Joffrey’s Identity and the Role of Lannisters in Game of Thrones

Throughout Game of Thrones, Joffrey Baratheon's identity as the heir to the Iron Throne is complex, heavily influenced by his upbringing and the political climate of Westeros. In Season 3 Episode 8: Second Sons, his claim to the Lannister name is further cemented, highlighting his arrogant and entitled nature as well as his deep-seated identification with the Lannister house.

The Rise of Joffrey and the Decline of the Baratheons

After the death of King Robert Baratheon, Joffrey ascended to the Iron Throne, but his rule was not without challenges. With his uncles rebellion-ing against him and the loss of the Baratheon title, Joffrey firmly identifies himself as a Lannister. This identity is instilled in him by his mother, Cersei, who teaches him to believe he is superior to others and the true Lannister, despite rumors of his illegitimate birth.

Parental Influence and Joffrey's Self-Perception

Under Cersei’s tutelage, Joffrey is groomed to view himself as a Lannister, entirely disconnected from his Baratheon heritage. His belief in the Lannister supremacy stems from the fact that he is surrounded by Lannisters and his mother's bias toward him. In stark contrast to his father's actions, which include hitting Joffrey after he commits an abhorrent act, Cersei’s responses to such incidents are marked by frustration rather than violence, further reinforcing Joffrey's delusion of being a Lannister through her constant praise and scrutiny.

The Battle for the Throne and Lannister Dominance

The War of the Five Kings further cements Joffrey's identification with the Lannister side of his family. In the show, unlike the books, Joffrey has taken a new house sigil that combines the lion of the Lannisters and the stag of the Baratheons. Although the exact reasons for this choice are never explicitly stated, it is clear that Joffrey sees himself as the true Lannister, the one who has come to power in King's Landing after the decline of the Baratheons. This choice is driven by both personal ambition and political necessity.

Political Maneuvering and Lannister Loyalty

With the Baratheon line struggling, Joffrey is able to consolidate power by surrounding himself with Lannisters, appointing his mother as Queen Regent and his uncle Tywin as Hand of the King. His uncle Jaime, a Lannister, is also named Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, a position historically held by the Baratheons. The loyalists in King's Landing acknowledge the Lannisters as the ruling house, with Casterly Rock firmly in their hands. The Lannisters control the western regions of Westeros, while much of the Stormlands and their bannermen remain loyal to Renly or Stannis, the other claimants to the throne.

Consequences of Joffrey's Identification

While Joffrey's identification with the Lannisters gives him power, it also leads to his downfall. His deep-seated disdain for Robert and his use of the Lannister name to intimidate others ultimately contribute to his unstable and cruel reign. Despite Cersei's efforts to mold Joffrey into a different kind of ruler, his upbringing and identification with the Lannisters manifest in a regent who is at best unpredictable and at worst ruthless.

Throughout the series, Joffrey's struggle to maintain his Lannister identity while grappling with the legacy of the Baratheons highlights the complex nature of political power and identity in Westeros. His rise and eventual fall are a testament to the fickle nature of power and the importance of identity in maintaining control.

In conclusion, Joffrey's identity as a Lannister is a product of both biological heritage and political indoctrination. His rule and actions reflect the struggles and betrayals that define the War of the Five Kings, making him a pivotal and often vilified character in the Game of Thrones saga.