The Loyalty of Sandor Clegane: How He became Joffrey’s Sworn Shield

Gregor Clegane, also known as 'The Mountain,' was appointed by Tywin Lannister as the younger brother of Sandor Clegane, commonly referred to as The Hound, to be Joffrey Baratheon's sworn shield. This decision by the Lannister family was driven by a combination of loyalty, combat skills, and strategic considerations. Join us as we explore the intricate dynamics that led Sandor Clegane into Joffrey Baratheon's household.

House Lannister and Their Bannermen

House Clegane is sworn as bannermen to House Lannister. Their seat, Casterly Rock, located in the Westerlands, has been a stronghold for the Cleganes for generations. Gregor and Sandor Clegane’s loyalty to the Lannisters has been unwavering. This background is crucial to understanding why they were chosen for such a crucial position. Gregor's role as one of Tywin Lannister's greatest swordsman clarifies why he was given the task of protecting Joffrey. However, the idea of having Sandor as Joffrey’s personal guard is less clear. It was undoubtedly an order from Tywin himself, emphasizing the importance of such a role.

Cersei's Choice for Joffrey’s Sworn Shield

The Lannisters needed someone with servers multiple roles: both as a skilled fighter and as a loyalist to Cersei, not just Robert Baratheon. Cersei’s desire for a strong, loyal protector stemmed from her need to secure her grip on power after Robert’s death. She sought someone who would be capable of deterring both enemies and allies of Joffrey. Sandor Clegane was the perfect fit considering his brutal reputation and combat prowess.

Sandor’s Loyalty and Responsibilities

Technically, Sandor served as Joffrey’s sworn shield while being a part of the Kingsguard. However, he refused to take the vows and become a knight. This choice allowed him to retain a sense of his independence while fulfilling his vows to the King. His loyalty was primarily to House Lannister, which meant he was more likely to obey Cersei than Robert, even in the face of conflict. Without his own lands or holdings, Sandor's loyalty to the Lannister family was further cemented by his reliance on Cersei's patronage.

Conflict and Character Depth

Throughout his tenure as Joffrey’s protector, Sandor often found himself torn by the young king's cruel and sadistic nature. This internal conflict added significant depth to his character, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and honor in the brutal world of Westeros. Sandor's role as Joffrey’s protector often put him in a position of moral ambiguity, challenging his own beliefs and the very definition of his duties.

Conclusion

The appointment of Sandor Clegane as Joffrey Baratheon’s sworn shield was a strategic choice by the Lannisters, driven by a need for a skilled fighter and a loyal protector. Sandor’s loyalty to House Lannister, combined with his combat skills, made him the perfect candidate. His internal conflict and the moral dilemmas he faced further enriched his character, making him a pivotal figure in the tumultuous world of Westeros.