Fans of HBO’s original series, "Game of Thrones," hate to love the Lannister family. Based on novelist and screenwriter George R.R Martin’s fantasy epic novel series, “Song of Ice and Fire,” "Game of Thrones" (GOT) takes place in a parallel version of Eurasia.
According to the Guardian, GOT exists on a parallel universe where the sun went around the Earth and was originally flat. This is not the history of our planet Earth, but an alternative mythological history of a planet with a passing resemblance to our own.
One character in particular has polarized audiences since the series' debut. Queen Cersei Lannister, portrayed by actress Lena Headey has been a major character in the series and has appeared in every season. Which in and of itself is an amazing feat, especially given the high mortality rate of characters in the series. She is arguably one the best female characters on television.
Eldest of siblings Jamie (her twin brother) and Tyrion, Cersei is as manipulative as she is cunning. She uses her wit, wealth and beauty to her advantage. Described as a strikingly beautiful woman with classic Lannister looks: blonde hair, brilliant green eyes, fair skin and a slender graceful figure, duplicity comes easy to her, but why do fans love to hate her?
During the first season, Queen Cersei is married to King Robert Baratheon and they have three children together. She rules over the province of Westeros, with her husband, while engaged in an incestuous relationship with her brother, Jamie. Cersei often belittles Tyrion (her younger brother), and blames him for their mother’s death. She and Jamie attempted to murder Bran Stark twice (child of Ned Stark, hand of the King) after he caught them together. In a now infamous scene, she says, “Tears aren’t a woman’s only weapon. The best one’s between your legs.”
And, “The more people you love, the weaker you are. You’ll do things for them that you know you shouldn’t do. You’ll act the fool to make them happy, to keep them safe. Love no one but your children.”
Cersei’s character development builds throughout the series, as she becomes increasingly ruthless. She is also indirectly responsible for the death of her husband King Robert and his friend Ned Stark. We see that she does anything to protect her family, including having people tortured and killed. Ironically, this is what makes her intriguing.
Cersei Lannister is power hungry and murderous, but also has vulnerabilities. Headey, recently spoke with Bio.com about her character, she said, “I really love Cersei, I go to bed with her when I’m filming and I don’t stop thinking about her. Ever. Having grown up in the family she’s grown up in, vulnerability is a hazard. Her method of getting through is to think solely for her and about herself and ways to protect her children. That’s really it for her. Somehow, that’s worked for her. We’ll see.”
She endures domestic abuse, rape, the death of her children, torture and public humiliation. Only in these instances are her insecurities and fragility revealed. Cersei remains level headed throughout her suffering making those who hate her, admire her. Even though she does terrible things, we find ourselves rooting for her. Why is this?
When it comes to Cersei Lannister, her younger brother, Tyrion says it best, "Cersei always gets what she wants." And although it's hard to admit, we know it's true.
