Daemon Targaryen’s Real Successor is Also Duncan the Tall’s Worst Enemy

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The latest addition to the world of Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, introduces a fascinating cast of unusual and often cruel Targaryen characters. One character, in particular, is exceptionally memorable: a troubled visionary with a monstrous side and the classic Targaryen instability, possessing a personality as unpleasant as the notorious Joffrey Baratheon.

Aerion Targaryen is all about appearances, overreacts to minor offenses, and isn’t very skilled in combat. He appears in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for specific narrative purposes, often mirroring the actions of Daemon Targaryen. Despite his vanity, Aerion’s presence has surprisingly led to positive developments.

Aerion Targaryen Is The Perfect Daemon Replacement

Aerion, the second son of Maekar and often called Aerion the Monstrous, immediately stands out as a character. He’s very proud of being a Targaryen and struggles to connect with others. A solitary figure, Aerion tries to use his family name to control those around him.

Aerion, who calls himself Aerion Brightflame, looks down on common people and immediately tries to boss Duncan the Tall around. In their first meeting, he demands Duncan act as a servant, fetching wine and finding him women. Each time Duncan points out he’s a knight, not someone meant for such tasks, Aerion ridicules him for it.

Aerion shares his ancestor Daemon Targaryen’s arrogance, but he doesn’t possess Daemon’s skill. While both men see themselves as better than others, Daemon actually is a capable warrior – he excels at sword fighting and jousting, and fights with honor. Aerion, however, seems to only be able to harm those who can’t defend themselves, as demonstrated by his cruel treatment of the puppeteer, Tanselle Too-Tall, according to the tales in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Aerion has Targaryen blood, but he doesn’t live up to the great rulers like Aegon the Conqueror, Jaehaerys I, or Viserys I, who were known for their courage and strength. Unlike his uncle Daemon, who earns respect with his skill and dragon, Aerion relies solely on his family name. He’s essentially defined by being a Targaryen, and yet he’s nothing but a Targaryen. He’s rude and demanding, expecting lords and nobles to serve him without basic politeness.

Okay, so in episode four of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, “Seven,” this guy, Aerion, is just… infuriating! While everyone’s trying to hear Ser Duncan’s case, he’s just casually cracking nuts, totally ignoring everything. It really reminded me of Daemon, who also doesn’t care much for rules, but at least Daemon knows how to play the game when he needs to. Aerion doesn’t even bother. It’s like he’s part of the newer generation of Targaryens, and honestly, I think that’s a big part of why their House started to fall apart.

Aerion Targaryen Kicks Off The Plot In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Aerion and Daemon intentionally shock people, using harshness and dramatic displays to show they’re in charge. They see everyone as inferior to their family. While Daemon has demonstrated skill, particularly at Bloodstone, Aerion is a disruptive and unpleasant presence at court. He becomes enraged by a puppet show depicting a dragon’s death and attacks the puppeteer, Tanselle. When Ser Duncan steps in to protect her, landing a hit and a kick, Aerion demands Duncan be executed. Aerion also falsely accuses Tanselle of treason, claiming her puppets are a secret attack on House Targaryen meant to start a rebellion.

During the court proceedings, Aerion hides behind an old legal tradition brought to Westeros by the Andals. He avoids a one-on-one duel with Ser Duncan the Tall, instead requesting a trial by seven judges. That same night, Prince Aegon (known as Egg) and Daeron the Drunken warn Duncan that Aerion can be extremely dangerous. Egg also shares that Aerion used to sneak into his room at night and threaten to castrate him.

He even threw my cat down the well. He claims he didn’t, but I know he did. He believes he’s a dragon trapped in a human body, which explains why he got so angry at the puppet show.

In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Aerion and his six supporters were defeated by Ser Duncan and his group of seven. This loss felt both justified and satisfying, much like Jon Snow’s victory over Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones. However, unlike Aerion, Daemon in House of the Dragon is determined to fight until the very end.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is currently streaming on HBO Max.

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2026-02-20 22:06