Aerys II Targaryen, universally known as the Mad King, earned his chilling moniker primarily due to his escalating cruelty and profound paranoia. These two defining traits characterized the later years of his reign, leading to irrational decisions, horrific acts, and ultimately, the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.
The Descent into Madness
Initially, Aerys II showed promise as a monarch, but his mental state gradually deteriorated. This decline was marked by increasingly erratic behavior, a growing distrust of those around him, and an obsession with fire, particularly wildfire. His madness transformed him from a king into a tyrannical figure, feared by his subjects and even his own family.
Key Manifestations of His Madness
The Mad King's reign was a period of terror, driven by his deeply disturbed mind.
Unbridled Cruelty
Aerys's cruelty became legendary and horrifying. He often resorted to extreme violence, taking pleasure in the suffering of others. His preferred method of execution was burning his victims alive, believing fire would purify them or reveal their hidden plots against him.
- Burning of Rickard Stark: He orchestrated the horrific execution of Lord Rickard Stark, burning him alive in his armor.
- Strangling of Brandon Stark: Rickard's son, Brandon Stark, was forced to watch his father's agonizing death, strangling himself with a device as he desperately tried to reach a sword just out of his grasp.
- Obsession with Wildfire: Aerys developed an alarming fascination with wildfire, plotting to burn King's Landing to the ground rather than surrender it to Robert Baratheon's forces. He had caches of wildfire placed throughout the city, intending to incinerate thousands.
Profound Paranoia
His paranoia grew to an extreme degree, leading him to believe that everyone, including his closest advisors and even his own son, Prince Rhaegar, was conspiring against him. This deep-seated distrust isolated him and fueled his cruel impulses.
- Distrust of the Hand of the King: He frequently changed his Hand, suspecting disloyalty from loyal servants like Tywin Lannister.
- Fear of Assassination: Aerys feared poison and daggers, leading him to eat sparingly and neglect his appearance.
- Irrational Accusations: He would accuse innocent people of treason based on fleeting suspicions or perceived slights.
Examples of His Madness
The following table summarizes some of the most infamous examples of the Mad King's behavior rooted in his cruelty and paranoia:
| Trait | Example Manifestation |
|---|---|
| Cruelty | - Ordering the gruesome public executions and torture of perceived enemies. - The incineration of Lord Rickard Stark and the strangulation of Brandon Stark. |
| Paranoia | - Suspecting his own son, Rhaegar, of plotting to overthrow him. - Fear of poisoning, leading to self-neglect and refusal to bathe. - Secretly stockpiling vast quantities of wildfire under King's Landing. |
Consequences of His Reign
The Mad King's escalating madness was a primary catalyst for Robert's Rebellion, a war that ultimately led to his demise at the hands of Jaime Lannister and the end of the Targaryen dynasty's nearly 300-year rule over Westeros. His actions cemented his legacy as one of the most infamous and feared monarchs in Westerosi history.
