Who became king after Viserys Targaryen? This question has intrigued fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series for years. After the tragic events of the series’ first book, “A Game of Thrones,” the Targaryen dynasty seemed to have crumbled under the weight of its own hubris and internal strife. However, amidst the chaos, a new ruler emerged, destined to shape the course of Westeros’ future.
The Targaryen family, once known for their dragon-riding prowess and iron-fisted rule, had been reduced to a mere three members following the death of Viserys Targaryen. The youngest, Daenerys Stormborn, had been crowned queen regent in her brother Rhaegar’s absence, but her reign was short-lived. With the fall of King’s Landing and the destruction of the dragons, the Targaryens were left vulnerable and without their most formidable asset.
In the aftermath of Viserys’ death, the Iron Throne was left vacant. The Lannisters, who had long sought to claim the throne for themselves, saw an opportunity to establish their dominance. However, it was not the Lannister king, Tywin, who ascended to the throne, but rather his son, Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King. Aerys’ reign was marked by tyranny, madness, and the tragic end of the Targaryen line.
The Mad King’s rule was characterized by his erratic behavior and ruthless pursuit of power. He was known for his cruel punishments and his paranoia, which led to the execution of his own queen, Rhaella, and the deaths of countless innocent people. His reign also saw the beginning of the civil war known as the War of the Five Kings, as various factions vied for control of the Iron Throne.
Ultimately, the Mad King’s reign came to an end when his own army turned against him. After a series of battles and sieges, Robert Baratheon, a claimant to the throne, emerged victorious. Robert, a former Stark bannerman, had gathered a coalition of forces to challenge the Mad King’s rule. With the help of his allies, including Eddard Stark, Jon Snow, and Tyrion Lannister, Robert successfully defeated the Mad King and his forces.
Thus, after Viserys Targaryen, it was Robert Baratheon who became king. His ascension marked the beginning of a new era for Westeros, as the Baratheon, Stark, and Lannister families vied for power in the wake of the Targaryen’s fall. Robert’s reign, while initially seen as a time of stability, would soon be overshadowed by the events of the series, leading to further conflict and the eventual rise of a new Targaryen, Daenerys Stormborn, who would seek to reclaim the Iron Throne for her family.
