Introduction
“A Song of Ice and Fire” is an epic story by George R.R Martin depicting how much confusion a death of a throne may lead to. The novelist started writing the novel in 1991, publishing the first volume in 1996. Although the novel was envisaged as a trilogy, the series has five published novels. The story takes place in a fictional world: Westeros continent and Essos landmass. The series starts with human characters, but non-human ones are introduced as the story advances to the end. While the “Song of the Ice and Fire” has various scenes and storylines, the scene at the Seven Kingdoms involving the death of King Robert is the most intriguing.
Scene Summary
Death is often associated with grief, and emotional instability can politically affect the ones left behind. The scene set in the Seven Kingdoms involves the struggle for the Iron Throne upon King Robert Baratheon’s death (Martin). The king was killed by Cersei Lannister, who claimed that he did it by himself and all she did was help him. Although the king appointed Lord Eddard Stark as regent for Joffrey, his son, more is uncovered upon his demise. Joffrey inherits the kingdom with the help of his mother’s powerful family (Martin). However, Lord Eddard Stark claims that Joffrey and other Robert Baratheon children are illegitimate.
Consequently, Lord Eddard Stark supports the king’s youngest brother, Renly. Although it was King Robert’s wish to be succeeded by his children, Cersei Lannister took the throne. What follows is a series of political tragedies and family conflicts, bringing to an end the reign of Robert Baratheon.
Personal Reflection
Although George R.R Martin carefully crafted a story of a powerful king, his death leaves the audience confused. The death of King Robert Baratheon is engulfed with a series of mystifying events. It is unclear whether Cersei Lannister “helped” the king kill himself for her gain or the family’s goodwill. Episodes before portrays Cersei Lannister as a loving woman who cared for her family. Therefore, it is absurd that she considered the death of Robert Baratheon as nothing but a personal wish.
Additionally, George R.R Martin encourages barbarism and tyranny, involving rule-breaking. It is confusing who was the right heir of king Robert Baratheon, but Cersei Lannister breaks the rules and later becomes the queen installing herself on the Iron Throne. Therefore, I perceive the scene as controversial since there are so many answered questions on Cersei Lannister’s character and the right heir of king Robert Baratheon.
Although the scene after Robert Baratheon’s death is puzzling, I perceive George R.R Martin as an outstanding political writer. In the realms of power, betrayals and killings are common happenings (Rutherford and Baker 112-114). It is absurd that those whom Robert Baratheon entrusted with a smooth transition of power are the ones who betray his course. Lord Eddard Stark fails to recognize Robert Baratheon’s children in proclaiming the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Cersei Lannister goes against the rules to instill herself in the Iron Throne. The novelist portrays real-life situations in the contemporary world. While George R.R Martin confuses his audience, he masterly crafted a real political situation that he must be praised for.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones is one of the most captivating stories that explore power, politics, and family. “A Song of Ice and Fire” is the most interesting series since it shows how family members can turn against each other. The scene that involves the death of king Robert Baratheon reveals much about his family and those he worked closely with. While other kingdoms and jurisdictions gain their independence, Westeros experiences a series of deaths and betrays in the fight for the Iron Throne. The scene portrays George R.R Martin as misleading since he suggests that breaking the rules is rewarding. Therefore, the death of a powerful person can be the beginning of problems on their thrones.
Works Cited
Martin, George RR. “A Song of Ice and Fire”. In A Game of Thrones. Vol. 1., 2011, Bantam.
Rutherford, Amanda, and Sarah Baker. “Game of Thrones as a Gothic Horror in Quality Television.” Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Film and Media Studies, Vol. 20, No. 1, 2021, pp. 111–28.