Introduction
The Targaryen dynasty stands out as one of the most iconic and complicated in the history of Westeros. Their rule largely defined the Seven Kingdoms’ medieval period, driven by dragons, epic battles, and tragic events. Over the centuries, tragedy, power struggles, and betrayal had toppled many a Targaryen, most notably due to the infamous Mad King’s rule. This article aims to unravel the mystery and explore which Targaryen earned this notorious title.
Unraveling the Mystery: Which Targaryen Earned the Infamous Title of the Mad King?
Counting through the Targaryen dynasty’s pages, one would notice a recurring theme – their obsession with power. Some Targaryens were great rulers, while others only cared about themselves, their power, and their games. To understand which Targaryen’s madness earned them the infamous title, we must explore both historical and fictional accounts.
The Targaryen Line: The Story Behind Their Unraveling
The House of Targaryen rose to power when Aegon I conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms using his dragons, creating the Iron Throne and ushering in the Targaryen dynasty. The Mad King, Aerys II, was the final high ruler of the Westerosi kingdom, reigning for more than two decades before his eventual removal. The Mad King’s rule tore the Targaryen dynasty apart, ultimately leading to their downfall after years of glorious rule.
A Tale of Two Targaryens: The Contrasting Personalities of Aerys and Rhaegar
Aerys’s son, Rhaegar, was a vastly different person from his father. He was known for his intelligence, kindness, and martial prowess. Some might even suggest that Rhaegar was the best Targaryen of all time. Unlike Rhaegar, Aerys exhibited signs of madness before and during his reign, and most attribute his erratic behavior to the madness that he clearly exhibited. Additionally, Aerys’ conduct – his greediness, his paranoia, his burning of the Great Sept of Baelor, and his illegitimate arrests – shed light on his dubious mental state.
Looking Back: The Signs that Told the Story of Aerys, the Mad King
For years, the Seven Kingdoms had seen Aerys’s descent into madness, started by the rejection of Tyrion Lannister’s father, Tywin, from his Hand of the King position. Aerys’ paranoia worsened, and his rule became cruel and unjust, earning him the infamous title. His pyromania made him more unstable, the consequences of which were significant for the kingdom.
Glimpses of Madness: Key Moments in Aerys II Targaryen’s Reign
Aerys’s madness led to a number of crucial historical moments, including the imprisonment of Brandon Stark and Rickard Stark for high treason when they tried to prevent the marriage of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark. He executed Rickard in a significant trial, kicking off Robert’s Rebellion, which led to the demise of House Targaryen.
The Targaryen Curse: A Lineage-Fueled Myth or Cold Hard Reality?
Inbreeding was a much-discussed practice for the Targaryens, leading to a belief that madness runs in their bloodlines. The Targaryen curse, as some might call it, is a contentious topic. Some fans believe that it is a product of generations of inbreeding, which finally led to characters exhibiting the gene’s adverse effects. However, this is not entirely clear, and the truth is that other factors contributed to the Targaryen downfall as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mad King was Aerys II Targaryen – one of the most infamous Targaryen rulers in Westeros’s history. Aerys is most remembered for his erratic behavior, ruthless statecraft, and paranoid disposition. His behavior and the resulting consequences led to the Targaryen dynasty’s downfall. The Targaryen line may have been cursed, or it may have been a case of a particular ruler’s madness and personality traits clashing with his power and authority. Whatever the reason, Aerys’ reign, legendary or infamous, will never be forgotten in the annals of Westeros’s history.