Sarah J. Maas’A Court of Thorns and Rosesseries is far from finished, as there are several questions Maas has posed throughout the series that remain unanswered. This has lead to a multitude of theories to emerge online, and one in particular would need to be addressed in thenextA Court of Thorns and Rosesbook—as it could majorly impact the series' Hulu adaptation if confirmed true. Maas' laterACOTARnovels have focused heavily on the importance and influence of mating bonds, and some theories suggest that Tamlin may have had a mate earlier in the series.
This popularTamlin mate theoryis rather convincing, and suggests thatTamlin previously had a mating bond with Amarantha—one that he ultimately rejected. Mating bonds aren’t always a promise for a strong romantic connection, but instead match an individual with their complete equal. Knowing how much Tamlin loathed Amarantha, it would come as no surprise that he would reject becoming her mate. However, if this theory does come into play in Maas' later novels,Hulu’sCourt of Thorns and Rosesshowwould need to subtly nod to its existence in season one to strengthen the narrative.
Hulu’s Court Of Thorns & Roses Show Needs To Answer Whether Tamlin & Amarantha Are Mates
A Rejected Mating Bond In Season One Would Strengthen Later Storylines
There’s been a lot of speculation on this topic, but if Maas does confirm this theory in a futureACOTARnovel,Hulu would need to allude to the existence of a mating bond in season one of its adaptation. Tamlin and Amarantha’s relationship in the first book is nothing if not hostile, and his clear dislike of her character is evident throughout theevents that transpire Under the Mountain. However, Amarantha is relentless in her pursuit of Tamlin, and his public refusals to become her consort does little to dissuade her feelings toward him.
…Hulu would be wise to hint at his changed emotional state after he kills Amarantha in the first season.
It’s important that Hulu captures their relationship dynamics correctly, as Tamlin’s rejection of their mating bond would play a major role in driving Amarantha’s erratic and possessive behavior. Maas has described throughout the narrative thatrejecting a mating bond can cause the individual to feel intense physical and emotional pain, alongside feelings of emptiness and helplessness. This is clearly portrayed through Amarantha’s character, but also would play a role in Tamlin’s drastically changed behavior inA Court of Mist and Fury—and Hulu would be wise to hint at his changed emotional state after he kills Amarantha in the first season.
A Court Of Thorns & Roses' Popular Tamlin & Amarantha Theory Explained
Not All Mates Are A Romantic Pairing
The idea of fated mates is a strong theme throughoutMaas' fantasy book series, and theACOTARbooks see several individuals enter into a mating bond willingly. However,mating bonds at their core pair two individuals who are complete equals, not necessarily romantic partners—and Tamlin and Amarantha perfectly fit this description. Both Amarantha and Tamlin are extremely powerful, but also narcissistic and selfish—and their behavior and traits highlighted throughout the series show strong resemblances to one another. Amarantha is also obsessed and territorial towards Tamlin’s character, a trait mates are known to possess.
Tamlin’s Redemption Arc In A Court Of Thorns & Roses Must Avoid 1 Huge Mistake
Tamlin’s redemption arc in A Court of Thorns and Roses is inevitable at this point, but there’s one trope the story absolutely has to avoid to do it.
Tamlin’s sudden change in behavior inA Court of Mist and Furyis also indicative of a potential mating bond with Amarantha—andthe trauma he feels after the events Under the Mountain could be directly correlated with the fact that he killed his own mate. When a mate dies, it is said to have profound affects upon their partner, often causing extreme distress and devastating grief. Tamlin’s character is drastically different in the later series, and many theories attribute this change to the loss of his mate inA Court of Thorns and Roses.
