Cersei's Decision to Poison Tommen in Game of Thrones

In Episode 9 of Season 2 of Game of Thrones, Cersei Lannister faces a daunting dilemma regarding the fate of her young son, Tommen. The narrative delves into the complexity of her decision, uncovering the intricate motivations behind her actions and the chilling consequences of her choices.

As the battle rages outside the walls of King's Landing, Cersei is acutely aware of the dangers threats pose to her her desperation and fear, she even entertains the possibility of death as a preferable outcome to a life of harm or humiliation for Tommen. This discussion with Sansa Stark reveals a darker side of Cersei's protective instincts, driven by a ruthless and calculating mentality.

The Motivations Driving Cersei

Cersei's intentions to poison Tommen are deeply rooted in her fear of what may happen to her family should they fall into Stannis Baratheon's hands. Stannis, known for his brutal methods and disdain for Cersei's incestuous relationship, would likely execute Tommen by burning him alive as a warning to others. The barbaric nature of Stannis' reign, exemplified by his reputation for burning people, adds to the gravity of this threat. Cersei's instinct is to prevent such a torturous fate from befalling her beloved son.

Moreover, Cersei is gravely affected by her father's actions, which included the brutal murder of Elia Martell and her children. This trauma significantly influences her decision-making, making her even more determined to protect Tommen from any form of cruelty or humiliation.

The Psychological Toll and Mortal Fears

Cersei's decision to poison Tommen is further motivated by the worst-case scenario she envisions if they were to be captured by Stannis. She fears that her son would suffer an inhumane fate, possibly subjected to multiple rapes and a cruel death. By taking the initiative to end Tommen's life with poison, Cersei is essentially choosing a more merciful and less painful alternative.

Additionally, Cersei’s thoughts reflect a deeply held belief that a peaceful and gentle death is preferable to the horrors Stannis poses. She is haunted by the memory of how Rhaeger Targaryen's children were treated when Tywin Lannister's men sacked King's Landing—women and children were brutalized, and the children were left to die.

The Strategic Decision

In the episode, the situation between Stannis Baratheon's forces and the army fighting for Joffrey appears to be evenly matched. Cersei's strategic thinking leads her to conclude that poisoning Tommen would be a more humane and 'cleaner' option compared to leaving him vulnerable to what Stannis' army might do. She is unwilling to let her and her children suffer the same fate as Elia and her children, who met a brutal end at Tywin's hands.

The Personal Consequences

The composition of the scene, particularly Cersei's words to Tommen hint at a personal narrative: “In the Kingswood lived a mother and her cub. She loved him very much but there were other things that lived in the woods...” This line underscores Cersei's affection for Tommen, deepening the emotional impact of her decision and the overall context of their relationship.

While the show often portrays Cersei as ruthless and manipulative, her actions in this episode reveal layers of her character, driven by a combination of fear, love, and survival instincts. Her decision highlights the complex moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those in power during the tumultuous events of Game of Thrones.