The Best Kings (Game of Thrones)

Going through all the Targaryen kings of the 7 kingdoms from Game of Thrones /
A Song of Ice and Fire and discussing the best amongst them
Thumbnail art by - Amok
Contact ► [e-mail]
Twitter ► whycreator
Robert Baratheon art by - www.artstation...
King Aegon the Conquerer with King Stark art by - www.deviantart...
Dunk and Egg art by - www.artstation...
Dragonstone art by - Philip Straub
Baelor / King Daeron II Targaryen / House Martell art by - magali-villeneu...
Summerhal art by - Marc Simonetti

[@Nuklz1981]

About King Robert Baratheon, I like what Barristan said on the show to Jorah. "Robert was a good man, a great Warrior, and a terrible King." That pretty much summed him up from my p.o.v..

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

Blackfish said the same in the lore

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

At least Robert didn't burn any cities.

[@tituselias2945]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a trick to log back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me.

[@albertosebastian9856]

@Titus Elias Instablaster ;)

[@williamcortelyou9072]

@@TheMrPeteChannel Uhhh... Robert pillaged quite a few citys. So did Ned. And i mean full sacking and raping. Remember, they were the rebel faction...

[@supremeemperor7802]

Simple rule: If a ruler's name appears more than once, the first ruler called that name is probably a good ruler, since everyone who is named after the original ruler's name would also want to be like them (eg. Aegon, Jaeherys). This also applies in real life too (Henry 1-8 in England, Louis 1-18 in France)

[@Smansi_da_randumb]

Daeron II was better than Daeron I, who lost over 50 000 men conquering and holding a kingdom he would lose, while Daeron II was an actual good king.

[@Amazatastic]

Rule applies in reverse too, if a ruler is particularly bad, or something bad happens to them (like getting their head cut off) it's way less likely another ruler will have that nane

[@gfilmer7150]

Don't forget the many King Edwards of England. Edward II was bad but the other five were good kings. EDIT: There are actually eight King Edwards of England.

[@jacaerys4]

@@gfilmer7150 Edward V and Edward VI weren’t that good though. Probably because they were kids

[@gfilmer7150]

@@jacaerys4 True. If they were older, they would’ve been better kings. My personal favorite was Edward IV, who was in a way the inspiration for Robert Baratheon and Robb Stark respectively.

[@whycreate]

Mance is cool too

[@amongussus4]

Hello

[@DougieFresh1414]

What about the queens? A video on them too maybe!?

[@Pehrin187]

@@DougieFresh1414 not as many of the queens have a direct effect on the governance of the realm. It’s basically Visenya, Rhaenys, Alyssa, Alysanne, Alicent, Cersei and then that’s it for people who really have a direct impact on the realm. Maybe the first Daenerys but only because of her acceptance of the marriage to Dorne set up by her brother. They are interesting characters, but I wouldn’t call any others but these women rulers. (He went over Rhaenyra in the other video so I don’t count her here)

[@bebiswhale]

@@DougieFresh1414 there’s only been one queen of Westeros and that’s where the dance of the dragon took place and she was even fully the ruler for her time because there was another claimant claiming to be the rightful ruler also women don’t really help rule that much the queens are mainly used for alliances and deals the only notable queen would be the old kings wife aka Jaeherys which helped a lot in the north but that’s the only person who actually ruled the realm somewhat and made some sort of meaningful deduction

[@bebiswhale]

@@DougieFresh1414 decision*

[@Kai555100]

Aegon III should be on this list Dude was pretty good for being the Most Depressed Targaryen to ever exist

[@adityaacharya2329]

Lord-Protector of the Vale yes , the sulky boy king

[@easymoneysniper5678]

sad boy king

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

I also think so .

[@nicholasloremann4741]

He should but his grandpa should also be on the list, but being the ruler that ruled before the dance of the dragons then I can understand why he isn’t considered to be one of the best kings.

[@TheHonoredOneAKA]

@@nicholasloremann4741 viserys?

[@bloodraven5067]

Jaehaerys II was the only king who united Westeros under one banner. During the war of the nine penny Kings. Even the iron Islands joined in the fighting.

[@JacobMcCabe-jc7ll]

QUELLLLLLOOOOOOOOONNNN GREYJOY..

[@bloodraven5067]

@@JacobMcCabe-jc7ll a great Greyjoy

[@anasmouada9538]

@@bloodraven5067 the only one

[@nicmagtaan1132]

If ur a jaehaerys ur bound to be great

[@luisdonoso6154]

@@nicmagtaan1132 Jon Snow should have been named Jaehaerys Targaryen

[@theultumateprezes6379]

I think Viserys II should be considered a good king. He managed the realm as hand of the king while Daeron was conquering Dorne and Baelor was praying. That's about 14 years, and then one more year as a king on his own.

[@Smansi_da_randumb]

He was

[@-THE_META]

I read this a Viserys I and had to double take.

[@alexanderward5286]

That’s why he was mentioned as such

[@mac2857]

He was a good Hand, sure but he was only King for one year so...

[@melkormorgothbauglir.4848]

@@mac2857 He was basically the King during his nephews reign because I mean what did they do and during his brothers reign everything you attribute to Aegon III is the actions and ideas of Viserys II.

[@jackson_phoenix999]

Why isn't Maekar I also considered a good king, in fact considering his reign was peaceful and fair. The way he punished his sons for their mistakes and educate Aegon V to be better than his elder brothers does really mark good stuff about him.

[@deadchild3927]

There should be two separate videos, one for their rule and one for how they were as a person, robert made shit decisions as a person but had a decent time for the common folk whole ruling

[@cassiusfelix2805]

True

[@Baelor-Breakspear]

Facts

[@neilpatrick1553]

If only Baelor Breakspear didn't die, he would have been one of the greatest Targaryen king

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

or Aemon or Baelon sons of The Old King, Duncan The Small ... Maester Aemon

[@VinnyPTAstartes]

Too bad the Gods favored Dunk's hand and foot over Baelor 😂

[@raffaelepiccini3405]

@@thetalesofelbek7042 no there were no guarantee baelor the brave and his brother Aemon would have been good kings.. they didn't seem like terribly bad neither think would say it's very much unknown, Baelon breakspears would have definitely been a good ruler

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

@@raffaelepiccini3405 no doubt about Baelor but Aemon and Baelon would be good kings , Alisanne said it ! Like terribly bad ? Way you assume that they would be bad ? Where are the facts ? You don’t know so just ignore ! They did nothing wrong but they were capable rulers and warriors. Alysanne said to Baelon that he would be even better that his father , she was very wise woman so I believe in her thoughts.

[@truth6441]

He entered a trial by combat for a hedge knight who defended a common dornish girl from a prince of the realm and got brained by his brother for his effort. This to me causes great concern for his priorities and decision making. He may have had morals appealing to 21st century readers but as a possible King he needed a lot of growth especially since he appeared dornish himself which already upset some lords.

[@yousofzaid872]

idk why people think Robert was a good king, because of him people like Littlefinger, Varys and Cersei gained an unhealthy amount of power and destroyed the realm, he should've been more involved and more strict on these people and his own son, he's the reason Ned is dead and the entire seven kingdoms are in war, a bit like Viserys the first, his reign was peaceful and pretty normal, but in the end he made some crappy decisions so when he died the world split.

[@dragospinx1440]

His "own son" ??

[@TheMoistDonuts]

Its not that he made crappy decisions. Its that he made no decisions. He left the “ruling” to his hand or those in power around him to do it all which gradually made things worse. Robert’s faults was that he was a good person, a war hero even, but he knew nothing about ruling and event hated ruling. He was a soldier first and foremost and found he would prefer to be in the thick of it all than to be ruling from the side Making him king is what made his downfall clear. He grew fat, did nothing but fuck whores, tell stories of the past, drink, eat, sleep, and piss. He made no desire to actually rule

[@yousofzaid872]

@@TheMoistDonuts exactly, he made no decisions, like I said he should've stepped in and cut of their heads before they gain even more power and grow, idk I think Bobby B could've been a good king if he actually cared enough to try.

[@gfilmer7150]

@@yousofzaid872 He's a fun character but fun characters are always irresponsible.

[@matt_9112]

Robert with a Bloodraven style hand would probably be a fabulous combination, kinda like Maekar, but more popular and without the Balckfyres looming. He's by far not the best, but also not among the worst by any stretch, simply by virtue of not being insane and not being a dick (e.g. legitimizing his bastards, he sure as hell is the no. 1 contented for Aegon IV. in that department).

[@alexturlais8558]

I cant believe you forgot the great king Joffrey, First of his Name. His marriage united 3 great houses, he lead the defence of the city and the Faith from Stannis and his heathens. He was always willing to settle disputes between his people, and even provided jobs for failed knights. He was also a strong champion of the rights of dwarves, being kind enough to provide them employment, in a show of kindness for his beloved uncle, who also suffered from dwarfism. He was willing to forgive the family members of his enemies, and allowed the daughter of the traitor Ned Stark to live a safe and happy life in the red keep, even providing her a husband when it wasnt seen as appropriate for them to marry. Long live our beloved king, and may he rest in peace.

[@matt_9112]

*TWO great houses

[@alexturlais8558]

@@matt_9112 He was created as a union between Baratheon and Lannister, and married a Tyrell. Id consider that 3 houses.

[@matt_9112]

@@alexturlais8558 yeah, but that's not his marriage, also he actually didn't create a Baratheon/Lannister alliance since he is 100% lion, making those two houses enemies for prolly the next 100 years if they both survive...

[@alexturlais8558]

@@matt_9112 how dare you spread the filthy lies of Stannis. That is slander, made up to discredit the true king.

[@kirstybrown1185]

@@alexturlais8558 all hail the true king Joffrey.

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

my favorite king was Maekar but I appreciate Daeron's rule the most. He was dealt a way worse hand than Jaehaerys and in spite of that, did the best he could

[@gfilmer7150]

Daeron II was good. It doesn't matter who won The Blackfyre Rebellion, whoever won would've been a good king. Daeron got rid of all of the corruption while Daemon was an honorable warrior/rebel who got killed by his honor (if you get what I'm implying)

[@targaryen7029]

Maekar is the Targaryen version of Stannis the Mannis. I love him.

[@erikringutangochtala6179]

Considering he was without dragons, just being the first King of the Rhoynar is already stellar.

[@magnusthered4973]

Father what are you doing off your throne your a corpse

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

@@magnusthered4973 What do you care, son? You betrayed me

[@VivanLaMNWA]

I like how Baelor is considered a good king yet he locked all his sisters away in a tower for a decade because he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself around them. wow. Great king!!

[@starlight0313]

He was a religious nut that wasted the crown's treasury

[@lordrsw9098]

I swear ever time there is a good king there kids are either rebellious or something wrong is with them

[@TheMrRomen]

Jaehaerys had three sons and all three were great characters with two eldest really suitable for rule

[@-THE_META]

@@TheMrRomen Then both died very quickly in very suspicious circumstances as did many of his kids.

[@TheMrRomen]

@@-THE_META Not really as they fathered their children. They both died in battle i think, but they were loved in the relm. After the Old kings dead his grandson toke the throne, because both his sons died before their father...

[@-THE_META]

@@TheMrRomen One died at a negotiation by a stray arrow apparently meant for the other guy. The other died in a hunting accident. Coupled with most of Jahearys children dying left and right, makes me think someone wanted the Targaryen numbers culled.

[@truth6441]

@@-THE_META Yeah his name was Corlys Velaryon. Otto Hightower was brought to court to counter him later on and you get the Dance.

[@taco4242]

I thought you'd include Maekar. I thought he was considered a good king. And I was surprised to see Baelor on here.

[@dhruvkapri4059]

Yes Maekar >> Baelor and Makear was also like a Targaryen version of Stannis

[@ToxicBanana]

I'd still personally say that Robert should be at least "neutral". Sure he wasn't a great king (I wouldn't even say "good") but he was still the king while the country experienced nearly two decades of peace. And he has to be credited for the quick dismissal of the Greyjoy Rebellion. Sure, a lot of credit for that peaceful time should go to Jon Arryn, and Robert DID put the crown into a lot of debt, but I think those things only prevent him from being a good king. I still think the actual peace that came with his rule should be enough to prevent him from being "bad".

[@-THE_META]

But he also enabled or caused most of things that caused the War of Five Kings. Didn't try to love Cersei. Didn't have her monitored to see if she was having an affair. Never questioned if his blond children were his because of machismo. Never bothered or cared why this nobody from nowhere Littlefinger (who would have caused the war) was doing because he kept him whoring and drinking. Didn't have Varys killed because he was too lazy and dependent on him. (Who would have started a war anyway) Left dozens of bastards for the realm to deal with if Cersei hadn't (I don't approve of that obviously). Never looked into his heirs rearing (like good kings did) besides beating the shit out of him when it was far too late to do much about it. A War of Something was going to happen at some point because Robert was a bad King. Even without Littlefinger and Varys and Cersei and Joffrey being terrible (which he could have done something about had been half decent and perceptive) He would have had lead the realm to starvation during the long winter to come following a long summer by drinking and whoring the realm to debt. Robert was a terrible king and he would agree with me after having me decapitated for saying it.

[@sophiawilson8696]

That what people says Robert was terrible King, but he keep the peace.

[@mimiblack1693]

@@-THE_META why did you include Varys to the list?

[@-THE_META]

@@mimiblack1693 Have you read the books?

[@mimiblack1693]

@@-THE_META I have but I still think Varys doesn't deserve to be included with people like Little finger and Cersai he wasn't good but not necessarily terrible either

[@ToussaintZephyrus]

I still think Baelor Breakspear could’ve been the greatest king in Westeros if he lived.

[@Smansi_da_randumb]

I mean he did kinda rule as hand

[@Lalvon_Zelpharr]

Maybe

[@theautomator8372]

Baelor Breakspear was actually hated by some for only one reason. What was that reason? He looked Dornish.

[@VinnyPTAstartes]

@@theautomator8372 that's racist lol

[@Smansi_da_randumb]

@@theautomator8372 yeah he didn't have fair skin, purple eyes and silver hair...

[@Argos-xb8ek]

Daeron II and Aegon the III are my two most underrated kings. They both got a bad reputation through no fault of their own. Both had some real parental trauma. And still with all the adversity they solidified their rules and brought stability in their reign.

[@ncblock87]

I feel bad for Jaehaerys and his sons, Aemon and Baelon. Those two would have been nothing but good for the realm. Arguably even better than Baelor Breakspear.

[@svilendenchev9984]

Aemon was literally the perfect heir. Just, wise, brave, strong, a dragon rider, tempered. He was the greatest of the blood of the dragon. Baelon was slightly lesser than his brother, but less tempered and lustier. Common folk and lords alike would have loved either one of them. Damn the citadel and the Maesters

[@jakealter5504]

@@svilendenchev9984the citidal and maesters had no involvement in Aemon’s death, he got taken out by a lucky (or unlucky) crossbow shot to the throat

[@ncblock87]

The best Targaryen ever in the dynasty is without a doubt Queen Alysanne.

[@alexanderward5286]

Yeah you could not have had Jaeheryes The Conciliator without Alysanne. She was his Rock.

[@gabrielemblem605]

Best king, best queen, best couple. 50 years of reing in peace with a peacefull transition to the next king despite their 4 elder sons and daughters diying. They were the absolute best

[@ashleighhaigh8795]

Without Alysanne, several important laws probably wouldn’t have been passed. Due to her women’s courts, the rite of the first night was abolished and widows couldn’t be thrown out of their former husband’s estate by their children. All in all, Alysanne was basically the Westerosi equivalent to a women’s rights activist

[@ronjar2204]

^^^^

[@mihiranrao]

Great video....I didn’t know a lot of the back stories of the kings 👍

[@srinivasthatti9363]

The hand of the king is also an important role in the management of the kingdom 🤴👑and it's economy ......some Hand of kings were literally kings and had all the power like Brenden Rivers 😑 I would love to hear about all the hand of the kings and there achievements.

[@raffaelepiccini3405]

*figuratively 😅

[@Pehrin187]

Your videos really great, but I think Baelor suffers from the same issues as Robert? Like Robert spent all the money on tourneys, Baelor regularly bankrupted the crown to try and pay some very small amount of the country rather than a wide spread tax reform or something to that effect which would actually help. Also, the same way Robert was only remembered as good because of his hand Jon Arryn, it is regularly stated that Viserys II was the true king under his nephews and was the reason they are remembered so fondly when they were off fighting wars or locking themselves away from the world. The only difference I really see is that one was pious, and the other a bit more selfish. I really like your videos, though, and this one was great. Just something I spotted because I was so engrossed 👍

[@-THE_META]

You are probably right but bringing in Dorne into the realm peacefully after a century and half of losses and dragon death with pretty much a straight fantasy story is at least commendable of low good King tier, I wouldn't give mid tier or higher tho.

[@vincentadultman6226]

@@-THE_META Viserys 2 is the real G, would've brought about a second golden age if his turd of a son choked on a bagel

[@frankincensemerchant1284]

@@-THE_META Dorne officially joined under Daeron the good, but peace was established with Dorne under baelor.

[@eiang6355]

Do you think you could make a video about the smallest interactions with the largest implications in the Asoiaf universe? Such as Oberyn naming Balor breakwind leading to Elias death and war or Rhaegar crowning lyanna

[@nikosnikos5082]

Last time i was this early the targeryians still ruled

[@chazzle3459]

I think king Baelor the blessed is highly overrated. He was basically the reverse of Maegor the cruel with his targaryen madness and perpetually bankrupted his realm and burned books with a lot of important stuff that would have helped future generations greatly. I actually wouldn't put him on the list at all.

[@theautomator8372]

Baelor sucked. Damn guy basically imprisoned his family members and fasted for the smallest of things. Baelor breakspear would've brought more honor to the name but sadly he died from his brother Maekar in an accident.

[@thinkerbabam5540]

He was a man of principle and conviction, I actually like him. I think the good outways the bad by a large margin.

[@chazzle3459]

@@thinkerbabam5540 I wouldn't put him on the level of Aegon VI or Joffrey Baratheon but he wasn't good enough a king to be on this list either imo. I'd remove him and ad Maekar as number 5 personally. Baelor was just too crazy. The realm was just lucky that his insanity took the form of piety rather than conquest.

[@theautomator8372]

@@chazzle3459 Joffrey Baratheon? I refuse to call him that. Call him by his real name Joffrey Waters.

[@sophiawilson8696]

He was religion nut for the Faith. He kick the all prostitutes out King Landings.

[@erikringutangochtala6179]

The thing about Boaratheon is that we only see him from the perspective of his best friend, thus he seems quite likable.

[@MiguelLopez-yc2rh]

About Jaehaerys I , I would have added that he was very well advised by people like queen Alysanne (probably the best queen in the history of Westeros and the one behind most of his reforms), septon Barth (the best hand of the king until now and his best friend), and good experts in handling money and accounts like Lady Florence Fossoway and Rego Draz.

[@tenkenroo]

It takes a wise man who is able to recognize talent. The guy thought outside the box he realized things like good infrastructure and the needs to make citizens lives better would make the kingdom better. Honestly without septon baath he would not have been as successful

[@MiguelLopez-yc2rh]

@@tenkenroo And queen Alysanne. She convinced his husband of improving the smallfolk access to clean drinking water of Kingslanding by serving him a tankard of dirty river water and challenged him to drink it.

[@Medici_lotm]

That's why he's the best king. He even went against those incompetent high borns and made Barth(even though his father was just a peasant) his hand because he knows he's the best option, and called Rego from Essos cuz he recognized his talents, and gave his queen a chair in the small council and listened to her suggestions. He wasn't close minded and arrogant, he was kind and also stern....He's the best.

[@adityaacharya2329]

Jaehaerys is my favorite

[@NRV0]

King Jaehaerys isn't my favorite but he is definitely the best King. He was kind but yet able to put a good amount of fear into his enemies and vassals like how he did with his stepfather Lord Rogar Baratheon. He made the realm prosper more than his grandfather ever could. He also had the most dragons during his rule(Which I'm really curious why he never took the chance the conqueror Dorne with that many). His only issue was he kept out living his children. He was by far the best to sit the Iron Throne.

[@alexanderward5286]

Which one?

[@NRV0]

@@alexanderward5286 I assume you're asking me?(If not disregard) my favorite, while not the best, is interesting to me is Daeron I "The Young Dragon". At 14 he restarted the Conquest of Dorne and by 18, although temporarily, had conquered it.

[@erikringutangochtala6179]

@@alexanderward5286 both

[@CommanderOfRussia1]

@@NRV0 Agreed, but I never understood why he didn’t wed Daena. Match makes sense and all his siblings idolized him. On another note, Daeron II deserves praise for somehow keeping the realm together during the Blackfyre rebellions, I’d rank him in my personal top 3. Jaehaerys II might have been great too, but his reign was too short to tell.

[@jldldr3933]

The best king is always the inbred monstruosity we end up with in CK2-AGOT

[@alexanderward5286]

Come to think of it, yeah you got a point. Like Aegon 1,Jaeheryes 1,and Daeron the Good were the products of Brother and Sister Relationships. But I’m not too sure about Aegon 5 and Jaeheryes 2 or Baelor being inbred like the previous kings. Yet anyway nearly all Targaryen Kings were inbred so nearly all of them were genetically defective.

[@felooosailing957]

I do appreciate the fact that you put Aegon I as a good King. His proposals did pacify the Seven Kingdoms, and his use of violence was selective, and mostly addressed to armies.

[@ryankwon8785]

Agreed. He stopped the seven kings from killing each other and helped Westeros prosper in peace. Even Margaery admitted it in the lore and histories video even though it is not part of the book lore.

[@magic713m]

With Viserys II, he didn't just rule as king, but while acting as Hand to three different kings, some say he is credited to keeping the Seven Kingdoms stable while the respective kings may have been occupied with other things or agendas.

[@Samanthnyaa]

Thanks for the video whycreate, they're always very interesting and enjoyable

[@diegonoriega3507]

Make a video on all the Queens of the Iron Throne (some are really interesting like Alysanne and Daenna)

[@thetalesofelbek7042]

Rhaenys, Visenya , Alysa, Alysanne, Daena...

[@ronaustin8381]

@@thetalesofelbek7042 Betha

[@alialluaibi3008]

Really wish we see a show about these kings one day !

[@cassiusfelix2805]

55 years as king. You can't be king that long without being good or liked.

[@vherox3826]

Emperor Honorius would dissagree

[@billcipherproductions1789]

King Louis XIV entered the chat

[@starlight0313]

​@@vherox3826 Honorius wouldn't be competent enough to answer

[@Timquan.]

Robert's actions didn't directly cause the crown's money problems. That was purposely done dy Littlefinger to weaken the realm. I wouldn't argue that Robert was a good king but he did liberate the realm of the Mad King and he at least tried to put capable people in power. His reign was more so tainted by negligence than ill will.

[@carlrood4457]

Yes, people forget that during his time as Master of Coin, Tyrion realized that there's no way even Robert's spending could have put the realm in that much debt. There's also the fact that debt isn't necessarily bad. If the economy is growing and the crown was making payments without overextending itself, debt is not a problem

[@jendersonmohammed443]

I agree with your ranking of the kings!

[@angusyoung3555]

man I love your videos, whycreate

[@MrGuggisberg]

I completely zoned out throughout this whole video. I feel like the Dude in The Big Lebowski when he tunes out while that trooper keeps calling him a jerk off.

[@Smansi_da_randumb]

Hey man great video just one thing, brynden rivers (bloodraven, 3 eyed raven) wasn't King Aegon Vs cousin, he was his great uncle( grandfather's half brother) I get it these family trees can get confusing, especially the targaryen one, but other than that keep up the good work 👍

[@caseygray2328]

a solid and well put together list

[@extraterrestrialhorse9722]

I have only watched the show and reading all the comments down here about the kings that have been or people who would have made a good king (whose names I have never head of) really confuses me. At the same time, however, it really excites and just boggles my mind what kind of incredible world-building George R R Martin managed to pull off in his books. Truly remarkable. He and Tolkien are gifted writers. Too sad that George will probably not finish the books though, if only he was a couple years younger and had his passion again 😪

[@Florian-yn3ur]

Why haven't u read the books yet?

[@extraterrestrialhorse9722]

@@Florian-yn3ur because I'm dumb lol

[@ghoulishfool]

Although Baelor did sue for peace early in his reign, Viserys II was the true ruler of the realm ever since he was appointed Hand by his brother, Aegon III. It said somewhere in the world book that while Aegon brooded, Daeron warred and Baelor prayed, Viserys ruled.

[@Lite727]

whycreate is honestly the best. The GOT Star Wars theory equivalent 👌🏾

[@lukaslambs5780]

Aegon the Fifth is easily one of the best kings Westeros has seen. He meant well and did so much right.

[@tenkenroo]

I think his biggest flaw was being unrealistic in his aspirations as king. He had a lot of reforms to help common people but he burned bridges with those who had influence. Also his lack of being able to control his kids ( while they were happy) meant that was more salt in the wounds of the powerful. Good intentions don’t make a good king but those who have vision combined with a realistic take on what can get done

[@victorperez1399]

1. Jaehaerys I the old king (he just did so much for realm and his family. the only thing I could say is that he had too many children and weird relationships with them) 2. Dearon II the good (he united dorne into the realm and did the best he could to have peace. defeating the first blackfyre rebellion was a win too) 3. Aegon I the conqueror (some say he is overrated bc he had dragons fighting with armies in horses and foot, but he was the first to conquer and set a standard. he was the king westeros needed to unite it) 4. Viserys II (he COULD’VE been a great king. He was an amazing hand, I have no doubt. He took charge for his brother and both nephews and for that year he ruled he tried to be like jaehaerys. Sad to say his reign was short) 5. Aegon V the unlikely (he was a good man and tried to be a good king. he was well liked by the small folk, but hated by noble houses. i give him this spot simply bc he couldn’t control his own children who at the end were the demise to his family’s dynasty) 6. Maekar I (10+ years of peace until he died in a rebellion) 7. Jaehaerys II (he defeated the last blackfyre rebellion and chose to go to them instead of letting them get to westeros and have innocent lives lost) 8. Aegon III the broken (nobody remembers this king much, only the fact that he had regents for a long time and his mother got eaten by a dragon. we don’t know much on his reign, but no big war was ever mentioned. his brother Viserys helped him rule. The loss of dragons brings him down a bit, but nobody can blame him for what he went thru. Also showing Dearon his heir the ropes or at least what not to do would’ve helped too) 9. Viserys I (I do think he was a good king, but he was very influenced on his decisions by his council. The dynasty was a it’s highest when he got the throne, but didn’t do anything on that matter. But the worst thing he did was not proclaiming his daughter the heir a better way. He simply just said she was and expected everybody to follow. He shouldn’t have gotten married again and have kids if he knew the consequences. Completely ignored the writing on the wall) 10. Baelor I the blessed (he was a good king, but his madness was shown at the end. all his decisions were head scratchers and by the end he more than likely would’ve started a war with the north and iron islands trying to convert everyone into the faith of the seven. not getting married and having kids also brings him. Could’ve saved the realm from a lot of trouble from aegon IV) 11. Daeron I the young dragon (he was terrible, but I give him a C for effort. He tried to conquer dorne and unite the realm. He did win, but eventually lost dorne and thousands of men. His ambition was too high and cost him his life) 12. Aerys I (he was a weak king, influenced by blood raven a lot. he didn’t seek his wife and didn’t try to have heirs of his own. a very forgettable king) 13. Aenys I (he was a weak king. He had all the power from his dragons and didn’t use it at all. He could’ve done this and that, but not single thing was done. He was too afraid, too indecisive. All he had to do was something, but he couldn’t even do that) 14. Aegon II (he stole the throne from his sister. he started a civil war that was the end of the family dragons. he was a cruel king and was going to do whatever it took to end his sisters line and was eventually poisoned by his own men who saw the madness of the terrible king) 15. Maegor I the cruel (I will say this: I do believe the targaryens needed maegor. He showed the faith what they needed to know a long time ago. They don’t rule, kings do. Maegor did just enough for jaehaerys to come in and make amends with the faith and realize that the iron throne will protect them, but I do believe it was only bc there wasn’t enough of the faith militant around bc Maegor killed a lot of them. BUT he was a cruel king. There’s no changing that. He was blood thirsty and was cursed by the gods. His line ended with him and that was it.) 16. Aerys II the mad king (madness… straight madness and stupidity. He was too ambitious, but never got anything done. With time he because erratic and mad, which eventually ended his dynasty.) 17. Aegon IV the unworthy (a piece of shit king. he for sure killed his father to gain the throne. the legitimized all his bastard in his death bed and with that caused trouble to the realm for 5 generations. THE WORST TARGARYEN KING)

[@ksodz1397]

Viserys I and his stupidity was the sole reason for the dance of dragons

[@sarahgirlisit]

Good video. Pls keep them coming!

[@alexanderward5286]

Next there should be a list of The King’s Hands!

[@johnshumate8112]

My current ranking from best to worst 1. Jaehaerys I 2. Aegon I 3. Daeron II 4. Viserys II 5. Jaehaerys II 6. Maekar I 7. Viserys I 8. Aegon III 9. Daeron I 10. Baelor I 11. Aegon V 12. Aerys I 13. Aegon II 14. Maegor I 15. Aenys I 16. Aerys II 17. Aegon IV

[@adviel]

I have to disagree with Baelor the Blessed. Ass you have pointed out yourself Viserys II was his Hand and did all the political work while he was out on his stroll and praying. The Great Sept of Baelor probably costed a lot more then Robert's feasts.

[@Champ2103]

cool video and all but we all know joffrey was the best king of all time. lol for real i loved this video my favorite king is Robert but the best king is definetly aegon the 1st in my opinion still good video keep up the great work and stay safe :) .

[@jakublizon6375]

I kind of feel like Aegon the Conqueror could have easily been called Aegon the Uniter. Depends who you ask.

[@abbashaghighi4889]

Keep up the great work👍🏻

[@EstevaooBlack]

Great video. Robert wasn't a great king, you're right. Which maybe prompts a video about every Hand of King

[@williambibens4508]

You dropped this king

[@saljpal3]

If Viserys II didn't die so soon he probably would've been the second best Targaryen King after Jaehaerys.

[@oppionatedindividual8256]

You must remember Aegon dreamed that his line would save all Westeros from the long night, so realistically he conquered for absolute good ( in his mind )z

[@HebrewsElevenTwentyFive]

Brilliant video. I agree.

[@davideiceman]

Bobby Baratheon should have been placed among the neutral kings, in my opinion. He wasn't dedicated to ruling, but he was good at inspiring people and was a great warrior. That being said, I was surprised to see a madman like Baelor among the best kings.

[@danielzayas3188]

Nice list we’ll done

[@Baelor-Breakspear]

8:16 the picture in the bottom right is hilarious. It reminds me that kid from Bojack Horseman who looked like two kids in a trenchcoat.

[@HouseofSpells]

Nice video... Aegon The Conquerer 😍

[@roelantverhoeven371]

"this tour" comes from Belgian history, where the (very populous and rich at the time) cities of flanders, Brabant, Liege, namur and luxembourg expected whoever their new ruler was to make a tour and visit all of them, known as the joyous entry (blijde intrede or joyeuse entrée) the first one was in the 1200's, the last one was in 2013.

[@rhaenyraitargaryen6360]

I liked Jaehaerys and Alysanne the most, but they were too blind to see that there were many conspirators behind their backs that made sure they had trouble naming an heir to the throne. Even the dragon eggs were poisoned.

[@tenkenroo]

I think the biggest problem was jaeharys and his sexism. It would have done the realm a ton to add to stability had he backed his queens reform of maesters to allow women in their order and considered women valid in matters of inheritance. It makes little sense to only devout half of your population in brainpower available.

[@TK-wk6xd]

Do a video on the top worst queens, which one do you think is the worst?

[@NewGuy2534]

Aegon, after receiving the messenger’s hands: Aight, I'm gonna head out.

[@ketreenawilliams1320]

I'm glad you stuck to your guns with Robert cause he's wasn't a good king other ppl ruled for him mainly Jon Arron and he was mainly a drunk and womanizer.

[@trybeanpole1873]

He would have been a better king if someone would have brought him the DAMNED BREASTPLATE STRETCHER!

[@lapushka9388]

Just watched House of the Dragon when they were young and read a bit of the dance of dragons, I think Rhaenyra would have been a controversial but good queen if Alicent and her devil spawns didn’t happen. The only reason her short reign was bad was because she was paranoid because of the war, and the greens basically bankrupted kingslanding by the time she reclaimed it forcing her to raise taxes.

[@tenkenroo]

I think having her three oldest sons die violent deaths broke her. Had Alicent not grasped for power she would have been a decent queen

[@lapushka9388]

@@tenkenroo agreed

[@godemperorofmankind3.091]

rhaenyra was awful before that. neither side was a good side in the Dance

[@methuselahh_]

i feel like if baelon hadn't burned all the books on dragonlore and valyrian blood magic then aegon the fifth might have been able to bring the dragons back

[@DurvalLacerda]

See how charisma is so important for leaders? Robert was a bad king, but he had charisma, was fun to be around and was fierce. For a lot of the fans, all this overshadows how bad he was. You can even see it in the comments how people are still trying to "defend" him. That's the danger of charismatic leaders. GRRM knew what he was doing.

[@seponsacoolya]

The hang up seems to be “bad, king. Not bad king” a difference, Robert was an awesome character n well meaning man, but still, a bad king..

[@bChipps]

Robert did unite the country after a brutal civil war and ended the hostilities between houses that just got done killing each other

[@kishicasamiro4806]

I'm so ready for House of the Dragon

[@stepanpazderka5497]

I think Robert should be in a neutral category. He wasn’t great but putting him in the same category as Aegon IV. or Maegor isn’t accurate, he wasn’t an evil man and didn’t enjoy cruelty. Even Cersei, who literally killed him, said so.

[@alanetchetto8908]

"baelord the blessed was a good king because, despise the fact that he did nothing, his hand and his image maintain peace in the kingdom. In fact, he is the third goodest king in my list. Robert was NOT a good king and has no place in the list of good kings because he did nothing and just his hand and his image maintain peace in the kingdom ....¿? What. I study history and let me tell you, both were neutral kings and there are examples of people like that. You can't use the same way of thinking and judge good a person and bad other that act the same

[@alanetchetto8908]

@@theinfinitywarden7759 I love how you prove exactly 0things with that argument and just justify what I just said.

[@truth6441]

@@theinfinitywarden7759 Baelor the Blessed spent his entire treasury appeasing an institution that his ancestor broke the power of. Robert Baratheon for all his faults held the realm together after usurping it, you are judging him unfairly based on the actions of others following his death and by likely having a bias against several characters such as Littlefinger and House Lannister. Tourneys and feast can generate revenue and stimulate a local economy. He got cuckolded by his wife with her twin brother who had been in relations with her since they were nine. The debt left by Robert was manageable and expected based on the Kingdom he inherited, Ned Stark saying Aerys left a full treasur gives us no number but we do know that wars cost money and much of the crownlands, riverlands, reach, and stormlands were badly damaged by the rebellion and would likely deplete a full treasure trying to fix, come the Greyjoy rebellion and the need to appease many lords in the tenuous kingship he won its no shock he was in debt. His brothers were loyal and Renly actually had a fix to the entire situation by getting Margaery Tyrell and the Reach tied to the crown through Robert himself. He got assassinated by his wife who was a mad woman his hand bound him to. Still a good king though and gods was he strong.

[@truth6441]

@@theinfinitywarden7759 Its hard to prevent your wife from boning her brother when she had already been doing so before you were married, Robert inherited a poor situation out of necessity to keep the seven kingdoms bound together...he likely didnt even want it and as the reader we dont really get much insight into his character from his own perspective which could reveal more of his thought process on his kingship, we do know that Jon Arryn was an able hand who was able to curb Lannister influence and that Robert left his hand to handle matters he was more equipped for because he realized that he himself was not an governor. That being said he had a solid reign up to his death, the debt was not a huge issue despite being so large. Its questionable if he could have even fixed Joffrey when the boy was already mentally unstable born from a line of brother and sister who were twins born of a pair of first cousins. He didn't know Cersei had bastards not even Arryn knew.

[@truth6441]

@@theinfinitywarden7759 What Robert would rather be doing does not matter. What is known is that other than the Greyjoy rebellion Westeros has had both stability and peace underneath his kingship and the state of the realm passed on to Joffrey though it faces major issues as with all new dynasties was actually rather strong. So yes the Kingdom spirals out of control on his death but we are judging King Robert's actual reign not the state of westeros that follows as that falls firmly in Joffrey's hands as despite being a bastard Robert had not known of this and recognized him as his heir. When I look at the reign of Robert Baratheon based on what we know its actually pretty solid. Not attending small council meetings isnt the making and breaking of a king or his reign, when issues that needed to be addressed that were of critical importance Robert was one to act quickly and decisively case in point the crushing of the Greyjoy Rebellion. Judging his Kingship on what follows his death is like judging the reign of Henry Beauclerc based on the Anarchy that would follow the White Ship incident. Was he a great king? No but he was a decent one. Baelor the Blessed released his hostages and foolishly walked through Dorne for a peace that his Kingdom didn't need because they were not under actual threat from the Dornish who could only mount a defensive war through guerilla warfare tactics. His actions were those of a fanatic and lunatic where Roberts worse offense as a King was being disinterested in governing and leaving it to his Hand. Robert never risked himself as head of state by walking without escort through the heart of Dorne or over a pit of vipers. There can really be no argument that a madman was a better king than Robert Baratheon.

[@targaryen7029]

100% this. I don't think Robert was a bad king at all.

[@boyddavies8089]

You cant forget about the best king of them all the one true king Stannis

[@aysseralwan]

About Robert: In my opinion he was neither a bad nor a good king. He did arrange for feasts and tourneys yes but he (well Littlefinger really) did bring in 10x mpre money than under the mad king (or something like that I'm not sure how exactly it was worded). The realm was bankcrupt because LF was quite good at making sure all the revenue was put into his own coffers. Now you could say Robert didn't care for ruling and was therefore a bad King but I'd argue that he knows that he's bad at ruling and while it would be better to well learn to rule he at least did the next sensible thing and let those rule who knew how to with his hand and small council. That's why I see him as neither bad nor good ruler just average

[@Southern_Crusader]

Robert Baratheon reminds me of Andrew Jackson (except that Jackson literally grew up from the slums and he was a loyal husband). On one hand he was known a great guy to know personally, loyal to his friends and countrymen but on the other hand he allowed corruption to set forth the Trail of Tears.

[@blampfno]

I know it's conjectural in this context, but I feel like Rhaegar would have been one of the good kings. He's often spoken of in reverent and kind tones by people who actually knew him and he exhibited some of the more desirably mellow traits that made him an easy mover between the nobles and commoners.

[@pebblesramirez9290]

Dorne still made Baelor walk thru snakes and vipers , they weren’t THAT touched by Baelor’s walk.

[@cureforintroversion1262]

Good list

[@jellyfishstars3536]

Great analysis! I agree completely with Jaehaerys and Daeron II, but would argue that Baelor was actually one of the worst kings the Seven Kingdoms has seen. He wasn’t respected or feared and spent very little time ruling and too much time praying. His release of the Dornish hostages could also be seen as weak and foolish, giving up potential leverage. It would be difficult to respect a man who walks barefoot across the desert while his hostages rode horses. He locked his family away, nearly bankrupted the realm with the construction of the Sept of Baelor and tax exemptions, appointed a child as high septon, and starved himself to death. His practice of burning books that he deemed were against the faith robbed the world of much knowledge that could have been very useful in the future. Without the aid of his hand, Viserys, the realm would likely have suffered even more greatly. I think Viserys if not the best king the Seven Kingdoms have seen, was at least the best hand, with the realm prospering under the war-mongering Daeron and the crazy Baelor. I would also argue that Aegon III was a good king, despite his melancholic attitude. We haven’t seen much about his later reign yet, but he, along with Viserys, somehow managed to heal a realm torn in two by civil war in a remarkably peaceful manner.

[@v-iii-b-59suyashkohachade87]

Aegon V could have easily outdone jaherys, only if he had much loyal family who actually obeyed and listened to him, he lost control of his family , he was slipping, that's why all that dragon dreams took his life

[@carlrood4457]

Probably not. His children's actions are already signs of weakness and lack of respect. Once the dragons were gone and the Targaryeans kept inbreeding, the house was severely weakened. They directly controlled little actual territory of their own and had no army directly loyal to them. Then Aegon V does things to alienate the very lords whose loyalty is required to keep the realm under one ruler. He was a good man, but not a particularly good king.

[@johnnymontanez9847]

What about a Video for the Greyed Out Targaryen Kings please?

[@MP-kw5ud]

It's kind of interesting how the first three Targaryen kings mirror the first three Roman Emperors: Aegon / Augustus: The founder and gold standard for all to come; conqueror and statesman Aenys / Tiberius: Indecisive and kind of weak, not really fit for the job Maegor / Caligula: The monster that almost brought the monarchy down during it's short reign.

[@durrangodsgrief6503]

no maegor saved the monarchy in his case if not for him the tags would have lost their crown I two generations

[@carlrood4457]

House of the Dragon possibly sheds some new light on Egg's "obsession" with dragons. Did he learn about Aegon I's dream? It doesn't appear to have been automatically passed on by that point. It's possible it ended with Rhaenyra or Aegon III. Viserys II spent years presumed dead and wouldn't have been expected to rule, anyway so it would seem he'd be a likely point where the story stopped being handed down. It appears Rhaegar and Maester Aemon only learned of it through study.

[@tenkenroo]

I think egg really wanted to help the common people and wanted the reforms he set up to help the common people to stick it would be dragons that could force the lords in line

[@bensonfang1868]

2:46 Aegon targaryen: the king who traveled.

[@tuplat5107]

Top 3 best: 1. Jaehaerys I saved the Targaryen dynasty and ruled over a 50 years of peace and prosperity 2. Aegon I conquered the kingdoms and ruled over a relatively stable realm 3. Viserys I despite his short reign was a shrewd ruler Top 3 worst: 1. Aerys II was all around terrible king who caused the downfall of his dynasty 2. Aegon IV was all around terrible king who caused the Blackfyre rebellions 3. Viserys I was a inattentive and indecisive king during his reign which wouldn't be that bad, but he single handedly caused the most destructive civil war the Targaryen dynasty ever faced

[@hendrix7948]

Hendrix Can you do a video on rhaegar Targaryen and what kind of king he would be and where would you place him? I know its going to be hard since he never was king but I know you can handle the task! Appreciate your videos. The longer the better!

[@dekuuchiha9990]

Do a video on The Hands of the Kings'

[@I_TheCreator]

I’m a year late.. solid list.. I’d put jaehareys I then II but this is cool too lol

[@user-nc5wc7dh7l]

Any Aegon V fans?

[@raffaelepiccini3405]

He was the 2nd best after Jaehaeris imo

[@aarondemiri486]

much appreciated

[@BlaidWhiteYo]

Uhhhh and what about King Bran??? He does have the best story after all

[@tomurg]

You cover more positive things than the mainstream media nowadays

[@skynyrdjesus]

I would call Robert neutral at both best and worse. His rebellion was a great benefit to the realm, although you could argue about letting Rhaegar come to power naturally, but my real problem is with calling him one of the worst. For all his faults, and there are many, his worst shortcomings are trivial in comparison to some. Legitimately, the list of the worst kings of Westeros is composed of people so horrible that the sentence "Robert Baratheons brutal purges weren't that bad" is a valid and disturbingly accurate comparison.

[@lucassamuelsson9434]

Brynden Rivers (Bloodraven) is actually Aegon V great uncle. Aegons Grandfather was Daeron II, son of Aegon IV, and Aegon IV was also the father of Brynden. So Daeron’s sons were nephews to Brynden, and Daerons grandsons were great-nephews to Brynden.

[@nunouno001]

Might as well make a video on the meh kings. Sure there’s not much to say about them, but as well finish the collection.

[@cassiusfelix2805]

Aegon to me is the best king he United people who were at war with one another for centuries. Who can say that?

[@WCLCooke]

Seven good kings. A significant number.