The Complexity of the Mountain's Loyalty and Control in Game of Thrones

Throughout the epic series of Game of Thrones, the character The Mountain, known as Ser Gregor Clegane, appears as a loyal and resolute bodyguard for Queen Cersei Lannister. However, there are instances where it seems The Mountain does not comply with the commands of his master, Qyburn, or Cersei. This article explores several factors that could explain this behavior and provides a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play.

Transformation and Control

Gregor Clegane's transformation into the Mountain involved significant alterations to his body and mind by Qyburn, a horrific and innovative scientist. This transformation stripped away his previous personality, turning him into more of a weapon than a sentient being capable of independent thought. Despite Qyburn's control over his physical form, the mountain's actions may not always align with the commands given.

Additionally, while Qyburn does exert some control over the Mountain, Cersei holds his ultimate loyalty. As the sovereign, Cersei commands the Mountain in critical moments, often leading to actions that adhere to his brutal nature rather than following exact orders. For example, during his confrontation with Oberyn Martell, he acted out of his own violent impulses rather than perceiving them as commands.

Instances like the Mountain's defiance towards Cersei when provoked by his little brother, Jaime Lannister, highlight the complex nature of his control. The Mountain's deep-seated hatred and the emotional stimulus of wanting to kill his brother overwhelmed any control Qyburn or Cersei thought they held over him. This moment demonstrates that The Mountain has a 'mind of his own,' even if it displays inhuman callousness.

Instinct and Aggression

Another factor contributing to the Mountain's independent actions is his instinctual and aggressive nature. The Mountain is characterized by his sheer brute force and unyielding aggression, traits that often dictate his behavior. In high-stress situations, especially involving violence, these instincts can override any commands given to him. The Mountain's actions are more about fulfilling his violent impulses rather than following protocol.

Furthermore, the Mountain serves as a symbol of Cersei's power and fear. His violence and brutality are more geared towards instilling terror than directly obeying commands. This dual purpose can lead to moments where he acts independently, overriding strict control from either Qyburn or Cersei.

Qyburn's Expulsion and the Dangers of His Experiments

The reasoning behind Qyburn's methods and the eventual outcomes of his experiments provide a more profound insight into the Mountain's behavior. Qyburn's experiments, including the Mountain's transformation, demonstrate a disturbing lack of ethical boundaries. The sight of a man, supposed to be a monarch's personal weapon, involved in such torment and transformation raises serious ethical questions.

It's been speculated that Qyburn's methods were so extreme and potentially dangerous that he was expelled from the Citadel. The Mountain's behavior further supports the idea that Qyburn's experiments were not only unethical but also dangerous, as seen in the Mountain's uncontrolled actions and potential for chaos.

Overall, the Mountain's loyalty and control in Game of Thrones is a complex interplay of transformation, emotional stimuli, and instinctual behavior. While Qyburn and Cersei strive to exert control, the Mountain's violent nature often takes precedence, highlighting the darker aspects of power and control in the series.

Conclusion

The Mountain's actions in Game of Thrones reveal a deep-seated complexity in loyalty and control. From his transformation by Qyburn to his deep-seated desire for violence, the Mountain provides a rich tapestry of psychological and ethical dilemmas. Understanding these factors not only enriches our interpretation of the series but also highlights the dangers of unchecked power and unethical experimentation.