The Kingswood Brotherhood, led by Ser Arthur Dayne, is defeated by a royal force. Jaime Lannister distinguishes himself, is knighted, and joins the Kingsguard, prompting Tywin Lannister to resign as Hand of the King.
In the Year of the False Spring, a tourney at Harrenhal sees Prince Rhaegar Targaryen crown Lyanna Stark as queen of love and beauty. This event sets off Robert's Rebellion when Rhaegar abducts Lyanna.
Rhaegar Targaryen abducts Lyanna Stark. Lyanna's brother, Brandon, and father, Lord Rickard Stark, demand that Aerys discipline his son, but instead the Mad King kills them both. Aerys demands the heads of Lords Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark from their guardian, Jon Arryn. Instead, Houses Arryn, Stark, and Baratheon raise their banners in open rebellion, signifying the start of the war, which is also known as the War of the Usurper, which will last close to a year. Lord Hoster Tully agrees to join the rebellion as well. The Tyrells remain loyal to the king and besiege Robert's castle of Storm's End, held by his brother Stannis. The new Hand of the King, Lord Jon Connington, is defeated in the Battle of the Bells and is sent into exile in the Free Cities. The rebel army defeats the royalists at the Battle of the Trident, where Prince Rhaegar is killed. The Lannisters apparently march to the aid of King Aerys, but instead turn against him with the Sack of King's Landing. Aerys is killed by Ser Jaime Lannister, one of his Kingsguard, to prevent the wildfire plot. Princess Elia Martell and her children, Princess Rhaenys and Prince Aegon, are murdered by Lannister bannermen, Ser Gregor Clegane and Ser Amory Lorch. Robert's Rebellion ensues, with Houses Stark, Baratheon, and Arryn rebelling against King Aerys II Targaryen. The war ends with Rhaegar's death at the Battle of the Trident, Aerys's death during the Sack of King's Landing, and Robert Baratheon becoming king.
Eddard Stark returns to Winterfell with his bastard son, Jon Snow, while Robert marries Cersei Lannister to solidify his rule.