Westeros may be the most treacherous universe in modern fantasy. Death comes often and without warning. A wide array of characters give the audience and readers a wide spectrum of loved and hated individuals. Oftentimes, we lose those we love in ignominious ways. With so many characters, it can be a nigh impossible task to determine who the main protagonist at the center of the story is. There are as many theories as there are coins in the Iron Bank. But, I am here to tell you that the main character may not actually be who you think. Let’s look at the individual responsible for saving the most lives in Westeros: this is none other than the Kingslayer himself, Jaime Lannister. Yes, the sister-banging narcissist who pushes children out of windows.
When the Mad King Aerys wanted to “Burn them all,” essentially sentencing the entirety of King’s Landing to death, it was Jaime who stepped in to bury his sword in the Mad King’s back, saving tens of thousands. When Brienne was taken by Vargo Hoat/Locke’s men to be tortured and raped, it was Jaime who stepped in to spare her this horror. And, when Brienne was left to die in a bear pit for the amusement of Roose Bolton’s men, it was Jaime who lept into the danger (minus a hand) to come to her aid. In spite of Jaime’s overly cocky attitude, his actions have served to compel him forward as the central hero of the story. But, why is he the center and not, say, Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen?
First off: Jon Snow. He’s a very traditional hero/religious allegorical figure who recently (SPOILER ALERT!) returned from the dead. With the recent revelations of his bloodline, he is set up for many great paths to walk. But, that’s just too simple, isn’t it? The character everyone roots for is often the lovable hero with few to no negative personality traits. This is where Martin stands out as an author. He provides us with the anti-hero to Jon in the form of Jaime. An arrogant, cocky asshole who is capable of some very despicable actions, but also moments of unequaled heroism. Jon walks the center path to his ends, while Jaime swings between both extremes. Even though a character has many negative traits, it does not make them any less a central figure to the story. And Daenerys? Well, let’s not jump the gun!
Having seen the aftermath of his sister and lover, Cersei, following in the Mad King’s footsteps, he may be only a short step from fulfilling the valonqar prophecy. This was a moment which was cut from the TV show, sadly, but for those of you who remember the flashback of Cersei receiving a prophecy from Maggy the Frog, she was told that all of her children would precede her in death. What was left out was this line immediately following her children’s deaths: “And when your tears have drowned you, the valonqar shall wrap his hands about your pale white throat and choke the life from you.” Now, this means little without knowing a bit more, right?
Valonqar, in High Valyrian, means “little brother.” Cersei has always taken this to mean Tyrion, which explains her utter hatred for him. But, she dismisses the notion that her twin, Jaime, who was the second born, could possibly be her greatest threat. If Jaime does kill Cersei, it will cement him as the central hero of the story who has to make the difficult choices in order to save the innocent by killing those he loves.
But, if Jaime Lannister is the real hero of "Game of Thrones", then who is the real villain? That will be coming next week!
