The Mad King in Game of Thrones is Aerys II Targaryen, the last Targaryen king who ruled the Seven Kingdoms from the Iron Throne before Robert's Rebellion. He earned the epithet "Mad King" due to his cruelty, paranoia, and a growing willingness to burn cities and people if it suited his aims, most famously contemplating using wildfire to destroy King’s Landing. He was ultimately killed by Jaime Lannister during the rebellion. Key points:
- Full name: Aerys II Targaryen
- Reign: Last Targaryen king to sit the Iron Throne
- Reasons for the title: escalating tyranny, brutal actions against rivals and perceived threats, and paranoid orders (including plans to burn the city)
- End of reign: Murdered by Jaime Lannister in King's Landing, effectively ending the Targaryen hold on the throne.
