The Relationship Between Joffrey and Tommen: A Breakdown of Care and Bullying

In the immensely popular HBO series, Game of Thrones, the relationship between Joffrey Baratheon and his younger brother, Tommen, is one of the most scrutinized. This close yet fraught sibling dynamic is a crucial aspect of Joffrey's character and the broader narrative of the show. This article explores the nature of this relationship, focusing on Joffrey's lack of genuine care and his tendency to use Tommen as a pawn in his power games.

Did Joffrey Care for Tommen?

Throughout the series, Game of Thrones does not provide significant insight into Joffrey's internal thoughts and feelings, making it challenging to definitively state whether Joffrey felt any genuine affection for Tommen. However, numerous instances clearly indicate that Joffrey's relationship with his younger brother was cold, distant, and often cruel.

Joffrey's Lack of Empathy

Joffrey Baratheon is portrayed as a cold, heartless villain whose actions are rooted in his insatiable desire for power. His interactions with Tommen are a prime example of this. Joffrey often treats Tommen with disdain, using him as a pawn in his manipulative schemes. For instance, in the Histories and Lore video, viewers can witness Joffrey's cruel remark about creating a Maidenvault for Tommen if he finds him boring. This starkly illustrates Joffrey's intentions to imprison his brother for his own amusement, rather than any sense of familial love or care.

Warning Signs and Bullying

Despite occasional moments of protective behavior, Joffrey's overall demeanor towards Tommen suggests a profound lack of empathy. A key incident that highlights Joffrey's cruelty is the fateful fate of Tommen's pet deer. After Tommen received the deer as a gift, a gift that conveys a sense of care and affection, Joffrey had it skinned for his own amusement. This act serves as a clear symbol of Joffrey's insensitivity and his willingness to hurt those close to him for his own entertainment. Such actions indicate a pattern of bullying and a deep-seated lack of genuine concern for Tommen's well-being.

Investigating Joffrey's Relationship with Other Family Members

While Joffrey's relationship with Tommen is notably cold, it is important to note that his interpersonal dynamics extend to his other family members as well. Joffrey shows no tangible affection for his mother, Cersei, or his father, or regent, Tywin. He lacks a tender spot for anyone, making Tommen, in particular, a symbolic figure of his family's dysfunction.

Conclusion

In summary, the relationship between Joffrey and Tommen in Game of Thrones is marked by a lack of genuine care. Joffrey's actions and words demonstrate a profound insensitivity and a willingness to use Tommen for his own amusement and power. This relationship is illustrative of Joffrey's overall character, a heartless and manipulative individual who views his siblings, including Tommen, as tools for his own ends rather than people deserving of genuine affection. As such, Tommen's experience under Joffrey's rule is a critical and often overlooked aspect of the show's broader narrative.