Introduction

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and the Game of Thrones TV series, power struggles reign supreme. If Mace Tyrell were to become king, it would undeniably lead to chaos and disaster. This article delves into the consequences of such an unlikely but intriguing scenario, exploring the strategic and political ramifications that would unfold.

The Inherent Disadvantages of Mace Tyrell

Unlike Balon Greyjoy and Robb Stark, whose ancestral lines had previously claimed kingship, Mace Tyrell's rise to power came primarily through conquest under Renly Baratheon. Without a legitimate claim to kingship, his rule would be fatally undermined by the lack of respect and loyalty from his vassals.

After Renly's untimely death, half of the lords in the Reach aligned with Stannis Baratheon. This severe division within the Reach made it impossible for Mace to simply march through with impunity. The Tyrells faced a brutal loss at Bitterbridge, where thousands of their men were killed, attempting to switch their allegiance to Stannis. This reality paints a grim picture of the political and military challenges Mace would face if he attempted to claim the Iron Throne for himself.

The Strategic Benefits of Marching on King's Landing

Post-Renly’s death, Mace Tyrell had a unique opportunity to leverage his military strength and seize King's Landing before anyone else could. If he had chosen to march his raised levies to the capital, he could have taken the city in mere days. Joffery would have been forced to negotiate, with Jaime Lannister (Tywin's son) having to strategize a path towards peace.

Mace's army, comprised of fresh, motivated warriors, would have a strategic advantage over the centralized forces of the Lannisters and Stannis. Stannis, Panicked at the prospect of losing the throne, would rush to reach King's Landing first, weakening his own position in the process. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister, who had no defenses and was under blockade, would be vulnerable.

The Aftermath and Consequences

The consequences of Mace Tyrell's rise to kingship would be far-reaching and catastrophic. With 80,000 enraged men from the Reach, the city of King's Landing would fall, and Joffery's head would be mounted on a spike. Robb Stark, ever the opportunist, would arrive with terms and march home.

Mace, having taken the capital, would aim to avenge Renly and destroy Stannis's forces. The ratio of 80,000 versus 20,000 indicates a decisive victory, even if 5,000 men fell in taking the city and another 20,000 in annihilating Tywin Lannister's host.

The realm would be plunged into unprecedented turmoil. The royal family would consist predominantly of Tyrells, with most Baratheons either dead or bent the knee, and Lannisters either broken or themselves bent the knee. This era would be far more unstable than when Robert Baratheon took the throne through conquest.

Conclusion

Mace Tyrell's kingship would be a doomsday scenario for Westeros. His lack of a legitimate claim, the divided Reach, and the formidable Lannister forces all conspire to ensure that any ascent to the Iron Throne would result in a catastrophic and bloody conflict.