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.