Would Mace Tyrell Have Uttered Viserys If Robert Baratheon Captured Him?
Would Mace Tyrell Have Uttered Viserys If Robert Baratheon Captured Him?
In the tumultuous world of Game of Thrones, allegiances and loyalties are often tested to their very limits. One question that has captivated fans revolves around the behavior of Mace Tyrell in the aftermath of Robert Baratheon capturing Viserys. Would the fearsome Tyrell have 'uttered' (a figurative expression for execution) Viserys to demonstrate his loyalty to the new Baratheon regime?
Robert Baratheon: A Man Not Easily Fooled
Robert Baratheon, the 'Conqueror with the Rain of Blood,' is no ordinary ruler. Even in his later years, when the majority of the capital's nobility viewed him as a laughingstock, his ferocity remained as unrelenting as ever. He is a true Scion of both the Fire and the Storm, his wrath provoking instant respect and fear without any effort.
It is in his determination to avenge what he perceives as slights that Robert Baratheon's true form emerges. When Ser Barristan Selmy tried to dissuade him from taking part in the melee at the Tourney of King's Landing, Robert's temper reached unprecedented heights. He neither screamed nor used abusive language, indicating that his restraint only added to the intensity of his response. Instead, he became deathly silent, using his icy silence as a weapon to bolster his point, and commanded Selmy to leave or face dire consequences. Such an outburst vested no small amount of terrifying power in his words, which went beyond the normal realm of princes' commands and into the realm of primal warrior ethos.
The Dangers of Disloyalty: A Testament to Robert's Strength
Mace Tyrell’s allegiance to Robert Baratheon was no casual one. If Robert had managed to capture Viserys, the Tyrells' response would have been a matter of survival and political maneuvering. Mace Tyrell, as the leader of the Reach, was acutely aware of the dangers associated with disloyalty. He would not have acted rashly or without understanding the full scope of the situation.
The very act of capturing Viserys would have been a testament to Robert's inhuman strength and resolve. Even the Hound, a man known for his physical prowess, struggled to lift Robert's massive warhammer. In a confrontation of such magnitude, Mace Tyrell would have had to consider the outcome. Given his past loyalty and the stakes involved, it is unlikely that he would have turned a blind eye to such a threat to King Robert's authority.
Mace Tyrell’s Loyalty and the Code of Preservation
Mace Tyrell, while a master of politics, is also a man deeply rooted in tradition and the preservation of his noble house. He would weigh his options carefully, considering the following:
Protection of His House:** Mace Tyrell’s first and foremost concern would have been the survival of House Tyrell. Executing a prisoner who posed no immediate threat may have looked like a show of strength, but in the end, it could have inadvertently antagonized Robert, threatening the delicate balance his house had maintained within the royal court. Political Alliances:** His current position in the King's council would have required him to maintain the goodwill of key figures like Lord Ellard Tyrell, Ser Loras Tyrell, and others. An act of violence against Viserys without provocation could alienate these allies, potentially leading to internal conflicts and betrayals. Strategic Planning:** Mace Tyrell, being a pragmatic man, would have recognized that his house's continued influence and power in Westeros heavily depended on maintaining peace and order. An unprovoked execution could undermine this carefully nurtured stability.Conclusion: A Consequence of Morality and Strategy
In conclusion, while the threat to King Robert would have been formidable and might have tempted the extreme action of uttering Viserys, Mace Tyrell's deep understanding of loyalty, strategy, and the preservation of his house would have likely prevented such a dramatic move. Instead, he would have focused on managing the situation in a way that would ensure the survival and strength of House Tyrell within the new power structure.
The hypothetical situation of Robert Baratheon using his inhuman strength to capture Viserys and asking Mace Tyrell to 'utter' him serves as a stark reminder of the complex political landscape of King's Landing and the personal sacrifices that come with maintaining loyalty in such a treacherous arena.