Shocking Revelation: The Real Reason Behind King Tommen's Tragic Fate in Game of Thrones Season 6

Summary

Tommen Baratheon's death was not only caused by the death of his wife, but also by the manipulation and pressure from his family members and high-ranking figures in Westeros.

Tommen's decision to end his own life stemmed from a deep sense of isolation, betrayal, and utter hopelessness, brought about by the loss of his loved ones and witnessing the devastating consequences of his mother's actions.

The portrayal of Tommen's suicide in the show was flawlessly crafted, leaving a lasting and chilling impact that will remain etched in the annals of Game of Thrones.

Tommen Baratheon's death in the season 6 finale of Game of Thrones may have been a result of his own actions, but it was influenced by more than just the loss of his wife. Callum Wharry portrayed Cersei Lannister's youngest son until he was replaced by Dean-Charles Chapman in season 4. Despite emerging as the successor to the Iron Throne, Tommen crumbled under the pressure from his family and the tense political landscape of Westeros. In episode 10 of season 6, Tommen's tragic death unfolded, marking one of the most heart-wrenching conclusions for a Game of Thrones character.

Compared to his cruel brother Joffrey, Tommen appeared to be a more compassionate ruler, even showing admiration for his uncle Tyrion, who had been ostracized by their family. Nonetheless, Tommen was still a young and vulnerable boy, easily swayed by manipulative individuals who sought to control him. This included his family members like Cersei and their influential grandfather Tywin Lannister. As time went on, he also became a pawn in the schemes of Margaery Tyrell and the High Sparrow. Lacking the ability to protect himself or recognize the dangers around him, it comes as no surprise that Tommen's reign as king on Game of Thrones was short-lived. However, this did not diminish the shocking impact of his untimely demise.

What Happened To Tommen In Game Of Thrones

King Tommen Baratheon

Tommen Baratheon's demise followed a period of increased involvement in Game of Thrones season 4. Like his siblings, Tommen was the covert result of an intimate relationship between Cersei and her twin brother, Jaime Lannister. He was in attendance at the nuptial ceremony between Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell, as well as the subsequent funeral after his elder brother's passing. Despite his lack of experience and naivety, Tommen was crowned as the next ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Following Joffrey's dramatic demise, Margaery redirected her attention towards Tommen as a means to align influential families. They swiftly wed; however, conflict arose when Cersei became envious of Margaery's influence over her son, leading her to grant the High Sparrow more power.

Following the Faith Militant's arrest of Margaery and her brother Loras, Cersei's plan to sever ties between Tommen and the Tyrells backfired, resulting in her own capture and walk of atonement. Tommen gradually succumbed to brainwashing by the High Sparrow and his religious followers. Despite Cersei abolishing trial by combat, she still faced a trial for her crimes. Just as the trials were set to commence, Cersei orchestrated a massive wildfire explosion at the Great Sept, taking the lives of thousands, including Margaery. Witnessing these catastrophic events, Tommen cast aside his crown and chose to end his own life by leaping from his bedroom window. While Margaery's death played a role in Tommen's suicide, the actions of his mother were a more significant contributing factor.

How The Lannisters Caused Tommen Baratheon's Suicide

The death of Tommen Baratheon in Game of Thrones seemed inevitable in many ways. Almost everyone who encountered him manipulated him in some way, whether it was Margaery seducing him while he was vulnerable or his mother trying to maintain control over him. Even the High Sparrow recognized his gullibility and used him to advance the Faith of the Seven. However, the immense grief caused by Margaery's death took a backseat to the overwhelming trauma of growing up as a Lannister.

Not only had Tommen recently lost his only siblings, but these deaths followed closely after the demise of his supposed father, Robert Baratheon. The realization that his mother had knowingly caused the deaths of thousands of innocent people in King's Landing, including the woman he loved, was incomprehensible to Tommen. Feeling betrayed by his newfound faith and abandoned by everyone he had once trusted, the young king saw no other option than to take his own life. Undoubtedly, this unexpected demise was one of the most abrupt deaths in the entirety of Game of Thrones.

Tommen's Death Fulfilled Cersei's Tragic Prophecy In The Show

The prophecy of the witch Maggy in Game of Thrones season 5, foretelling Cersei's downfall and the deaths of her children, is fulfilled with the death of Tommen Baratheon. In the episode "The Wars to Come," Cersei seeks out Maggy to learn her future. Maggy predicts that Cersei will be queen until someone younger and more beautiful comes to dethrone her. She also foretells that Cersei will have three children, symbolized by crowns of gold and shrouds of gold.

Cersei's children are the most important thing in her life, and the fulfilling of the prophecy happens when her three children die. Joffrey is poisoned, Myrcella is killed as revenge, and finally, Tommen takes his own life. All three deaths match the prophecy, as their shrouds are indeed golden. In the Game of Thrones books, Maggy predicts that Jaime might be the one to kill Cersei, but this does not happen. Instead, the prophecy is ultimately fulfilled when Tommen commits suicide, in a devastating manner that befits the show's dark tone.

The Cinematography Made Tommen's Death Unforgettable

Game of Thrones season 6, episode 10, "The Winds of Winter" was directed by Miguel Sapochnik, known for directing some of the most memorable Game of Thrones episodes. In this particular episode, Sapochnik skillfully portrays the scene where Tommen's demise takes place. Situated in his quarters, Tommen witnesses Cersei's devastating destruction of the Red Keep from a distance and is informed about Margaery's death. As an attendant expresses his condolences, Tommen, facing away from the camera, remains still at the window.

Continuing the shot without any changes, the attendant departs, and Tommen momentarily steps out of frame to remove his crown. He returns to the window, which has been the focal point of the camera all along. Without uttering a single word, the young king takes a calm step forward and meets his end by stepping out of the window. This beautifully executed scene remains etched in the memories of Game of Thrones fans. The destruction of the Red Keep, a grand and pivotal event, had unfolded mere moments before, which included the demise of a significant character.

The episode featuring Tommen's suicide serves as a serene contrast to the preceding one, juxtaposing a quiet demise with a dramatic event. Despite its tranquil execution, the act of Tommen taking his own life shook Game of Thrones viewers to their core. While Cersei ascends to the title of Queen of the Seven Kingdoms after the loss of all her children, it is not solely due to this development that Tommen's suicide remains etched in our memories. The true reason lies in the masterful delivery of this pivotal moment by Sapochnik.

What Tommen Baratheon Actor Dean-Charles Chapman Thinks Of The Death Scene

While Tommen Baratheon's death on Game of Thrones surprised viewers, actor Dean-Charles Chapman has his own perspective on his character's demise. Reflecting on Tommen's tragic end (via Cosmopolitan), Chapman revealed that there were numerous takes of the famous fall captured from various angles, resulting in a few less-than-graceful face-plants. Despite the challenging nature of the scene, the selected take ultimately portrays a remarkably emotionless final act from the young king.

In terms of Tommen's death, Chapman found it surprising how Cersei reacted. Despite her emotional breakdown over the loss of Joffrey and Myrcella, Chapman jokingly expressed offense that Cersei appeared unaffected and swiftly moved on, focused on securing the throne. Although it may be easy to label Cersei as heartless in this moment, her seemingly indifferent reaction suggests that Tommen's death impacted her differently, having exhausted her capacity for grief and possibly signaling a more ruthless change within her. It also implies that, as her actions ultimately led to Tommen taking his own life, she was unable to come to terms with her devastating loss.

Reflecting on the aftermath of Tommen's passing, Chapman's primary concern was for Ser Pounce, Tommen's beloved pet cat. Despite Ser Pounce's absence in the series after Tommen's death, Chapman hopes that the cat found happiness and companionship in the Red Keep, possibly starting a new family with another feline. While this wish is pleasant, it is preferable to imagine that Ser Pounce departed King's Landing before Daenerys' arrival in Game of Thrones season 8.

Kings Dying Early Is A Common Trend In Westeros

Tommen Baratheon's death symbolized a brief and precarious rule in Game of Thrones. The series made it clear that sitting on the Iron Throne did not guarantee a long life. Joffrey Baratheon, who assumed power at the end of season 1, met his demise at a young age in season 4. Even those who held the title of king were doomed, as evidenced by the War of the Five Kings that erupted after Robert Baratheon's death, resulting in the deaths of all five kings by season 6.

Not even Daenerys Targaryen, the fan-favorite contender for the Iron Throne, could hold on to it for more than a day before being assassinated by Jon Snow. In the end, Bran Stark assumes the role of king, entering a more peaceful period that promises a longer reign. House of the Dragon introduces King Viserys, who enjoyed a prosperous 26-year rule before his death ushered in a violent era. The record for the longest reign among Westerosi kings goes to Jaehaerys I Targaryen, who held the throne for an impressive 55 years, making Tommen and the other kings of Game of Thrones pale in comparison.