Reflections of Power and Redemption: What Cersei and Jaime Would See in Erised and Their Worst Fears

The story of Cersei and Jaime Lannister, the iconic siblings from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, is one of power, revenge, and a relentless pursuit of their desires. As we explore their visions in the Mirror of Erised and their boggarts, we delve into the depths of their ambitions and fears.

Anxieties of Power and Domination

Cersei Lannister's vision in the Mirror of Erised would be a reflection of her deepest desires. Power absolute and dominating. Her mirror-long reflection shows her seated on the Iron Throne, with her children alive and supporting her. Jaime, as her devoted knight, stands by her side, crowned and exalted. Her own downward spiral, marked by her own downfall, suffering, and her ultimate death, is her worst nightmare.

Jamie's Evolving Desires

In contrast, Jaime Lannister's reflections evolve over time. For most of his life, his vision would simply be:

Just him and Cersei together, with nothing else mattering. Robert, their children, Tywin, Aerys, Tyrion—all of them irrelevant. With one another, he is not the Kingslayer, and she is not the Queen. They are just Jaime and Cersei.

This vision serves as a coping mechanism, a deep and persistent attraction, and a desire to be with Cersei. However, the mirror of Jaime's life dramatically changes after the loss of his hand. He now yearns for more than just their presence; he desires to be whole again, both physically and emotionally. Being a knight of the Kingsguard and fulfilling his oaths to Catelyn, not to mention being a father to his children, especially Tommen, provide him a sense of purpose and worth.

Jaime's Mirror of Erised Vision

Jaime's vision would eventually evolve, reflecting a desire for rehabilitation and acceptance. After his devastating experiences, particularly the burning of Myrcella and the burning of Jon Now, he resolves to protect the children he's fathers. At the end of the series, his mark as "Goldenhand" remains, but it is bittersweet. He has taken steps to redefine himself and fulfill his promise to Myrcella, yet he is still haunted by the pain and regret of his actions.

By the end, Jaime's desire in the Mirror of Erised would be a world where his children are all alive, safe, and happy, or where the people still call him the Kingslayer and treat him as such. This tragic reflection underscores the complexity of their characters and the unintended consequences of their actions.

Jaime's Worst Fear: An Undeserved Redemption

Jaime, in his boggart, confronts the reality that no matter how he tries to change and redeem himself, he is still seen and remembered as the Kingslayer. His worst fear is that he will be redeemed undeservedly, and he will continue to carry the weight of his past actions. This fear encapsulates the deep-seated guilt and regret that plagues his psyche.

Jaime's arc highlights the perpetual struggle between the pursuit of redemption and the acknowledgment of one's fallibility. He is a man haunted by the complexities of redemption, always seeking to make amends for his actions, yet perpetually failing to escape his past.

As the series concludes, Jaime remains a character deeply divided, torn between his desire for respect and his awareness of the moral and ethical choices that have defined his path.

Conclusion

The Mirror of Erised and the boggart serve as powerful devices for exploring the innermost desires and deepest fears of Cersei and Jaime. These reflections provide a window into their psyches, revealing the complex motivations that drive their actions and the relentless pursuit of their elusive goals.

Their visions in the Mirror of Erised and their boggarts highlight the layers of their characters, showcasing their ambitions, regrets, and the harsh realities that define their journeys in Westeros.