Why did Ser Gregor attack Ser Loras during the tournament?
In the intricate web of power and politics that is "Game of Thrones", it is a fascinating endeavor to dissect the actions of its robust characters through the lens of philosophy. Among the many unforgettable scenes from the first season, one that sticks out pertinently is the confrontation between the fearsome Ser Gregor Clegane, also known as 'The Mountain', and the charismatic 'Knight of the Flowers', Ser Loras Tyrell. To help us explore the root causes and the implications of this conflict, we shall enlist the philosophical teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche.
Nietzsche’s philosophical perspective, particularly his concept of the 'Will to Power', is a fitting lens through which we can examine Ser Gregor's violent outburst towards Ser Loras. The Will to Power, according to Nietzsche, is the main driving force in humans – a kind of lust for domination, the desire to impose one’s will upon others and the world. Ser Gregor, a figure of physical prowess and brute strength, often embodies this Will to Power, exercising it ruthlessly to establish his dominance.
The jousting match between Ser Gregor and Ser Loras in this episode is not merely a contest of skill and strength; it is a clash of wills, a struggle for power. When Loras employs a strategic ploy of using a mare in heat to unsettle Gregor's stallion, thereby winning the joust, this act is perceived by Gregor as a direct affront to his dominance, his power. It is not the defeat in the joust that infuriates Gregor; it's the disruption of his self-perceived invincibility, the dent in his Will to Power. In Nietzschean terms, Gregor’s pride and sense of superiority have been wounded, causing an explosion of resentful fury.
In response, Gregor's behavior morphs into what Nietzsche would describe as 'Ressentiment' or resentful hatred. It's an existential crisis where a powerful individual, thwarted and humiliated, transforms pain into a toxic wrath. Gregor's ensuing attack on Loras is not merely an act of retaliation; it's an attempt to reassert his dominance and restore his bruised ego. By attempting to kill Loras, Gregor tries to annihilate the symbol of his humiliation, to wipe out the challenge to his Will to Power.
On the other hand, Loras Tyrell’s actions can also be analyzed through Nietzsche’s perspective. Loras, who represents the ideal knight in the chivalric sense, leverages his understanding of nature (the mare in heat) to defeat his physically superior opponent. In doing so, he demonstrates an alternate form of the Will to Power – one that is not merely about physical dominance or brute force but about the subtle art of understanding and manipulating the circumstances to one’s advantage.
Yet, the clash also exposes the inherent vulnerability of such power dynamics. As we see in the consequences of the joust, the Will to Power can be volatile and unpredictable, leading to chaos and destruction when unchecked or challenged. It’s a powerful reminder of Nietzsche's assertion that unchecked desire for dominance can descend into destructive wrath, disrupting social order, and causing personal and collective harm.
In the saga of "Game of Thrones", where power dynamics are central to the narrative, the clash between Gregor and Loras serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle unfolding in Westeros. It is a compelling example of how a seemingly simple act of competition can morph into a profound demonstration of power, pride, and wrath, particularly when seen through the lens of Nietzsche's philosophy. Therefore, even as we immerse ourselves in the gripping tale of kingdoms and thrones, we must pause to consider the philosophical undertones that underpin the actions of its characters.
In understanding the philosophical implications of Ser Gregor's assault on Ser Loras, we gain a deeper appreciation of not just the intricacies of their characters, but also of the intricate tapestry of human nature, power dynamics, and social order portrayed in "Game of Thrones". It reminds us that in the dance of power and survival, every step can be imbued with profound existential and philosophical meaning.
