Why No Great Lords Attempted to Remove King Aerys Before Robert’s Rebellion?

One of the puzzling aspects of House Targaryen's decline is the lack of significant efforts to depose King Aerys II before the outbreak of Robert's Rebellion. Despite growing discontent and the infamous burning of Ned Stark's father and brother, several factors contributed to the silence and eventual uprising. This article delves into these aspects to provide a clearer understanding.

Keeping Madness Under Wraps

The first factor is the necessity to keep Aerys’ madness under wraps. While this certainly helped in avoiding immediate rebellion, discontent had been building up for a considerable period. Aerys, after burning Eddard Stark's father and brother, faced a growing faction of lords and small folk who were unhappy with his rule. The King’s subsequent call for Ned and Robert's heads revealed the existence of a faction actively plotting against him, which eventually erupted into rebellion.

Rhaegar’s Unfulfilled Promise

Another crucial factor is the disappointment felt towards Rhaegar, Prince of Dragonstone. Despite high hopes of a better ruler than his father, Rhaegar’s actions quickly dashed these expectations. His apparent kidnapping and rape of Lyanna Stark, sister of Ned Stark, crushed the hopes of the Starks and many others who believed in Rhaegar’s potential to be a greater king. This betrayal further solidified discontent among lords and commoners alike, waiting for a proper leader to emerge and solicit change.

The Governance of King Aerys II

King Aerys II, born to the long-reigning King Jaehaerys II and grandchild to Aegon V, faced a significant challenge in governance. His reign inherited an era of peace and prosperity brought by the Targaryens. Under Aerys, Tywin Lannister, a capable and ruthless leader, was appointed as Hand of the King and significantly bolstered the kingdom's wealth and stability. Aerys' initial moves were promising, with ambitious plans and a popular son, Rhaegar, who was equally adored by lords and small folk.

The Path to Madness

The descent into madness was a slow and gradual process that was often kept under wraps. Key figures, like Tywin Lannister, had vested interests in maintaining the public image of Aerys as a ruler, thereby fostering stability within the kingdom. Minor revolts like the one in Duskendale, which Aerys violently suppressed, did not significantly impact the overall sentiment. However, the massacre of Lord Rickard Stark and his son Brandon marked a clear shift. When Aerys ordered the deaths of Ned and Robert, it became impossible to maintain a facade of stability, leading to a crisis of faith among the lords.

Conclusion

The events leading up to Robert's Rebellion were complex and multifaceted. The combination of maintaining the public face of a stable monarchy, the unfulfilled hopes surrounding Rhaegar, and the slow descent into madness all contributed to the initial silence and eventual uprising. Understanding these factors provides insight into the intricate political and personal dynamics that shaped this critical period in Westeros' history.