The question of when exactly Jaime Lannister committed his most infamous act, the assassination of King Aerys II Targaryen, is a pivotal moment in the history of Westeros. Understanding when did Jaime Lannister kill the Mad King is crucial to grasping the motivations and allegiances of key characters throughout the Game of Thrones saga.
The Act That Changed Everything When Did Jaime Lannister Kill The Mad King
The dramatic event when did Jaime Lannister kill the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, occurred during the Sack of King’s Landing. This violent climax of Robert’s Rebellion marked the end of Targaryen rule and the beginning of a new era. Jaime, then a member of the Kingsguard, was tasked with protecting the king. However, Aerys’s descent into madness and his order to burn the entire city with wildfire forced Jaime into an impossible choice.
Several factors contributed to Jaime’s decision. His oath as a Kingsguard was to protect the king, but the king’s actions threatened the innocent lives of thousands of his own subjects. The burning of King’s Landing with wildfire was a catastrophic prospect, a plan that would have annihilated everyone within the city walls. This realization, coupled with the madness Aerys displayed, led Jaime to break his sacred vows.
The exact timeline of when did Jaime Lannister kill the Mad King is important because it underscores the moral ambiguity of his actions. Here’s a breakdown of the circumstances:
- The King’s Madness Aerys II Targaryen had become increasingly paranoid and cruel, earning him the moniker “The Mad King.”
- The Wildfire Plot Aerys ordered the pyromancers to prepare caches of wildfire throughout the city, intending to unleash them upon any attacking forces.
- Jaime’s Dilemma As the rebellion succeeded and the Lannister forces entered the city, Aerys ordered the wildfire to be ignited.
- The Kingslayer Jaime, seeing the immediate danger to the populace, defied his king and stabbed Aerys in the back, thus preventing the massacre and earning the infamous title “The Kingslayer.”
This single act, when did Jaime Lannister kill the Mad King, cemented his fate and reputation. He was no longer just Ser Jaime, a knight of the Kingsguard, but the man who had slain his sovereign. This pivotal moment is a testament to the brutal realities of war and the difficult choices faced by those in positions of power.
For a deeper understanding of the events surrounding this critical juncture in Westerosi history, you should consult the detailed accounts found in the subsequent sections, which offer further context and analysis.