Tommen Baratheon: A King Too Good for Westeros?
Introduction
Game of Thrones, the sprawling epic of political intrigue, brutal warfare, and fantastical elements, captivated audiences with its morally grey characters and unpredictable storylines. Within this treacherous landscape, where power was a deadly game, existed a young and innocent king: Tommen Baratheon. Unlike his predecessor, the cruel and sadistic Joffrey, Tommen possessed a gentle heart and a genuine desire to rule justly. However, was his inherent goodness a strength or a fatal flaw in the ruthless world of Westeros? Tommen Baratheon, despite his noble intentions, was ultimately too naive and compassionate to navigate the cutthroat world of Westeros, leading to his tragic demise. His story serves as a poignant reminder that even the purest of intentions can be consumed by the fires of ambition and deceit.
Tommen’s Early Life and Character
Tommen Baratheon, the younger brother of Joffrey, inhabited a world defined by the stark contrast between his own nature and that of his sibling. Where Joffrey reveled in cruelty and power, Tommen displayed a gentle disposition from a young age. While Joffrey tortured animals and reveled in the suffering of others, Tommen cared for his pet cat, Ser Pounce, showcasing a deep capacity for empathy. This inherent goodness set him apart, making him a stark contrast to the prevailing brutality that defined the royal court. His childhood was spent largely shielded from the harsh realities of the realm, allowing his innocence to flourish, perhaps to a detrimental extent.
Those around him recognized his gentle nature. Tyrion Lannister, always observant and often cynical, saw in Tommen a potential for kindness and reason, a stark contrast to the monstrous Joffrey. Cersei Lannister, his mother, while seemingly protective, viewed his gentleness as a weakness, a trait she sought to mold and control. Margaery Tyrell, the cunning and ambitious queen, saw in Tommen an opportunity to influence the throne, recognizing his susceptibility to kindness and affection. These varying perceptions highlighted the complexity of Tommen’s character and the different ways in which people sought to exploit his inherent goodness.
Tommen Ascends the Throne
The sudden and dramatic death of Joffrey Baratheon at his own wedding propelled young Tommen onto the Iron Throne. Overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility, Tommen ascended the throne not with ambition or lust for power, but with a palpable sense of fear and trepidation. He was a child thrust into a man’s role, unprepared for the complex political machinations and deadly games that defined the kingdom.
His initial reluctance to rule was evident. He lacked the confidence and assertiveness necessary to command respect and navigate the treacherous waters of the court. He relied heavily on the counsel of others, particularly his mother, Cersei, whose influence grew exponentially as Tommen struggled to find his footing as king.
Cersei’s manipulation was subtle yet pervasive. She presented herself as a loving and supportive mother, guiding him towards decisions that ultimately served her own agenda. She skillfully exploited his naiveté and his desire to please her, ensuring that he remained under her control. This dependence on Cersei would prove to be one of Tommen’s greatest weaknesses, ultimately contributing to his tragic fate.
Tommen’s Relationships and Influences
The young king’s reign was defined by the powerful influences surrounding him, most notably his mother Cersei Lannister, his wife Margaery Tyrell, and the religious figure, the High Sparrow.
Cersei Lannister and Maternal Control
Cersei Lannister, ever the devoted mother, wielded immense power over Tommen. Her overbearing nature and manipulative tendencies shaped his reign, often to devastating effect. While she genuinely loved Tommen, her definition of love was inextricably linked to control. She sought to protect him from the dangers of the world, but her methods were often ruthless and ultimately detrimental to his well-being and his ability to rule effectively.
Cersei’s paranoia and thirst for revenge fueled her decisions, pushing Tommen towards actions that exacerbated the political turmoil in King’s Landing. She skillfully played on his insecurities and his desire for her approval, transforming him into a puppet in her intricate game of power. Her actions, though ostensibly motivated by love, ultimately paved the way for Tommen’s downfall.
Margaery Tyrell and The Queenly Influence
Tommen found genuine affection and perhaps even love with his wife, Margaery Tyrell. Margaery, a seasoned player in the game of thrones, recognized Tommen’s inherent goodness and saw an opportunity to guide him towards compassion and piety. She attempted to temper Cersei’s influence, advocating for policies that would benefit the common people and promote peace within the realm.
Margaery’s presence offered Tommen a glimpse of a different kind of rule, one based on empathy and understanding rather than fear and intimidation. She encouraged him to be a just and merciful king, a stark contrast to the tyrannical reign of his predecessor. However, the conflict between Cersei and Margaery for Tommen’s allegiance created a constant tension, further destabilizing the kingdom and adding to Tommen’s burden.
The High Sparrow and Spiritual Guidance
The rise of the Faith Militant, led by the enigmatic High Sparrow, significantly impacted Tommen’s reign. Seeking solace and purpose, Tommen was drawn to the High Sparrow’s message of piety and repentance. The High Sparrow, a master manipulator, cleverly exploited Tommen’s desire to be a good and just king, swaying him to support the Faith Militant’s agenda.
Tommen’s growing devotion to the Faith Militant strained his relationship with Cersei and ultimately led to the imprisonment of both Cersei and Margaery. He found himself torn between his loyalty to his mother, his love for his wife, and his newfound faith, a conflict that proved to be unbearable. The High Sparrow’s influence completely altered Tommen’s perspective and set in motion the events that ultimately led to the destruction of the Sept of Baelor.
Key Decisions and Turning Points
Tommen’s decisions, often influenced by those around him, had far-reaching and devastating consequences. His support for the Faith Militant, driven by his desire to be a pious king, unleashed a wave of religious fervor that destabilized the kingdom and led to the persecution of many.
The arrest of Cersei and Margaery by the Faith Militant plunged Tommen into a state of profound internal conflict. He was torn between his loyalty to his mother, his love for his wife, and his newfound faith. He struggled to reconcile these conflicting allegiances, a struggle that highlighted his inherent inability to navigate the complex political landscape.
Perhaps Tommen’s most consequential decision was the banning of trial by combat. Influenced by the High Sparrow, Tommen believed that trial by combat was a barbaric practice that had no place in a just and pious kingdom. This decision, while seemingly noble in intent, had devastating repercussions. It stripped Cersei of her right to defend herself against the Faith Militant’s accusations and ultimately paved the way for her explosive revenge.
Tommen’s Downfall and Death
The destruction of the Sept of Baelor, orchestrated by Cersei, marked the tragic climax of Tommen’s reign. The explosion, fueled by wildfire, consumed the Sept and everyone within, including Margaery Tyrell and many other prominent figures. Tommen witnessed the horrifying spectacle from the Red Keep, the visual testament to his failures.
The realization of the horror that had unfolded, the knowledge that his own mother was responsible for such carnage, shattered Tommen’s already fragile psyche. The loss of Margaery, the woman he loved, was the final blow. Stripped of his faith, his love, and his hope for a better future, Tommen walked to the window of the Red Keep and jumped.
Tommen’s suicide was not an act of cowardice, but a final act of despair. He could no longer bear the weight of his crown, the burden of his failures, and the knowledge that he had been a pawn in a deadly game. His death served as a stark indictment of the corrupting influence of power and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.
Tommen’s Significance and Legacy
Tommen Baratheon serves as a poignant symbol of innocence lost in the brutal world of Game of Thrones. He represents the tragic consequences of power struggles and the corrupting influence of ambition, even for those with the purest of hearts. His story underscores the idea that kindness and compassion, while admirable qualities, are often insufficient to survive in a world defined by treachery and violence.
Tommen’s death had a profound impact on the Game of Thrones narrative. It cleared the way for Cersei to seize the Iron Throne, ushering in an era of ruthless tyranny. His tragic end served as a catalyst for further conflict and bloodshed, ultimately contributing to the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the war for Westeros.
Was Tommen a good king? The answer is complex. He possessed a genuine desire to rule justly and compassionately, but he lacked the political acumen and the strength of will necessary to navigate the treacherous landscape of Westeros. His naiveté and his dependence on others made him vulnerable to manipulation, ultimately leading to his downfall. While his intentions were noble, his actions often had unintended and devastating consequences. He might have been a good man, but he was ultimately a king too good for Westeros.
Conclusion
Tommen Baratheon, a boy thrust into a world of shadows and steel, stands as a symbol of lost innocence within the grim tapestry of Game of Thrones. Despite possessing a noble heart and a sincere desire to rule justly, his inherent naiveté and dependence on others made him a pawn in a dangerous game, a game he was ill-equipped to play. His tragic arc, from innocent child to tragic king, highlights the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. Tommen’s story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of political intrigue and the corruption of power, even for those with the purest of hearts, ensuring his place as a memorable if tragic figure in the sprawling history of Westeros.
