Why Maegor the Cruel Stands Head and Shoulders Above Aerys the Mad in Popularity

As the narrative of Game of Thrones progresses, characters are usually remembered based on their actions and impact, particularly when they align with the audience's preconceived notions about cruelty and sanity. However, two particularly notorious and infamous kings—Maegor the Cruel and Aerys the Mad—often leave a deep and lasting impression. Yet, Maegor tends to be more reviled than his posterity, Aerys. The question then arises: why?

The Innocence of Aerys

Why did people hate Maegor the Cruel more than Aerys the Mad? This quandary is worth exploration given the stark difference in how their legacies are perceived by the audience.

The Absence of Historical Memory

The first key factor lies in the absence of historical memory for the reign of Maegor the Cruel. By the time the main events of the series take place, few living individuals can recall the atrocities and oppressive reign of Maegor. His era is a tale of the past, belied only by fables and gut-wrenching historical records that hold little sway over the younger generations or the noble houses around the Iron Throne. On the contrary, Aerys the Mad, known as Aerys II or Aerys the Imp by the end of the series, lived long enough to etch his reign of terror into the collective memory, particularly the memories of those nobles who bore the brunt of his reign.

The Commonality of Oppression

The nature of oppression during Maegor’s reign was markedly different from that of Aerys. Maegor’s most significant adversary was the religio-legalistic organization known as the Faith Militant, a militia predominantly composed of commoners and citizens who opposed him. These forces played a key role in the relentless suppression and persecution of Maegor, leaving a trail of fear and resentment. On the other hand, Aerys the Mad targeted the nobility directly, ensuring that his hatred and tyranny were felt deeply within the ranks of the royal guard and those who claimed land or titles under his rule. Aerys’ victimization of the nobility is a core element of his narrative, and one that is potentially more relatable and palpable to the main characters in the series, such as those who reside in the capital city of King’s Landing or rule vast domains throughout Westeros.

Memory and Narrative Impact

Memory plays a crucial role in the way characters and events are remembered in Game of Thrones. Aerys the Mad was not just an erratic ruler; he was a king who instilled fear and anguish into the lives of the nobility, resulting in his vivid portrayal in the narrative. This aspect is often highlighted through vivid and tragic tales, such as Ned Stark’s coronation feast, which is marred by the insanity and megalomania of Aerys, making the audience more empathetic to the nobles who suffered under his reign.

Through the sheer brutality and psychological scarring, Aerys becomes synonymous with the hoped-for downfall of royal authority. His gruesome methods, such as the horrific fate of Lord Unwin Peake and the disturbing events leading to the death of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, leave an indelible mark on the narrative. These elements not only paint a grim picture but also serve as a stark contrast to the more tumultuous yet ultimately redeemable reign of Maegor, who, despite his cruelty, remains somewhat of an overlooked villain in the grand tapestry of Westerosi history.

Conclusion: An Enigma and a Legend

In conclusion, while both Maegor the Cruel and Aerys the Mad were tyrants, it is their shared governance styles, the nature of their oppression, and the lasting impact of their rule that make Maegor a more hated figure. The absence of a living memory for Maegor’s time, coupled with the direct targeting of the nobility by Aerys, paints a more relatable and terrifying portrait, thus ensuring that Aerys remains a more historically relevant and memorable villain in the rich and complex world of Game of Thrones.