As a history enthusiast with a particular fascination for the medieval period, I find the tale of Matilda and Stephen, also known as The Anarchy, to be a captivating reminder of the complexities and uncertainties that come with power and succession. Having read Dan Jones’ “The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens who Made England,” I feel compelled to share my perspective on this intriguing episode from our past.
As a huge fan of George R.R. Martin’s works, I can’t help but notice the striking similarities between the political upheaval in Westeros and real-life historical events. Just like how William the Conqueror’s conquest influenced Aegon Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne, and the Wars of Roses shaped the conflict between the Starks and Lannisters, Martin expertly weaves in allusions to medieval history throughout his stories.
What Happened During The Anarchy and How Does It Compare to House of the Dragon‘s Dance of the Dragons?
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As a gamer putting myself in the shoes of King Henry I, I can tell you that I had the fortunate privilege of being the ruler of England and also the rightful claimant to the lands of Normandy in France. My offspring included a son named William, who was set to inherit my throne, and a daughter named Matilda, whom I fondly named after my wife, Matilda of Scotland.
I, Henry, recount Matilda’s absence during my journey back from England. My beloved daughter, who had been the Holy Roman Empress and married to Henry V for several years, remained in Germany attending to her duties. Upon our scheduled return voyage across the channel, my friends and companions, including William, decided to indulge in copious amounts of alcohol. We were fortunate enough to travel on the White Ship, an elegant and swift vessel that boasted the fastest speed in all of England’s fleet.
As the intoxicated festivities persisted that night, my crew and I made a bold decision: we were setting sail for England. Confident in our abilities to outpace the old king and reach English shores first, I steered our vessel with determination. Sadly, our journey took an unexpected turn as soon as we left the harbor. Our ship struck a hidden rock formation and was swiftly engulfed by the unforgiving sea. Just like in the tragic tale of the Titanic, many noble lives perished in that icy water. It seems history holds more parallels to “House of the Dragon” than we initially thought.
When Henry learned about his son William’s passing, he was devastated beyond words. According to historical records, he never smiled afterwards. Beyond his personal sorrow, Henry faced a significant political dilemma. Since William was the only legitimate male heir, and with no clear successor in sight, the kingdom could potentially erupt into chaos among contending claimants. Relatives, eager to seize the opportunity, might surface to stake their claims.
The King Chooses His Daughter as His Successor
Just as Viserys selected Rhaenyra to take over after him, Henry named his daughter Matilda as his heir in a similar fashion. However, Matilda held the title of Holy Roman Empress at that time. Yet, it’s important to note that her marriage hadn’t resulted in any offspring. When Henry V, her husband, passed away suddenly in 1125, Empress Matilda made her way back to England.
The English barons were displeased with Henry’s decision, but he remained firm in his resolution. He summoned the major English nobles to pledge their allegiance to Matilda as his successor on three separate occasions. And each time, they fulfilled their promise.
When Henry I unexpectedly passed away in 1135, his daughter appeared to have a stable claim to the throne. Sadly, a competing claimant seized this moment. Unfortunately, as depicted in “House of the Dragon,” it’s the riskiest for the heir to be far from the power center when the monarch dies.
A Man Steps in to Take a Woman’s Claim to the Throne
As a seasoned historian with years of research under my belt, I can’t help but be intrigued by the events that transpired following Henry’s untimely demise. Stephen, Henry’s cousin, was taken aback by the news of his death, much like a sudden gust of wind snatching away the calmness of a still lake.
As a gamer, I can tell you this: His sacred oath to acknowledge my cousin as the heir didn’t really bother me or my supporters that much. The thought of a woman taking Henry’s place on the throne wasn’t sitting well with many in the kingdom. They were more than eager to back a man with a weaker claim, and swiftly crowning a new monarch seemed like the best way to ensure our realm’s stability and security. There were even whispers that on his deathbed, Henry supposedly forgave the barons for breaking their oaths.
The similarities between Aegon II’s ascension to the throne after Viserys’ death and the Greens’ seizure of power are striking. It is important to note that as a son of the late king, Aegon had a significantly stronger claim to the throne compared to Stephen. Upon learning that Stephen had been crowned, Matilda was faced with a difficult decision: either accept the loss of her promised inheritance or take up arms to challenge the new ruler.
Matilda Chooses to Fight for Her Crown, Just as Rhaenyra Does in House of the Dragon
In a parallel to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s actions on “House of the Dragon,” Matilda decided to engage in actual combat, igniting a historical upheaval. The battlefield was merciless. Stephen and Matilda exchanged dominance numerous times, with nobles and the clergy frequently altering their allegiances based on perceived victors. As the Anglo-Saxon chronicle vividly described: “It seemed as if Christ and His saints were in slumber.”
After 15 long and violent years of battle, an accord was made when it was evident that neither party would secure a complete victory. Stephen remained king, but upon his demise in 1154 due to stomach ailments, he was succeeded not by his son, but by Henry, the offspring of Matilda.
Although she couldn’t take her place on the throne, her lineage would reign over England for an astonishing 300 years. Medieval history, devoid of dragons, can still be as thrilling and unexpected as the sagas crafted by George R.R. Martin. The captivating “House of the Dragon” series breathes life into the true events of The Anarchy.
Could the clash between the Greens and the Blacks follow a similar resolution as that of Stephen and Matilda’s dispute? Only time will tell.
As a history enthusiast with a particular fondness for the Plantagenet dynasty, I can confidently say that Dan Jones’ book, “The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens who Made England,” has been my go-to source for in-depth, captivating insights into this intriguing era. This compelling narrative not only fueled my fascination but also deepened my understanding of the people and events that shaped England during the Middle Ages.
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2024-07-15 22:33