Aegon II Targaryen

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Aegon II Targaryen

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KingAegon II Targaryen^[d] is the sixthKing of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men andLord of the Seven Kingdoms. His rule is disputed by his older half-sister,Rhaenyra Targaryen. He is the firstborn son of KingViserys I Targaryen and his second wife, QueenAlicent Hightower, and a member of theTargaryen dynasty. He is therider of thedragonSunfyre.^[8]

Biography[]

Background[]

Aegon was born in113 AC,^[a] roughly a year after his parents' marriage in King's Landing and the tenth year of his father's rule. He has an elder half-sister, PrincessRhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys's first wife, QueenAemma Arryn, and three younger full siblings through his mother Alicent: PrincessHelaena, PrinceAemond, and PrinceDaeron Targaryen.^[9]

Until his sudden ascension to the throne orchestrated by theGreen Council, Aegon was seventh-in-line to succeed to theIron Throne, after Rhaenyra and her five children and his half-nephews, PrincesJacaerys,Lucerys, andJoffrey Velaryon, and PrincesAegon Targaryen the Younger and PrinceViserys Targaryen.^[9]

House of the Dragon: Season 1[]

The realm celebrates Aegon's secondnameday with a royal hunt in theKingswood. During a gathering shortly before the hunt,Hobert Hightower pressures his brotherOtto—who serves as theHand of the King—to convince Viserys to name Aegon his heir. Hobert later openly hails the prince as "Aegon the Conqueror-Babe, Second of His Name."^[1]

During the outing, theRoyal Huntsman tracks awhite hart, considered amagical creature and a symbol of royalty, contributing to Viserys's doubts about previously naming Rhaenyra his heir in a very public ceremony. To the king's relief, however, the stag that they finally catch is not a white one.^[1]

When Otto proposes a marriage between Aegon and Rhaenyra, this at first amuses then angers the king, who is already exhausted with the constant politicking by hisSmall Council and the other lords present, includingJason Lannister who brazenly declares his assumption that Aegon will soon be named heir.^[1]

The day after the hunt, Otto pressures Alicent to discuss the succession with Viserys. She does not bring up the subject in her next conversation with him, however.^[1]

The following year, Rhaenyra and her uncleDaemon watch amummer's farce about the succession performed on theStreet of Silk inKing's Landing. The majority of the spectators appear to favor Aegon as heir, echoing the lead mummer's question that Rhaenyra would be a feeble queen.^[10]

After being dismissed asHand of the King, Otto bluntly tells Alicent that if Rhaenyra inherits the throne, war will follow and Alicent and her children will be put to the sword. He urges her to prepare Aegon to rule.^[11]

Ten years later, a now teenaged Aegon accompanies his brother Aemond and Rhaenyra's sons Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon to theDragonpit, and watches as Jace is trained by theDragonkeepers to command his young dragonVermax. Aegon, Jace, and Luke tell Aemond, the only boy yet without adragon, that they found one for him. The three boys then bring out a pig that they have decorated with wings and make fun of Aemond with squealing noises. Aegon is later scolded in private by his mother, who tells him that he must treat his brother respectfully in public, for one day he will be king. When Aegon claims that he has no plans to challenge Rhaenyra's succession, Alicent rebukes him, telling her son that he himself already is the challenge, and that Rhaenyra will have to kill him and his brother to secure her claim.^[12]

Aegon later trains in the courtyard of theRed Keep alongside Aemond, Jace, and Luke under SerCriston Cole. Aegon demonstrates proficiency with a sword against a strawman, but he and Aemond are easily bested by Criston. Criston later has Aegon knock Jace to the ground and relentlessly attack him, but SerHarwin Strong intervenes, grabbing Aegon and pushing him aside, angering the youngprince.^[12]

Aegon is present alongside Viserys, Alicent, Helaena, Aemond, and the rest of the royal family for the funeral of his aunt,Laena Velaryon, atDriftmark. During the funeral reception after, Aegon and his brother watch their sister Helaena study a spider, and they argue over Aegon's betrothal to and dislike of their sister, with him stating Helaena is an idiot and that they have nothing in common. Aemond defends Helaena by reminding Aegon that she is their sister and his future queen. When Aegon suggests Aemond should marry Helaena if he is willing to defend her, Aemond says that if he were betrothed to Helaena, he would do his duty to keep their Valyrian blood pure. Aegon finishes the argument by quipping that he and Helaena do share at least an attraction to things with long legs, before grabbing more wine and leaving to flirt with a servant.^[13]

Aegon continues to get drunk on wine through the funeral reception into the evening. He is eventually found by his grandfather, Ser Otto Hightower, inebriated on a flight of steps near the reception area. Exasperated at his behavior, Otto roughly grabs Aegon, who in his drunken confusion believes him to be his brother. Otto then drags Aegon back to the reception area and sends him to bed, while his brother Aemond and the assembled court look on.^[13]

Later that evening, Aegon is present in theHall of Nine with his mother and sister, as Aemond's eye injury is tended to byMaesterKelvyn, while Viserys angrily questions hisKingsguard how they allowed the fight between his son and his grandchildren and nieces to happen. Alicent then angrily confronts Aegon on where he was before slapping and reprimanding him for getting drunk while his brother was harmed. When calls on Aemond to tell him where he heard the rumors about Jace and Luke's parentage, Aemond reluctantly says Aegon told him, baffling Aegon. When Viserys questions Aegon on where he heard the rumors, Aegon's only defense to his father's questioning is that everyone knows based on Jace and Luke's non-Valyrian features.^[13]

The following day, Aegon departs with his family from Driftmark, riding on his dragon Sunfyre, alongside Helaena onDreamfyre and Aemond onVhagar as they return home to King's Landing.^[13]

At some point after this, Aegon and Helaena are wed to each other and have two children,Jaehaerys andJaehaera.^[5]

Six years after Laena's funeral, Aegon rapes a household servant namedDyana as she is serving him wine. Furious, Alicent goes to see her son, who is lying in bed naked and heavily drunk. When Aegon says that he viewed it as "harmless fun" and that Dyana did not need to get upset, Alicent yells at him to stop with his raping and lude behaviour as he is shaming their family. Aegon accuses his mother of wanting too much from him, and that despite how much pressure she and his father put on him, it will never be enough for them.^[5]

Later, Aegon and his family hear the petitions ofVaemond Velaryon and Rhaenyra, on behalf of Lucerys, over the succession to Driftmark. Aegon smiles when Viserys reaffirms Lucerys's right to Driftmark and is surprised when his uncle Daemon kills Vaemond for calling Rhaenyra's sons bastards.^[5]

Viserys gets the entire Targaryen family together for dinner that night. Fed up with Aegon, Alicent toasts Rhaenyra and says that she will be a fine queen. Aegon harasses Jace about his betrothal to their cousinBaela, joking that he can teach Jace about sex. When Aegon goes to flirt with Baela, Jace stands up but quickly calms himself and toasts his uncles. Helaena adds in, toasting Baela and Rhaena and indirectly taunting Aegon about their marriage. Aegon is further annoyed when Jace dances with Helaena. At the end of the feast, when a fight breaks out between Aemond and Jace, Aegon joins in by hitting Luke's head against the table before Alicent, Rhaenyra, and Daemon break the fight up.^[5]

On his deathbed, Viserys, thinking he is talking to Rhaenyra, tells Alicent thatAegon'sprophetic dream is true and that she will be the one to save the realm. Believing that Viserys means their son, Alicent is reinvigorated in her goal to get Aegon on the throne.^[5]

What Alicent does not know, however, is that members of theSmall Council, including her father, have been plotting to put Aegon on the throne for years despite Viserys's steadfast support of Rhaenyra. When their plans are complete, the king-to-be is nowhere to be found. Otto sendsArryk andErryk Cargyll to find Aegon and bring the prince to him, while Alicent sends Criston Cole and Aemond to find him for the same purpose.^[2]

While in a fighting pit that enslaves young children, Arryk and Erryk find a child who they believe is one of Aegon's bastards. Eventually, they are approached byJayne, a woman who claims to know where Aegon is, and they are taken to her employerMysaria, also known as the White Worm. She reveals to Otto that she orchestrated the kidnapping of Aegon the previous night, and tells the Cargylls where to find him in exchange for the Crown cracking down on the child fighting pits.^[2]

They travel to theGrand Sept, where they find Aegon asleep underneath a shrine. When they go outside with the drunken prince to bring him to Otto, they are stopped by Criston and Aemond, who had picked up their trail. Aegon tries to escape, but Aemond tackles him. Aegon is shocked to learn from his brother that his mother and her allies have plotted to make him king, and expresses his wish to leave Westeros to stay out of everyone's political games. When Aemond puts him in a headlock, Aegon loudly pronounces that he is unfit to rule and he doesn't want the crown.^[2]

Regardless of his wishes, Aegon's coronation takes place the next day in the Dragonpit. On the way there, he questions his mother on whether Viserys's alleged wish for Aegon to succeed him is genuine, as he had refused to name Aegon his heir for twenty years, even over the blood of his relatives. Alicent presents him with Viserys'sValyrian steel dagger, but Aegon, after being told not to kill Rhaenyra as Otto wishes, asks if his mother truly loves him, to which she replies "you imbecile."^[2]

Aegon is anointed bySeptonEustace and crowned by Criston Cole with his ancestor Aegon the Conqueror'scrown as King Aegon II, usurping Rhaenyra. He turns to see the crowd cheering for him. He drawsBlackfyre, the ancestral sword of House Targaryen, and starts to celebrate his new, previously unwanted, kingship. But at that point, PrincessRhaenys Targaryen bursts through the floor astride her dragonMeleys, and Alicent steps in front of Aegon to protect him, but Rhaenys spares Aegon and his family and flees toDragonstone to warn Rhaenyra.^[2]

House of the Dragon: Season 2[]

Aegon visits the royal chamber of his sister-wifeHelaena, looking for his young son, PrinceJaehaerys. Upon realizing the child present with Helaena is his daughter, PrincessJaehaera, Aegon asks Helaena where Jaehaerys is. When she asks why he needs him, Aegon announces his intention to take Jaehaerys with him to theSmall Council, so he can learn, as the heir and future king, to rule. Helaena reacts awkwardly and says Jaehaerys might not want to be king one day, but reluctantly informs her brother-husband that Jaehaerys is in the castle library, as is his custom. As he leaves, Helaena says she is afraid: Aegon reassures her theBlacks would not dare attack the city withVhagar present, but Helaena clarifies she's scared of the "rats." This confuses Aegon and her handmaids, as there are no rats around. Aegon jokes that his queen is "an enduring mystery" and departs.^[14]

Aegon finds and brings Jaehaerys with him to a following meeting of the Small Council. He is displeased whenOtto Hightower informs him that theNorth and theVale of Arryn have ignored his diplomatic embassies, insulting LadyJeyne Arryn and LordCregan Stark as "c***s." Aegon pays little interest in the following proceedings, being more amused at watching Jaehaerys annoy SerTyland Lannister by stealing his marble of office. When Tyland begs someone to intercede, Aegon suggests Tyland should perhaps give Jaehaerys a pony ride. Dowager Queen Alicent intercedes, insisting there is important business to conduct, and Aegon grudgingly concedes, sending Jaehaerys off with one of his retainers.^[14]

Once Jaehaerys departs, the discussion turns to theVelaryon fleet'sblockade of theGullet and the strain it is putting on commerce in King's Landing. Aegon bitterly questions why they didn't just kill Rhaenyra when they had the chance; Otto, after briefly glaring at Alicent, who countermanded his plans to do just that, replies that the opportunity has been lost. The session is interrupted by the intrusion ofAemond; when Alicent asks what Aemond is doing, as he has no seat on the Council, Aegon clarifies that he invited Aemond to attend. When Aemond proposes seizingHarrenhal as a toehold for the Greens in theRiverlands, Aegon suggests he and Aemond take Vhagar andSunfyre to force LordGrover Tully and the Riverlords into submission, and destroy the Velaryon blockade as an afterthought. Alicent and SerCriston Cole both protest this plan; Criston citing Aegon would personally be exposing himself to the dangers of the battlefield, while Alicent insists Vhagar is needed to defend King's Landing from any retaliatory attack Rhaenyra might send to avenge her sonLucerys's death. Displeased, Aegon broods as Otto assures him their continuing diplomatic efforts will bear fruit, as tradition and historical precedent will bring more lords to his side.^[14]

Later that day, Aegon strides into the throne room, flanked by two knights of theKingsguard and his croniesMartyn Reyne,Leon Estermont andEddard Waters to preside over a session of court for the smallfolk. Reyne announces him as "Aegon the Magnanimous," baffling the King as to that particular word choice. The first petitioner is a shepherd calledJerard, who is clearly nervous at being before the King, for which Aegon gently reassures him he has no need to be. Jerard explains that the crown has taken a tenth of his flock, but this is a hardship now that summer has just ended. Aegon is willing to give him back his sheep, but Otto interjects that they recently started a tithe on all flocks in the Crownlands because their dragons need to eat more when they are more active in wartime or on patrol, and if Aegon returns one shepherd's flock, the rest will all want the same. Aegon still meekly asks if they could just give this one shepherd his flock back, because he came all this way and Aegon would appear callous to deny him, but Otto insists he must. Annoyed, Aegon has Jerard removed.^[14]

The next petitioner is a guildmaster, who explains the Velaryon fleet's blockade is disrupting shipments of salt fromEssos needed to preserve food ahead of winter. Aegon dismisses the man by insisting he will soon send Vhagar to destroy the blockade. The third petitioner, a blacksmith namedHugh, asks that the city's smiths be paid in advance for their work, as their time is being taken up buildingscorpions to bolster the city's defenses, meaning they cannot take other work to support themselves. Aegon agrees, and overrides Otto's attempt to protest, insisting his cause's victory relies on the support of the smallfolk.^[14]

On his way back to his chambers after the court session, Aegon is intercepted by LordLarys Strong. Larys obsequiously flatters the king by comparing his dealings with the smallfolk to the deft touch of his father and great-grandfather KingJaehaerys, and requests a private word. On a nearby balcony, Larys suggest Aegon might want to find a more forceful Hand than Otto, lest he is seen as his grandfather's puppet the same way Viserys was, giving Aegon pause.^[14]

Later that evening, Aegon lollops on the Iron Throne and drinks with his cronies, complaining that his grandfather and mother insist on smothering him, but praising Aemond's loyalty, as well as insisting he needs a new style, as none of the smallfolk know what "magnanimous" means, and he and his cronies bandy about potential new titles for him, oblivious to apair of rat catchers passing through the throne room.^[14]

Later that night, Aegon's son, Jaehaerys, ismurdered in retaliation for Lucerys. Upon being informed, a furious, grief-stricken Aegon smashes his father's model ofOld Valyria to pieces, swearing vengeance on his son's killers, despite Martyn and Eddard's best efforts to calm him down. At a hastily convened session of the Green Council, a furious Aegon demands to know where his councilors were while their king was being threatened; when Tyland Lannister blithely asks if the king himself actually had been threatened, Aegon roars that he could easily have been the assassins' target, smashing Tyland's wine cup from his hand, before berating Criston for failing in his duties asLord Commander of the Kingsguard to protect the royal family. Otto reassures Aegon they will find the person responsible, to which an astounded Aegon rages that Otto would consider the culprit is anyone other than Rhaenyra. He screams curses and insults at his half-sister, throwing a wine cup at the wall, before rounding on his mother, reminding Alicent she counseled him to spare Rhaenyra's life^[2]. When Larys interrupts to inform them that the City Watch have caughtone of Jaehaerys's killers, Aegon declares he'll execute the man personally, but Otto countermands him and order Larys to interrogate the man further. Aegon is displeased, insisting they know their enemy, and when LordJasper Wylde insists they need to be sure Jaehaerys's murder was Rhaenyra's handiwork and not that of some unknown enemy, Aegon insinuates that any member of his council might be traitors.^[4]

When Otto declares his intention to spread word of the Prince's death across the realm to blame Rhaenyra for his murder, Aegon outright refuses, wanting no word of his son's murder to leave the Red Keep, leest he be seen as weak. Otto counters that Aegon is already seen as weak, prompting a furious outburst directed at him from the King. Once Aegon has subsided, Otto explains that thehaste of his coronation and the devastationRhaenys andMeleys wrought at the event is being seen as some by an omen that Rhaenyra should have been Queen.Grand MaesterOrwyle concludes that Otto intends to brand Rhaenyra a child-killer to counter such whispers on the streets. Otto continues that he intends to give Jaehaerys a public funeral progress, attended by his grieving mother and grandmother, so the smallfolk and the realm can see for themselves. Aegon flatly refuses, appalled at the idea of making a public spectacle of his son's death, but Otto insists it would be an honored procession for Jaehaerys, culminating with his cremation at theDragonpit as befitting a Targaryen prince. Otto adds that the Great Houses who have declared for Rhaenyra might rethink their allegiances when they learn what she is capable of, assuring Aegon that allowing this will increase his support in the coming war. Aegon looks to his mother, who gently speaks in favor of the plan. Once Otto agrees the King should be spared attending such a spectacle, Aegon gives his consent.^[4]

Following Larys completing his interrogation of Blood, Aegon comes to Blood's cell and personally executes him with a mace.^[4] Following Jaehaerys's funeral procession, Aegon encounters his sister-wife Helaena on the stairs; the pair exchange a look but Aegon, not knowing what to say to her in the wake of their son's death, walks past her in silence.^[4]

At some point, Larys informs Aegon that Blood had an accomplice in killing his sonone of the Red Keep's rat catchers. Unable to identify the guilty individual, Aegon orders every one of the castle's rat catchers executed and their bodies hanged from the city walls as a warning. An appalled Otto, upon learning of this, storms into Aegon's personal chambers and demands an explanation. When Aegon blithely admits to ordering the executions, Otto berates him as an idiot. SerCriston Cole rebukes Otto for his disrespectful tone, but Otto stands by his denunciation of his grandson, as Aegon's brutal action has destroyed any goodwill and sympathy the Greens gained from the smallfolk following Jaehaerys's murder (along with Otto's hard work to win it), and ensured the Great Houses backing Rhaenyra who might have wavered will stand firm with her now they've seen Aegon is just as cruel and vindictive. Aegon, announcing his desire to "spill blood, not ink," fires back that at least he and Criston have acted in response to his son's murder, as opposed to Otto's "wailing and currying favor with the fishwives", to which a wary Otto asks what Criston has done. Aegon replies that Criston has dispatched SerArryk Cargyll toDragonstone, disguised ashis twin, to infiltrate the castle and assassinate Rhaenyra. An appalled Otto castigates them both for not bothering to consult him or the Small Council with this ill-considered plan, which will only make them look like fools in theirenemy's eyes. Otto rebukes Aegon for not being more judicious, forbearing and dignified like hislate father.^[4]

"Fuck dignity! I want revenge!" Aegon insists, reminding Otto his father is dead. Otto agrees, noting that they are all poorer for the loss, and bitterly notes Viserys was right in believing Aegon unfit to be King. Angered, Aegon reminds Otto his father named him heir on his deathbed. Otto scoffs and sneers at his grandson, "Is that what you think?"^[4]

Outraged, Aegon orders Otto to resign his position asHand of the King and hand his badge of office over to Criston Cole. Otto scoffs that Aegon wouldn't dare replace him, but a smirking Aegon makes it clear he is being serious; Otto was his father's Hand and an old man besides, whereas his new Hand "will be a steel fist". Otto warns Aegon he will regret this hasty decision, throws his badge at Criston's feet and storms out.^[4]

Aegon appointsMartyn Reyne,Leon Estermont andEddard Waters to the Kingsguard to replace its lost members, chiefly SerArryk Cargyll. During a Small Council meeting, Aegon reacts approvingly to therecent confrontation betweenHouse Bracken andHouse Blackwood, althoughTyland Lannister doubts whether the battle was a true victory since both sides took heavy losses. WhenJasper Wylde notes that the Blackwoods and the Brackens have always feuded for centuries, Aegon insists that they are truly in a war and that theBlacks will also consider it so. After asking what their next move would be, Cole proposes takingHarrenhal, since it is the key to controlling theRiverlands. After some bickering, Aegon suggestsAemond to takeVhagar to Harrenhal, an idea which Cole shoots down. Aegon proclaims "to war, then" and suggests to come along atopSunfyre. Cole disapproves, not wanting to draw attention, while Aegon points out the danger if Rhaenyra's dragons were to show up at Harrenhal. Cole reacts by stating that they would be more likely to encounter one of the dragons if they bring one of their own. Aemond suggests Aegon to stay inKing's Landing, remarking that they cannot risk his loss. Aegon insists he is as fearsome as his enemies.^[7]

Later, Aegon is being fitted with theValyrian steel armor of his namesake,Aegon the Conqueror, preparing to fly out with Sunfyre.Larys Strong enters, wishing to prevent Aegon from going into battle. Larys compliments the armor, to which Aegon replies that since he was given the Conqueror's name and crown, it is only right to wear his armor to war. Larys privately reveals certain rumors that have been spreading about Aegon; one being that he is out to fly to war, while another that he has been outwitted by his counselors and persuaded to fly to war with Cole so that Alicent and Aemond can reign in his absence. Unsettled by these supposed rumors, Aegon orders Larys to suppress them. He then names himMaster of Whisperers, a title that has been vacant during the reign of KingViserys I. Dejected, Aegon decides not to fly after all. After Ser Eddard Waters remarks that Ser Martyn has a newsquire that needs "bedding in". Aegon remarks that, as Kingsguard, they are sworn to chastity, which they laughingly brush off. Aegon stares solemnly at them, putting them into silence.^[7]

That night, Aegon accompanies Martyn's squire, as well as Ser Leon, Ser Eddard and Ser Martyn himself, to theStreet of Silk, hailed byUlf and his friends. He announces drinks to all present at the pleasure of the Crown. He then drunkenly proceeds to abrothel looking forSylvi, where he happens upon Aemond lying with her. He laughs at his brother, proclaiming him "Aemond the Fierce" and mocking how, despite having come so far, he still prefers to lie with the first woman he has ever slept with. He continues to make ribald jokes at his expense. Aemond then leaves.^[7]

Aegon is angry after learning thatDaemon Targaryen hastakenHarrenhal, claiming that it proved his point right about not sending anydragons there. He chastises Larys for his supposed failure, stating that it is his castle after all. Larys points out that Harrenhal is a crippled ruin of little value, penniless since Larys still controls all of its lands' gold. He suggests letting Daemon hold Harrenhal while they continue campaigning in theCrownlands, cutting Rhaenyra's influence from the mainland. Aegon demands to be informed of the decisions made by his Small Council, refusing to be seen as a fool by his allies. Aemond echoes Larys's statements, revealing that Cole is marching towardsRook's Rest, the seat ofHouse Staunton, whose lordSimon Staunton is a member of Rhaenyra'sBlack Council, explaining it so after Aegon claims that Rook's Rest is pointless to capture. Aegon rejects Aemond's plan, preferring to retake Harrenhal instead. Aemond ignores him, as Cole is already preparing hisattack. Aegon is aggrieved when he learns that Aemond and Cole had been plotting without his knowledge or consent. Aemond responds inHigh Valyrian, mockingly chiding Aegon's preferred interest in cavortingwithhisfriends. He asks whether Aegon has a wiser strategy to voice to the council. Aegon, in his broken High Valyrian, wants to make war. Aegon is dejected when Aemond proceeds with his own plan.^[15]

At the next Small Council meeting, Aegon's counselors discuss the dwindling resources to keepVhagar fed, while remarking how they have become a formidable opponent with Cole and his men ensuring victories such as thetaking ofDuskendale. Aegon angrily slams his marble of office and proclaims that they all bore him. He promptly leaves.^[15]

He returns to his chambers where he meets Alicent, looking for Viserys's books. Aegon explains he had them removed, to which Alicent chides him for throwing away potentially useful knowledge. Aegon rebukes that he merely removed them from his chambers, not burnt them. Aegon confides in his mother that his counselors do not care about his input or thoughts. Alicent, slightly annoyed, wonders what thoughts Aegon could have, to which he replies that he is the king. Alicent rebuffs that simply wearing a crown does not grant Aegon wisdom. She points out that the members of his Small Council earned their seats through experience and knowledge. She hoped that Aegon, upon his coronation, would honor the burden of his office in silence and strive to learn from the more studied minds around him, in the hope that he could be half the king his father was. Aegon warns his mother to tread carefully, a threat which she rebukes, mocking his decision to hang the ratcatchers and banishingOtto Hightower. Alicent demands Aegon to listen to the advice of his counselors, claiming she had to make sacrifices to put him on the throne. Aegon asks his mother what he should do, to which Alicent answers that he should simply do what is needed of him: nothing. Aegon is clearly hurt by his mother's comments.^[15]

As the battle of Rook's Rest draws nearer, Aegon angrily decides to fly out after all. He dons the Conqueror's armor and mounts Sunfyre. His presence forces Aemond to lay low with Vhagar after Cole lights the signal arrows for him to attack. Aegon attacksRhaenys Targaryen atopMeleys. Rhaenys's dragon tears into Sunfyre's belly with her talons, causing him to fall from the sky and nearly crash nearly forces him to crash. Aegon flies back up but is attacked yet again by Meleys, who clamps her jaws around Sunfyre's right wing, forcing Aegon to hold on for dear life as the two dragons battle. Vhagar eventually appears from the forest, flying towards the two battling dragons. Sunfyre breaks off one of Meleys's horns, and Aegon is relieved upon seeing his brother's dragon seemingly coming to his aid. Aemond, instead, orders Vhagar to fire upon the two; Aegon, realizing his brother's intention, can only scream in denial as Vhagar's fiery breath engulfs him and Sunfyre, sending them both plummeting down to crash-land in the forests surrounding Rook's Rest.^[15]

After Rhaenys's death and theGreens' victory, a wounded Cole makes his way to where Aegon crashed, seeing Aemond sheathing his blade near a critically-injured Sunfyre, who has encircled himself around the unconscious Aegon.^[15]

Aegon is placed inside a wooden casket covered with blankets as the head ofMeleys is paraded through the streets ofKing's Landing. He is returned to his chambers whereOrwyle and several other maesters attend to his wounds. They remove his Valyrian steel armor plate by plate, which had been melted onto his skin and fix his broken bones. Alicent enters and expresses her concern for Aegon's injuries. Orwyle is unsure whether he will survive, and that the next hours are most critical.^[3]

During Aegon's incapacitation, the Small Council electsAemond to act asRegent andProtector of the Realm in his absence. Orwyle notes that it is likely Aegon will never wake again. Later, Alicent sits with Aegon but leaves as Aegon softly calls out to her.^[3]

Orwyle announces to the Small Council that Aegon has regained consciousness. He is convinced that Aegon will survive. Aemond visits him while the maesters are cleaning his bandages, dismissing everyone present. Aemond questions Aegon about his memory of the events atRook's Rest, to which Aegon replies that he remembers nothing. Aemond presses the glass sphere of his office on Aegon's fresh wounds, causing him considerable pain. Aemond insists that Aegon foolishly tried to challengeMeleys, yet Aegon still asserts that he remembers nothing. Aemond kisses his brother on the head and leaves when Orwyle enters, suggesting that Aegon still has a long recovery ahead of him, and that he needs to rest comfortably.^[16]

Alicent sits with a dazed Aegon in his chambers. Orwyle arrives, and when Alicent questions him on her son's recovery, Orwyle notes that Aegon sleeps nine of every ten hours, but he can still briefly open his eyes and speak. He believes his recovery will be long and painful, but that he will live nonetheless. Alicent asks him what Aegon will become if he lives, but Orwyle does not answer. After Orwyle leaves, Alicent whispers "I'm sorry" to her son.^[16]

When Aegon is offeredmilk of the poppy by a maidservant,Larys Strong objects, ordering her to give the king his draught in an hour. He says to Aegon that while the milk takes his pain away, it also dulls his mind. He assures Aegon that he has been written into legend because he survived dragonfire, but he also relents that Aegon will never again be whole despite Orwyle's abilities, much to the king's grief. He insists that Aegon's mind is all that will remain to him. Larys recounts to Aegon the circumstances of his birth defect, and tearfully tells Aegon that people will pity him and stare at him behind his back, or turn away in disgust altogether. However, Larys also advises that people will underestimate Aegon, and that this could become his advantage. As he prepares to leave, Aegon pleads to him. Larys tells the king that his life is in danger since Aemond now rules in his place. Aegon asks Larys to help him.^[16]

Personality[]

Aegon is a heavy drinker known to harass the women of the Red Keep. He is lazy and indifferent to his duties. As a teenager, he refused to behave as a prince is expected to.^[6] He also resents his mother's efforts to control his behaviour and feels that no matter what he does in his life, his mother will never be happy or proud of him.^[5] Going so far as to ask his mother directly if she truly loves him.^[2] He was known to bully his younger brotherAemond even in his youth.^[12] He has a close bond with his dragon,Sunfyre, having even taught the dragon most commands in the common tongue.^[15]

As king, he is eager to prove himself as a leader.^[17] This eagerness leads him to brash and impulsive decisions often driven by his emotions, such as hanging all the Red Keep's ratcatchers in order to kill one of the men responsible for his son's death, which also leads to the firing of Otto Hightower as his hand after he berated him as a fool.^[4] Despite seemingly having no regard for thebastards he fathered, Aegon loved his sonJaehaerys dearly, becoming devastated afterhis death, driving him to commit fully towar withRhaenyra Targaryen. In his quest for war, he namedCriston Cole as his new hand, wishing for a steel fist in place of his grandsire.^[4]

However, he is driven by much insecurity in his role as king. He looks for approval in his subordinates and his mother, often chiding theGreen Council when they make decisions without him such as planning to takeRooks Rest. When Aemond chastised his rule in private using High Valyrian, Aegon felt humiliated in front of the council. This along with his mother's disappointment of his rule led him to take his dragon to Rooks Rest in order to gain glory andpartake in his war.^[15]

Following the battle, Aegon is severely burnt and has many broken bones. It takes a toll on his mind.^{[citation needed]}

Quotes[]

Spoken by Aegon[]

Spoken about Aegon[]

Family[]

Paternal[]

Rhaena Targaryen

Aegon Targaryen

Viserys Targaryen

Jaehaerys I Targaryen1

Alysanne Targaryen

Vaella Targaryen

Aemon Targaryen

Jocelyn Baratheon

Rodrik Arryn[e]

Daella Targaryen

Baelon Targaryen

Alyssa Targaryen

Corlys Velaryon

Rhaenys Targaryen

Aemma Arryn

Viserys I Targaryen2

Alicent Hightower

Daemon Targaryen

Rhea Royce

Daemon Targaryen

Laena Velaryon

Laenor Velaryon3

Rhaenyra Targaryen2

Daemon Targaryen

Aegon II Targaryen

Helaena Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen

Daeron Targaryen

Baela Targaryen

Rhaena Targaryen

Jacaerys Velaryon

Lucerys Velaryon

Joffrey Velaryon

Aegon Targaryen

Viserys Targaryen

Jaehaerys Targaryen

Jaehaera Targaryen

¹ Jaehaerys had thirteen children in all. For simplicity, only the direct ancestors of future generations are on this family tree and they are not in the exact order of birth. The thirteen children in correct order are:Aegon,Daenerys,Aemon,Baelon,Alyssa,Maegelle,Vaegon,Daella,Saera,Viserra,Gaemon,Valerion, andGael.

² Due to the nature of their respective births and deaths,Baelon Targaryen, son of Viserys and Aemma, andVisenya Targaryen, daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon, are not included on this family tree.

³ While Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey are officially Laenor's, he and Rhaenyra never had any biological issue. Their three sons were in fact fathered byHarwin Strong.

Maternal[]

Hobert Hightower

Lynesse Hightower

Otto Hightower

Alyrie Florent

Ormund Hightower

Gwayne Hightower

Viserys I Targaryen

Alicent Hightower

Son(s)

Aegon II Targaryen

Helaena Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen

Daeron Targaryen

Jaehaerys Targaryen

Jaehaera Targaryen

Behind the scenes[]

On March 30, 2022,HBO announced thatTom Glynn-Carney had been cast in the role of Aegon Targaryen forHouse of the Dragon. His character description forSeason 1 reads as follows:

"First-born son of King Viserys."^[18]

His character description forSeason 2 reads as follows:

"The first-born son of the late King Viserys. A dragonrider that now sits the Iron Throne, Aegon is eager to prove himself as a leader."^[17]

In the books[]

InFire & Blood, Aegon II Targaryen was the first child ofViserys I Targaryen andAlicent Hightower. He had an older half-sister,Rhaenyra, and three younger full-siblings:Helaena,Aemond, andDaeron. He was known to have a short temper and was slow to forgive perceived slights or failures.

Aegon, named afterAegon the Conqueror, was born in 106 AC inKing's Landing. He resembled his father in appearance and was considered handsome, though his eyes had a sullen look and his mouth was pouty. Like his father he had a mustache, though his was wispy while Viserys's was bushy.

From the moment of Aegon's birth, tensions began to fester in court and realm, as King Viserys was determined that his eldest daughter Rhaenyra would succeed him. PrinceDaemon, Aegon's uncle, was cool towards him and his brother Aemond, supposedly because their births had pushed him further down the line of succession, though he would later become Rhaenyra's staunchest supporter. Queen Alicent and her fatherOtto Hightower were the loudest voices in favor of Aegon being the king's heir. Otto pestered Viserys about the issue so much that the king stripped him of his office asHand of the King and namedLyonel Strong in his stead. When Alicent proposed a marriage between Rhaenyra and Aegon, Viserys, knowing the motive behind the suggestion, had Rhaenyra married toLaenor Velaryon instead. The respective supporters of Aegon and Rhaenyra became known as the "queen's party" and the "party of the princess."

At Viserys and Alicent's fifth wedding anniversary, the queen's party and party of the princess became known as thegreens and theblacks for the dresses that Alicent and Rhaenyra wore to the opening feast.

Alicent's sons and Rhaenyra's sons were forced to spend time together and bond, but they did not get along well due to the sentiment thatJacaerys,Lucerys, andJoffrey had stolen their birthright, and the rumors that the three boys werebastards fathered byHarwin Strong.

Aegon claimed thedragonSunfyre by the age of 13, and at some point took a three-headed dragon gold on black as his personal sigil in his dragon's honor. In 120 AC, Rhaenyra and Daemon had a son they namedAegon, which was perceived as a slight against the elder Prince Aegon intended to lessen the significance of his name and imply that he was less worthy of the Conqueror's name.

By the age of 15 he was a heavy drinker and a glutton, lazy and somewhat sulky. He was known to pinch and fondle any serving girl who strayed within his reach. At the same age he was married to his younger sisterHelaena, who gave birth to the twinsJaehaerys andJaehaera a year later. Aegon also fathered numerous bastards during his marriage.

At a feast on the first day of 127 AC, Aegon took offense at Jacaerys asking Helaena for a dance. They argued and might have fought if theKingsguard had not intervened. The same year Aegon and Helaena had another son namedMaelor.

A week after the death of King Viserys, who had secretly been left to rot in his room during that time while the greens prepared for Aegon's coronation, Aegon was summoned to thesmall council. However, he could not be found in his chambers. According toMunkun'sTrue Telling, the prince was "at his revels." According to the testimony of thefool Mushroom, he was found drunk and naked in aFlea Bottom rat pit where feral children fought for his amusement while he was being pleasured by a young girl.SeptonEustace, known to portray Aegon in a more favorable light, claimed that Aegon was found abed with a well-keptparamour, a wealthy trader's daughter. He initially refused the crown, butCriston Cole convinced him that he and his brothers would be executed if Rhaenyra should take the throne. According to Eustace this is the only reason Aegon agreed to be crowned.

Weary of the greens' secrecy, Aegon demanded to be crowned immediately. He was anointed with the holy oils by Septon Eustace and crowned with Aegon the Conqueror's crown by Ser Criston Cole in theDragonpit on the tenth day of the third moon of 129 AC.

Upon hearing of Rhaenyra's rival coronation atDragonstone, Aegon demanded her head as well as Prince Daemon's.Grand MaesterOrwyle offered to go to Dragonstone and offer peace terms to Rhaenyra; Aegon initially accused Orwyle of disloyalty and threatened the Grand Maester with imprisonment in theblack cells, but grudgingly conceded to Orwyle's proposal when Alicent and Helaena spoke in favor of it. Rhaenyra refused the greens' terms, and the war of succession that followed would later become known as theDance of the Dragons.

After Prince Jaehaerys was murdered byBlood and Cheese in revenge for the death of Luke Velaryon, Aegon II was left furious and heartbroken over the loss of his eldest son and heir. Having learned that one of the assassins is a ratcatcher, he has all of the ratcatchers in the Red Keep's employ hanged, forcing Otto Hightower to bring in a hundred cats as replacements.

During the Dance of the Dragons, while the Blacks achieved a series of victories in the Riverlands, Otto tried to win allies with letters and hiring sellswords, only for Aegon to mistake his efforts as inaction and cowardly. Upon learning that Rhaenyra has secured the support of Houses Stark and Arryn and much of the Riverlands (the latter thanks to her husband and uncle Prince Daemon), Aegon would indulge himself in heavy drinking so as to drown his fears. Because his grandfather's ways of gaining allies is only delaying the Greens' chances of waging war, this was the last straw for Aegon, as he immediately stripped Otto of his title as Hand before giving it to Criston Cole.

As Aegon sought revenge on Rhaenyra for his son's death, he initially wanted to attack Dragonstone, Rhaenyra's base of operations, on his dragon Sunfyre, but was dissuaded by the Green council. He and his brother Aemond participated in the Siege on Rook's Rest, in which they fought and killed Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys. However, this victory came at a cost for both King Aegon and Sunfyre; While the dragon was badly maimed and was left with a half-torn wing, half of Aegon's body is covered in burns and he was left with a broken hip and numerous broken ribs. However, the injury on his left arm is the most grievous, as Aegon's armor had melted into the skin.

Due to how grievous Aegon's injuries are, it would take a year for him to recover and he would remain bent and twisted for the rest of his life. During his recovery, Aegon began taking milk of the poppy daily, which clouded his mind, causing him to sleep nine hours out of every ten. Only Alicent and Aemond are allowed to disturb his rest. Because of his brother's current condition, Aemond began ruling the Seven Kingdoms as Prince Regent until Aegon is able to make a full recovery.

Appearances[]

• – "And Now His Watch Is Ended"(mentioned)
• – "The Red Keep"(illustrated)
• – "The Kingsguard - Bronn"(mentioned)
• – "The Death of Kings"(mentioned)
• – "The Dance of Dragons"(mentioned)
• The Dance of Dragons(illustrated)
• – "The Hand of the King"(illustrated)
• – "The Last Dragons"(illustrated)
• – "Second of His Name"
• – "King of the Narrow Sea"(mentioned)
• – "We Light the Way"(mentioned)
• – "The Princess and the Queen"
• – "Driftmark"
• – "The Lord of the Tides"
• – "The Green Council"
• – "The Black Queen"(mentioned)
• – "A Son for a Son"
• – "Rhaenyra the Cruel"
• – "The Burning Mill"
• – "The Red Dragon and the Gold"
• – "Regent"
• – "Smallfolk"
• – "The Red Sowing"
• – "The Queen Who Ever Was"

Forthcoming[]

References[]

Notes[]

External links[]

• Aegon II Targaryen onA Wiki of Ice and Fire)
• Aegon II Targaryen onThe Official Guide

v • d • e
Head	Disputed: Aegon II Targaryen Rhaenyra Targaryen	Heir	Disputed: Aemond Targaryen Jacaerys Velaryon
Seat	Red Keep,King's Landing · Dragonstone,Dragonstone island(secondary)	Region	Crownlands
Titles	Lord of Dragonstone(historical) ·King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men ·Lord of the Seven Kingdoms ·Protector of the Realm
Ancestors	Aenar ·Elaena ·Daenys ·Aeriana ·Aegon I, the Conqueror ·Visenya ·Rhaenys ·Aenys I ·Alyssa Velaryon ·Maegor I, the Cruel
Members	Daemon Targaryen ·Alicent Hightower ·Helaena Targaryen ·Daeron Targaryen ·Laenor Velaryon ·Joffrey Velaryon ·Baela Targaryen ·Rhaena Targaryen ·Jaehaera Targaryen ·Aegon Targaryen the Younger ·Viserys Targaryen
Deceased	Rhaena Targaryen ·Aegon Targaryen ·Jaehaerys I, the Conciliator ·Alysanne Targaryen ·Viserys Targaryen ·Vaella Targaryen ·Aegon Targaryen ·Daenerys Targaryen ·Aemon Targaryen ·Jocelyn Baratheon ·Baelon Targaryen ·Alyssa Targaryen ·Maegelle Targaryen ·Vaegon Targaryen ·Daella Targaryen ·Saera Targaryen ·Viserra Targaryen ·Gaemon Targaryen ·Valerion Targaryen ·Gael Targaryen ·Rhaenys Targaryen ·Viserys I, the Peaceful ·Aemma Arryn ·Baelon Targaryen ·Rhea Royce ·Laena Velaryon ·Lucerys Velaryon ·Visenya Targaryen ·Jaehaerys Targaryen
Household	In King's Landing:Addam ·Annora · {Arryk Cargyll} ·Criston Cole ·Dyana ·Eddard ·Jon ·Septa Marlow · {Grand Maester Mellos} ·Maester Mickon ·Grand Maester Orwyle · {Ryam Redwyne} ·Samwell ·Howland Sharp · {Talya} ·Rickard Thorne ·Harrold Westerling On Dragonstone:Alfred Broome · {Erryk Cargyll} · {Steffon Darklyn} ·Lorent Marbrand ·Elinda Massey ·Maester Gerardys ·Oswin