Why Was Jaime Lannister More Hated Than King Aerys in Game of Thrones?

In the world of Game of Thrones, the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen and the infamous Kingslayer Jaime Lannister were both despised by the people. While Aerys' madness and brutality were well known, his son's actions were just as significant in shaping public perception. This article explores why people hated both but targeted Jaime more tirelessly.

King Aerys: The Mad King and Hated Monarch

King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, was genuinely despised by many in the Seven Kingdoms. His reign was marked by his paranoia, brutality, and often cruel and unjust actions. One of his most infamous acts was the Red Wedding, where he foreshadowed the mass slaughter of his own bannermen and allies. This betrayal led to widespread hatred towards Aerys and, by extension, the Targaryens.

It is unclear to many how a man who was ironically given the title "Mad King" could be killed by his own son, Prince Rhaegar. However, Aerys' actions did not affect the smallfolk or much of the nobility as much as one might expect. Many in Westeros believed that those killed by Aerys deserved their fates. This led to a certain ambivalence. People may have disliked Aerys, but they did not necessarily despise him as deeply as they did Jaime.

Jamie Lannister: The Kingslayer and Oathbreaker

Jaime Lannister, on the other hand, was not only a killer but also an oathbreaker. His killing of King Aerys II was not just a betrayal of duty but also a violation of the sacred duty of a Kingsguard, who is sworn to protect the King above all else. This gruesome act of treachery, known as the Kingslayer, made Jaime one of the most hated characters in the series.

Moreover, Jaime's actions went far beyond simply killing the king. He failed to protect Elia Martell and her children, who were brutally murdered by Aerys. Adding to the complexity of the situation, for a brief period, little Aegon Targaryen was considered the rightful king, altering the dynamics of loyalty and succession.

Jaime's status as a Kingslayer was compounded by his role in the death of Rhaegar Targaryen. As Rhaegar's brother, he was responsible for either helping or preventing the tragic events that led to his brother's death. His actions were not only a violation of his oath but also a betrayal of trust. This dual role as Kingslayer and oathbreaker made Jaime's actions all the more heinous in the eyes of the public.

The Impact of the Lannisters on Public Opinion

The Lannisters were already well-known for not being particularly popular. Tywin Lannister, Jaime's father, was a man of great respect but also vast disapproval. His ruthless and unethical methods of governing meant that he was disliked by many across Westeros, which inevitably extended to his family members, including Jaime. The Lannisters' reputation as turncoats and deceitful tycoons was long-standing and well-established, making it easier for the public to despise Jaime without questioning his motives.

Why Not Robert Baratheon?

An interesting aspect of the series is the lack of significant backlash against Robert Baratheon despite his own role as the Kingslayer by the time the War of the Five Kings ended. Robert, who overthrew Aerys, was personally responsible for the Mad King's death but was not nearly as reviled as Jaime. This raises the question of whether it is the nature of the crime or the individual who committed it that determines the level of public hatred. Robert, as a member of the SMALLER faction who took up arms against the Targaryens, had a political motive that was widely understood and accepted, even if his methods were brutal.

Key Takeaways:

King Aerys II Targaryen was despised for his madness and brutality but did not have as much widespread hate as Jaime. Jamie Lannister was not just a Kingslayer but also an oathbreaker, doubling the offense in the eyes of the public. The reputation of the Lannisters as deceitful and disloyal made it easier for people to despise Jaime. Robert Baratheon, despite being the Kingslayer, did not face the same level of hatred as Jaime due to his political motives.

In conclusion, while both King Aerys II and Jaime Lannister were despised, the complexities of Jaime's dual role as both a Kingslayer and an oathbreaker, coupled with the long-standing reputation of the Lannisters, made him the focal point of the public's ire. The nature of the crime and the individual committing it further influence the level of public hatred, as demonstrated by the relatively lesser condemnation of Robert Baratheon.

Keywords: Game of Thrones, Jaime Lannister, King Aerys, Kingslayer, Oathbreaker