Why Did King Robert Baratheon Not Make Tommen the Crown Prince Despite Knowing About Joffrey’s Nature?

King Robert Baratheon, the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, faced a significant and complex decision when it came to naming Crown Prince. Despite his deep concerns about Joffrey's character and actions, he chose to name Joffrey as his heir. This article explores the reasons behind such a decision and sheds light on the various factors that shaped Robert's choices.

Legitimacy and Lineage

In the realm of Westeros, the traditional line of succession prioritized the eldest child. Joffrey Baratheon, as the eldest son of Robert and Cersei Lannister, held the position of heir by virtue of his status as the firstborn. Robert was bound by this convention despite his reservations about Joffrey's true nature. It is a clear illustration of how the rigid adherence to tradition can sometimes overshadow personal judgment.

Political Alliances

Robert's marriage to Cersei Lannister was a strategic political alliance aimed at strengthening ties with House Lannister. By publicly supporting Joffrey as his heir, Robert solidified this alliance and maintained the appearance of stability in the realm. This political move was crucial given the ongoing tensions with other noble houses, such as the Stark and Tyrell families.

Denial and Trust

Apart from the political and traditional aspects, Robert often found himself in denial about the true nature of his children. Believing that Joffrey was indeed his legitimate heir, Robert struggled to confront the possibility that Joffrey might not be his son. This denial could be attributed to the reality that Cersei had an affair with Jaime Lannister, causing Robert immense distress and conflicted emotions.

Lack of Immediate Threat

At the time, Robert may not have perceived Joffrey's behavior as an immediate threat. It was only after his death that Joffrey's cruelty and instability became more apparent. This delayed realization led to a reevaluation of Joffrey's suitability as king, but it was too late for Robert to make a proactive change.

Character and Leadership

Robert himself was not a particularly reflective or strategic ruler. His decisions often stemmed from a desire for immediate gratification or to maintain the status quo rather than careful consideration of future implications. Robert's own character flaws, coupled with his preoccupation with his own role as the father of the royal family, played a significant role in his decision to name Joffrey as Crown Prince.

Resistance from Cersei Lannister

Two key factors need to be addressed: the potential reaction of Cersei Lannister and Robert's own attitude towards these matters. If Robert had decided to name Tommen as Crown Prince, Cersei would likely have been furious. As Robert's queen, she would have lashed out at him, either directly or through Tywin Lannister, demanding that Robert reconsider his decision. The Lannisters wielded considerable influence in the court, and Robert's awareness of this power dynamic would have been a significant deterrent to any such move.

In addition to Cersei's resistance, Robert was too preoccupied with his miserable role as king and father to get involved in such matters. Even if Robert had managed to name Tommen as Crown Prince, he believed that Cersei would find a way to manipulate Tommen's mind, much like she did with Joffrey. Given Robert's own experiences with Cersei's manipulative tactics, he would have been hesitant to put Tommen in a similar position.

Conclusion

King Robert Baratheon's decision not to name Tommen as Crown Prince despite his concerns about Joffrey's true nature was a result of multiple factors. These included traditional lineage, political alliances, personal denial, and his own character. The complex interplay of these elements underscores the intricate nature of ruling a realm like Westeros and the various pressures faced by a king in making such critical decisions.