Game of Thrones: How Did The Mad King Get His Name?

The former Kingsguard to Aerys II Targaryen, Ser Barristan Selmy served Daenerys Targaryen as one of her top advisors. He’d dole out pieces of advice if she was faced with conundrums. This particular time in Game of Thrones season 5, episode 2 “The House of Black and White,” Ser Barristan suggests Daenerys give the Sons of the Harpy a fair trial to show the people of Meereen she is better than those who seek to depose her. However, a freed Meereenese slave, Mossador suggests otherwise, and Daenerys dismisses her advisors. Ser Barristan stays: “Your Grace? A word, please, I beg you… about your father. About the Mad King.” He goes on to say that the Mad King earned his name: “When the people rose in revolt against him, your father set their towns and castles aflame. He murdered sons in front of their fathers. He burned men alive with wildfire and laughed as they screamed.”