Defeat of Aerys Targaryen
The Mad King's reign ended not by dragon fire, but by a Kingsguard's steel.
The Defeat of Aerys Targaryen marks the cataclysmic conclusion to Robert's Rebellion, a civil war that reshaped the political landscape of Westeros forever. Known as the Mad King for his descent into paranoia and cruelty following the Defiance of Duskendale, Aerys II sought to burn the capital city of King's Landing rather than surrender it to the rebel forces led by House Stark and House Baratheon. The event is defined not just by the death of a tyrant, but by the dramatic betrayal that ended the Targaryen dynasty's centuries-long rule over the Seven Kingdoms.
- Antagonist
- Aerys II Targaryen (The Mad King)
- Protagonists
- Tywin Lannister, Jaime Lannister
- Location
- Red Keep, King's Landing
- Outcome
- Fall of House Targaryen; Rise of House Baratheon
- Key Event
- Sack of King's Landing
Lore & Background
When Tywin Lannister arrived at the city gates claiming allegiance, Aerys foolishly opened the gates, believing his old friend had come to save him. Instead, Tywin's army immediately began the Sack of King's Landing, slaughtering civilians and looting the streets while Aerys remained isolated in the Red Keep. In a moment that would echo through history, Ser Jaime Lannister, realizing his king intended to burn millions to ash, made the fateful choice to break his sacred oath. He slew Aerys in the throne room, saving the city from total annihilation and cementing the end of the dragon's rule.
In Their Own Story
The throne room air hung heavy with the acrid tang of ozone and panic. The Iron Throne loomed like a jagged mountain of blackened steel, yet Aerys did not sit; he paced frantically, fingers twitching as if grasping at phantom flames. 'Burn them all,' he hissed to the shadows, eyes wide with a madness that had long since consumed his reason. Then, the heavy doors groaned open—not to reveal Tywin's army, but a solitary Kingsguard in white cloak. Jaime stepped forward, hand resting on his sword hilt, face carved from grim resolve. As Aerys turned to scream orders for the wildfire caches, the blade flashed once. The last Targaryen king slumped against the cold metal of his throne, the fire in his eyes extinguished forever.
Reader's Guide
The immediate aftermath saw Robert Baratheon claim the Iron Throne, marrying Cersei Lannister to seal the alliance. Tywin Lannister presented Aerys's corpse to the new king, solidifying his family's power. This event ended nearly three centuries of Targaryen rule and set the stage for decades of political intrigue and future conflicts involving the exiled dragon prince.
Did You Know?
- Aerys II was never known as 'Aerys the Good'; his reign began with promise before the Defiance of Duskendale triggered his descent into paranoia and madness.
- Though branded 'Kingslayer' by history for breaking his sacred oath, Jaime Lannister's act saved King's Landing from total annihilation by wildfire.
- The vast caches of green wildfire planted by Aerys beneath the city were not destroyed; they remained hidden for years, later discovered and weaponized by other factions in subsequent conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event is known as the Defeat of Aerys Targaryen?
This refers to the climax of Robert's Rebellion where rebel forces breached King's Landing and ended the reign of the Mad King. It signifies the moment House Targaryen lost control of the Iron Throne after nearly two centuries of rule.
Who killed King Aerys II during this event?
Jaime Lannister, serving as a member of the Kingsguard, slew his own king to prevent him from igniting wildfire caches beneath the city. This act earned Jaime the infamous title Kingslayer and marked a pivotal betrayal in history.
Why did Tywin Lannister attack King's Landing?
Lord Tywin marched his army on the capital to support Robert Baratheon's claim against the tyrannical rule of House Targaryen. His forces sacked the city, eliminating most remaining loyalists and securing a new dynasty for Westeros.
What was the immediate outcome for the Targaryen family?
The royal line was nearly extinguished as Rhaegar's children were hunted down while Princess Rhaenyra fled with her son Viserys to Essos. This collapse allowed Robert Baratheon to ascend and establish a new monarchy over the Seven Kingdoms.
How does this event shape the story of Game of Thrones?
The fall of King's Landing created the political instability that drives the main narrative, including claims to the throne by surviving Targaryens. It also established the Lannisters as a dominant power due to their role in overthrowing the previous regime.