The Strategic Choices: Why Did Jaime Choose to Stay on the Iron Throne After Killing Aerys?

As a member of the Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister was sworn to protect the king. However, his decision to remain on the Iron Throne after the killing of King Aerys raises intriguing questions. This article explores the motivations behind Jaime's actions and the broader strategic implications of his decisions, drawing parallels from historical examples.

A Comparison to WWII

Similar to the strategic choices made during World War II, where nations vied for prestige and influence at the cost of additional casualties, Jaime's actions can be seen as a form of strategic maneuvering. The Allies, after securing key victories, shifted from focusing on winning the war to a competition for post-war influence. Historical differences aside, the underlying principle remains the same – the pursuit of power and influence through strategic calculations.

Strategic Influence in Westeros

Like the Lannisters in Westeros, Allied nations during the Second World War had their eyes on the future. The significance of winning a particular engagement, such as entering Rome or Berlin first, was not about mere pride or a "dick measuring contest." Instead, these victories added to the prestige and power of the victors, giving them leverage in the peace negotiations that followed.

The Lannisters and the War for the Seven Kingdoms

The Lannisters, along with other houses like the Greyjoys and the Freys, joined the war opportunistically, but their actions were far more drastic. They marched their army to King’s Landing (KL), sacked the city, and unleashed the royal family. This was both unnecessary and criminal. Jaime was a member of the Kingsguard, sworn to protect the king, yet he massacred the royal family that he had sworn to protect.

Unequivocal Guilt or a Strategic Move?

Jaime's actions were a strategic move to distance the Lannisters from the guilt of this massacre. By killing Aerys and his children, the Lannisters transferred the blame and the responsibility to Robert Baratheon. This move secured a level of innocence for the Lannisters, protecting them from the accusation of being baby killers, as Robert was the new king.

The Allies' Dilemma

The Allies, like the Lannisters, faced a similar decision. Ned Stark, who believed in the rule of law, would have preferred to seek justice. Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, would have sought pragmatic solutions to secure his position and future. Robert Baratheon, the newly crowned king, focused on military strategy and the importance of alliances.

Power and Prestige

The decision to confront the Lannisters head-on or to ignore them hinged on the balance of power and prestige. Robert, though pragmatic, was still a warrior king. He recognized the value of power and the importance of alliances. However, confronting the Lannisters would come at a high cost – the weariness and potential betrayal of his troops.

Since the Lannisters had already made a significant stand by killing Aerys and the Targaryen children, Robert might not have had the luxury of confronting them. The Lannisters had shown they were not to be trifled with, and holding the Iron Throne served as a statement of their rule and influence in the Seven Kingdoms.

Lessons from the Black Bear

Jaime’s decision could be likened to facing a black bear. In such situations, the recommended response is to stay calm, remain big, and be loud. Similarly, Jaime’s strategic choice was to stay on the Iron Throne and assert his power rather than diving into a conflict that would likely cost him more than it would gain.

Conclusion

Jaime's decision to remain on the Iron Throne after killing Aerys was a strategic choice to assert Lannister power and avoid additional conflict. This choice reflects a broader historical analogy where nations and individuals make decisions based on the pursuit of power and influence, even if it means dealing with uncomfortable and criminal actions.