Was the Throne Genuinely Given to Robert Baratheon by Tywin Lannister?

In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, Robert Baratheon's ascent to the Iron Throne is a complex narrative. Many have wondered if the throne was genuinely given to him by his allies or if he won it through his own efforts. In this article, we will explore the nuances of Robert's rise to power, with a particular focus on the alleged role of Tywin Lannister in the process.

Robert Baratheon's Rebellion

The seeds of Robert's rebellion were sown when King Aerys II Targaryen's misrule and cruel excesses provoked the burning of King's Landing, an event that saw Jaime Lannister, Tywin's son, take the blame for desecrating the city with his sister, Lady Lysa.

The rebellion began in earnest when Robert Baratheon and his brothers Stannis and Renly joined forces with other houses to depose Aerys. The early part of the rebellion was marked by sporadic battles and shifting alliances. However, as the conflict progressed, Robert's forces, aided by his strong moral appeal and the support of the North, gradually gained the upper hand.

Role of Tywin Lannister

Sacking of King's Landing

Tywin Lannister's involvement in the rebellion is lesser known but significant. By late 281 AC (the year Robert becomes king), Tywin had come to King's Landing with a significant force. He was not there to support Robert's ascent to the throne; rather, his intent was to exact revenge on his family's enemies and to seize the city without the Targaryens. Tywin's army was instrumental in the sacking of King's Landing, an event described in detail in "A Clash of Kings."

The sacked city was in ruins, and while Tywin's actions were pivotal in securing the immediate victory of Robert's forces, there is no explicit evidence that he intended to hand over the throne to Robert. Tywin's primary interest was in dismantling House Targaryen's power, not in supporting a new king.

The King's Refusal

The events after the sacking of King's Landing are equally intriguing. There is a brief mention in the books that after Robert became king, he had made a decision that was never fully explained. This leaves the question hanging as to whether the throne was genuinely given to Robert by Tywin or if Robert had already secured it through military might and political maneuvering.

Key Events and Characters

In the aftermath of the rebellion, Robert Baratheon became king, but the sequence of events leading up to his coronation is not detailed in the books. The meeting between Robert and Tywin, which likely took place around the time of the rebellion, is a key moment. However, the exact nature of their discussion on the throne remains ambiguous. The editions by George R.R. Martin, such as "A Storm of Swords," provide little more context, only noting that Tywin had played a role in the rebellion.

Conclusion

The question of whether Tywin Lannister genuinely gave the crown to Robert Baratheon remains a subject of debate among fans of A Song of Ice and Fire. While the books do not provide a clear answer, it is clear that both players were involved in a complex political dance that led to Robert's ascension. Tywin's role was primarily in the military and the aftermath of the rebellion, rather than in the act of coronation itself.

As Robert Baratheon took the throne, the world of Westeros was forever changed. The alliance between the Baratheons and the Lannisters laid the groundwork for the turbulent period that followed. Whether the crown was genuinely given or seized, the events of the rebellion are etched into the annals of Westerosi history, a testament to the intricate politics and bloodshed that define this dark fantasy world.