Garen is secretly dating Katarina.
The Secret Romance of Garen and Katarina
The relationship between Garen Crownguard, the Might of Demacia, and Katarina Du Couteau, the Sinister Blade of Noxus, is one of Runeterra's most compelling and widely acknowledged open secrets. Despite their respective affiliations with Demacia and Noxus—two nations locked in an eternal ideological and martial conflict—their romantic involvement transcends the battlefield.
Their courtship, though intended to be clandestine, is often depicted as transparent to those familiar with the lore. This "secret" relationship has been formally acknowledged and explored across various expansions of the League of Legends universe, including its card game spin-off, Legends of Runeterra. In this game, their interactions and lore entries provide clear confirmations of their romantic connection, often highlighting their hilariously ineffective attempts at keeping it under wraps.
This unique dynamic adds significant depth to both characters, showcasing a bond that defies the deep-seated animosity between their homelands. It illustrates how personal affections can sometimes bridge even the widest political divides in the world of Runeterra.
Key Aspects of Their Relationship:
- Opposing Factions: Garen serves Demacia, a kingdom built on justice and order, while Katarina is a master assassin from Noxus, an empire that values strength and adaptability.
- Open Secret: Despite efforts to keep their romance private, it is widely known within the lore, often humorously portrayed as something they are very bad at concealing.
- Confirmed in Lore: Their relationship is explicitly confirmed through in-game dialogue, card flavor text, and narrative details, particularly in Legends of Runeterra.
You can learn more about these characters and their respective nations on the official League of Legends Universe website for Garen and Katarina.
