Strategic Failures of Cersei and Qyburn in Holding the Iron Throne

In the intricate world of Game of Thrones, Cersei Lannister and her advisor Qyburn have been pivotal in their quest to secure the Iron Throne. However, a closer examination reveals several strategic shortcomings that might have altered the course of events. This article delves into what could have been done differently to strengthen their positions.

Trapping Daenerys vs. Letting Her Go

One of the most critical strategic mistakes made by Cersei and Qyburn was their decision not to trap Daenerys Targaryen and her crew. With Daenerys, her architect Tyrion Lannister, the Dragon Drogon, and a meager group of Unsullied soldiers right in front of them, they had a golden opportunity to strike. Instead, they allowed Daenerys and her crew to leave unharmed. This decision can be attributed to a lack of foresight and the misguided belief that frontal confrontation was not advantageous.

History of Strategic Flaws

The regrettable outcome of this decision echoes previous missteps, such as Cersei orchestrating the Sept of Baelor's explosion to avoid a trial by combat, and Euron Greyjoy sparing the life of Drogon despite a chance to shoot him down. Cersei and Qyburn clearly underestimated their rivals and overestimated their own capabilities.

Golden Company and City Defense

An even greater blunder was the positioning of the Golden Company outside the city walls. Opting to keep them in the city would have provided a stronger, albeit more crowded, defense. Instead, Cersei's inaction on this front left the city vulnerable when Daenerys arrived. Additionally, Cersei showed no sign of trying to escape when the city was under attack, which is contrary to her character's resilience.

Escape and Caution

Had Cersei realized the imminent danger, she might have authorized Qyburn to set the wildfire under the Red Keep. This would have provided her with an opportunity to die on her own terms, ensuring that nobody would execute her. This shows how Cersei's steadfastness can sometimes work against her when she stubbornly clings to control, even in dire situations.

Better Strategic Choices for Cersei

Had Cersei chosen a more subtle and strategic approach to ruling, she might have fared better. Here are several alternative strategies that she could have employed:

Raising Joffrey Properly

One of the flaws in Cersei's rule was her failure to nurture Joffrey into a competent king. Instead, she groomed him to be a bitter, jaded ruler. If Joffrey had been raised properly, with a strong understanding of politics and the legacy of the Lannisters, he might have been a more effective king. This would have provided Cersei with a solid foundation for her rule, even if Joffrey's portrayal in the series was often unforgiving.

Addressing Sexual Relations and Allegiances

The antics of Cersei and Jaime, particularly their incestuous relationship, inadvertently vilified their family in the eyes of the five kingdoms. If Cersei had been more careful about her relationships and their public perception, she might have avoided damaging the Lannister image. The incident with Bran Stark caught them off guard and led to Joffrey's reign being marred with accusations and rebellions.

Targeted Eliminations

When Robert Baratheon was assassinated, Cersei was not fully prepared for the backlash. A more strategic elimination of rivals would have been to quietly remove the oldest Stark brothers first, followed by Robert's poisoning. By removing Tywin Lannister as Hand of the King, Cersei also weakened her own power base.

Alternative Tactics Against Daenerys

Further, Cersei could have pursued a more aggressive and calculated approach against Daenerys. Here are some alternative tactics she might have employed:

Assassinations and Propaganda

Instead of waiting for Daenerys to arrive, Cersei could have sent assassins to take out key members of Daenerys' entourage, including Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Varys. This would have significantly undermined Daenerys' ability to rule. Additionally, Cersei could have agreed to truce offers while secretly planning to undermine the Starks and the Targaryens.

Hostages and Exploitation

Intelligence and manipulation are key in any game of thrones. Cersei could have kept Missandei as a hostage and encouraged Euron to capture Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Varys. This would have weakened Daenerys' support base and made it more challenging for her to hold the throne.

In conclusion, Cersei and Qyburn had the opportunity to chart a different course in their bid for the Iron Throne. While their tactics often seemed calculated, a more nuanced and strategic approach might have given them a better shot at success. The lessons from their strategic failures offer valuable insights into the complex nature of power, influence, and survival in the world of Game of Thrones.