#the reynes of castamere

[cynicalclassicist]

Of course, Tywin is brutal by the standards of his society. But when the better Stannis is attacking King's Landing it is expected that it will be sacked.

Wouldn't the Reynes and Tarbecks slaughter, and the Sack of Kings Landing also be crimes under normal rules? Jaehaerys was too sick and died shortly after the former, and Robert had that exception for Targaryens to his famously forgiving nature. So were those normal feudal politics or is Tywin really less of a brilliant Machiavellian statesman, then lucky in regime change saving him from the consequences he would normally merit?

The Reynes and the Tarbecks definitely are extreme, there's a reason a song was written about it after all. It's considered in-universe to be exceptionally brutal, just quite skirting the line from out-and-out violating the king's authority.

The Sack of King's Landing, sadly not so much. While it also was brutal, sacking a city that did not negotiate a surrender to avoid a sack was not unheard of in wartime. Unfortunately, that was the reality for a lot of villages (and some attackers hoped for a sack because ypu could get rich quick if you were very lucky).

Thanks for the question, Anon

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[bottlesandbarricades]

I like when people mention “The Rains of Castamere” in their hotd fanfics cause I like to think the very alive Reynes of Castamere are sat in the corner of the feast going

[anira-naeg]

[racefortheironthrone]

Why do you think the Westerlands Houses answered Tywin’s summons to crush the Reynes and Tarbecks? He wasn’t the Lord of Casterly Rock or acting lord like Robb they had no obligation to answer his call to arms. Hell if anything Tywin was launching a silent coup against his father when he decided to wage war against the Reynes and Tarbecks.

There's two main reasons:

Tywin is still the heir to Casterly Rock - and is effectively the acting lord, since Tytos hadn't countermanded his actions (as he had done in the past) and had mostly ceased to actively govern without appointing anyone else to rule in his stead - and thus the lords are going to want to be on his good side for when he does inherit the title.

More importantly, the Reynes and Tarbecks had fucked with the other Lesser Houses as well as House Lannister. The landed knights and lords whose lands Walderan Tarbeck had seized by force? House Marbrand, who had lost their lord and hundreds of their men to Roger Reyne's ambush? House Prester, who had had two of their sons kidnapped by Ellyn Tabreck? All the landed knights and Lesser Houses who had fought private wars against the Reynes, the Tarbecks, and their vassals? These people all had reason to hate the Reynes and Tarbecks and want them brought down.

So yeah, the Reynes and Tarbecks mishandled the political side of their revolt by focusing on Tytos Lannister to the exclusion of everyone else - if you're going to try to overthrow your liege lord, you want your peers onside first.

[a-song-of-art-and-fire]

Lord Reyne, The Red Lion

"And who are you, the proud lord said,

that I must bow so low?

Only a cat of a different coat,

that's all the truth I know.

In a coat of gold or a coat of red,

a lion still has claws,

And mine are long and sharp, my lord,

as long and sharp as yours."

I've mentioned before that painting these miniatures often means spending hours thinking about a character you've never given a second thought, and I don't know if that's ever been as true as in this case. I couldn't have told you one thing about Lord Roger Reyne, beyond him being the "proud lord" from the song.

I was looking to fill out my Ninepenny Kings battle scene, and I had a lot of these lion headed guys, so I thought a young Tywin would be fun. However, I had a reread of the Ninepenny Kings section, and the ridiculous amount of writing George did for the WOIAF Westerlands section that ended up being cut, and a bit of a narrative formed. The Westerlands armies were led by Jason Lannister in place of Tywin's father, but he was killed quickly and Roger became the leader of the Westerland forces. We also know Tywin never leads from the front and avoids fighting where possible, which he certainly frames as pragmatism, but we know how Westerosi culture values a martial lead-by-example warrior, and Tywin is very tapped into Westerosi masculinity. Finally, we know that before the brutal rains of Castamere, an injured, feverish Lord Reyne challenged Tywin to single combat, which Tywin refused in favour of a massacre.

From all of this, I wonder if Tywin had his first taste of real combat on the Stepstones - and realised he wasn't cut out for it. Seeing his uncle cut down before him, he didn't take up the noble Lannister mantle and lead his fathers vassals, he stood back and let the natural warrior Lord Reyne take the... reins. (Sorry). And maybe that resentment fed into his brutality to the Reynes and Tarbecks. And when an older, possibly elderly Lord Roger challenged him to single combat - debilitated by a crossbow wound which had gone septic - Tywin still couldnt quite escape being that scared lad, seeing this powerful red lion take his rightful glory, and chose to massacre hundreds of innocents rather than face that fear.

Or maybe I'm making all of this up. He was a fun mini to paint, nice doing a Lannister style with a change of palette. I was torn finding a balance between the white and red, and I'm happy with how it turned out.

[burningvelvet]

thoughts on someone who listens to an instrumental of the rains of castemere to sleep every night and yes, they know the context

I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever and used to listen to it 500 times a day myself. I love every version. It's so awesome that some people have even played it at their weddings (...and lived).

GRRM really popped off with the songs in his works.

[robynqueenofstuff]

after House of the Dragon, Anyone got any ASOIAF spinoff ideas?

the Nymeria one is my favourite, Am I the only one who would be interested in seeing the Reyne/Tarbeck debacle with the Lannisters? it could start with the Reign of the Reynes and end with Tywin becoming Lord of Casterly Rock.

[isefyres-archive]

waiting for hbo to realize the potential of spin offs about the north.

[queen--kenobi]

The biggest L I could give Warden of the West Elayna is her giving birth at Casterly Rock

[lemonhemlock]

Have you heard that Aegon has friends now?

https://twitter.com/WtDasoiaf/status/1731009692413939932

big if true

[warsofasoiaf]

approximately, how many people did tywin kill in his rains of castamere attack? he killed 2 castles worth of people, would that be ~200 kills?

Tarbeck Hall was specifically not destroyed completely in the actual attack - Tywin destroyed it after the keep was destroyed and the gates were opened. Since they were opened, that meant that there were people in the outside towers that survived, likely castle guard and household staff. So the casualties in Tarbeck Hall were probably limited primarily to House Tarbeck members that died in the keep collapse (and Tywin's later murders, such as the rumor that Amory Lorch threw a young son of House Tarbeck down a well).

Castamere was much larger. Specifically, we have a figure of three hundred for everyone in Castamere, which would include all members of House Reyne, the garrison, the household staff, and any retainers.

Thanks for the question, Anon.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[west1rosi]

once a day, i think about how tyw.in would smack otto

[racefortheironthrone]

In your opinion, how do you think Tywin should have handled the Rayne-Tarbeck Rebellion?

I think the broad thrust of Tywin's strategy - build up a private army of Ninepenny King veterans, essentially lead a coup against his father who had become an active source of social disorder, and then force a military confrontation against the Reynes and Tarbecks - wasn't actually that bad given the scale of the political/military problems that were befalling the Westerlands at the time.

Where Tywin went too far, where he always goes too far, is that he let his emotional insecurities about how the Reynes and Tarbecks had treated his father motivate him into committing deliberate and wanton war crimes. Simply put, there was no reason why he couldn't have slighted Castle Tarbeck while taking Ellyn, Tion, et al. prisoner rather than exterminating the entire bloodline, and done the same with Raynard and Roger Reyne (presumably after some negotiations), given that he'd already crushed House Reyne's army.

As long as he was able and willing to essentially maintain his coup and not let his father back into political power to reverse his actions, immuring his enemies in the bowels of Casterly Rock after completely destroying their military/political power would have sufficed to send the right message to House Lannister's vassals.

[cynicalclassicist]

If you want though, it can feel like some lyrics apply to Tywin Lannister, who is a proud lord who is boasting of how long and sharp his claws are through this song.

And yet he dies hideously and his legacy will come crashing down as well.

There’s a grievous misunderstanding of the song “The Rains of Castamere” that I keep seeing in this fandom.

“And who are you,” the proud lord said, “that I must bow so low?”

The proud lord is not Tywin Lannister. It’s the Red Lion, Lord Reyne of Castamere. He was asking Tywin who the hell does he think he is, because, as he said:

“Only a cat of a different coat, that’s all the truth I know. In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws,”

The Reynes were rebels who thought themselves equal to the Lannisters, their liege lords. They also used a lion sigil in their heraldry, a red lion (as opposed to Lannister gold).

“And mine are long and sharp, my lord, as long and sharp as yours.”

Lord Reyne was saying his army was perfectly capable of defying the Lannister army. And he was extremely wrong.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that lord of Castamere, but now the rains weep o'er his hall, with no one there to hear.

Tywin destroyed him – and his army, his family, and his home. Every single last Reyne was killed, even the women and children. Their castle at Castamere was torn down. “And so he spoke” – Lord Reyne made his proud claims – but there is nobody left alive to hear those words anymore. That’s why the song became the Lannister anthem, that’s why Tywin used it as a threat against other lords who might consider rebelling.

So when I see “the proud lord” or “a lion still has claws” applied to a Lannister, I facepalm. Those lines are not about the Lannisters, they’re about a dead lion who tried to fight the Lannisters and lost.

And when I see “And mine are long and sharp, my lord, as long and sharp as yours” applied to a Stark, I facepalm even harder, because it’s an empty claim. It’s a claim that got the person who said it killed. Though I suppose that means it could apply to the Starks, but only in a graphic for Robb re the Red Wedding – it’s not especially appropriate to use for any other Stark that a fan hopes will defeat the Lannisters in the future.

Anyway. Sorry. Been sitting on this complaint too long, had to get it off my chest. :/

[rainstormies]

chapter nine

title: heir of fire

fandom: a song of ice and fire

word count: 3.1k

synopsis: a daughter of a lost house, hiding in the shadows of a broken kingdom. as revenge and love collide, she must choose between reclaiming her past or forging a new future

As the boat glided into the misty harbour of Braavos, Serena stood at the bow, the salt air whipping through her hair, her heart racing with anticipation. The city unfolded before her in a breathtaking display of canals, towering statues, and domed temples. Braavos was nothing like she had imagined - vast and alive with the bustle of trade and the constant hum of water lapping against stone. It was a world she had only dreamed of. 

Beside her, Sam watched the horizon with quiet awe. His hand slipped into hers, his grip warm and steady. Serena glanced at him, and a sudden wave of emotion surged through her. Here they were, together, free from the chains of the past, stepping into a life they were about to build. 

"Look at it," she whispered, unable to contain the wonder in her voice.

Sam smiled, his gaze soft as it flickered to her. "I’ve never seen anything like it."

Neither had she. The city felt like the promise of a new beginning, far from the nightmares of her past, far from the shadow of Tywin Lannister and the ruins of House Reyne. It was a place where no one knew her name or her history. Here, she was no longer Gemma or the hidden daughter of Castamere - she was just Serena, a woman discovering the world alongside the man she loved. 

They disembarked from the boat, Serena’s heart light with a sense of freedom she had never felt before. They wandered through the winding streets of Braavos, marvelling at the architecture, the marketplaces filled with strange foods and silks, and the towering statues that seemed to watch over the city like silent guardians. 

Sam pointed to the Titan of Braavos, the massive statue looming over the entrance to the harbour. "Can you believe something like that was built?"

Serena shook her head, laughing softly. "It’s incredible." But her gaze kept drifting back to Sam, to the way his eyes lit up as he looked at their new surroundings, to the way his hand never let go of hers. She felt a warmth spread through her chest - a warmth that had nothing to do with the foreign sun. 

They crossed over a canal bridge, the water glistening beneath them as the sounds of laughter and foreign tongues filled the air. Serena took it all in, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the man at her side. There had been so many times she’d pushed him away, convinced she wasn’t meant for happiness, convinced that her path was one of revenge and darkness. 

But now, here in Braavos, everything felt different. Lighter. And as she looked at Sam, his face alight with the same wonder she felt, Serena realised something she had been too afraid to admit before. 

Sam was the man she had always wanted. 

He had stood by her when she thought she had nothing left. He had given her a reason to hope when she thought her only purpose was revenge. And now, he was offering her the kind of life she had never believed she deserved - one filled with love, with laughter, with the possibility of happiness. 

They stopped by a small fountain in the centre of a square, where children played and vendors shouted out in the Braavosi tongue. Serena watched as Sam crouched by the water’s edge, splashing his face with the cool water. He looked up at her, grinning like a boy, and her heart swelled with affection. 

"Come on," he said, standing and pulling her toward him. "We’ve got a whole city to see."

Serena laughed, letting him pull her close. She rested her head against his chest for a moment, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It was a sound she never wanted to live without. 

As they continued exploring, the day stretched out in front of them like a dream. They walked the streets of Braavos until their legs were sore, stopping by small taverns for food and watching as the city lit up with the soft glow of lanterns at night. Braavos was beautiful, but what made it all the more special was Sam - his presence beside her, his laughter, his endless curiosity about the world. 

That night, as they stood on a balcony overlooking the canals, Serena leaned into him, her hand resting on his chest. 

"This is where we belong," she said quietly, her voice filled with certainty. 

Sam looked down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "With each other?"

Serena smiled, her heart full. "Yes. With each other."

In that moment, everything felt right. For the first time in years, Serena didn’t feel haunted by the past or weighed down by her desire for revenge. All that mattered was the man beside her, the life they were creating together, and the future that stretched out in front of them, filled with endless possibilities. 

Serena looked out over the water, her hand still entwined with Sam’s, and for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe in happiness. 

The air in Lys was different - warmer, heavier with the scent of salt and exotic spices carried by the breeze from the sea. Serena stood on the balcony of their rented villa, gazing out over the sun-drenched harbour. The crystal-clear waters shimmered under the midday sun, boats bobbing lazily in the distance, their sails coloured like vibrant tapestries. Beyond, the horizon seemed endless, a promise of far-off lands and new beginnings. 

She closed her eyes, breathing in deeply. The beauty of Lys was undeniable. Its whitewashed buildings glowed in the light, framed by gardens overflowing with flowers of every hue. She could hear the soft hum of voices and the faint strains of music from the market below, mingling with the laughter of children running through the narrow streets. Yet despite the idyllic setting, a quiet ache still lingered in her heart. 

Serena missed her family. She missed the halls of Hightower, the smell of the sea in the morning, her mother’s voice, and her sister’s laughter. But she knew she could never go back - not after all that had happened. Her past was a closed door now, and no matter how much she longed for it, she knew the future lay with Sam, here in this foreign land. 

They could build something new. Together. 

With that thought, she decided to venture into the market alone, letting Sam sleep in a little longer. He had been training with the local mercenaries to stay sharp, and their long days of travelling had worn him out. She wrapped herself in a light shawl, the soft material draping over her shoulders, and made her way down the winding streets toward the market. 

The market in Lys was unlike any she had ever seen before. Stalls overflowed with goods from across the world - silks from Asshai, spiced wines from Yi Ti, and perfumes so rich they clung to the air like a dream. The vendors called out in lilting accents, enticing buyers with colourful fruits, exotic birds, and delicate jewellery. Serena wandered through it all, letting the sights and sounds wash over her, trying to lose herself in the vibrant energy of the city. 

But as she passed one stall, her eyes caught on something that made her stop in her tracks. 

A young boy - no older than eight - stood chained to a post, his arms bound tightly behind his back. His clothes were little more than rags, his face gaunt and dirty. He looked up at her, eyes wide with fear and desperation. The master beside him, a richly dressed man with cold, calculating eyes, barked orders to the crowd, offering the boy up like a piece of meat for sale. 

Serena’s stomach twisted in disgust. She had seen slaves before in the Free Cities, but this - this was different. The boy’s eyes met hers, pleading silently for help. 

Without thinking, Serena stepped forward. 

"How much for him?" she asked, her voice low but firm. 

The master turned to her, a smirk curling at his lips. "This one? A fine specimen, isn’t he? Strong for his age. He’ll serve well in any household. But for you, my lady... I could offer a discount."

Serena ignored the slimy tone in his voice. "How much?" she repeated. 

"Ten gold pieces."

Her heart raced. She didn’t have that much on her, but she couldn’t just leave the boy here. She reached for her coin purse, fumbling with the strings, but before she could take it out, the master’s face twisted with sudden suspicion. 

"What are you doing, girl?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Do you think you can just swoop in and buy one of my slaves like you’re handing out alms? Who do you think you are?"

Serena froze. The market seemed to quiet around them, people turning to watch the confrontation. The master stepped closer, his breath hot and foul as he leaned in. "You think you’re some highborn lady from Westeros, don’t you? Here to save the poor and helpless? Well, let me tell you something - this is Lys. This is my city, and you have no business meddling in it."

Serena felt a cold sweat trickle down her spine. She opened her mouth to speak, to defend herself, but her words caught in her throat. The master’s face was inches from hers now, his eyes glinting with malice. "Walk away," he hissed, "before I have you whipped alongside him."

Before Serena could react, a shadow loomed behind the man. 

"Get your hands off her."

Sam’s voice was low and dangerous. Serena turned to see him standing there, his broad frame tense with anger, his hand already resting on the hilt of his sword. 

The master sneered but backed away slightly, sensing the threat in Sam’s presence. "And who might you be? Her knight in shining armour?"

Sam took a step forward, his eyes locked on the man. "If you don’t want to lose that hand, I suggest you let her be."

The master glanced between Serena and Sam, his arrogance faltering for a moment. Then, with a final sneer, he turned and yanked the boy’s chain, dragging him roughly back toward his stall. "Fine," he spat, "take your foolish Westerosi nobility somewhere else."

Serena stood there, her heart pounding, feeling both shaken and relieved. Sam gently touched her arm, guiding her away from the growing crowd. 

"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice softer now. 

She nodded, but her thoughts were racing. The boy’s face haunted her - those pleading eyes, the hopelessness in his expression. She had wanted to help, but instead, she had only made things worse. She had forgotten where she was, forgotten that this was a place where power and money ruled everything. 

"Serena," Sam said quietly, pulling her into a side street, away from the bustle of the market. "What were you doing?"

"I... I don’t know," she admitted, her voice trembling. "I saw him, and I couldn’t just walk away."

Sam sighed, his hand running through his hair. "I understand, but this... this place is different. You can’t help everyone. And it’s dangerous to try."

Serena looked up at him, her eyes filled with frustration and sadness. "I thought I could do something good here. I thought I could make a difference."

"You do," Sam said, his voice firm. "You’ve made a difference to me."

The words hit her with surprising force, and for the first time since they’d arrived in Lys, Serena felt the weight of everything she had left behind - the family she would never see again, the life she could never return to. But here, with Sam, maybe she didn’t need to go back. Maybe she could start something new. Something better. 

"I don’t have a family anymore," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I miss them, but... I can’t go back."

Sam gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away the tear that slid down her cheek. "Then we’ll start a new one," he said softly. "Together."

Serena’s heart swelled at his words. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a moment. This was her life now. Sam was her family. And together, they would face whatever came next. 

But as they walked back toward their villa, Serena couldn’t shake the feeling that Lys, for all its beauty, held dangers far deeper than she had anticipated. And she would need to be stronger than ever to survive them. 

The villa in Myr was more beautiful than Serena had ever imagined. It sat atop a hill, overlooking the shimmering sapphire waters of the Summer Sea. White stone columns lined the long pathway to the entrance, draped with lush greenery and delicate purple wisteria that filled the air with their sweet, intoxicating scent. The gardens surrounding the villa were teeming with life - flowers of every colour, vines that twisted and curled around marble statues, and birds that sang softly from their perches among the trees. 

The day was warm, with a soft breeze coming in from the sea, carrying the salty air and mixing it with the fragrance of fresh lemons from the orchard. The sunlight filtered through the villa's large open archways, casting a golden glow across the floors of smooth, pale stone. Inside, the halls were cool and inviting, the walls adorned with tapestries and murals depicting scenes of Myr’s history - rich, vibrant colours that told stories of its warriors, its artists, and its lovers. 

Serena stood at the entrance to the villa, taking it all in. It was everything she had dreamed of and more. This was where she and Sam would begin their new life together. Their wedding was not grand or filled with nobility, but it was perfect in its simplicity, surrounded by the friends they had made here, far from the blood and pain of Westeros. For the first time in a long while, Serena felt at peace. 

Her closest friend in Myr, a local girl named Elara, stood beside her, adjusting the thin veil Serena wore. Elara had been her constant companion since they’d arrived, a bright, spirited girl with dark, shining eyes and a mischievous smile. She had shown Serena the ins and outs of the city - the best markets, the quietest beaches, and the little secrets of Myr only the locals knew. Elara was one of the first people Serena had truly confided in about her past. Though she didn’t know every detail, she had understood Serena’s need for a fresh start, and for that, Serena was endlessly grateful. 

"You look like a goddess," Elara teased as she straightened Serena’s gown, a simple yet elegant white dress that flowed down to her ankles, made of the finest Myrish silk. "Sam won’t be able to take his eyes off you."

Serena laughed, her heart fluttering in excitement and nervousness. "Let’s hope not," she replied, though she knew Sam never had trouble keeping his eyes on her. He had loved her from the moment they had left Westeros, and every day since, he had proven that love in more ways than she could count. 

As Serena stepped out into the garden where the ceremony would be held, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, amber light over the scene. A small gathering of friends and acquaintances waited for her - people they had met over the past months. A Myrish merchant Sam had befriended, a couple from Braavos who had travelled to Myr for business but had grown close to Serena during their stay, and of course, Elara, who stood beside Serena like a sister. 

The air smelled of jasmine and fresh citrus, the breeze carrying the faintest scent of incense from the city below. It was idyllic, perfect - everything Serena had never imagined she would have. 

Sam stood at the altar, his eyes locked on her as she made her way down the aisle. His dark hair fell softly around his face, his eyes shining with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat. He wore a simple tunic, the same Myrish silk as her dress, dyed a deep, ocean blue. His smile was warm, filled with a love that made Serena feel like the luckiest woman in the world. 

When she reached him, Sam took her hands, his grip gentle but firm. The officiant - a kindly old man from the city - spoke the words that would bind them together, but Serena barely heard them. All she could focus on was Sam, the warmth of his touch, the way his eyes softened as they exchanged their vows. 

"I will love you," he whispered, his voice low but clear. "For as long as we both shall live."

Serena’s heart swelled. "And I will love you," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion, "for as long as we both shall live."

As they kissed, sealing their union under the golden Myrish sun, the crowd cheered, and Elara laughed in delight beside her. Serena felt as if she were floating, the weight of her past finally lifting from her shoulders. This was the beginning of something new, something good. 

Later that evening, they celebrated in the courtyard of the villa. The sky had turned a deep indigo, and lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft glow over the tables laden with food - platters of roasted lamb, spiced with Myrish herbs, olives and fresh bread, figs and honey, and of course, the local wines, rich and sweet. Laughter filled the air, and Serena could feel the warmth of it all in her chest, a happiness she had thought she might never find. 

As the evening wore on, Sam and Serena slipped away from the crowd, hand in hand, walking through the quiet garden. The stars were out, twinkling brightly above them, and the sound of the sea could be heard in the distance, gentle and calming. 

"This is our life now," Sam said quietly, his voice filled with wonder as they paused to look out over the sea. "You and me, together."

Serena smiled up at him, her heart full. "Yes," she whispered. "Together."

She leaned into his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. For the first time, she wasn’t thinking about her past or the weight of her family’s legacy. She wasn’t haunted by thoughts of revenge or loss. She was simply... happy. 

And as they stood there, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s arms, Serena realised that this was the life she had always wanted. She didn’t need to go back. She didn’t need to be the lady of a great house. She had Sam, and together, they would create something new, something beautiful. 

For the first time in years, Serena felt truly free.

[jaimeslayers]

The Things I Do For Love: A Jaime Lannister Analysis 

So much discussion around Jaime revolves around the theme of redemption. What does it mean? Is it possible? How does one redeem themselves? However, another core aspect of what Jaimes character is all about is love, what he will do for it, and how it changes him.

When we first meet Jaime he is the mirror image of Cersei: beautiful, so confident that it is bordering on arrogance, and cruel. This is reflected in their incestuous relationship, one that has lasted since the twins were children. This relationship stems from the idea of Lannister supremacy encouraged and fostered by Tywin. It is through Tywin’s actions such as the extermination of the Reyne and Castamere families that the Lannister siblings learned that anyone who wasn’t a Lannister was inferior and beneath them. It is this sort of lion's pride that lives in each of them, even Tyrion. When it comes to Jaime and Cersei it manifests itself in their incestuous relationship. To them no one else was worthy of themselves, only another Lannister, and who else could they turn to but their identical twin? Through time the twins developed an “us versus them” mentality. That no one else mattered but them. It is this codependency that only grew as they grew up. It is this mentality that is key to understanding Jaime’s own identity.

Due to the belief that they were each other's mirror image, Jaime created an image of Cersei based off of himself. He thinks that Cersei may be a little mean and does some bad stuff but isn’t evil. It is this false image that helps Jaime repress (of which he often does with uncomfortable truths) the fact that Cersei is unnecessarily cruel and abusive towards his beloved little brother Tyrion. It makes it easier for him to love her too. It is this love for his siblings that defines Jaime. While a horrible thing to do, the whole reasoning behind pushing Bran out the window after catching the twins having sex is out of perverse protective love for Cersei. Jaime knows that she and himself will be killed if the truth comes out. While one can argue he also was considering the lives of their children it’s only till Feast that Jaime begins to care about Tommen. This protective nature also manifests itself later in AGOT when Jaime and his men kill Ned’s escort due to Tyrion being kidnapped and being placed under arrest. Yet another morally dubious action done out of love for his siblings. However, it is this love and ego that eventually shatters when Jaime loses his sword hand.

So much of Jaime’s identity revolved around his sword hand. It was the hand he used to kill Aerys and touch Cersei alongside many other things central to his person. By having it cut off Jaime learns that Lannisters can indeed be hurt just like any other person breaking down his image of an invulnerable golden Lannister. Through losing his hand, he is forced to ask himself the questions of who he really is and what that looks like. For a while, he holds onto the love for his siblings, especially his mirror image Cersei. However, it is this image that shatters. For Cersei, she sees that Jaime no longer resembles her and for this she goes cold. This being in direct contrast to Jaime’s idea that the love and codependency that they had created for themselves was unconditional. His relationship with Tyrion also implodes in ASOS with the Tysha reveal. The relationship with the twins further breaks down not simply due to Jaime now knowing of Cersei’s infidelity but also her growing darker nature. It is this that also shatters the mirror image. Cersei is unnecessarily cruel by burning down the Tower of the Hand with wildfire. By comparing her to Aerys, it is clear that Jaime’s image of her being just like him is gone. It is likely she has woken up his trauma that he desperately tries to repress. Jaime learns that her cruelty is not his own despite his prior morally dubious actions. While this relationship breaks down another grows. This being his relationship with Brienne.

In a direct contrast to Jaime and Cersei’s relationship, the dynamic that exists between Jaime and Brienne is based on reality not delusion. Brienne sees the worst in Jaime through his ego and knows of his most horrible acts. She bluntly calls him out on these and judges him for them. On the other hand Jaime insults her and plays on her insecurities. However, it is the loss of his hand that things change for the two. While still not friends directly after the injury, Jaime ensures Brienne is not assaulted after all the abuse both him and her have faced. Upon their arrival at Harrenhal, Jaime makes sure that her wounds are cared for as much as his.  For Brienne she learns the truth behind Jaime’s murder of Aerys. Through this and many other actions such as Jaime rescuing her from the bear and giving her Oathkeeper, she sees that there is some good in the man. On the flip side, Jaime develops one of the first relationships in his life with someone who is not a Lannister. He learns to both see and respect that Brienne is her own person, one that is complicated and does her own thing. It is this what Jaime is becoming. As such, Brienne is not a plot device for Jaime’s development but rather a catalyst. Through her Jaime learns to care about another individual and care deeply.

While we don’t know where Jaime’s story will go just yet. Perhaps he is the Valonqar or maybe he will be killed by Stoneheart. Regardless of where he goes it's clear that love and his falling out of it and arguably his falling into it has greatly defined his arc and who he is.