Aerys II Targaryen: The Mad King's Reign Explained
Did the Iron Throne truly drive Aerys II Targaryen to madness, or were the seeds of his descent sown long before he ascended to the throne? King Aerys II, known as the "Mad King," stands as a pivotal and tragic figure in the history of Westeros, his reign marked by both initial promise and a devastating descent into paranoia and cruelty.
Aerys II Targaryen, also referred to as the Mad King and King Scab, occupies a complex and troubling place in the annals of Westeros. The seventeenth and final Targaryen monarch to occupy the Iron Throne, his rule from 262 AC to 283 AC represented the twilight of a dynasty. His reign, beginning with potential, ultimately culminated in widespread destruction and his own demise at the hands of a member of his Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister. He inherited the throne from his father, Jaehaerys II, whose reign was tragically brief. This quick succession meant that Aerys II came to power at a relatively young age, inheriting a kingdom that had, in many ways, been shaped by the actions of his predecessors.
Aerys II's reign was a period of significant change, as he sought to shake up the established order. The court at King's Landing, under his father and grandfather, had become, in his view, "stuffy" and dominated by older men. Aerys sought to inject new blood into the political system, replacing established figures with younger, more ambitious individuals. This shift, intended to revitalize the realm, also brought forth a sense of instability as old allegiances were fractured and new ones forged. The initial years of his reign were marked by a degree of competence, reflecting the potential he held. However, the seeds of his eventual madness were already being sown.
| Bio Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aerys II Targaryen |
| Titles | King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm |
| Also Known As | The Mad King, King Scab |
| Born | 242 AC |
| Died | 283 AC (King's Landing) |
| Parents | Jaehaerys II Targaryen and Queen Rhaella Targaryen |
| Spouse | Rhaella Targaryen |
| Children | Rhaegar Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen and Jaehaerys Targaryen |
| Reign | 262 AC - 283 AC |
| Predecessor | Jaehaerys II Targaryen |
| Successor | None |
| Cause of Death | Assassinated by Ser Jaime Lannister |
| Notable Traits | Paranoia, Cruelty, Tyranny, Obsession with fire |
| Related to | House Targaryen, Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen |
| Historical Context | Robert's Rebellion, War of the Ninepenny Kings |
| Reference | A Wiki of Ice and Fire |
His lineage was firmly rooted in Targaryen tradition, inheriting the Iron Throne through his father, Jaehaerys II. The Targaryens, known for their silver hair and violet eyes, had ruled Westeros for centuries, having conquered the continent through the use of dragons. Aeryss reign, however, marked a shift from the more stable periods under his predecessors. His father, Jaehaerys II, had a relatively short reign, passing away only three years after taking the throne, which pushed Aerys into the role of King at a young age. The speed with which he had to assume the responsibilities of leadership can be seen as one of the factors contributing to his instability.
The Mad King's parents were King Jaehaerys II and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, adhering to the Targaryen custom of marriage within the family to maintain the purity of their bloodline. Rhaella, Aerys's wife and sister, became a significant figure in his life. The relationship was complex, marked by periods of affection and ultimately shadowed by the kings increasing mental decline. Their union produced several children, including Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys, all of whom would play pivotal roles in the events that followed Aeryss death.
The tradition of Targaryen incest, which aimed to preserve their bloodline and the potential to ride dragons, was upheld through Aerys's marriage to his sister, Rhaella. This practice, while common within the family, may also have played a role in their fragile mental states, contributing to the tendency towards erratic behavior. The practice would ultimately lead to tragedy, with the death of Rhaella during childbirth and the loss of her unborn child. This event was another blow to Aerys's psyche, furthering the descent into madness.
Early in his reign, Aerys II's actions offered a flicker of hope. He replaced the old guard at court with younger, more ambitious figures. This shift in leadership initially fostered an environment of change. However, even in these early days, a certain capriciousness began to emerge. His behavior, though initially charming, progressively soured, marked by mood swings, suspicion, and a growing detachment from the realities of his kingdom. His paranoia gradually took root, fueled by rumors and whispered conspiracies.
His reign, however, was not without its initial promise. Aerys brought sweeping changes, replacing many in his court with younger faces, intending to breathe new life into the governance of the Seven Kingdoms. The early years of his rule were relatively stable, but the seeds of his eventual madness were already being sown. This included periods of drought and war, which tested his ability to rule. These external pressures and internal anxieties would further contribute to his mental deterioration. It's noted that travel became less safe during Aerys's reign, indicating a breakdown in law and order, a clear indicator of the instability within his leadership.
Throughout his reign, the Mad King faced challenges both within and outside his borders. The War of the Ninepenny Kings, in which he participated as a younger man, was an early test of his mettle. This experience, though seemingly a formative event, may also have contributed to the development of his paranoid tendencies. The political climate was becoming increasingly turbulent, with numerous plots and conspiracies swirling within the court.
The tragedy of Summerhall, a devastating fire that claimed the life of King Aegon V and the lives of many others, including the son of Aerys, Prince Rhaegar, had a profound impact on Aerys. While it occurred before he became king, it served as a precursor to the calamities that would define his own rule. The loss of Rhaegars birth also brought about the emergence of the madness in Aerys, causing him to become more erratic, cruel and paranoid. This event was a turning point, and many believe that it was from here that Aerys II truly began to lose his grip on reality.
The most tragic event of his reign, the tragic events surrounding Robert's Rebellion, came to define the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty. Aerys's paranoia reached a fever pitch, resulting in the imprisonment and execution of key nobles. The escalating tensions would ignite the rebellion, led by Robert Baratheon, resulting in the deaths of key figures, including Rhaegar Targaryen, Aerys's heir. The rebellion served as a direct response to Aeryss increasing cruelty and the fear he inspired within the realm. The executions of the Stark and Arryn family members was the beginning of the end. The actions committed by Aerys during his reign were the catalyst for the events.
The paranoia and cruelty eventually led to his death at the hands of Ser Jaime Lannister, a member of his own Kingsguard. During Robert's Rebellion, as the rebels closed in on King's Landing, Aerys ordered the use of Wildfire, a highly volatile substance, to burn down the entire city, including its inhabitants. Jaime, defying the kings orders, killed Aerys, preventing the catastrophic act. This act of defiance marked the end of the Targaryen dynasty on the Iron Throne.
Daenerys Targaryen, Aerys's daughter, would later emerge as a key figure in the events. As a child, she was exiled from the Seven Kingdoms, plotting to regain control of the Iron Throne. Her journey and destiny would be shaped by the legacy of her father. Daenerys's character arc is deeply intertwined with the narrative surrounding the Mad King, who served as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked power and the dangers of paranoia.
Aerys's son, Rhaegar Targaryen, was a figure of immense significance, as the eldest son and heir to Aerys II. He was known for his charm and intelligence, and was married to Elia Martell, with whom he had two children. However, Rhaegar also became entangled in a complex web of alliances and relationships, including his affection for Lyanna Stark. This would be a critical part of the events that would lead to his death and trigger Robert's Rebellion. The secret marriage with Lyanna produced Jon Snow, a pivotal character in the series.
The legacy of Aerys II remains a subject of debate. He is remembered as one of the worst kings to ever rule Westeros, largely due to his descent into madness, his cruelty, and the devastating consequences of his actions. The "Mad King" wanted to burn them all, demonstrating the extremity of his paranoia and the devastating effects of his reign. The Mad Kings actions led to the destruction of his legacy. The legacy of the Mad King continues to influence the narratives of those who followed him.
