Barristan Selmy's Dilemma: A Precarious Loyalty in Westeros

Under the oath to serve her, Ser Barristan loyally upholds his duties even in the face of Daenerys Targaryen's escalating madness, drawing parallels to the tyranny of her ancestor, the Mad King Aerys II. This essay delves into the complexities of Barristan's journey, highlighting the ethical and moral dilemmas he faces.

The Code of the Kingsguard: A Loyal Heart

Ser Barristan Selmy, a legendary knight and former member of the Kingsguard, swears an unyielding oath to the crown, regardless of the monarch's state of mind. Despite Daenerys's increasingly errant behavior, as akin to the madness exhibited by Aerys II, Barristan remains committed to his duty, much as he did during the reign of his mentor, King Aerys.

The Shadow of the Mad King

The defining moment of Barristan's career came when he attempted to rescue King Aerys II during the Defiance of Duskendale. Belying his valiant efforts, this heroic deed was overshadowed by Aerys's subsequent actions—ordering the execution of the entire Darklyn family, including children. This resolute adherence to his king's demands left Barristan with an unshakeable sense of guilt and responsibility. These emotions deepened with the reign of subsequent kings, such as Robert Baratheon, where he was forced to watch Aerys's tyranny unfold and endure the horrors of a king's recklessness.

Robert Baratheon and Beyond: A Complicated Loyalty

In his service to Robert Baratheon, Barristan grappled with the ethical implications of standing by a king known to engage in obscene acts and horrifying violence. Despite these moral ambiguities, Barristan once again prioritized his vows and loyalties, culminating in his stripping by King Joffrey. This incident not only marked a personal betrayal but also reignited questions about the nature of his own virtues and the validity of his past decisions.

Searching for Worthy Monarchs: From Joffrey to Aegon

Aegon Targaryen, raised as a hybrid of royal and noble blood, represents Barristan's final hope for a worthy monarch. His character embodies the values of justice, honor, and integrity, qualities that Barristan seeks in a leader who can restore the true greatness of the Targaryen dynasty. However, Barristan must ultimately decide whether he can uphold his unwavering loyalty to the monarchy or whether he must break his vows to restore the realm under a new banner.

The Verdict: Loyalty or Integrity?

Barristan's ongoing dilemma scrutinizes the weight of honor and duty as they clash with his innermost desires for a just and righteous rule. Whether Daenerys Targaryen will succumb to madness, or if she will reign as a just and fair queen, Barristan must choose whether to remain true to his vows or to act in his own conscience and the greater good of the realm.

Keywords: Barristan Selmy, Targaryen Madness, Kingsguard Vow, Daenerys Targaryen, Aerys II