The Dark Descent: Untangling the Targaryen Madness in Game of Thrones

One of the key lessons conveyed by Game of Thrones is that those in positions of power may not always deserve to be there. Often, individuals are born into power without any consideration given to their potential for cruelty or incompetence. House Targaryen, formerly the ruling family of the Seven Kingdoms, is a prime example, as the genetic line that grants them the throne also carries the perilous Targaryen Madness.

While Game of Thrones fans may have their favorite characters, it begs the question of whether they also have a preferred noble family to ascend the Iron Throne. If fans were polled, the leading contenders would likely be House Stark, House Lannister, or House Martell, with House Targaryen being a less popular choice.

What causes Targaryen Madness?

Approximately half of the Targaryen family members are born with severe mental illnesses that manifest in their later lives. These conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, have a genetic basis. Referred to as Targaryen Madness, it is not a specific ailment but rather a natural consequence of the long history of incest within the Targaryen lineage. The Targaryens, who were one of the original forty dragonlord families from Valyria, followed a tradition of marrying siblings to preserve their bloodline purity. This practice, akin to historical royal dynasties like the Habsburgs, led to frequent genetic abnormalities. In the Seven Kingdoms, the reputation of House Targaryen for incestuous relationships was widely known. It was commonly said that when a Targaryen was born, the gods decided their fate by flipping a coin. This phrase had a dual meaning, suggesting that approximately fifty percent of the Targaryen bloodline would inherit their genetic madness. The Faith of the Seven, the primary religion in Westeros, strictly prohibited incest, leading many to believe that the Targaryens' mental instability was a divine curse as punishment for their forbidden unions. Notable examples, such as King George III of England, who experienced episodes of madness, further echo this grim reality of royal lineages. While modern explanations attribute George's condition to porphyria and bipolar disorder, it is highly likely that his illness was an outcome of incestuous relationships within the royal family.

Which Targaryens are mad?

An infamous example of Targaryen madness is Aerys II, also known as the Mad King. Aerys was the 16th Targaryen ruler to sit on the Iron Throne. At the beginning of his reign, things were peaceful and uneventful. However, Aerys gradually developed symptoms similar to paranoid schizophrenia. He began hearing voices, making unfounded accusations, and suspected everyone he encountered of conspiring against him. At one point, Aerys was abducted and subjected to torture for six months during a revolt over taxes. Ser Barristan Selmy came to his rescue, saving him from certain death when his Hand, Tywin Lannister, sacked the town. Unfortunately, Ser Barristan spent the rest of his life regretting his success.

Upon his return to power, Aerys's reign descended into chaos and violence. He grew to despise Tywin and the members of his small council. The rebellion began when Aerys's eldest son kidnapped Lyanna Stark, leading noble houses to rise up against the Mad King. Brandon Stark attempted to save his sister by riding to King's Landing, but he was arrested and charged with treason by Aerys. When Brandon's father, Rickard, arrived to pay his son's ransom, Aerys cruelly executed them both. This event marked the start of Robert's Rebellion, in which various forces in the realm united to overthrow the Mad King. Jon Arryn, Eddard Stark, Robert Baratheon, and even Tywin Lannister raised their armies and marched on King's Landing. However, the Mad King had a dangerous trick up his sleeve. He had secretly enlisted the Alchemist's Guild to hide caches of explosive wildfire throughout the city. In a desperate move, Jaime Lannister, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, chose to sacrifice his honor and killed King Aerys II Targaryen, allowing Robert Baratheon to claim the Iron Throne. By doing so, Jaime prevented the potential loss of half a million lives in a devastating explosion.

Does every Targaryen go mad?

Aerys II, although the most renowned Mad King, was not the first to succumb to madness. Baelor the Blessed, the ninth ruler of House Targaryen, descended into a self-destructive fanaticism driven by religious fervor. He commanded the construction of the Great Sept, the epicenter of worship in the capital city of King's Landing. Additionally, he constructed the Maidenvault, a place to confine his own sisters. However, his motive was not to condemn incest, but rather to shun all forms of sexual activity. Tragically, he eventually perished from starvation, deeming worldly sustenance sinful.

In a later era, Prince Rhaegel gained notoriety for his peculiar habit of dancing unclothed within the corridors of the Red Keep. Yet, perhaps the most sorrowful tale belongs to Prince Aerion Brightflame, who surrendered to madness and consumed wildfire in his belief that it would grant him rebirth as a dragon. Unfortunately, his demise proved to be a painfully agonizing one. While there were numerous Targaryens who exhibited sociopathic tendencies or demonstrated abhorrent cruelty, the most deranged examples truly stand out.

The cruelty and unpredictability of Targaryen madness are hidden from plain sight. While not all family members are affected, it is impossible to determine who will succumb to its grip. Some fans of the show contend that Daenerys embraced Targaryen madness starting from season eight. This explanation better justifies her actions compared to any provided by the series. Jon Snow, the sole surviving son of Rhaegar Targaryen, appears to possess his sanity, yet he is still a young man. The books have portrayed instances of Targaryen madness in children who did not have incestuous origins. The bloodline is tainted by countless generations of poor choices. Some individuals may escape the genetic curse, but it can strike unexpectedly at any moment.

The depiction of Targaryen madness in Game of Thrones is both disturbing and historically accurate. While the Mad King bears responsibility for his actions, he is also a product of generations of siblings mating, which has taken a toll on his mental well-being. The inevitable downfall of House Targaryen was a result of either violent overthrow or the gradual erosion caused by hereditary illnesses.