Why Lord Jon Arryn Kept Ser Jaime Lannister in the Kingsguard

The intricate political maneuvering of Westeros has long fascinated readers of George R.R. Martin's Game of Thrones. A key decision by Lord Jon Arryn illustrated the complex dynamics at play: why he retained Ser Jaime Lannister in the Kingsguard, despite Lord Eddard Stark's wish to send him to the Night's Watch. This article explores the strategic and political factors behind this decision.

Why Exiling Jaime Would Not Work

The most immediate reason for keeping Jaime in the Kingsguard was avoiding the anger of Tywin Lannister, Jaime's father. Exiling Jaime would have been a significant betrayal, as Tywin Lannister had just become a key ally to the new Tyrell-arranged dynasty. King Robert Baratheon and Lord Arryn understood that Tywin's displeasure could lead to hostile actions, which would be strategically disastrous.

This decision reflected more than just political expediency; it was a form of levelling the playing field. The argument made was that while Jaime had broken his vows, doing so had inadvertently benefitted their side in the conflict. In a world where honor often took a back seat to survival and strategic advantage, it was difficult to punish someone who appeared to be a collaborator.

Political and Strategic Considerations

Tywin Lannister, a powerful and ruthless man, did not like Jaime’s presence in the Kingsguard. Nonetheless, there was always the chance that he could secure Jaime’s release at a later date. The Westerosi political landscape offered Tywin more avenues to reclaim his son, such as using Barristan Selmy’s dismissal as a pretext. As history would show, King Robert was willing to cancel the debts to House Lannister for Jaime's return, and considering Jaime's grandson would potentially become the future king, Tywin saw little long-term loss.

On the other hand, King Robert and Lord Arryn realized that Tywin Lannister was not just an ally but held significant leverage over the Iron Throne. Surrendering Jaime would send a message that Tywin was the true king, which was clearly not a message they wanted to convey.

The strategic importance of Jaime as a symbolic figure also played a role. His position as a Kingsguard member, despite his oath-breaking, ensured that he remained in a position of influence, albeit with some Lannister political pressure on the throne and council. This balance was crucial for maintaining the fragile alliances formed after the downfall of House Targaryen.

Forgiveness and Power Dynamics

Having the name of a powerful house like the Lannisters brought a degree of forgiveness in Westerosi society. Jaime, as Tywin's son and the future queen's sister, simply held a more advantageous position than he would have if he had been sent to the Night's Watch. He couldn't be released from his vows, but his Lannister heritage meant he could remain in the Kingsguard, a position of significant power and influence.

As demonstrated in the quote, “because there’s a degree of forgiveness that comes with having the right name,” the political savvy of Lord Arryn and King Robert ensured that Jaime remained a key player without provoking Tywin Lannister. This decision was a masterful blend of strategy and diplomacy, one that kept the Lannisters onside without fully alienating them.

Conclusion

The decision to retain Ser Jaime Lannister in the Kingsguard was a testament to the intricate web of political dealings that defined the Seven Kingdoms. It balanced the interests of multiple powerful families, ensured the security of the realm, and maintained the delicate balance of power. This choice by Lord Arryn and King Robert remains a pivotal moment in Westerosi history, illustrating the complexities of running an empire.