The Secrets of the Alchemist's Guild Unveiled in Game of Thrones

The extensive array of competing interests in Game of Thrones is truly remarkable. Numerous noble families are vying for power, while religious groups, assassins' guilds, ancient orders, and enigmatic indigenous species consistently enter the fray. When Stannis Baratheon sought entrance at the Lannisters' palace doors, they sought the wisdom of the Alchemists' Guild to send their entire army to its watery demise.

The land of Westeros possesses a captivating and intricate history that accompanies every event. The main characters find themselves continually immersed in narratives recounting the atrocities committed by mythical creatures at the hands of deranged individuals. While some elements of the story have faded, their remaining embers retain great significance.

Where did the Alchemist's Guild come from?

Not much is known about the early history of the Alchemist's Guild, as they existed long before the noble families of Westeros and the events of the story. Alchemists were mentioned in the mythical Age of Heroes, a period that was not documented in books but rather remembered through songs, artwork, and oral histories. This era began with a treaty between the First Men and the Children of the Forest, ending thousands of years of war and bringing about an abundance of new talent, challenges, and captivating stories that would entertain Westeros for generations. The alchemists were renowned for their rumored magical abilities and vast knowledge, with adult members of the guild being referred to as wisdoms.

The Alchemist's Guild has had a longstanding alliance with House Targaryen. According to historical accounts, they were hired by King Aegon IV Targaryen. Aegon the Unworthy had a desire to replace the extinct winged dragons that his ancestors used to rule the world with mechanical ones. His goal was to conquer Dorne, but his plan failed, similar to previous attempts to subdue Dorne. The alchemists attempted to fulfill his request, but one of their contraptions exploded, forcing him to abandon the idea. In the show, the portrayal of the relationship between the Alchemist's Guild and the Targaryens is depicted as starting much earlier. It is said that Maegor the Cruel hired the alchemists to aid in conflicts that were not significant enough to warrant the use of dragons. They remained part of the Targaryens' entourage until Prince Aerion consumed their enigmatic substance in an attempt to become one of their favored creatures, which tragically resulted in his death. This incident led House Targaryen to discontinue their longstanding patronage of the Alchemist's Guild.

What is the Alchemist's Guild capable of?

The Alchemists, also known as pyromancers, possessed a unique and coveted ability: the creation of wildfire, an incredibly volatile and flammable liquid. Within Westeros, wildfire stood as the most powerful explosive known, burning at such an intense heat that even water failed to extinguish it. Revered as "the Substance" by the Alchemists, wildfire came with a staunch warning of its inherent danger to those who dared to utilize it.

Aegon the Unworthy's mechanized dragons were fueled by this dangerous substance, while Maegor the Cruel sought a convenient weapon to suppress minor uprisings, employing wildfire to maintain control with an iron fist, while ensuring the health and freedom of his dragons. The Targaryens, lacking dragons in later years, began to heavily rely on wildfire, which eventually contributed to the downfall of the Guild.

As Robert's Rebellion loomed, King Aerys II Targaryen, in preparation for the possible loss of the Iron Throne, developed a contingency plan. Obsessed with wildfire, he utilized it to ward off winter, punish traitors, and torment those who conspired against him. Wildfire claimed the life of Rickard Stark through execution. With the ambition of annihilating King's Landing at a moment's notice, Aerys entrusted three skilled members of the Alchemist's Guild to amass a vast stockpile of wildfire. However, the Hand of the King opposed this plan, resulting in Aerys burning him to death. Ultimately, after Jaime Lannister ended the Mad King's reign, he sought out the three wisdoms, ensuring their burial alongside their deceased ruler.

What happened to the Alchemist's Guild?

The Alchemist's Guild, chosen by Aerys for their wisdom, held great importance within their ranks. Unfortunately, their lack of effective guidance left them in a state of disarray. However, Cersei Lannister sought to remedy this by commissioning the creation of an immense stockpile of wildfire, finally granting them a sense of purpose after years of neglect. In the book, Cersei employs this destructive force to incinerate the Tower of the Hand as retribution towards her brother Tyrion for the murder of their father Tywin. Conversely, in the show, Tyrion personally approaches the Alchemist's Guild to secure their services for his own purposes. Subsequently, Tyrion orchestrates a covert operation, loading wildfire onto an empty vessel and dispatching it to confront Stannis Baratheon's advancing army. The ensuing explosion successfully hinders Stannis' progress, enabling Tywin and Ser Loras Tyrell to arrive and secure a victory.

As proclaimed by the Alchemist's Guild, their possession of unique knowledge remains undisputed. Their exclusive access to wildfire renders them indispensable to the shortsighted nobles who dominate their world, until the moment it turns on its masters. The pyromancers display an unwavering desire to fulfill their duty, regardless of the questionable nature of their assignments. This serves as a cautionary example for other factions under corrupt leadership. Perhaps if they had turned their destructive power against their own oppressors, they may have endured to this day.