The Mad King of Westeros: A Game of Thrones Character Study

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, then you're probably familiar with King Aerys Targaryen, also known as the Mad King. This complex character is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating figures in the entire fictional world of Westeros.

Despite his initial reputation as a wise and just ruler, the Mad King eventually descended into madness and tyranny, leading to his eventual downfall at the hands of rebels led by Robert Baratheon. But what caused this once-great monarch to go insane? Was it a result of his incestuous bloodline, or was it the pressure of ruling in a world full of treacherous enemies?

In this character study, we'll delve deep into the mind of the Mad King and explore the events that shaped his descent into madness. We'll examine his troubled relationship with his son Rhaegar, his obsession with wildfire, his cruel mistreatment of enemies and allies alike, and ultimately, his downfall at the hands of Jaime Lannister.

If you're looking for an in-depth analysis of one of the most compelling characters in the Game of Thrones universe, then this article is a must-read. Get ready to explore the twisted mind of the Mad King and unearth the secrets and hidden motivations behind his infamous reign.

"Mad King Game Of Thrones" ~ bbaz

Introduction

Game of Thrones is a tale of power, politics, and war, set in a medieval world where different houses fight for dominance. One of the key characters that drive the dexterity of the show is the Mad King of Westeros, Aerys II Targaryen, who is known to be a tyrant and insane ruler. In this article, we will dive deep into the character study of the Mad King and compare him with other kings in the series.

Early Days of the Mad King

Aerys II was born into the Targaryen dynasty, a family of dragonlords and conquerors, known for their distinctive silver hair and purple eyes. As a young man, Aerys had a reputation for being handsome, charismatic, and charming, which made people have high hopes for his reign. However, his character began to change after a businessman shielded him from an assassination attempt, as he became paranoid and delusional, leading to him losing his mind completely. In contrast, other Kings like Robert Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon were more focused on ruling justly and fairly.

Aerys' Reign of Terror

During Aerys' reign, he earned various unflattering nicknames such as the Mad King and King Scab, because of his many hideous deeds. Many claim that he tortured and killed anyone who displeased him or opposed his rule, which made him one of the most feared and hated rulers in the history of Westeros. In comparison, Jon Snow, despite not having a legitimate birthright to the Iron Throne, was still respected and revered as a fair and just leader, leading the battle of Winterfell to victory against the army of the dead.

The Rebellion Against Aerys

Aerys' reign of terror lasted for years, which eventually led to a rebellion by the noble houses. They pushed for him to step down and be replaced with someone competent and sane, thus leading to the eventual downfall of the Targaryen dynasty. In contrast, House Lannister played a crucial role in Robert Baratheon's ascent to the throne, leading to many years of prosperity and peace under his rule.

The Defining Moment of Aerys' Life

One of the defining moments in Aerys' life was when he called for Jaime Lannister, a member of the Kingsguard, to kill his own father Tywin Lannister. This event is significant because it portrays how far gone Aerys had become, and how he would do anything to hold onto his power. Comparatively, Tywin's leadership as Hand of the King under Joffrey's reign, although controversial, helped to maintain stability and order.

Aerys II's Legacy

Aerys II Targaryen died as he lived, insane and consumed by his delusions and paranoia. His legacy is one of brutality and cruelty, which has shaped the modern Westeros that we see today. His actions resulted in the death of thousands of innocent people and forever made him one of the most infamous and hated rulers in the game of thrones. On the flip side, King Tommen, who ended up taking the throne after Joffrey's death, was known for his kindness and generosity towards others.

Impact on Other Characters

The Mad King's barbarity has also had a profound impact on other characters, such as Jaime Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen. Jaime even revealed that he killed the king because he was going to burn down King's Landing, the city he ruled over. Similarly, Daenerys' obsession with taking back control of the Seven Kingdoms to protect her family legacy is often compared to Aerys for her tyrannical actions like burning her enemies alive using her dragons. This comparison has contributed to her downfall as a character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aerys II Targaryen's character study highlights the importance of effective leadership and the dire consequences of allowing an unstable ruler to reign. Even though many Kings in the show were far from perfect, Aerys stands out as one of the most heinous and cruel rulers in the history of Westeros. His brutal legacy of mad tyranny will forever shape the world of Game of Thrones.

Table Comparison

Character	Positive Traits	Negative Traits
The Mad King	Charismatic	Delusional, Paranoid, Insane, and Brutal
Jon Snow	Fair and Just Leader	None
Robert Baratheon	Skilled fighter, charismatic leader	Cruel to his family, Corrupt
Stannis Baratheon	Just and Fair	Strict and Severly righteous
Tommen Baratheon	Gentle and Kind	Weak, inconsequential
Daenerys Targaryen	Determined and Strong	Tyrannical, Obsessed, and Insane

Opinion

It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of Aerys II Targaryen's impact on the Game of Thrones universe. He was a truly fascinating, albeit terrifying character, who helped to mold the world we know today. His madness and tyranny showed us the importance of stable leadership, and his legacy stands as a stark reminder of what can happen if that leadership is not in place. Overall, my opinion is that The Mad King is a great fictional character, whose story adds depth and weight to the world of Game of Thrones.

The Mad King of Westeros: A Game of Thrones Character Study

Thank you for reading The Mad King of Westeros: A Game of Thrones Character Study. We hope that this article has given you a deeper understanding and appreciation for one of the most complex and intriguing characters in George R.R. Martin's epic series.

Throughout the course of the article, we explored the tortured psyche of King Aerys II Targaryen and the events that led to his descent into madness. We examined his relationships with his family, his advisors, and his enemies, and how they ultimately contributed to his downfall.

As Game of Thrones continues to captivate audiences around the world, it is important to understand the human motivations and flaws that drive these larger-than-life characters. We hope that our character study has shed some light on the inner workings of one of the most fascinating characters in the series, and that you will continue to follow along as the story unfolds.

People Also Ask about The Mad King of Westeros: A Game of Thrones Character Study

Who was the Mad King in Game of Thrones?

The Mad King is a character in the Game of Thrones series. His name was Aerys II Targaryen, who ruled over the Seven Kingdoms until he was overthrown by Robert Baratheon during Robert's Rebellion.

What made the Mad King go mad?

The Mad King's madness was believed to be caused by several factors, including his family's history of incestuous marriages, his paranoia and distrust of those around him, and his fondness for wildfire, a dangerous explosive substance that he wanted to use to destroy his enemies.

How did the Mad King die?

The Mad King was killed by Jaime Lannister, a member of his own Kingsguard. Jaime betrayed his oath to protect the king and instead stabbed him in the back, earning him the nickname Kingslayer.

What was the Mad King's role in the Game of Thrones series?

The Mad King is an important figure in the Game of Thrones series, as his actions and rule had a significant impact on the events that took place in the story. His downfall marked the end of the Targaryen dynasty and the beginning of a new era in Westeros.

What was the Mad King's relationship with other characters in Game of Thrones?

The Mad King's relationships with other characters in Game of Thrones varied. He was feared and despised by many, including his own family members, who were often victims of his cruelty and madness. However, some characters, such as Varys, believed that the Mad King was not always insane and had moments of clarity and wisdom.