In Game of Thrones: What If Joffrey Had been Kind and Tommen the Rotten?

Imagine a parallel universe in Game of Thrones where Joffrey Baratheon exhibits the gentle and kindly nature of Myrcella, while Tommen Baelish takes a cruel and manipulative path. This shift in character dynamics significantly alters the political landscape of Westeros and the inner workings of House Lannister.

Character Dynamics

Joffrey's Kindness

Had Joffrey been kind and gentle, his rule over King's Landing might have been more stable and revered. Instead of spurning the loyalty of the small council and the common people, he might have earned it through his benevolent nature. This could have created a more harmonious political climate and fostered stronger alliances, particularly with the Starks, leading to a more unified North and Westerlands.

Tommen's Cruelty

Conversely, Tommen's sadistic and manipulative nature could have led to a fearsome court environment. His oppressive actions might have triggered unrest among both nobles and commoners, destabilizing the realm. This would have put enormous pressure on Cersei and Tywin to manage their son and prevent a full-scale rebellion.

Political Implications

Power Struggles

The shift in Joffrey's and Tommen's nature alters the power dynamics within House Lannister and the broader Westeros. If Joffrey was a benevolent ruler, the Lannisters could maintain their grip on power more easily, reducing the need for violent power plays. Conversely, Tommen's malicious tendencies could lead to internal strife and external threats, potentially creating rival factions within Lannister supporters and opportunities for other houses to seize power.

Impact on the War of the Five Kings

Had Joffrey been kind, the ongoing war might have been short-circuited through peace negotiations. His diplomatic skills could have allowed him to forge stronger alliances, potentially leading to a quicker resolution of the conflict. On the other hand, Tommen's cruelty could have agitated other houses to unite against him, leading to a more chaotic and fragmented Westeros.

Personal Relationships

Cersei's Role

Cersei's relationship with her sons would also be dramatically impacted. With Joffrey as a gentle ruler, she might feel prouder of his nobility, while her relationship with Tommen could become more contentious as she tries to reign in his cruelty. This could lead to a more protective stance from Cersei towards Joffrey, ensuring his survival and stability on the throne.

Ned Stark's Fate

Had Joffrey been kind, it is possible that Ned Stark would not have been executed, leading to a different trajectory for the entire Stark family. This could have prevented the War of the Five Kings from escalating as it did in the original timeline, potentially changing the entire course of the series.

Conclusion

The reversal of Joffrey and Tommen's characters would create a vastly different narrative within Game of Thrones. Joffrey's kindness could foster peace and stability, while Tommen's cruelty would sow discord and chaos. The moral complexities of leadership, loyalty, and family dynamics would be explored in new and intriguing ways, enriching the ongoing story with fresh perspectives and challenges.