Comparing the Rulers: Maegor the Cruel, Aegon the Unworthy, Daenerys Stormborn, and Aerys the Mad

The Targaryen rulers of the Seven Kingdoms have often faced scrutiny for their actions and legacies. Among these rulers, four stand out in particular for their controversial stances and the impact they had on the realm. This article will delve into the lives and reigns of Maegor the Cruel, Aegon the Unworthy, Daenerys Stormborn, and Aerys the Mad, comparing and contrasting their actions to determine who among them might be considered the worst.

Maegor the Cruel

Reign: 43 AC - 48 AC

Notable Actions: Maegor's reign is most remembered for his brutal suppression of dissent. He executed many nobles and burnt the Faith Militant. His is a reign marked by violence and tyranny, leading to the infamous Rebellion.

Reputation: Known as the most tyrannical Targaryen king, Maegor's legacy is one of cruelty and ruthlessness. He is often remembered for his excessive use of force against his own people, including the execution of his nephews and the violent suppression of the Faith Militant.

Aegon the Unworthy

Reign: 133 AC - 157 AC

Notable Actions: Aegon IV is notorious for his debauchery, corruption, and legitimization of numerous bastard children. His actions contributed to significant political instability and the eventual War of the Five Kings.

Reputation: Reputed as a poor king who prioritized personal pleasure over the welfare of the realm, leading to civil strife and political upheaval. His reign is marked by corruption and a lack of effective governance.

Daenerys Stormborn

Reign: Her reign is primarily narrated in The Winds of Winter, with actions primarily seen in the TV series Game of Thrones.

Notable Actions: Daenerys initially envisioned herself as a liberator, fighting against oppression and tyranny. However, her later actions, particularly the Reign of Terror, led to mixed perceptions of her legacy. She faced challenges and conflicts, but her ultimate goals remain controversial.

Reputation: Daenerys is often viewed with both sympathy and critique. While she began with noble intentions, her descent into tyranny as she pursued her vision for the realm led to a contentious legacy. Her intentions and character development throughout her story create a complex and multifaceted figure.

Aerys the Mad

Reign: 262 AC - 283 AC

Notable Actions: Aerys II, known as Aerys the Mad, ruled with paranoia, cruelty, and erratic behavior. He executed anyone he perceived as a threat, even members of his own family, leading to the Mad King's War and the eventual downfall of House Targaryen.

Reputation: Frequently cited as the worst Targaryen king due to his unpredictable cruelty and the catastrophic consequences of his reign, including the notorious Sack of King's Landing. His madness drove him to commit heinous acts, resulting in the devastating fall of the Targaryen dynasty.

Conclusion

While each of these rulers has a claim to infamy, Aerys II the Mad King is frequently regarded as the worst due to his unpredictable cruelty and the catastrophic consequences of his reign, which directly led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty. Maegor the Cruel and Aegon the Unworthy also rank highly in terms of their negative impacts. However, Aerys's madness and resulting chaos arguably put him at the top of the list.

For Daenerys, while controversial, there is still a degree of sympathy due to her initial intentions and character development throughout her story. Nonetheless, her actions and the severe manner in which they were executed contribute to a complex and dynamic legacy.

The question of which Targaryen ruler was the worst is not easily answered, as it depends on one's perspective and the specific actions or reigns they wish to focus on. The legacies of these four figures provide a rich tapestry of the complexities of governance, power, and the impact of individual rulers on their realms.