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The Mad King
Aerys II begins his reign with Tywin as Hand but grows increasingly suspicious, cruel and obsessed with wildfire. His perverted trial by combat kills Rickard Stark and Brandon, and his demand that Jon Arryn surrender Robert and Eddard turns a royal crisis into rebellion. During the Sack of King's Landing, Aerys orders his pyromancers to burn the city; Jaime kills the king and Rossart before the command can be carried out. Much of this history reaches the novels through survivors' memories, so their later interpretations are not omniscient fact.
Key story events this character is involved in, and the chapters where they appear.
Role: monarch
The war that overthrew the Targaryen dynasty. Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and Jon Arryn rebelled against King Aerys II after Prince Rhaegar abducted Lyanna Stark. The rebellion ended with Rhaegar's death at the Trident and the Sack of King's Landing.
Role: killed
The final act of Robert's Rebellion. Tywin Lannister's army arrived at the gates professing loyalty to Aerys II, then turned on the city. Jaime Lannister killed the Mad King to prevent the wildfire plot, while Gregor Clegane murdered Princess Elia Martell and her children.
Role: attended
The great tourney hosted by Lord Whent where Prince Rhaegar Targaryen crowned Lyanna Stark as Queen of Love and Beauty, passing over his own wife Elia Martell. The mysterious Knight of the Laughing Tree appeared and vanished, setting events in motion that would end the Targaryen dynasty.
No chapter appearances recorded.
