How and When Jamie Lannister Killed the Mad King Aerys

The story of Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King, is one that has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The Lannister's, specifically Jaime, played a critical role in the end of Roberts's Rebellion. This article delves into the sequence of events that led to the downfall of the Mad King, exploring the political, emotional, and moral complexities that unfolded.

The Fall of the Mad King

During the climax of Roberts's Rebellion, King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, was on the run, clinging to power. As the forces led by House Lannister, including Jaime, who acted as the Kingsguard, approached the gates of King's Landing, the situation appeared dire. The kingdom was on the brink of collapse, and the city teetered on the edge of being consumed by wildfire, a terrifying weapon of mass destruction.

Jamie's Dilemma

Jamie Lannister, serving as a dedicated Kingsguard, was in a precarious position. His oathsworn duty was to protect the king, but Jaime's true loyalty lay with the Lannister forces. When the Lannister army reached the gates of King's Landing, nearly everyone advised the king to surrender. However, Jaime stood his ground and pleaded with the king to do the same. He was motivated by a combination of duty and his desire to protect the innocent citizens of the city.

Despite the valuable advice, Aerys insisted on another course of action. He ordered Jaime to kill his own father, Tywin Lannister, and bring back his head. This request was beyond Jaime's moral boundaries. As a son, he could not fulfill this order. Moreover, Jaime was well-aware of the king's plans to use wildfire throughout the city, including beneath the Red Keep, where Aerys lived. He believed the king's obsession with burning the city was a means to achieve an afterlife, rather than actual freedom or victory.

The Final Confrontation

Jaime's decision to end the Mad King's reign was a defining moment. He acted swiftly and decisively, stabbing Aerys in the back as he tried to ignite the fires of the city. In a chaotic moment, the pyromancer Aerys had appointed and the king himself seemed intent on burning the city to the ground. Jaime, with a combination of instinct and training, took charge of the situation. His actions were crucial in preventing an even greater disaster.

Following the king's fall, Jaime ensured that no one could use the wildfire for further destruction. He personally dealt a mortal wound to the pyromancer and surrounding fire starters. This move not only secured the city but also kept the population safe from the uncontrolled use of wildfire.

The Aftermath

The death of Aerys II Targaryen was the pivotal event that brought an end to Roberts's Rebellion. However, the city was far from secure. Amory Lorch, a High Septon, convinced Aerys to open the gates to the Lannister forces, knowing it was a lie. This betrayal led to the sacking of King's Landing, a brutal and destructive event that saw the Martel family massacred, including the children. Elia Martel, Jaime's former lover, was raped and killed, while her husband and children were executed. Meanwhile, the king's pregnant wife and young son managed to escape through a secret passage, finding refuge at Dragonstone.

Jaime's actions were controversial, yet they played a crucial role in saving the city from destruction. His ability to make difficult choices and take decisive action, even in the face of moral ambiguity, highlights the complexities of power and loyalty in a tumultuous era.