⚔️

Events Leading to Game of Thrones

Aug 22, 2024

Notes on the Events Leading to the Game of Thrones

Historical Context

  • Year: 262 After Aegon's Conquest (AC)
  • Timeframe: 35 years before Game of Thrones
  • Key Figure: Aerys II Targaryen (the Mad King)

Aerys Targaryen's Reign

  • Initial Years of Reign

    • Prosperous Seven Kingdoms
    • Replaced old administration with fresh faces
    • Befriended Ser Tywin Lannister, heir of Casterly Rock
    • Appointed Tywin as Hand of the King
  • Aerys’ Ambitions

    • Aimed to be the greatest ruler
    • Boasted grand projects (e.g., new wall in the North, marble city)
    • Relied on Tywin’s administration to maintain prosperity

Decline of Aerys and Rise of Paranoia

  • Jealousy and Madness

    • Aerys grew jealous of Tywin’s success
    • Declining mental health due to personal tragedies (multiple miscarriages, Duskendale mutiny)
    • Resulted in paranoia and attempts to thwart Tywin
  • Tywin's Loyalty

    • Despite Aerys’ behavior, Tywin remained loyal

Key Events Leading to Rebellion

  • Appointment of Jaime Lannister

    • Aerys appointed Tywin’s son, Jaime, to Kingsguard (youngest ever)
    • Aerys’ move stripped Tywin of his heir, creating tension
  • Tournament at Harrenhal

    • Rhaegar Targaryen crowned Lyanna Stark as queen of love and beauty
    • Rhaegar's actions perceived as scandalous (married to Elia of Dorne, betrothed to Robert Baratheon)
    • Rhaegar and Lyanna's subsequent disappearance ignited Stark's wrath

Stark Response

  • Brandon Stark's Revenge

    • Brandon rode to King's Landing, demanding justice for Lyanna
    • Arrested by Aerys, leading to the execution of Lord Rickard Stark and Brandon's suicide
  • Escalation of Conflict

    • Aerys demanded the heads of Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark
    • Jon Arryn raised banners for rebellion

The War of the Usurper

  • Formation of Rebel Forces

    • Stark, Baratheon, and Vale forces gathered against Aerys
    • Jon Arryn retook Gulltown; Robert defeated loyalists in the Stormlands
  • Major Battles

    • Tarly's ambush on Robert's forces near Ashford; Robert regrouped and retreated
    • Battle at Stoney Sept, where Robert faced Connington, marking the first victory for rebels

Aerys’ Desperation

  • Response to Losses
    • Ordered wildfire caches in King's Landing to destroy city if defeated
    • Rhaegar assembled a larger army to confront the rebels

Battle of the Trident

  • Decisive Engagement
    • Rhaegar and Robert faced off; Robert killed Rhaegar with a warhammer
    • Death of Rhaegar caused royal forces to rout, paving way for the rebels to march on King's Landing

Fall of the Targaryens

  • Tywin's Betrayal

    • Joined rebellion, tricked Aerys into opening gates of King's Landing
    • Massacre of Elia Martel and her children orchestrated by Tywin
  • Aerys’ Final Moments

    • Attempted to ignite wildfire; killed by Jaime Lannister to prevent disaster

Conclusion of the War

  • Aftermath
    • Robert crowned king; Ned Stark rescues Lyanna Stark, leading to significant political shift
    • End of Targaryen rule after nearly 300 years, setting the stage for Game of Thrones
    • Rhaegar and Lyanna's relationship catalyzed the conflict, highlighting the consequences of ambition and betrayal.