Why was Oberyn Martell So Angry at Gregor Clegane in King's Landing Before the Trial by Combat?

Overview of the Conflict

In lsquo;A Song of Ice and Firersquo; series, Prince Oberyn Martell, known as ldquo;The Red Viper,rdquo; is embroiled in a fierce and personal battle against Ser Gregor Clegane, or ldquo;The Mountain.rdquo; This feud erupted during the events surrounding Tyrion Lannisterrsquo;s trial by combat in Kingrsquo;s Landing. But the origins of their animosity stretch back to the events of Robertrsquo;s Rebellion.

The Tragic Events: Robertrsquo;s Rebellion

It all began with the death of Prince Elia Martell and her son, Prince Aegon, who were victims of a brutal act carried out by Gregor Clegane and his men. The story unfolds with a series of tragic events that have reverberating effects on the Stark-Lannister conflict.

Robertrsquo;s Rebellion and Aerysrsquo; Deception

Robert Baratheon led his rebellion against the rule of Aerys Targaryen, the Mad King. The betrayal came in the form of a surprise assault on Kingrsquo;s Landing, orchestrated by Tywin Lannister. Aerys, despite Tywinrsquo;s treacherous intentions, trusted him to enter the city. Once inside, Tywinrsquo;s men, including Gregor Clegane, unleashed a nightmare of violence, setting the stage for the tragic deaths of Elia and Aegon.

The Brutal Death of Prince Aegon

Gregor Cleganersquo;s brutality reached its peak when he killed baby Aegon by bashing his head against a wall. The violence was so severe that it served as a shocking example of the brutality that would mark Gregorrsquo;s name in history. This inhumane act left a permanent mark on both Oberyn and the people close to him, creating a deep-seated hatred for Gregor.

The Rape and Death of Princess Elia

Following the brutal killing of the baby, Gregor proceeded to rape Princess Elia Martell. This act of violence was not just a personal assault but a twisted act of revenge, using her as a means to punish her family and consolidate power. After the rape, Gregor killed Elia, ending her life in a manner no less violent and tragic than that of her son. This horrid act added another layer to the historic conflict, making Oberynrsquo;s desire for vengeance an emotional and personal one.

The Death of Rhaenys Targaryen

Amory Lorch, another of Tywin Lannisterrsquo;s men, was responsible for the death of Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaegarrsquo;s wife. The details of her death are especially gruesome, as she was stabbed multiple times. This act, combined with the earlier deaths, cemented the Lannistersrsquo; reputation as ruthless and violent, which did not go unnoticed by the Martells.

Aerysrsquo; Pity and Tywinrsquo;s Orders: A Question of Intent

The line between orders and personal grievances is murky. According to Tywin Lannister, his orders were to eliminate the children but not Princess Elia. However, the emotional toll of the events, as well as the fact that Elia had married into the Targaryen family, suggests that her murder was more than a mere order. Several, including Oberyn and others, believe that Tywin ordered Eliarsquo;s death as well, as she was seen as a threat due to her marital decision.

The Outcome of the Feud and the Trial by Combat

The culmination of their hatred led to a trial by combat between Oberyn and the Mountain. This trial was a necessary step to avenge the lives of Elia and Aegon, and it represented the final confrontation between the two enemies. The outcome of the trial had significant impact on the political landscape of Westeros.

In summary, the pain inflicted on Oberyn Martell and his family by Gregor Clegane and his fellow Lannisters extends beyond mere physical acts. It is a testament to the complex and often violent history of Westeros, where the consequences of past actions can reverberate through generations.