King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) has failed as a leader on every level.
Its not just the Seven Kingdoms that are rejecting Viserys; it’s the throne itself.
Viserys is covered in scars on his back and even losing to fingers from sitting in his royal chair.
Its not all that surprising, given that he barely travels outside the halls of the Red Keep.
However, Viserys isnt the first Westerosi ruler who’s been literally scarred by the position of power.
Several kings inGeorge R.R.
Image via HBO
Martins fictional universe have been spurned by the throne for making poor decisions.
Robert Baratheon remembers an old phrase spoken by Aegon the Conqueror that warns any ruler to never rest easy.
Aegons son, Aenys, is deposed from the throne after his brother Maegor betrays him.
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Maegor the Cruel starts a reign of terror that inspires his nephew Jaehaerys Targaryen to initiate a revolutionary movement.
Despite the fearsome reputation that hes earned, Maegor finds no allies in his time of crisis.
When he realizes hes fighting an unwinnable war, Maegor refuses to remove himself from the throne.
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The throne does not belong to someone who has wrongfully taken it.
Jaehaerys dies in his bed, signifying that the throne is content with his rulership.
Although Jaehaerys chooses Viserys father, Baelon, as his successor, Baelon does not outlive his King.
Viserys is selected not through merit or combat, but through a vote.
Even if it was his blood right to inherit his fathers position, Viserys never earns the throne.
He would rather spend time examining his model of Valyria than actually making decisions to ensure its protection.
By allowing himself to be influenced, Viserys sets the stage for Daemons rise to power.
As Daemons leadership grows, Viserys scars grow more severe.
He requires assistance to walk, and rarely makes public appearances.
Alicent feeds him milk of the poppy to ease his pain at night.
Viserys' mental cognition has worsened as well.
In one of the final scenes,he mistakenly reveals Aegon the Conqueror’s dream to Alicent.
As his erratic behavior continues, Aerys II earns another name: King Scab.
The throne wears down Aerys IIs skin as his cruelty continues.
There are many reasons why Joffrey is being rejected.
