Why Cersei Lannister Reluctantly Avoids Hiring the Faceless Men

In A Song of Ice and Fire, the series that inspired the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, Cersei Lannister's reluctance to hire the Faceless Men as assassins for her enemies is a complex and nuanced decision. This article will explore the key factors that contribute to this reluctance, emphasizing trust, pride, costs, narrative focus, and political ramifications.

Trusting Others and the Faceless Men's Code

Cersei Lannister is naturally distrustful of others, especially those she perceives as potential threats. This fundamental distrust is a cornerstone of her character. The Faceless Men, notorious for their deadly skills but equally known for their adherence to a strict code, would not guarantee absolute loyalty or fidelity to her specific instructions. This creates a significant barrier, as entrusting the safety of her enemies to such entities might expose her to unpredictable risks.

The Desire for Control and Personal Schemes

Cersei values power and control intensely. She prefers to eliminate her enemies through personal schemes and manipulation rather than relying on outsiders. This preference aligns with her worldview and ensures that she retains a degree of autonomy in her actions. Walder Frey’s example serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in trusting others, as seen in the Red Wedding. Cersei's personal schemes, though more convoluted, are her own, and the potential downfall of a trusted advisor could diminish her own perceived strength.

The Cost and Bargain Economy of the Faceless Men

The Faceless Men, a powerful and feared group of assassins, operate on a cost-benefit model where the value of their targets dictates their payment. At the beginning of the series, the Lannisters, the wealthiest family in Westeros, were on the brink of financial ruin. Their mines had run dry, and the royal treasury was bankrupt. Cersei's reliance on loans made the idea of paying the Faceless Men for services even more untenable.

Furthermore, the Faceless Men are notorious for their demanding and sometimes inscrutable payment structures. In one infamous encounter, if Cersei had asked for Robb Stark's death, the Faceless Men might have demanded the life of her own son, Joffrey, as a substitute. This risky and unpredictable nature of their bargain further adds to her reluctance. The Faceless Men are only sought out when desperation reigns, ensuring that those who hire them are already at a critical juncture where no other options are viable.

Narrative Focus on Cersei's Cunning and Political Maneuvering

From a storytelling perspective, Cersei's character arc is deeply rooted in her cunning and political acumen. Choosing to rely on personal schemes and cunning rather than external forces aligns with her storyline. This narrative focus keeps her actions in line with her established character traits, making her more relatable and effective as a character. Her success in outwitting her enemies through her own strategic moves adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, contrasting sharply with the more straightforward hire-and-dispose approach of professional assassins.

Political Ramifications of Hiring the Faceless Men

Hiring the Faceless Men would have significant political consequences for Cersei. The discovery of this arrangement could undermine her power and position, both among her allies and her enemies. This goes beyond mere financial risks; it encompasses a broader challenge to her authority and influence. In a realm where alliances are tenuous and power struggles are constant, hiring such a secretive and potentially treasonous group could be detrimental to her political strategy.

Additionally, the Faceless Men are not just specialized killers, but figures shrouded in mystery and suspicion. Their involvement in a high-stakes plot could lead to unpredictable outcomes, including assassination attempts turned back on the Lannister family itself. The political landscape of Westeros is complex and volatile, and the added burden of managing such a powerful and unpredictable force would stretch Cersei's control to its limits.

In conclusion, Cersei Lannister's reluctance to hire the Faceless Men stems from a combination of distrust, pride, financial constraints, narrative themes, and the unpredictable political ramifications. This reluctance, while it presents challenges, also serves to deepen her character and add layers to the intricate web of her political maneuvering in Westeros.