What if Jaime stayed with Brienne? It’s a question that has lingered in the minds of Game of Thrones fans ever since his heartbreaking departure. Their bond, forged in battle and strengthened by respect and admiration, was one of the series’ most emotionally complex relationships. But what if Jaime had chosen love and honor over guilt and legacy? In this alternate twist, we explore how staying with Brienne could have changed not only their personal fates but also the course of Westeros itself. Let’s dive into a story that could have reshaped the final chapters of Game of Thrones.
Jaime and Brienne: An Unlikely Friendship
Early relationship dynamics:
Jaime and Brienne’s initial interactions were indeed filled with disdain, mistrust, and even mockery, especially from Jaime’s side. He viewed Brienne as a mere pawn, a tool to further his own agenda. However, as they embarked on their road trip in Season 3 and Season 4, their dynamic began to shift. Through their shared experiences and challenges, a mutual respect began to grow between them. Jaime came to see Brienne as more than just a pawn, but as a formidable and honorable warrior. Their journey together allowed them to break down the barriers of mistrust and contempt, leading to a deeper understanding and connection.
Key moments that define their bond:
Jaime’s confession about pushing Bran from the tower and Brienne’s reaction was a pivotal moment in their relationship. His vulnerability in admitting his darkest deed and her reaction of shock and disappointment marked a shift in their dynamic from enemies to something much more complex. As Jaime’s respect for Brienne’s honor, skills, and loyalty grew, he began to see her in a different light. Similarly, Brienne slowly realized that Jaime’s true nature was more than just the Kingslayer. Their shared experiences and moments of vulnerability allowed them to see each other in a new way, leading to a deeper understanding and connection between them.
The Tension Between Duty and Desire
Jaime’s internal conflict:
Jaime’s struggle with his identity revolves around the conflicting emotions he feels towards his devotion to Cersei, his twin sister, and his evolving feelings for Brienne, a loyal friend and ally. As a member of the powerful Lannister family, Jaime has always been bound by duty and loyalty to his family, particularly to Cersei. However, his growing bond with Brienne challenges this traditional sense of duty and forces him to confront his own desires and beliefs. This internal conflict highlights the tension between family loyalty and personal growth, as Jaime grapples with the idea of staying true to his family and embracing his own evolving sense of self.
Brienne’s struggle with her feelings:
Throughout the series, Brienne’s love for Jaime was evident through her unwavering loyalty and dedication to protecting him. Despite never explicitly expressing her feelings, her actions spoke volumes about the depth of her affection for him. From risking her life to rescue him from captivity to standing by his side in battle, Brienne’s love for Jaime was apparent in her unwavering commitment to him. Her internal conflict of balancing her growing affection for Jaime with the realization that he might never fully reciprocate her feelings added a layer of complexity to their relationship. Despite this, her love for Jaime was a driving force in her character development and added depth to their dynamic throughout the series.
The turning point in Season 8:
Jaime’s admission to Brienne in Season 8, Episode 4 of Game of Thrones represents a pivotal moment in his character arc. It showcases his internal struggle between his past and the possibility of a different future with Brienne. His decision to return to Cersei despite their shared bond and his growing feelings for Brienne highlights the complexity of his character. It speaks to his deep-seated loyalty and conflicting emotions, as well as the hold that Cersei has over him. This moment sets the stage for Jaime’s continued internal conflict and the choices he makes as the series progresses.
What if Jaime Stayed with Brienne?
Alternate trajectory for Jaime:
If Jaime had chosen to stay with Brienne instead of returning to Cersei, it’s possible that his redemption arc could have been stronger and more complete. Being with Brienne, who represents honor, loyalty, and goodness, could have allowed Jaime to truly change and leave his past behind. Without the pull of Cersei, who has always been a toxic influence on him, Jaime may have been able to fully embrace his better nature and become a truly honorable and noble character. It’s an intriguing possibility to consider how Jaime’s character could have evolved in a more positive direction if he had chosen to stay with Brienne.
Impact on Brienne’s character:
With Jaime by her side, Brienne would likely have had the emotional support to navigate her own insecurities and vulnerabilities. His understanding and empathy towards her struggles would have bolstered her confidence and helped her to overcome any self-doubt. Their bond would have undoubtedly shaped her leadership, especially as a potential commander in the war against the Night King or Cersei. Having Jaime as a partner could have influenced Brienne to embrace a more personal role in ruling or leading, as his presence would have provided her with a sense of security and stability. However, it is also possible that her focus on honor and protecting others would have remained unchanged, as these values are deeply ingrained in her character.
The shift in their roles in Westeros:
Jaime and Brienne’s alliance could certainly have had a significant impact on the political landscape in Westeros. Their combined military prowess and strategic thinking could have potentially altered the power balance in the region. Their alliance could have also garnered the support of key figures such as Tyrion, Sansa, and Jon Snow, potentially shifting alliances and allegiances. In the war against the Night King, Jaime and Brienne’s leadership and combat skills could have been instrumental in the defense of the realm. Their unity could have also influenced key figures, potentially leading to a more unified front against the common enemy. In the final battle for the Iron Throne, their alliance could have potentially swayed the outcome of the conflict.
The Consequences for Westeros
How their relationship might have affected the political landscape:
Jaime, as a trusted knight of Brienne, would likely have lent his military expertise to the North, as he had already shown a willingness to fight against the forces aligned with Cersei. His loyalty to Brienne and his growing disillusionment with Cersei’s actions would have likely led him to support the forces against Cersei. As a respected member of the Lannister family, Jaime could have potentially persuaded other major houses to unite against Cersei, especially given his reputation as a skilled and honorable warrior. The impact of Jaime’s loyalty to Brienne on the Lannisters would have been significant. It could have potentially led to an internal power struggle with Cersei, as she would have seen his allegiance to the North as a betrayal.
Thematic Exploration: The Power of Love and Redemption
Redemption through love:
In Game of Thrones, the theme of redemption is a central one, particularly when it comes to Jaime Lannister. His character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series, moving from being seen as a villain to a more morally complex figure. His redemption arc is driven by a desire to atone for past mistakes and to become a better person. When considering Jaime’s redemption, it’s important to look at his relationships with both Brienne of Tarth and Cersei Lannister. While his connection with Cersei is rooted in a destructive and codependent dynamic, his relationship with Brienne represents a more positive and growth-oriented connection.
The role of personal relationships in shaping the story:
Jaime and Brienne’s love story had the potential to be one of the most powerful examples of growth, forgiveness, and the idea that love doesn’t have to come from the most expected places. Their relationship could have shown the audience that love can develop between two people who initially seem incompatible, and that it can be built on mutual respect and understanding. In contrast to other central relationships in Game of Thrones, such as Jon and Daenerys, Jaime and Brienne’s bond would have been about shared ideals and personal redemption rather than sheer passion or power. Their love story could have emphasized the importance of personal growth and forgiveness in relationships, rather than the pursuit of power or dominance.
Conclusion: The What-If that Could Have Changed Everything
Alternate possibilities for Jaime staying with Brienne could have included a significant reshaping of his personal journey, as he would have had the opportunity to continue on a path of redemption and growth alongside Brienne. This could have also led to further development of Brienne’s character, as she would have had the chance to explore a romantic relationship with someone who truly understood and appreciated her. Additionally, their alliance could have had larger political implications in Westeros, potentially altering the course of history in significant ways. Even though Game of Thrones has ended, considering these “what if” scenarios allows us to recognize the impact of small decisions on character arcs and the fate of entire civilizations.
