Unveiling the Epic Saga of Robert's Rebellion in Game of Thrones
Discover the captivating story of Robert's Rebellion in Game of Thrones Unveil the allies who fought alongside Robert Baratheon and the formidable opponents who stood against him Experience the epic tale of how Robert Baratheon ascended to become the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms
House Targaryen governed the Seven Kingdoms in Westeros for nearly three centuries in the world of Game of Thrones. Aerys II, commonly known as the Mad King, was the final Targaryen to hold the throne, ruling from 262-283 AC for approximately 20 years.
At the commencement of the Game of Thrones story, Robert Baratheon was the reigning monarch, occupying the Iron Throne within the Red Keep of King's Landing, the capital of Westeros. Although characters frequently discussed how Robert ascended to power, the TV series never depicted the events of Robert's Rebellion, also referred to as the War of the Usurper.
In a series of events resembling a snowball effect, Robert Baratheon, supported by a small group of loyal companions, successfully overthrew Aerys II from the Iron Throne during a rebellion that reportedly lasted for almost a year. Spanning across Westeros, fierce battles ultimately led to the demise of the Mad King within his own royal residence. This rebellion, known as Robert's Rebellion, marked the end of House Targaryen's reign and served as the catalyst for the epic saga known as Game of Thrones.
What Was Robert's Rebellion in Game of Thrones?
The rebellion against King Aerys II Targaryen, known as Robert's Rebellion, was sparked by the series of events and battles that ensued. The catalyst for this uprising was Lord Whent's Great Tournament, a lavish gathering held at Harrenhal. In the year 281 AC, during this momentous tournament, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen emerged victorious in a gripping jousting match. As his prize, he was bestowed with the privilege of crowning the new queen of love and beauty.
Instead of following tradition and presenting the crown of blue roses to his wife Elia Martel, Rhaegar, in a controversial move, gave it to Lyanna Stark of Winterfell, who was already betrothed to Robert Baratheon of Storm's End. This unexpected action led many to speculate that Rhaegar had kidnapped Lyanna, as both of them disappeared mysteriously. Meanwhile, Lyanna's brother Brandon Stark, on his way to marry Catelyn Tully, learned of his sister's supposed abduction and immediately traveled to King's Landing. There, he angrily called out for Rhaegar at the Red Keep, challenging him to a fight for his life. Unbeknownst to Brandon, Rhaegar was not present in the capital; instead, it was the Mad King who, upon hearing Brandon's demands, ordered his guards to apprehend and imprison Stark and his companions.
With the northerners held captive, Aerys summoned Rickard Stark, Brandon's father, to face consequences for his son's plot to murder the Targaryen Prince. Rickard arrived and demanded a trial by combat, which Aerys granted. However, instead of choosing a champion, Rickard opted to fight himself. Aerys, on the other hand, chose fire as his champion and commanded his men to burn Rickard alive. In an attempt to save his father, Brandon strangled himself to death in a device that tightened around his neck as he tried to escape. It is assumed that anyone accompanying Brandon and Rickard met the same fate.
Subsequently, Aerys called upon Lord Jon Arryn of the Vale to deliver the heads of Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon, as he suspected they would seek retribution for the deaths of their fellow northerners. However, Jon defied the King's orders and stood with his allies, raising his banners in rebellion to fight alongside House Stark and House Baratheon against the Mad King and House Targaryen.
Who Fought Alongside Robert Baratheon?
In the aftermath of numerous victories achieved by the rebel forces, the mighty Iron Throne was toppled and Aerys II met his demise at the hands of none other than Ser Jaime Lannister, a valiant member of his own Kingsguard. This act laid the foundation for Robert Baratheon to ascend the coveted throne and become the future ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
House Stark and House Tully were among the rebels who battled to seize the throne alongside House Baratheon. House Arryn, on the other hand, experienced division during the war. Jon Arryn sided with the rebellion, while others remained loyal to the crown.
Another complication arose within House Lannister in terms of loyalty. Prior to the rebellion, Tywin Lannister, the Lord of Casterly Rock, served as the Hand of the King for a considerable period under Aerys II. Tywin proved highly effective in this role, bringing forth economic prosperity throughout Westeros. However, as the King's mental instability worsened, he grew envious of Tywin's success and would belittle his achievements. Despite this, Tywin remained unaffected until Aerys decided to appoint Tywin's son, Jaime, as a member of the Kingsguard, thereby stripping him of his rightful position as heir to House Lannister. Tywin, filled with rage, promptly resigned from his role as Hand of the King and returned to Casterly Rock.
During the rebellion, Tywin made a conscious decision to remain neutral, refraining from taking sides until the war concluded. For those familiar with the show and books, it is evident that Tywin seized the opportunity to arrange a marriage between his daughter Cersei and Robert once he ascended to the throne, effectively making the Lady of Casterly Rock the Queen.
Who Fought Against Robert's Rebellion?
In addition to the Vale members who supported the crown, the Tyrell and Martell Houses remained loyal to House Targaryen and fought against Robert and his rebellion. Despite their efforts, the Grafton, Grandison, Cafferen, and Fell Houses were unable to quell the uprising.
In a climactic showdown, Rhaegar made his return to confront the rebels, engaging in a fateful duel with Robert at the Battle of the Trident in the riverlands. Although Rhaegar managed to wound the future king, he ultimately succumbed to Robert's Warhammer. With Robert taking the throne, the Game of Thrones commenced.
