Which King Had the Greatest Kingsguard?

Discussing which king had the greatest Kingsguard is a fascinating topic, especially in the context of the events in Game of Thrones. While the information on the historical and cultural background of the kingsguards is limited, we can compare the effectiveness and loyalty of the guards under various Targaryen kings through their actions and the crises they faced.

King Aerys Targaryen's Kingsguard

On the surface, King Aerys Targaryen might seem to have one of the most formidable kingsguards. With members like Jamie Lannister, Ser Barristan Selmy, and Ser Arthur Dayne (though the latter's inclusion is sometimes debated), his guard was undoubtedly valued for its bravery and loyalty. However, it's worth noting Jamie's personal dislike of his guard duty and Ser Barristan's eventual defection.

Aerys’ guard, particularly those who supported Jaime, showed unwavering loyalty. This is evident in how they would not recognize anyone's authority except the king's, as exemplified by Ser Harold Westerling's declaration. But Aerys' drawers also presented a thread of inconsistency, as evidenced by the squabble between him and his guards in other scenes.

King Viserys Targaryen's Kingsguard

In contrast, King Viserys Targaryen's Khills (kingsguards) faced a much more turbulent environment. The Coronation Scene in House of the Dragon (HoD) presents a critical point where the guards' effectiveness was put to the test. Rhaenyra’s departure from the camp amid a pregnant Alicent's announcement of a new heir led to a series of questionable decisions by Ser Criston Cole, her appointed guards.

When Rhaenyra declares her intent to find her husband, Ser Criston Cole and his companions show a worrying level of incompetence. Instead of carrying out their duty to protect the princess, they remain at the camp, indulging in festivities, and taking an excessive amount of time to return her. This delay and the guards' distraction demonstrated their inability to handle emergency situations effectively.

Criston Cole's Failures

From a personal standpoint, Ser Criston Cole stands out as one of the weakest and most incompetent members of the kingsguard. His character is almost a caricature of overzealous and over-intimidated behavior. Some of his notable failures include:

His role in the hunting incident where Velaryon's companion was unjustly killed. Despite knowing about the scandal, Cole makes no attempt to speak against it or even capture the guilty party.

His impulsive actions that led to Joffrey’s escape, despite having the chance to capture or kill him. Cole's negligence and lack of responsibility are starkly evident here.

His attempted suicide after fulfilling his duty to the king, which is a clear failure of leadership. Cole’s actions are so conciliatory that they seem more aligned with a dereliction of duty rather than following the samurai code.

His violent and unfounded actions, such as killing a councilor for doing his job. This demonstrates a failure of discipline and respect for authority.

Additionally, Cole’s character shows a lack of strategic thinking. His involvement in interrupting the coronation with no clear benefit to the Targaryen house further highlights his poor judgment.

Comparative Analysis

While both Aerys and Viserys had their issues, Aerys’ guard seemed composed of more stable and experienced members, while Viserys' guard was marked by a lack of reliability and effective leadership. However, it's important to note that Aerys himself was a deeply flawed ruler, which affected the functioning of his entire court, not just his guards.

From a strategic viewpoint, King Aerys' guard, especially under the guidance of Ser Barristan Selmy, demonstrated a level of tactical awareness and military prowess. They were respected and feared, but their loyalty was undeniably to the king's whims, which at times could lead to dangerous consequences.

King Viserys’ guard, while not as fearsome, exhibited a level of chaos and incompetence that could be catastrophic in a political atmosphere fraught with factions and fortune. Yet, it’s worth questioning whether an ideal kingsguard should simply follow orders unconditionally or act in the best interest of the kingdom.

The issue of incompetence in Viserys’ guard also brings to light the broader question of whether it’s better to have a loyal but potentially ineffective force or a capable but less faithful one. The answer likely depends on the circumstances and the leadership style of the king.

In conclusion, while Aerys’ guard may possess a more prestigious name, Viserys’ Khills present a more compelling case for their relevance to the Targaryen house's fate during a time of chaos and division. The effectiveness of a kingsguard can be measured not just by individual prowess but by their leadership and strategic actions in the face of adversity.