Notes on the Rise and Fall of Aerys II Targaryen

Introduction

• Timeframe: Year 262 AC, 35 years before "Game of Thrones."
• Aerys II Targaryen ascends to the Iron Throne.

Early Reign

• Initial prosperity in the Seven Kingdoms.
• Aerys replaces much of the old administration.
• Befriends Ser Tywin Lannister, heir of Casterly Rock.
  • Impressed by Tywin's administrative skills.
  • Appoints Tywin as Hand of the King.
• Aerys’s ambitions vs. Tywin’s effective governance.

Growing Tensions

• Aerys becomes jealous of Tywin’s success.
• King's mental health declines due to personal tragedies:
  • Multiple miscarriages and stillborns of Rhaella.
  • Captured during the Duskendale mutiny.
• Aerys's paranoia increases, leading to a rift with Tywin.

Jaime Lannister's Appointment

• In 281 AC, Aerys appoints Jaime Lannister to the Kingsguard.
  • Aerys’s move strips Tywin of his heir.
  • Tywin resigns and returns to Casterly Rock.

Harrenhal Tournament

• Celebration marking the arrival of spring.
• Prince Rhaegar Targaryen wins the tournament.
  • Crown of blue roses awarded to Lyanna Stark instead of his wife, Elia.
• Rhaegar and Lyanna's subsequent disappearance leads to conflict.

Stark Revenge

• Brandon Stark seeks to confront Rhaegar after Lyanna's abduction.
• Aerys arrests Brandon and his men, demanding execution.
  • Rickard Stark demands trial by combat.
  • Aerys chooses fire as the champion; both Stark men die.

Escalation of Conflict

• Aerys orders the deaths of Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark.
• Jon Arryn refuses and raises rebellion.
• Different houses take sides:
  • North, Vale, Stormlands, and some Riverlands support Jon Arryn.
  • Tywin remains neutral.

Battle Preparations

• Ned Stark and Robert Baratheon gather forces.
• Jon Arryn retakes Gulltown and deals with traitors.
• Tension rises as Robert faces loyalty issues in Stormlands.

Early Battles

• Robert’s troops ambushed by Randyll Tarly, but he retreats.
• Tension in Storm's End escalates; Tyrells besiege Robert's forces.

Major Turning Point: Battle of the Trident

• Rebel forces engage Rhaegar's army; Robert challenges Rhaegar.
• Rhaegar killed by Robert, turning the tide for the rebels.

Final Assault on King’s Landing

• Tywin Lannister joins the rebels, captures King's Landing.
• Aerys orders city destruction using wildfire.
• Jaime Lannister kills Aerys to prevent catastrophe.

Aftermath

• Tywin orders the assassination of Elia Martel and her children.
• Robert crowned king; Ned Stark returns to his family.
• Lyanna Stark dies in childbirth; reveals secrets about Rhaegar.

Conclusion

• The fall of House Targaryen marks a major shift in power dynamics in Westeros.
• Events set the stage for future conflicts in "Game of Thrones."