One of the most enticing aspects of George R.R. Martin‘s A Song of Ice and Fire novels is the detailed history and lore of the books. Martin spent a great deal of time creating the world and its characters, which has also been one of the most rewarding parts of the saga’s TV adaptation, Game of Thrones. Over the past seven seasons, viewers have come to a better understanding of Robert’s Rebellion, the uprising that threw the seven kingdoms into turmoil, ended the Targaryen reign, and set in motion several key events of the series. We may never see the entirety of Robert’s Rebellion onscreen, but a new video has given fans a deeper understanding of that conflict and its most decisive moment: the Battle of the Trident.
The YouTube channel BazBattles has previously established itself by posting animated videos about real historical battles. For the channel’s newest video, that same approach was used for Robert’s Rebellion, and it’s a fascinating dive into some of the lesser known aspects of the series. For example, it covers the early friendship between Tywin Lannister and Aerys Targaryen, while also explaining how the king lost his sanity by giving into his paranoia and jealousy.
This video draws upon both the books and the TV series, and it also features a few subtle moments, including the late arrival of the Frey army. The video also sets the stage for the Battle of the Trident, where Robert Baratheon led his forces against the army of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. That led to a decisive victory for Robert, and paved the way for Tywin’s betrayal at King’s Landing as well as the moment Jaime Lannister became the Kingslayer.
Even though the video is new, it isn’t quite up-to-date, especially given the major revelation that was made in the most recent episode of the series. But short of a live-action prequel series, this may be the best telling of Robert’s Rebellion that we’re ever going to get.
For more on this, we have full essays about the Mad King, Aegon’s Conquest, and the short life of Rhaegar Targaryen!
What did you think about this video? Let us know in the comment section below!
Images: HBO / BazBattles
