It's been quite a while since Game of Thrones' Jaime Lannister earned his reputation as the Kingslayer, but it seems Theon Greyjoy isn't the only Westerosi character who may be suffering some serious PTSD (opens in new tab).
Jaime was given the now-ubiquitous nickname after stabbing his former ward Aerys II Targaryen (opens in new tab) (AKA, the Mad King, and Daenerys' father) in the back after he went slightly off the rails and started decapitating and burning the lords and ladies of the Seven Kingdoms.
RELATED STORY
However, all this went down before Season 1 even started—so while we've all heard the stories, we've rarely seen how bad things with the Mad King actually got (bar a few early season flashbacks).
But you know who has? Jaime.
In the most recent Game of Thrones episode, "The Spoils of War," (opens in new tab) fans were shocked to see the Kingslayer charge towards Daenerys with a spear while she was helping her dragon Drogon who was grounded by Bronn's ballista attack.
However, if you listen to everything Jaime has ever said about the Mad King in previous seasons, it makes total sense that he would try to kill Aerys's last remaining child, especially after watching her dragon incinerate his men.
One person who has been listening intently is YouTuber Shahan Reviews, and he has made a now viral compilation video (opens in new tab) that explains perfectly why Jaime tried to take out Daenerys, the consequences of which may have even cost the character his life (opens in new tab)—and if not, certainly his freedom.
After watching the video, it's starting to make much more sense:
In a conversation with Robert Baratheon about the Mad King (Season 1):
Robert: "What did the Mad King say when you stabbed him in the back? Did he call you a traitor? Did he plead for a reprieve?"
Jaime: "He said the same thing he'd been saying for hours: Burn them all."
In a conversation with Brienne of Tarth about the Mad King (Season 3):
Jaime: "He told me to bring him my father's head. Then he turned to his pyromancer. 'Burn them all,' he said....Burn them in their homes. Burn them in their beds.'"
In a conversation with Eddard Stark about—you guessed it—the Mad King (Season 1):
Jaime: "When I watched the Mad King die, I remember him laughing as your father burned. It felt like justice.
Eddard: "Is that what you tell yourself at night? You're a servant of justice?"
You see? By charging towards Daenerys, who was midway through "burning them all" herself, Jaime thought he might save Westeros from another mad monarch.
Watch the trailer for next week's episode, "Eastwatch":
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
‘Harry & Meghan’ Director Liz Garbus Says Buckingham Palace Tried to “Discredit” the Docuseries
Despite the Palace’s claims otherwise, Garbus says the show did reach out to them for comment.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Would Have Been the “First to Hear” of Princess Eugenie’s Pregnancy, Expert Says
Eugenie is arguably the member of the royal family the Sussexes remain closest to.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Where Has Meghan Markle Been Lately?
Largely unseen during the ‘Spare’ mayhem, she is apparently “happy to let Harry take center stage.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Sophia Brown on Joining the World of ‘The Witcher: Blood Origin’
The actress opens up about the “surreal process” of playing the Lark in the Netflix fantasy prequel.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger