The Targaryen Legacy of Madness: A Closer Look at Aerys II and Daenerys Targaryen in 'Game of Thrones
The Targaryen family in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and its TV adaptation "Game of Thrones" is known for its tendency towards madness. King Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the "Mad King," is a prominent figure in this narrative. The Targaryens have a history of incestuous relationships, which may have contributed to Aerys' descent into madness. Aerys' marriage to his sister Rhaella and his father's marriage to his sister Shaera highlight the genetic issues within the family.
Aerys initially had a stable reign after becoming king, but his obsession with Tywin Lannister's wife Joanna strained his relationship with Tywin. Aerys' descent into madness was marked by imprisoning his wife Rhaella and facing an uprising known as the Defiance of Duskendale. His plan to destroy King's Landing with wildfire led to his demise at the hands of Jaime Lannister, earning Jaime the title of "Kingslayer" and paving the way for Robert Baratheon to take the throne.
In "Game of Thrones," Aerys II Targaryen is only seen in flashbacks, while his daughter Daenerys Targaryen becomes a central character. Daenerys initially uses her dragons to fight against evil but shows signs of following her father's path as she becomes more ruthless in her quest for the Iron Throne. In the final season, Daenerys's descent into madness culminates in her decision to destroy King's Landing, leading to her death at the hands of Jon Snow.
The Targaryen family's legacy of madness is a recurring theme in both the books and the TV series, with Aerys II Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen embodying the darker side of their lineage. The coin toss of fate for Targaryens seems to land on the "mad" side more often than not, shaping the destiny of the family and the realm.