Cersei Lannister’s journey in Game of Thrones was filled with power, betrayal, and unrelenting ambition. But what if her fate had taken a different turn? From the moment she set her sights on the Iron Throne, Cersei’s decisions shaped not only her destiny but the entire realm. However, there were key moments where a slight change in course could have altered everything. In this article, we explore how Cersei’s fate could have changed if certain choices had been made differently. Could she have secured the throne for good, or was her downfall inevitable? Let’s dive into the alternate endings that could have reshaped her story.
Early Life and the Seed of Ambition
Background on Cersei’s Childhood and Early Life:
Cersei Lannister’s relationship with her family, especially her father Tywin Lannister and her twin brother Jaime, had a significant impact on her personality and ambitions. Growing up in the wealthy and powerful Lannister family, Cersei was taught to prioritize the interests of her family and uphold their prestigious reputation. Her father, Tywin, was a strong and authoritative figure who instilled in Cersei a sense of ambition and a desire for power. He expected her to marry strategically for the benefit of the family, shaping her belief in using her sexuality and manipulation to achieve her goals. Her relationship with her twin brother, Jaime, was complex and intense, marked by a deep emotional connection and a shared sense of entitlement.
The Choice to Marry King Robert Baratheon:
If Cersei had refused to marry Robert Baratheon or pursued a different kind of marriage, it would have significantly impacted her ambitions, family dynamics, and later power struggles. Marrying Robert was a strategic move to solidify her family’s grip on the throne, and by rejecting or altering this marriage, Cersei would have potentially altered the course of her family’s political power. Refusing to marry Robert may have led to a different political alliance or marriage arrangement, which could have shifted the balance of power within the realm. It could have also affected her relationship with her children, as they are a product of her marriage with Robert. Additionally, it may have altered her dynamic with other noble houses and potential allies or enemies.
The Fall of the Mad King and the Rise of the Lannisters
The Role of Cersei’s Family in Robert’s Rebellion:
If Cersei had not been complicit in her family’s role in the assassination of King Aerys II, her life and the political landscape could have shifted significantly. Without the stain of regicide on her family’s name, Cersei may have had more opportunities to rise to power and influence within the realm. She may have been able to forge different alliances and gain more legitimacy in the eyes of the other noble houses. However, it is also possible that she could have remained a politically sidelined figure, especially if her marriage to Robert Baratheon had still occurred. Ultimately, the impact of her choices during the rebellion would have shaped her destiny and influence in Westeros.
Ruling Through Jaime:
If Cersei had chosen to be more independent of her brother Jaime and taken a more active political role during the early years of her marriage to Robert, it’s possible that she could have avoided becoming a passive queen. By asserting her own power and making her own decisions, she may have been able to gain more influence and control over the politics of the realm. This could have potentially allowed her to shape the course of events in a way that better suited her own ambitions and goals. However, it’s also important to consider the complex and often treacherous political landscape of Westeros, and there are no guarantees that a more active role would have guaranteed success or safety for Cersei.
The Death of Robert Baratheon and the Struggle for Power
The Decision to Plot with the Lannisters Against Robert’s Heirs:
Cersei’s decision to murder Robert and keep Joffrey’s true parentage hidden was a calculated move to secure power for herself and her family. By eliminating Robert and keeping the truth about Joffrey’s parentage hidden, Cersei was able to position her son as the legitimate heir to the throne, allowing her to maintain control over the kingdom. Had Cersei chosen a more transparent and legitimate path to power, it is possible that the War of the Five Kings may have been prevented or at least altered. By openly acknowledging Joffrey’s true parentage and working to secure power through more legitimate means, Cersei may have been able to garner more support and avoid the conflict that ultimately led to the war.
The Potential Alliances Cersei Could Have Formed:
It is clear that Cersei Lannister’s decision to isolate herself through secrecy and paranoia ultimately led to her downfall. Instead of isolating herself, she could have explored possible alliances with other factions such as the Tyrells or the Starks. By forming alliances, she could have strengthened her position and garnered support from other powerful houses, potentially avoiding the disastrous consequences of her mistrust and suspicion. Collaborating with other factions could have provided her with additional resources and strategic advantages, ultimately leading to a more successful reign.
The Tyrells and the Long Road to the Iron Throne
The Marriage to Margaery Tyrell:
If Cersei had accepted the Tyrells as true political allies, it could have given her a stronger hold on the throne by increasing her resources, influence, and support from the Reach. A stronger alliance with House Tyrell could have provided Cersei with a powerful and strategic military force, as well as access to the wealth and resources of the Reach, further solidifying her position as queen. Additionally, forging a deeper friendship or political understanding with Margaery could have helped Cersei to secure the loyalty and support of the people of King’s Landing, as Margaery was well-liked and respected by the common folk.
Handling the Threat of the Faith Militant:
Cersei’s decision to confront the Faith Militant ultimately led to her downfall in several ways. By arming the Faith Militant and empowering them to carry out her own personal vendettas, she inadvertently gave them the power to turn against her and undermine her authority. Additionally, her aggressive actions against the Tyrells, who were powerful allies, further isolated her and weakened her position. If Cersei had handled the situation more diplomatically and sought to work with the Faith and the Tyrells instead of against them, she may have been able to maintain their support and avoid the devastating consequences that ultimately befell her.
The Siege of King’s Landing and the Battle for Survival
The Use of the Wildfire:
Cersei’s choice to destroy the Great Sept of Baelor was a drastic and extreme measure that ultimately led to significant blowback for her and the people of King’s Landing. While it did eliminate some of her enemies, it also caused widespread destruction and loss of life, as well as alienating potential allies and further destabilizing the political situation. If Cersei had chosen a different approach, such as manipulating the situation politically, she may have been able to achieve her goals without resorting to violence and destruction. By using her intelligence and cunning to outmaneuver her opponents and build alliances, she could have potentially avoided the negative consequences that came from her destructive actions.
The Downfall of Tommen:
Cersei’s emotional blindness and heavy-handed rule certainly played a significant role in her son Tommen’s death. Her relentless pursuit of power and lack of empathy towards others, including her own children, created a toxic and unstable environment for Tommen. Her manipulation and control over him, as well as her ruthless actions as a leader, likely contributed to his feelings of isolation and despair. A different approach to governance and motherhood could have potentially saved Tommen and strengthened Cersei’s claim to the throne. If Cersei had shown more compassion, understanding, and support for her son, it’s possible that he may have felt more secure and less susceptible to manipulation by other forces.
Cersei’s Relationship with Power: Choices of Pride vs. Pragmatism
The Dual Nature of Cersei’s Ambitions:
Cersei’s pride and ambition often led her to make choices that hurt her in the long run. One key moment was her prideful rejection of diplomacy, particularly in her refusal to ally with other powerful houses. This ultimately left her isolated and vulnerable. To balance her pride with more pragmatism, Cersei could have focused on building alliances and forming strategic partnerships rather than solely relying on her own power. By recognizing the importance of compromise and cooperation in the political landscape, she could have strengthened her position and held on to power longer. Additionally, she could have been more open to seeking advice and considering the perspectives of others, rather than solely relying on her own instincts.
Key Alternate Scenarios: What If Cersei Had Chosen Differently?
If Cersei had trusted Tyrion Lannister, it is likely that her fate could have been significantly different. Tyrion often demonstrated political astuteness and strategic thinking, which could have helped Cersei navigate the complexities of ruling the Seven Kingdoms. By accepting his counsel, she might have been able to avoid some of the missteps that ultimately led to her downfall. Avoiding the destruction of the Sept could have had a profound impact on Cersei’s reign. It could have prevented the loss of crucial alliances and the deaths of many powerful figures in King’s Landing. This could have led to a more stable and secure future for Cersei and her children, as well as a less chaotic rule overall.
Conclusion
Cersei’s fate in Game of Thrones was heavily shaped by her own decisions and critical choices throughout the series. Her ambition, manipulation, and thirst for power led her to make choices that ultimately led to her downfall. In a world where political decisions carry monumental consequences, Cersei’s actions had far-reaching effects on her own fate and the fate of those around her. Her decision to arm the Faith Militant, blow up the Great Sept of Baelor, and alienate potential allies all contributed to her ultimate downfall. While she was a complex character with layers of vulnerability and strength, her choices ultimately sealed her fate.
