Did Viserys want to be king? This question has intrigued fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series for years. As the first Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne after the fall of the Valyrian Empire, Viserys Targaryen’s motivations and desires have been a subject of much debate. In this article, we will explore the complexities of Viserys’ character and his desire to rule as a king.
Viserys, portrayed as a vain and ambitious character, was driven by his desire to reclaim the throne that his family once held. His reign was marked by his constant yearning for power and recognition, which ultimately led to his downfall. While it is clear that Viserys was determined to be king, the true extent of his ambition and whether he was genuinely suited for the role remains a topic of contention.
From the very beginning, Viserys’ character was defined by his obsession with the Iron Throne. As the last surviving member of the Targaryen bloodline, he was born with the expectation that he would one day reclaim the throne. His father, Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King, had been overthrown by Robert Baratheon, ending the Targaryen dynasty. Viserys was determined to change that.
However, Viserys’ ambition was not solely driven by a desire to restore his family’s honor. He was also deeply narcissistic and vain, which often clouded his judgment. His obsession with the throne was so intense that he was willing to do anything to achieve his goal, including resorting to desperate measures. This was evident in his marriage to Daenerys Targaryen, which was a political alliance rather than a genuine love match.
Despite his ambition, Viserys was not an effective ruler. His lack of leadership qualities and his reliance on the counsel of his advisors, particularly his sister Rhaenys, often led to poor decisions. His reign was marked by a series of failures, including his failed attempt to conquer Westeros and his execution of Elia Martell. These actions only served to alienate him from the people and weaken his hold on the Iron Throne.
Furthermore, Viserys’ character was further complicated by his relationship with his daughter, Daenerys. While he initially wanted her to be his queen, he soon grew resentful of her growing power and influence. This resentment led to his attempt to murder her, which ultimately resulted in his own death. His failure to recognize the potential of his daughter and his inability to adapt to the changing dynamics of power within the Targaryen family further highlight his unsuitability for the throne.
In conclusion, while it is clear that Viserys wanted to be king, his character was defined by his ambition, narcissism, and lack of leadership qualities. His reign was marked by a series of failures and poor decisions, which ultimately led to his downfall. While he may have desired the title of king, his inability to effectively rule and his flawed character ultimately made him an unsuitable candidate for the Iron Throne. The question of whether Viserys truly wanted to be king or if he was simply a pawn in the game of thrones remains a complex and intriguing topic for fans of the series.
