The Failure of Tommen in Defending Margaery: A Legacy of Ceresei’s Mistakes

In the complex political web of Game of Thrones, Tommen Baratheon, the newly crowned king, finds himself in a challenging position. While his inexperience and young age no doubt play roles in his perceived inability to help Margaery Tyrell, the true blame lies primarily with Cersei Lannister's strategic blunders. Through detailed analysis, we explore why Tommen's hands were tied and how Ceresei's missteps set the stage for Margaery's downfall in King's Landing.

Under Ceresei's Shadow

Cersei Lannister's throne was built on the backs of broken alliances and a fractured crown. Her cynical manipulation of the Faith Militant to orchestrate a coup against Margaery Tyrell showcased her overconfident belief in her own power and underestimated potential threats. By allowing the Faith Militant to gain a foothold and arm themselves, Ceresei inadvertently set the wheels of chaos in motion.

Instead of taking proactive steps to curb the Faith Militant’s rise, Ceresei foolishly trusted that her supposed allies would remain loyal. The High Sparrow and his followers were quick to leverage their newfound power, turning the tables against both Mother Lannister and her enemies. This betrayal mirrored Ceresei’s overconfidence in her control over the religious faction, leading to a situation where Tommen entered the throne room facing an insurmountable challenge.

Tommen's Inheritance

Tommen Baratheon, as a young and inexperienced king, was undoubtedly at a disadvantage. However, his failure to assert his authority further underscored the larger systemic issues under Ceresei’s reign. Tommen’s hesitation to take decisive action, largely due to his mother's influence, indicates a lack of trust in his own power. His compliance with Ceresei’s wishes instead of using his own judgment only compounded the problems.

Despite being the rightful king, Tommen was constrained by the power dynamics of King's Landing. The Great Sept of Baelor, home to Margaery, stood as a physical and symbolic barrier to Tommen's reach. The Faith Militant, now co-opted by the High Sparrow, held significant influence over the common folk and significant military might around the Sept.

In a strategic analysis, attacking the Faith Militant directly would have been counterproductive. Attempting to free Margaery by force would have resulted in a confrontation with organized forces, likely leading to a rapid and violent escalation. The High Sparrow's order carried a divine mandate, and rebellious action against them could have ignited widespread unrest among the population.

The High Sparrow's Reign

The High Sparrow and his Faith Militant effectively became the de facto holders of power in King's Landing, extending their influence through the Great Sept of Baelor. Their presence loomed large, wielding both spiritual and temporal authority. From this central stronghold, they could command loyalty and fear, making Tommen's situation even more precarious.

The Red Keep, symbolizing Tommen's power, stood in stark contrast to the Great Sept of Baelor. While seemingly the seat of royal authority, the Red Keep was geographically separated from the heart of the city's faithful. This distance made any attempt by Tommen to assert control from inside his castle a daunting and potentially disastrous venture.

The situation was exacerbated by the lack of a coherent military response. While Tommen had the necessary military force at his disposal, it was more concentrated around the Red Keep, ill-suited for an urban conflict. The Faith Militant, on the other hand, operated in a more unified and well-organized manner, both in terms of numbers and strategic positioning.

Waiting for Help

Given the circumstances, Tommen's compliance with the High Sparrow’s demands was the lesser of two evils. Defying the High Sparrow could have led to the same violent uprising he was trying to avoid. Instead, Tommen adopted a more diplomatic posture, maintaining a tenuous peace and hoping for external assistance.

The possibility of help from outside forces, such as the Tyrell bannermen and Lannisters, offered a glimmer of hope for a resolution. By maintaining neutrality and providing a facade of cooperation, Tommen could bide his time and wait for these allies to intervene.

In conclusion, Tommen’s inability to help Margaery Tyrell was a result of a complex web of strategic miscalculations and a shifting power structure. The legacy of Ceresei Lannister’s decisions left Tommen in a formidable position, facing an adversary that had already secured its position both politically and militarily. Only time, and perhaps unforeseen events, could change the course of this historic struggle.