When we watch or read epic stories like Game of Thrones, it’s easy to get swept up in the grand battles, dragons, and power struggles. Yet, amidst the grandeur, some moments leave us utterly speechless and heartbroken. One of those moments was the tragic death of Tommen Baratheon. In the middle of chaos and violence, young Tommen took his own life, leaving many fans wondering: Why did Tommen kill himself? In this article, we’ll explore his tragic journey, the factors that led to his demise, and the lasting impact his death had on the story.
Understanding Tommen’s Character
Tommen Baratheon was not your typical king. Unlike his ruthless brother, Joffrey, or even his cunning mother, Cersei, Tommen was kind, gentle, and easily influenced. His sensitive nature made him an unusual character in the brutal world of Westeros, where strength, power, and cruelty often ensured survival. But this kindness would ultimately contribute to his downfall. To fully answer the question, Why did Tommen kill himself?, we must first understand who Tommen was.
A Boy King in a Cruel World
Tommen’s rise to the throne came after the death of his older brother, Joffrey, one of the most hated characters in the series. Unlike Joffrey, Tommen was sweet-natured, soft-spoken, and genuinely wanted peace for his kingdom. However, his kindhearted nature put him at a disadvantage, as others around him often used him for their own gain.
Tommen’s Major Influencers:
- Cersei Lannister – His mother, fiercely protective, but manipulative.
- Margaery Tyrell – His wife, who had her own ambitions.
- The High Sparrow – A religious leader who gained power over him.
- Jaime Lannister – His uncle, who also held sway over him.
As you can see, Tommen was surrounded by people who often sought to control him rather than nurture his sense of identity or independence. This constant manipulation played a significant role in pushing him toward despair.
The Pressures of the Crown
Becoming the king of the Seven Kingdoms is no easy feat, especially for a young boy like Tommen. Though he held the title of “king,” Tommen lacked true authority. His reign was defined by the influences of those around him. While he cared deeply for his people, he struggled to make decisions on his own. This inability to take control of his life was another reason why Tommen killed himself.
The Conflict Between Cersei and the Faith
One of the major plotlines in Tommen’s story was the rising power of the Faith Militant, led by the High Sparrow. The Faith Militant took over King’s Landing, arrested Cersei, and held Margaery Tyrell captive. Tommen, torn between his love for Margaery and his loyalty to his mother, became a pawn in the battle between the Faith and the crown.
This internal conflict weighed heavily on Tommen. He wanted to protect Margaery but was powerless to act, as the High Sparrow held all the cards. When Margaery was arrested, Tommen’s despair grew deeper. His inability to free her or even protect his own mother showed him how little power he truly had, despite being king. This helplessness is yet another key reason why Tommen killed himself.
The Influence of Margaery Tyrell
One of the few people who seemed to genuinely care for Tommen was his wife, Margaery Tyrell. Margaery was charming and knew how to manipulate those around her, but she also seemed to have a soft spot for Tommen. She treated him kindly and made him feel important. For a boy who had been largely overshadowed by his brother and manipulated by his mother, Margaery represented warmth and compassion.
However, Margaery also had her own ambitions. She sought power and influence, and her marriage to Tommen was a means to achieve that. While she may have cared for him, her motives were never entirely pure. When Margaery was taken captive by the Faith Militant, it was a devastating blow to Tommen, as she was one of the few people who made him feel valued. Her absence added to his growing sense of isolation and hopelessness, contributing to why Tommen ultimately killed himself.
The Loss of Margaery
The final, heart-wrenching event that led Tommen to take his own life was the destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor. In this horrific event, orchestrated by Cersei, the entire Faith Militant, along with Margaery Tyrell, was killed in a fiery explosion. Tommen, watching from afar, was devastated. His wife, the person who had given him comfort and hope, was gone in an instant.
This sudden loss left Tommen completely shattered. He had already been struggling to find his place as king, and now, with Margaery’s death, he had nothing left to hold onto. This devastating event is perhaps the most direct answer to the question Why did Tommen kill himself? With Margaery gone, he felt utterly alone and powerless, leading him to make the tragic decision to end his life.
The Role of Cersei Lannister
Cersei Lannister, Tommen’s mother, played a complicated role in his life. On the one hand, she fiercely loved her children and would do anything to protect them. On the other hand, her manipulative nature often caused more harm than good. Cersei was determined to maintain power, and she viewed her children, including Tommen, as tools to achieve that end.
While Cersei undoubtedly loved Tommen, her actions contributed to his downfall. By aligning herself against the Faith Militant, she put Tommen in an impossible position, forcing him to choose between his mother and his wife. This emotional tug-of-war tore Tommen apart, and Cersei’s eventual destruction of the Sept only worsened matters. In the end, her ruthless pursuit of power left her son feeling abandoned and powerless, which is a major reason why Tommen killed himself.
Tommen’s Isolation
Throughout his reign, Tommen was isolated. Despite being surrounded by people, he lacked any true allies or mentors. His mother manipulated him, his wife was taken from him, and the High Sparrow controlled his actions. Even his uncle, Jaime, was often away or too caught up in his own battles to offer any real guidance.
This isolation weighed heavily on Tommen. He was a young boy thrust into a position of immense power, but with no one to truly support him. This loneliness, combined with the pressures of the crown and the loss of Margaery, created a perfect storm of despair. Tommen’s sense of isolation is yet another key reason why Tommen killed himself.
The Consequences of Loneliness
It’s often said that loneliness can be as deadly as any weapon, and in Tommen’s case, this was certainly true. With no one to turn to, Tommen became increasingly withdrawn. He was unable to cope with the overwhelming stress and loss he experienced. In the end, his loneliness played a significant role in his tragic decision to end his life.
The Psychological Toll
Tommen’s journey was not just a political one; it was also deeply psychological. The constant pressure, manipulation, and loss took a toll on his mental health. Though the show never delves deeply into Tommen’s mental state, it’s clear that he was struggling with depression and feelings of helplessness. The weight of the crown, combined with the loss of those he loved, created a mental burden too heavy for him to bear.
In many ways, Tommen was a victim of the brutal world around him. He was too kind and gentle for the ruthless environment of King’s Landing, and the psychological toll of trying to navigate that world ultimately led to his tragic demise. This mental and emotional strain is a crucial reason why Tommen killed himself.
Lessons From Tommen’s Tragedy
The story of Tommen Baratheon is a tragic one, but it also serves as a cautionary tale. It shows us the dangers of manipulation, the importance of mental health, and the devastating effects of isolation. While Tommen’s death was a heartbreaking moment in Game of Thrones, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, compassion, and the need for true support systems in times of crisis.
In answering the question Why did Tommen kill himself?, we must recognize the complexity of his situation. His death was not the result of a single event, but rather the culmination of multiple factors—his isolation, the loss of Margaery, his mother’s manipulation, and the overwhelming pressures of being a young king in a brutal world.
Table: Factors Contributing to Tommen’s Suicide
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of Margaery | The death of his wife in the Great Sept explosion was the final blow to Tommen’s spirit. |
| Cersei’s Manipulation | His mother’s schemes left Tommen feeling powerless and torn between loyalty and love. |
| Religious Pressure | The rise of the Faith Militant controlled Tommen’s actions and diminished his authority. |
| Isolation | Tommen lacked true allies and mentors, leaving him feeling alone in his responsibilities. |
| Psychological Strain | The pressures of kingship and loss of loved ones took a toll on Tommen’s mental health. |
Conclusion
Tommen Baratheon’s suicide was one of the most tragic moments in Game of Thrones. His death was not just the result of one event, but rather a culmination of isolation, loss, manipulation, and overwhelming pressures. Understanding why Tommen killed himself sheds light on the complexity of his character and the brutal world he lived in. His story reminds us of the importance of mental health, support, and the need for compassion in even the darkest of times.
