Why was King Robert Afraid of a Dothraki Invasion?
King Robert Baratheon, the first non-Targaryen to rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, often found himself at odds with the complex political landscape and social dynamics of his realm. Despite his hatred for the game of thrones and his preference for battle, Robert recognized the parasites within his own power structure, namely the lords and their varying loyalties to him, and the looming threat of the Dothraki horde led by Viserys Targaryen and Daenerys's dragons.
Understanding Robert's Complex Character
Rober Baratheon was fraught with insecurities and personal flaws. He detested the political game, yet he understood the necessity of it. A fundamental broken man, Robert's life was a series of mismatches between his desires and the reality of his position. While he genuinely lacked the assurance and confidence to effectively wield power, Robert's charisma managed to sway lords to some degree. However, his alliances and memories could only do so much to maintain stability.
Greasy Worms and the Lack of Loyalty
Robert recognized that the loyalty of the lords to him was far from fully given. Most stayed in line due to a combination of strategic alliances and the fear of his memory as the "Dominator of the Trident." This fear, however, was not absolute. The North's loyalty was assured as long as Lord Eddard Stark lived, thanks to his ties and Sansa and Joffrey's connection. The Stormlands were somewhat loyal, but not entirely, as there were many houses that had fought for Robert's enemies during the rebellion. The Vale, now under a child ruler and with few established ties, could be unpredictable. The Riverlands and their fractious nature under Lord Edmure Tully made it even more uncertain, with only half likely to rise for Robert. The Westerlands would stay loyal as long as Tywin Lannister lived, and even with his grandchild on the throne, but Tywin's age rendered him a risk. The Reach's loyalty hinged on the potential betrayal of House Tyrell, who might align with the Targaryens. Lastly, the Martells of Dorne had no interest in Robert's cause.
The Dothraki Scourge and Strategic Insecurity
The real fear for Robert was the Dothraki army, particularly led by Viserys Targaryen and later, Daenerys and Drogo's child. The Dothraki were a fierce, unified horde led by a proven battle commander. Unlike the cities and castles with deeply entrenched loyalty and historical enmities, the Dothraki could pillage and plunder without much resistance, leading to internal strife and potential rebellion. The Dothraki army was a terrifying prospect, especially with the addition of Daenerys's three dragons, which could strike from afar and devastate defenses.
Robert was not the only one to underestimate the Targaryens' resurgence. Tywin Lannister, a master strategist, also underestimated Daenerys's eventual power. The Seven Kingdoms were embroiled in the War of the Five Kings, allowing Daenerys to build her strength undisturbed. Her buildup was not only in terms of her own power but also in the form of the formidable Dothraki warriors under her command. The dragons only added to the complexity, as they represented a completely new and terrifying threat.
Rather than greeting the Dothraki invasion with panic, let us consider Robert's strategic fear. While he may not have been pleased with the prospects of another war, he recognized that his lack of a unified army was a significant weakness. The lords of Westeros were not a single, cohesive force; each had their own interests and obligations. Even the Lannister-Stark alliance at the beginning of his reign was tenuous, falling apart during the rebellion. Robert knew that in the face of such a formidable enemy, the Seven Kingdoms would either need to unite or face the stark reality of a new claimant to the Iron Throne.
In conclusion, King Robert Baratheon's fear of a Dothraki invasion was not borne out of cowardice but from a deep understanding of the political landscape and the military threats he faced. The Dothraki, led by a strong and capable leader, posed a serious and potentially devastating threat, which Robert recognized long before the Targaryens began their final push for the throne.