The Golden Company: The Iron Throne and Hidden Rivals

Westeros, a world of fierce lords and majestic dragons, has been a stage for various conflicts over the centuries. The Golden Company, a contingent of exiled knights and lords, has long been a thorn in the side of the Iron Throne. In the Game of Thrones universe, the interest in the Iron Throne has always been a driving force. Today, we explore the potential motivations and strategies of the Golden Company, as determined by the books and the recent developments in the TV series.

A Background of Exile and Ambition

The Golden Company was founded nearly 90 years before the main storyline, when Daeron II Targaryen, a grandson of Aegon IV Targaryen, faced a challenge to his throne. Aegon IV had a succession of short-lived Targaryen monarchs, leaving the kingdom in turmoil. Dathan Blackfyre, one of Aegon's many illegitimate sons, took the surname Blackfyre and organized the original Golden Company, his supporters, who had fled to Essos, as soldiery. This group aimed to bring a Blackfyre to the Iron Throne and reclaim the land taken from their kin.

History and Legacy

The history of the Golden Company is one marked by both betrayal and resiliency. The First Blackfyre Rebellion led to the death of Dathan, but his son, Daemon, continued the fight. With the legitimization of Daemon's lineage by Aegon IV, the stage was set for more ambitious claims to the throne. Daemon's younger non-Blackfyre children were also part of the rebellion, leading to a complex web of alliances and rivalries.

The Present-Day Rivalry

In recent events, the Golden Company has resurfaced with a new target: Young Griff, a boy claiming to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and thus Aegon Targaryen. The narrative in the books suggests that Young Griff is actually a descendent of the Blackfyre line through a female branch, leveraging the rightful claim to rule. This raises questions about the true motivations of the Golden Company.

Strategic Maneuvers and Potential Alliances

They have already made significant inroads, invading the Stormlands and besieging Storm's End. It seems they are also looking to form alliances with Dorne, a strategically important region. These developments have created a sense of urgency and a scramble for power. While the TV series does not follow Young Griff, it raises the possibility that the Golden Company's true intentions go beyond mere recalcitrance.

One of the intriguing theories involves the leader of the Golden Company, Harry Strickland, suspected of being a descendant of the Blackfyre line. If he is indeed a Blackfyre descendant, the implications could be seismic, especially if he decides to overthrow Cersei Lannister and Euron Crow's Eye, the current rulers of Westeros.

Conclusion: Potential Onslaughts and Coalition Breakdowns

The future of the Iron Throne remains uncertain, with the Golden Company's potential actions hanging in the balance. Whether they will turn on Cersei and Euron, or if they will remain passive, remains to be seen. The Golden Company's next move could alter the course of Westeros forever.

The world of Westeros is full of intrigue, and the Golden Company could well be the key players in this intricate game. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.