The Feasibility of Burning King's Landing in A Song of Ice and Fire

In the vast and detailed world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the concept of a destructive and decisive battle for King's Landing has long been a topic of speculation. The ultimate fate of King's Landing in a war between Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister, or against Aegon Targaryen, is a complex one that involves the use of the ancient weapon, Wildfire.

Secret Caches and the Role of Wildfire

One of the most significant factors in this scenario is the presence of secret caches of Wildfire scattered throughout King's Landing. In the novel 'Clash of Kings', it is mentioned that these caches date back to the Robert Rebellion. This weapon, a fearsome incendiary substance with explosive properties, has been a subject of great interest and potential use in any conflict involving King's Landing.

Daenerys's Strategic Choices and Miscalculations

I believe that Daenerys Targaryen, with her dragons, will inevitably use Wildfire to devastate King's Landing. This strategy could be employed as an accidental chain reaction, possibly during a confrontation with Aegon Targaryen or 'Young Griff', in a dramatic example of what some might call a 'dragon dance'.

It is important to note that King's Landing is deeply entwined with the power structures that have led to decades of conflict in Westeros. The burning of this city would signify the destruction of this structure and potentially pave the way for a more peaceful era.

The Aftermath and Sequential Events

After the fall of King's Landing under Aegon Targaryen, the realm may appear relatively peaceful, aside from the civil wars in the Reach, Riverlands, and North. However, with Daenerys's arrival, the situation drastically changes. She will likely land on Dragonstone with her Dothraki horde, Unsullied army, and freed slaves.

Daenerys faces significant challenges, among them the loss of her dragon, Rhaegal, to Aegon. In a series of battles, she may suffer repeated defeats due to Aegon's strategic use of his dragons. Eventually, with diminishing resources and a large population to feed, Daenerys may be forced to use a strategic 'nuke'—a metaphorical term for the destructive capability of Wildfire.

The decisive battle between Daenerys and Aegon above King's Landing could ignite the remaining caches of Wildfire, leading to a catastrophic event that kills hundreds of thousands of people.

A Cautionary Tale

It is worth noting that this scenario, while dramatic and plausible, does not fully align with the more optimistic outcomes often imagined for the conflict. Instead, it could unfold in a manner more reminiscent of fiction, with the destruction of a city and loss of life.

In conclusion, the burning of King's Landing would be a pivotal event in the narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire, marking the end of an era and the beginning of another. The use of Wildfire is a critical element of this event, symbolizing the irrevocable actions that can lead to widespread and tragic consequences.

Note: While this analysis is speculative, it is grounded in the lore and characters of A Song of Ice and Fire.