King Aerys II Targaryen
Early Life and Ascension
Aerys II Targaryen, often referred to as the "Mad King," was the last ruler of the Targaryen dynasty to sit on the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms in Westeros. Born in 244 AC, Aerys was the son of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen and Queen Shaera Targaryen. His early life was marked by the typical upbringing of a Targaryen prince, receiving education in governance, history, and the martial skills expected of a future king.
Aerys ascended to the throne in 262 AC following the death of his father. His early reign was characterized by promise and potential, as he was initially perceived as a charismatic and ambitious ruler. Aerys sought to restore the Targaryen dynasty's glory, and his court was filled with capable advisors, including Tywin Lannister, who served as his Hand of the King.
Reign and Descent into Madness
Aerys II's reign began with a series of ambitious projects aimed at strengthening the realm. However, as the years progressed, his behavior became increasingly erratic and paranoid. The Defiance of Duskendale in 277 AC marked a significant turning point in his mental state. During this event, Aerys was held captive by Lord Denys Darklyn, and the trauma of the experience exacerbated his paranoia and cruelty.
His paranoia led to a series of purges within his court, as he began to see enemies everywhere. Aerys's actions became more unpredictable, and he developed a fascination with wildfire, a volatile and destructive substance. His obsession with wildfire culminated in plans to burn King's Landing to the ground should his enemies breach the city walls.
Relationships and Family
Aerys was married to his sister, Queen Rhaella Targaryen, as was customary among Targaryens to preserve their bloodline. Their marriage was fraught with tension, largely due to Aerys's increasingly unstable behavior. The couple had three children: Rhaegar Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen, and Daenerys Targaryen.
Rhaegar, the eldest son, was a popular and charismatic figure, often seen as the hope for the future of the Targaryen dynasty. However, his actions, particularly his involvement with Lyanna Stark, played a crucial role in the events leading to the Robert's Rebellion.
The Fall of the Targaryen Dynasty
Aerys's reign came to a dramatic end with the outbreak of Robert's Rebellion in 282 AC. The rebellion was sparked by the alleged abduction of Lyanna Stark by Prince Rhaegar and the subsequent execution of Lyanna's father and brother by Aerys. The rebellion saw several major battles, including the Battle of the Trident, where Rhaegar was killed by Robert Baratheon.
As Robert's forces closed in on King's Landing, Aerys's paranoia reached its peak. He ordered the city to be set ablaze with wildfire, a plan thwarted by his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, who killed Aerys to prevent the destruction of the city. This act earned Jaime the moniker "Kingslayer."
Legacy
Aerys II Targaryen's reign is often remembered for its descent into madness and the catastrophic end of the Targaryen dynasty's rule over Westeros. His actions and the resulting rebellion led to the rise of House Baratheon and the establishment of Robert Baratheon as king. The legacy of Aerys's madness and the fall of his house continued to influence the political landscape of Westeros long after his death.