guiduc said:
In the Game of Thrones universe, it's not just about the line of succession, but also about balance of power. Robert had no legitimate claim to the Throne and still ruled for what... 17 years? And the common people must be sympathetic to Cersei's claim since her little boy committed suicide and the Sept's explosion engulfed most of the nobility. But it might become a problem as time passes (and when the Iron Bank claims back the debt). |
Robert was indeed a usurper but his legitimacy was established with the King's overthrow and the support of other vassal kings. Here, we find ourselves with a "Kingdom" in which almost all feudal ties (the vassalage system relying entirely on dynastic connections) have been severed at this point. I really think Cersei reigns primarily because everyone looked around after that explosion, saw that there was no one left to raise any sort of voice in opposition, those who have made claims are already rising in revolt, and the Lannister family still has many holdings and wealth to work with while she personally has an unstoppable killing machine by her side lol
At this point it resembles not so much the High Feudal society of the late middle ages as it does the chaotic years of the early middle ages, when rulers were little more than absolute autocrats and warlords with very little in the way of law, legitimacy, or "national" identity. She has even opposed and destroyed the temporal presence and authority of the church itself. It'll definitely be cool to watch and see what happens from here; I honestly wouldn't even want the damn throne at this point lol
