Literature
The Paranoia and Madness of Aerys Targaryen: Aerys Orders to Jaime and Rossart
The Paranoia and Madness of Aerys Targaryen: Aerys' Orders to Jaime and Rossart
In the complex and often twisted world of Westeros, Aerys II Targaryen stands out as a figure of quintessential paranoia and madness. His decision to order Jaime Lannister to kill his father Tywin while simultaneously instructing Pycelle’s assistant Rossart to blow up Kings Landing with wildfire is a pivotal moment that reflects the deepest aspects of his character. Let’s delve into the reasoning behind Aerys’ orders, examining the elements of paranoia, desire for control, madness, and theatricality that drive his actions.
Paranoia and Distrust
Aerys Targaryen was a man deeply paranoid, especially regarding his advisor and former ally, Tywin Lannister. Tywin’s growing power and influence had become a direct challenge to Aerys’ rule. Consequently, Aerys saw Tywin as a significant threat, and his order for Jaime to kill Tywin was a manifestation of this deep-seated distrust. The paranoia extended to Aerys’ own immediate family, with the knowledge that Jaime would become a kinslayer, adding an extra layer of psychological manipulation and cruelty.
Desire for Control and Visualization of Power
Aerys’ orders were also a desperate attempt to assert control and demonstrate his supremacy over Tywin, his perceived rival. By ordering Jaime to kill Tywin, Aerys was exhibiting the same manipulative behavior he exhibited in other areas of his reign. He wanted to eliminate what he viewed as a significant threat to his rule, even if the plan was inherently redundant. The combination of accelerating Jaime’s involvement in the plot to eliminate Tywin and the wildfire underscores Aerys’ insatiable desire to hold the puppet strings of power until the very end.
Madness and Impulsivity
Aerys’ mental state had deteriorated significantly, and his decision-making processes often lacked logic or foresight. The idea of blowing up Kings Landing with wildfire was a prime example of his madness. Aerys desired a theatrical and chaotic final act, a grand performance of destruction and death. His impulsivity and haphazard approach to governance led him to take drastic actions without fully considering the broader consequences. The explosion, whether intentional or not, meant that everyone in the vicinity, including himself and key characters like Tywin and Jaime, would die. However, Aerys might have viewed this as a price worth paying for ultimate domination and catharsis.
Theatricality
The theatricality of Aerys’ orders was another crucial aspect. Aerys enjoyed the dramatic flair of his actions and might have seen the simultaneous orders as a way to create a grand, chaotic final act in his reign. The thought of orchestrating the deaths of his enemies in a spectacular fashion could have appealed to his twisted sense of drama. Aerys might have relished the idea of a final, desperate performance that would leave a lasting impression on his subjects and history.
Failing to Consider Outcomes
Perhaps most significantly, Aerys may not have fully considered the implications of his orders. While he was aware of the inevitability of his own death and the fates of Tywin and Jaime, his primary focus was on his immediate feelings of anger and betrayal. He likely believed that the only way to eliminate his enemies was through such a grand and chaotic action. Aerys’ failure to consider the broader consequences of his actions demonstrates his lack of foresight and a profound lack of strategic thinking.
In summary, Aerys II Targaryen’s orders to Jaime Lannister and Rossart reflect a complex combination of paranoia, desire for control, madness, and theatricality. Rather than a logical military strategy, these orders were driven by his deep-seated distrust, the theatrical need for dominance, and the impulsive desire for a grand final act. His actions, while ultimately tragic and redundant, highlight the darker aspects of power and the human psyche.
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