During the Defiance of Duskendale, Aerys was imprisoned and tormented for six months, until he was rescued by Ser Barristan Selmy, his imprisonment marking the beginning of Aerys's madness. He eventually grew paranoid of his own family members and his Small Council. He later became spiteful of the power of others, especially that of his Hand of the King, Tywin Lannister, who had once been one of his closest friends. Aerys was loved and respected by both lords and commoners. While he was young, Aerys appeared to be generous, ambitious and wise, beginning his reign as peaceful and prosperous. After his father and brother died in the fire of Summerhall, he became Aerys Targaryen, the Second of His Name. He took on the tradition of Targaryen inbreeding in order to keep bloodlines pure by marrying his sister Rhaella Targaryen.
Aerys fought for his father, Aegon V Targaryen, in the War of the Ninepenny Kings.
