The Golden Company: Allied Threat in Westeros or Loyal Mercenary Force?

In the vast tapestry of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, the Golden Company is a formidable force whose origins and allegiances have been the subject of much debate. Traditionally, it was believed that this mercenary army was founded by former Targaryen soldiers. However, recent lore has revealed that the Golden Company was actually started by exiled Blackfyre loyalists, who sought to restore their lineage to the Iron Throne. This article delves into the history and potential impact of the Golden Company on Cersei Lannister's strategy to fight Daenerys Targaryen.

Origins of the Golden Company

The Blackfyres were the bastard children of King Aegon V Targaryen, better known as Aegon the Unworthy. Upon his deathbed, Aegon legitimized all his bastards, setting the stage for a long series of civil wars between the Blackfyres and the Targaryens. These conflicts led to a significant portion of the Blackfyre's loyal followers fleeing to the Free Cities of Essos, where they eventually founded the Golden Company.

Aegor Rivers, also known as Bittersteel, was the driving force behind the formation of the Golden Company. His goal was to keep his men from joining other mercenary groups and to maintain a loyal mercenary force. Over time, the Golden Company became one of Essos' most feared and respected companies of sellswords, known for their ruthless tactics and unrelenting loyalty to their employers.

The Dilemma: Loyalty to Cersei or Daenerys?

Given the Golden Company's roots in the Blackfyres, it is natural to question their potential allegiance to Cersei Lannister in her fight against Daenerys Targaryen. Would their historical ties to the Blackfyres, who sought to overthrow the Targaryens, make them more likely to support Cersei? Alternatively, might they see a greater benefit in fighting for Daenerys, a Targaryen directly descended from the Iron Throne?

However, the deep-seated animosity between the Blackfyres and the Targaryens would likely prevent such a transition. The hatred between these two bloodlines is so intense that it has driven countless generations of civil war and conflict. The Golden Company, having experienced exile and survival through their loyalty to the Blackfyres, would be willing to fight for a Lannister pretender rather than join forces with the Targaryens. Their primary goals are financial gain and a chance to return home, with the fight against the Targaryens being a means to these ends.

Historical Precedents and Future Implications

Historically, the Golden Company has shown a willingness to support the most promising and capable leaders, regardless of their lineage. This flexibility could mean that Cersei might have a chance to solidify their support, especially if she can offer the allure of gold and the promise of a return to Westeros. However, any such alliance comes with significant political risks, as switching allegiances could be seen as a desperate move. This might weaken Cersei's position among her allies and subjects, leading to further instability and conflict.

The potential for shifting loyalties and the Golden Company's historical ties to the Targaryens make them a complex and dangerous ally to have. While they might bolster Cersei's military strength, their loyalty could prove fickle, and their past actions might undermine her rule. As the narrative in Game of Thrones continues to unfold, the Golden Company's significance in the looming battles for control of the Iron Throne remains a major point of interest.