Why Cersei Lannister is Proclaimed Queen in GoT Without Mentioning Her Baratheon Heritage

In Game of Thrones, the dynamics of identity and power are deeply entangled with the names and titles of characters. A notable instance of this is the proclamation of Cersei Lannister as Queen. This article delves into the reasoning behind the naming convention in Game of Thrones and why Cersei is referred to as Cersei Lannister rather than Cersei Baratheon.

Historical Context and Naming Conventions

The naming conventions in Game of Thrones are loosely based on the War of the Roses, which occurred in medieval England. Historically, kings did not have last names, and among the nobility, the name of one's house was not necessarily their last name. This distinction has implications in understanding character identities in Westeros.

In England, Henry VII, after becoming king, was known as Henry of England rather than Henry of House Tudor. Similarly, in the world of Game of Thrones, upon ascending to the Iron Throne, Robert Baratheon became Robert I of Westeros, rather than Robert of House Baratheon.

Cersei's Identity and Power Dynamics

Cersei Lannister's reluctance to identify herself or her children as Baratheon is rooted deeply in power dynamics and historical context. In the books and TV series, it is often emphasized that Cersei is a Lannister above all else. Her fierce pride and her refusal to accept any responsibility for Robert Baratheon's legacy are apparent throughout her character development.

Cersei's decision to take the Iron Throne for the Lannister family rather than her Baratheon heritage is a strategic move. As A Game of Thrones opens, it is made clear that the Lannisters are a powerful family, capable of rivaling the king they took the capital from. By refusing to claim her Baratheon lineage, Cersei solidifies her identity as a Lannister and asserts her own power.

Her children, Joffrey and Tommen, are similarly never referred to as Baratheons. The use of the Lannister sigil on the royal coat of arms further emphasizes this, a move that Cersei made to discourage speculation about their parentage. This decision is a testament to her deep-seated dislike of anything associated with Robert Baratheon.

Technological and Cultural References

The naming conventions in Game of Thrones have parallels in the British royal family, which did not have a last name until 1917. Currently, the royal family can use names such as Mountbatten-Windsor or the names of their lands, such as Windsor. In Game of Thrones, royal brides do not take their husband's family name, a practice that is observed in the show to maintain the integrity of the characters' identities.

For Cersei, taking the Iron Throne for the Lannister family, not as a Baratheon widow, is a strategically sound move. Legal arguments against conquerors who successfully take the throne are often unenforceable, allowing Cersei to claim her Lannister identity without facing legal challenges.

Concluding Remarks

The naming conventions in Game of Thrones reflect a complex relationship between identity, power, and historical context. Cersei Lannister's refusal to claim her Baratheon heritage is a strategic decision that aligns with the show's themes of power, inheritance, and identity. Understanding these conventions is crucial to appreciating the depth of character development and the intricacies of the power struggles in Westeros.

By carefully examining the naming conventions in Game of Thrones, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the historical and cultural elements that shape the narrative and the identities of the characters.