knows he’s meant for Regina and if Belle hadn’t been there and Marian been pregnant with Roland that arrow would be in Rob’s heart.

Love the idea that Rumple knew about Robin being destined for Regina. That piece of dialogue from the Sheriff about Robin’s name struck me as a bit clunky, so I figured there had to be a reason for it, like it being an alias, and that his true identity would be revealed at some point. RG’s suggestion of Robin being mashed up with King Richard is an interesting possibility.

[storyteller]

The professional historian in me speaking here, keep in mind that the coat-of-arms traditionally reflects the reigning monarch. A succeeding monarch need not retain the coat-of-arms of his or her predecessor (although some have to present an air of legitimacy).  Ex. Regina’s personal standard above the mantle in her palace chambers is a crown wreathed in laurels but Leopold’s coat-of-arms which is the symbol of that kingdom can be seen above the mantle in Eva’s chambers and on the surcoats of  his soldiers when he arrives at Henry and Cora’s home to ask for Regina’s hand. Likewise with all the other soldiers of the various realms we’ve encountered.

Ethnicity in casting I’ve learned is not always a firm guarantee. The actress who played Marian is of Caucasian and African-American heritage and the boy who plays Roland is Hispanic.

Remember that it was Rumple who told David about Excalibur and cross-pollinating Robin with King Richard is doubtful since he was a confirmed real-life individual  and none of the classic characters depicted in OUAT have an existence outside of established Fairy Tales, Myths, Legends, Novels etc.

 

Custodian of Graham's darts, Rumple's spindle and Robin's quiver

[Phee]

The professional historian in me speaking here, keep in mind that the coat-of-arms traditionally reflects the reigning monarch. A succeeding monarch need not retain the coat-of-arms of his or her predecessor (although some have to present an air of legitimacy). Ex. Regina’s personal standard above the mantle in her palace chambers is a crown wreathed in laurels but Leopold’s coat-of-arms which is the symbol of that kingdom can be seen above the mantle in Eva’s chambers and on the surcoats of his soldiers when he arrives at Henry and Cora’s home to ask for Regina’s hand. Likewise with all the other soldiers of the various realms we’ve encountered.

Fair point about the coats-of-arms. I dunno what Regina’s was off the top of my head, I just know that the Charmings kept the same one that George had been using, (despite the fact that Charming never really considered himself to be part of George’s family).

Ethnicity in casting I’ve learned is not always a firm guarantee. The actress who played Marian is of Caucasian and African-American heritage and the boy who plays Roland is Hispanic.

I thought one of her parents was South American? *googles*

Christie grew up in White Rock B.C. and now resides in Vancouver. Her exotic looks come from her father (who is from Belize) and her British mother,

http://www.thepromotionpeople.ca/clients/christie_laing.htm
Belize is Central America, so a Hispanic Roland is actually fitting. Maybe Marian is a member of Regina’s family? That would be a trip, if Robin still ended up with one of Regina’s relatives, if not Regina herself.

Remember that it was Rumple who told David about Excalibur

Was it though? I was under the impression that Rumple was all, “Nope, not helping,” and the Excalibur plan was something that Charming came up with all on his own. He told Snow it was something Rumple had told him about because, “Hey honey, I’ve had an idea,” wasn’t gonna work on her at that point.

Rumple: It’s true, your Prince came to ask for aid fighting the Queen. I told him I had nothing to give. And I didn’t.

If Charming had to come up with his own idea when Rumple refused to help, perhaps he recalled a story his father used to tell him about a magical sword in a stone, which his father knew about because he’s been one of Arthur’s Knights.

[storyteller]

Consider how irritated Rumple was at being disturbed by David who said he wasn’t taking no for an answer and that Rumple must have something. Rumple I’ll bet told him the Excalibur tale to get him to go away.  Then when Snow wanted to pay off the debt angered that his time has been wasted Rumple exposes David’s deception and exacts her mother’s necklace for his troubles.

Relevant clip: http://youtu.be/edyUU-8K8zg

Not to harp on casting choices and the like but if  absolute continuity  of appearance was the aim then why did the Robin Hood recast Tom Elis’s Robin who is black-haired and a touch swarthy with Sean McGuire who is brown-haired and has a lighter skin-tone?  Plus Latin America like North America is  a great ethnic melting pot so one will find quite a number of Latinos and Latinas with some African heritage.  It is a TV show after all.

David may not have considered himself George’s son but he kept going by the name James (recall Thomas and Ella’s wedding) so he kept up the façade. Technically David would be an usurper no matter how much of an improvement he may have been over George and David still gets addressed to as Prince. Stands to reason that there is a legal heir to George’s kingdom out there.

 

Custodian of Graham's darts, Rumple's spindle and Robin's quiver

[kfchimera]

When we met Lancelot, he referenced having fled another kingdom and I think offhand it was a reference to the whole love triangle with Arthur and Gwen.  Lancelot then takes up as a mercenary for George.

At that point, when Charming pulls the sword in stone routine, was that before or after his secret wedding to Snow performed by Lancelot? Timeline headaches!

I also don’t think George is related to Regina, unless in the way many European monarchs related to each other because of constant intermarrying.

We also cannot conclude that Henry had 4 brothers because we don’t know the rules of succession in that fictional Kingdom.  Regina took over Leo’s throne, in part because she framed Snow for murder, but it could be the usual rule that a spouse would take over, if heirs not born or too young (as Regent at least).  I’m not a historian, but I believe at different points various monarchies have allowed for succession through a female child rather than only the male line.  So it might also be the case females could inherit the throne in this Once fantasy kingdom setting. (Eva in Miller’s Daughter is already a princess though not married).   So maybe Henry had another brother who had 3 kids and a wife. I think the writers just left space to figure it out later, if they manage to book Rose to play young Cora and want to pad out some storytelling in a future episode.

It really doesn’t feel plot critical to me to learn how exactly Regina’s original royal line might have played into things, as there are multiple kingdoms in this realm.

 

 

“If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” -- Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass

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