For centuries, the Targaryens ruled Westeros with power, mystery, and dragons at their side. But what if their downfall wasn’t just the result of internal strife or external enemies? Some fans and scholars of Game of Thrones have long speculated about a far more sinister force behind their decline. The theory of the Maesters sabotaging the Targaryens suggests that this powerful group of scholars, healers, and advisors may have secretly worked against the Targaryen family, undermining their reign from within. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this theory, examining the motives and actions that could have shaped the tragic fate of one of Westeros’ most iconic dynasties.
The Maesters: Guardians of Knowledge and Power
The maester in Westeros hold a unique and influential position as the intellectual class, serving the noble families and the throne. They are responsible for educating the noble children, providing medical care, and preserving historical records. The maesters’ control over education, medicine, and historical records gives them a great deal of influence and power within the realm. Their knowledge and expertise are highly valued, and they play a crucial role in the governance of the realm. The Citadel, where the maester are trained, serves as a center for learning and knowledge. It holds a significant amount of influence over the realm’s governance, as the maester advise the ruling families and provide valuable information and counsel.
The Maesters are trained to be neutral and detached from the politics of the realm, as their primary duty is to serve as scholars and advisors to the ruling class. They are expected to provide unbiased counsel and expertise in various fields such as history, science, and medicine. However, their loyalty could be questioned due to their long-standing ties to noble houses and their role in educating and advising noble children. Additionally, the Maesters are part of a larger organization with its own agenda and interests, which could potentially conflict with the best interests of the realm. Therefore, while the Maesters strive to present themselves as neutral, their allegiance and loyalty could come into question in certain circumstances.
The ideological opposition to dragons can be traced back to the Maesters, who had a disdain for magic and dragons as they saw them as a threat to their authority. This opposition was also part of a broader societal shift away from magic and ancient powers. The Maesters’ influence and the changing attitudes towards magic played a significant role in shaping the ideological opposition to dragons.
The Rise of the Targaryens and the Maesters’ Distrust
The Targaryen invasion of Westeros occurred nearly 300 years before the events of the Game of Thrones series. Led by Aegon the Conqueror, the Targaryens used three powerful dragons to subdue and conquer the Seven Kingdoms. Their use of dragons in warfare gave them a significant advantage over their enemies, instilling fear and awe in those who opposed them. The Targaryens’ power was built on the belief that they were the rightful rulers of Westeros, and their dragons were the ultimate symbol of their dominance. The mere sight of a dragon in battle was often enough to strike fear into the hearts of their enemies, making resistance futile.
The Maesters’ growing concern with the Targaryens’ reliance on dragons, magic, and power that they couldn’t control is a result of their rational, scholarly approach conflicting with the Targaryens’ mystical, dragon-powered dominance. The Maesters’ perspective on the Targaryens shows early signs of hostility towards their unconventional rule, as they struggle to understand and control the magical elements that the Targaryens wield. This clash of ideologies and power dynamics has led to a deep-seated concern among the Maesters about the Targaryens’ ability to maintain their rule without relying on forces beyond their control.
The Targaryen dynasty had a significant impact on the realm of Westeros, bringing both prosperity and terror. With their dragons, they were able to conquer and unite the Seven Kingdoms, bringing stability and prosperity to the realm. However, their rule also brought terror and fear, as they were known for their brutal tactics and use of dragonfire. Additionally, the Targaryen dynasty caused divisions between the magical and intellectual powers in Westeros. The Targaryens were known for their close ties to magic, particularly through their dragons, which led to tensions with the intellectual powers, such as the maester. This division created conflict and instability within the realm.
The First Signs of Sabotage: The Fall of King Aerys II
King Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King, was known for his severe paranoia and cruelty during his reign. His erratic behavior and erratic decision-making ultimately led to his downfall. Aerys’s paranoia led him to distrust those around him, often resulting in brutal punishments for perceived threats. The Maesters, as trusted advisors and scholars, may have subtly manipulated or contributed to Aerys’s fall by exploiting his paranoia and encouraging his erratic behavior. They may have used their knowledge and influence to subtly influence the king’s decisions, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Maester Pycelle played a significant role in the Targaryen court, as he served as the Grand Maester to King Aerys II. His influence on the king’s policies and behavior cannot be underestimated, as he was a trusted advisor and confidant to Aerys. Pycelle’s close ties to the Lannisters, who were a powerful and influential family in Westeros, may have also played a role in shaping his actions during the final years of the Targaryen rule. It is widely speculated that Pycelle’s loyalty to the Lannisters may have influenced his decisions and advice to King Aerys, especially as tensions between the Lannisters and the Targaryens grew.
The Subtle Sabotage: How the Maesters Worked Against the Targaryens
The Dissemination of Negative Propaganda:
Certainly, the Maesters, with their extensive knowledge of medicine and access to the Targaryen family, could have played a role in spreading unfavorable narratives and potentially even sabotaging their health. There are instances in the history of Westeros, such as Maester Cressen’s involvement with poisoning in A Clash of Kings, where the Maesters’ medical practices have come under suspicion. The Targaryen family’s history is riddled with unexplained deaths and mysterious ailments, leading to speculation that the Maesters may have been complicit in weakening their bloodline. This raises questions about the extent of the Maesters’ influence and their potential motivations for undermining the Targaryen rule.
Control of Information and History:
The Maesters’ control over historical records allowed them to shape the narrative of Targaryen rule, downplaying their legitimacy and contributions while promoting a more rational and human-centered view of power. This bias against magic and dragons likely influenced their efforts to suppress and delegitimize the Targaryens, as they sought to uphold a more rational and human-centric view of power in historical records.
The Lannister Connection: A Maester-Lannister Alliance
With their immense wealth and influence, the Lannisters would have been a natural ally for the Maesters in their efforts to topple the Targaryens. The Lannisters were known for their ambition and desire to increase their power, and aligning with the Maesters, who held significant knowledge and influence, could have been a strategic move for them. Additionally, the Maesters’ expertise in governance and administration could have been valuable to the Lannisters in solidifying their hold on the throne. Overall, the Lannisters’ wealth and power, combined with the Maesters’ knowledge and influence, could have made them a formidable force in the political landscape of Westeros.
Pycelle’s Role in the Lannister-Targaryen Rivalry:
Maester Pycelle’s allegiance to the Lannisters undoubtedly had an impact on the actions of the Maesters as a collective group, particularly in relation to the Targaryens. One specific instance of this influence was during the Lannister-backed rebellion, known as Robert’s Rebellion, which aimed to overthrow the Targaryen dynasty. It is plausible to suggest that Maesters, including Pycelle, may have been complicit in supporting this rebellion, either actively or passively. The Citadel, where the Maesters were trained and resided, also played a significant role in potentially aligning with the Lannisters’ broader ambitions for power.
Post-Targaryen Influence: The Fall of Magic and the Rise of a New Order
The Aftermath of Robert’s Rebellion:
After the rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, the Maesters played a crucial role in solidifying their power in the new political order under Robert Baratheon. With their knowledge of science, medicine, and governance, the Maesters were able to position themselves as trusted advisors to the new ruling class. They promoted the idea of rationality and skepticism, downplaying the significance of magic, dragons, and mystical forces in the governance of the realm. This shift towards a more scientifically-oriented Westeros allowed the Maesters to consolidate their influence and become indispensable to the ruling elite. Their expertise and rational approach to problem-solving helped them maintain their power and influence in the new political order.
The Maesters’ Legacy:
They continued to serve as advisors and educators to the noble families, shaping the political and intellectual climate of Westeros. With the Targaryens gone, the Maesters played a crucial role in maintaining stability and order in the realm. Their knowledge and expertise in various fields such as history, science, and medicine were highly valued, and their presence continued to be felt in the governance of the Seven Kingdoms. Overall, the Maesters left a lasting impact on Westeros, shaping its political landscape for years to come.
Conclusion
The theory suggests that the Maesters, with their knowledge and influence, may have subtly undermined the Targaryen dynasty through propaganda, medical manipulation, and historical rewriting. This power struggle between the Targaryens and the Maesters has had a lasting impact on the events of A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones, shaping the political landscape and influencing the fates of key characters. The Maesters’ actions may have had broader implications for the conflicts in the series, shedding light on the underlying motives and power dynamics at play in Westeros. It’s an intriguing perspective that adds depth to the complexities of the world of Westeros.
