House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

It is strongly implied in the text that Aemond did attempt to kill his brother Aegon II during the battle at Rook’s Rest. Aemond had a motive to eliminate Aegon II and take the throne for himself, as he saw himself as more suited to rule and believed he should have been next in line after Viserys. He also drew his sword at Aegon II before being called off by Cole. However, it is important to note that the text does not explicitly confirm that Aemond’s intention was to kill Aegon II, only that he blasted him from the sky and caused him to crash. The scene leaves room for interpretation, and it is possible that Aemond intended to incapacitate Aegon II to make way for himself as Prince Regent. Nonetheless, his actions at Rook’s Rest further solidified his position as a complex and ambitious character in the series.


In the intrigue-filled world of “House of the Dragon,” civil war has erupted as Alicent Hightower refuses Rhaenyra Targaryen’s call for peace. The infamous “Dance of the Dragons” intensifies, with Daemon Targaryen endorsing the pact “A Son for a Son,” capturing Harrenhal on Rhaenyra’s behalf. Ser Criston Cole’s troops pillage Rosby and Stokeworth in the Crownlands, marching towards the seemingly vulnerable Rook’s Rest in the same region. Though Daemon aims to assemble an army to confront Cole, for now, Rook’s Rest, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and Meleys face the brunt of the conflict’s harsh realities.

In the epic saga of House of the Dragons, I, Aemond Targaryen, the secondborn son of Alicent, took matters into my own hands at Rook’s Rest. I eliminated the formidable adversaries, Princess Rhaenys and Meleys, with a swift maneuver. The Green faction, led by Alicent and Otto Hightower, faced challenges in dealing with the inept King Aegon II. In a bold move, I summoned Vhagar, my fearsome dragon, to breathe fire towards Aegon II. However, the purpose of this action was not immediately clear. Amidst the chaos, I devised a plan above the very skies of Rook’s Rest, and House Targaryen would soon witness its fruits.

Aemond Targaryen And Ser Criston Cole’s War Strategy In House of the Dragon

Prelude To The Battle At Rook’s Rest

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

Aemond is convinced that his faction missed an opportunity by sending ravens to lords instead of launching a surprise air attack, with Cole leading the charge on the ground. Simultaneously, Cole plans to leave King’s Landing with his troops and impose order on the Crownlands’ rebellious Houses, who have rallied behind “Rhaenyra the Pretender.” The Crownlands are one of the Seven Kingdoms’ nine regions, where the Iron Throne holds sovereignty, but not direct rule. Notable Houses in this region include Velaryon, Stokeworth, Rosby, Bar Emmon, Massey, Celtigar, Staunton, and Duskendale, which are also featured in “House of the Dragon.” As expected, Cole successfully captures Rosby, Stokeworth, and Duskendale, adding their soldiers to his ranks.

We will add their numbers to our own and then turn west.

Cole sets out with his compact entourage, comprised of the Hightower military led by Ser Gwayne Hightower, and Aemond endorses his strategy. At first, Aegon II intends to mount Sunfyre and travel to these fortifications. However, his advisory council cautions against this course of action. In the interim, Daemon seizes Harrenhal, leaving Aegon II outraged over the loss of the most significant castle in the Seven Kingdoms.

Tom Glynn-Carney’s Aegon II Has No Respect At His Small Council

The Growing Tensions Between Aemond And Aegon II

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

Every day that goes by, Aegon II becomes increasingly aware that he holds only the title of king, with Alicent, Cole, and Aemond wielding the real power. Despite his undisputed authority and the investment of all powers in him, he is unable to contribute significantly as monarch. He explodes in anger at his advisors, insisting they consult him before making decisions, yet they carry on as usual once he departs. The public whispers derisively about Aegon II’s suitability for the throne, and Aemond emerges as a more fitting ruler in their eyes.

Aegon II acted impulsively in certain situations, like punishing all ratcatchers of King’s Landing collectively for the actions of one individual who entered the Red Keep and harmed his young son, Prince Jaehaerys, while he slept. At the onset of the war, he replaced Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King due to his belief that a man of such esteemed diplomatic standing was less essential and preferred having a tactical mind guiding his council instead.

Unaware of Aemond’s military plans, Aegon II angrily scolds his advisors for allowing Daemon to seize Harrenhal. Later, he becomes privy to the war strategies, understanding why the Greens remain tranquil amidst the turmoil in the Riverlands. In the interim, Ser Simon Strong governs Harrenhal in the absence of Larys Strong, its rightful lord, who serves on Aegon’s Small Council. Harrenhal’s state of disrepair and poverty renders it insignificant to Daemon.

Ser Criston Cole’s Destination: The Seat of House Staunton – Rook’s Rest In The Crownlands

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

As a gamer, I can rephrase that in an engaging way like this: “The Greens have seized control of Rosby and Stokeworth without laying siege to them, while the Blacks are still without their own stronghold. However, Cole’s forces have significantly grown stronger, nearly tripling in size according to Ser Simon Strong of Harrenhal. We see Cole’s host stopping at Rook’s Rest in episode 4 of House of the Dragon season 2, titled ‘The Red Dragon and the Gold.’ After sacking House Darklyn and executing Lord Darklyn, Cole presses on with his march.”

At Dragonstone, Princess Rhaenys, who had longed for peace instead of war, has come to accept that a conflict among dragons is imminent. In response, she offers to ride Meleys, her red dragon named Red Queen, to Rook’s Rest on behalf of Rhaenyra when the queen proposes she must travel there alone for the war efforts.

Aegon II, Rhaenys And Aemond At Rook’s Rest

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

Rhaenys makes her way to Rook’s Rest, where she engages Cole’s soldiers with Meleys’ fiery dragon breath. The Greens aim to entice the Black dragonriders into a battle at this small coastal stronghold, which represents their last chance to blockade Dragonstone via land. Lord Staunton, an essential advisor to Rhaenyra, is stationed there. Cole and Aemond meticulously planned an ambush for whichever dragon the Blacks dispatch to protect Lord Staunton. They are aware that Caraxes is currently stationed at Harrenhal, making it impossible for any of Rhaenyra’s dragons to withstand Vhagar, the largest and most fearsome dragon in the Seven Kingdoms. Conversely, Sunfyre, Aegon II’s dragon, possesses significantly less power compared to Meleys.

Aegon II hastens to unite with his Lord Commander and Hand, leaving an opening for Aemond to accomplish two tasks at once. Cole is taken aback as he watches Aegon charging into combat, while hidden nearby with Vhagar, Aemond grows enraged and labels his brother a fool. The attack on Sunfyre is momentarily halted due to its exhaustion from clashing with Meleys in the heavens. Upon Aegon’s arrival at the battlefield, Cole can finally be seen smiling with satisfaction.

As Aemond approaches his brothers, he shouts “Dracarys!” in response to Aegon II’s “Thank the gods!“. The dragons Meleys and Sunfyre are both within range, but it is Sunfyre whose wing is set ablaze. Unscathed, Meleys takes flight and departs from the scene. Unfortunately, Sunfyre and Aegon collide in mid-air and come crashing down into the forest nearby.

Did Aemond Try To Kill His Brother Aegon II?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4: Why Does Aemond Targaryen Try To Kill Aegon And Sunfyre?

Aegon has provided ample motivation for Aemond to consider getting rid of him. To begin with, Aemond labels his brother as a “prodigal” when he is tasked by Alicent to retrieve him from the city following Viserys’ demise. However, when Aegon fails to show up, Aemond remarks:

In the bustling metropolis, I roam as a diligent and dedicated sibling, on a quest to find the prodigal son who’s shown little regard for his heritage. I am the younger brother, deeply engrossed in the study of history and philosophy. I hone my skills with a sword, and tame the largest dragon known to mankind. It is me who should be…

Aemond thinks he’s better suited to rule, and the throne should have been his after Viserys. “I am next in line to the throne. Should they come looking for me, I intend to be found,” he’d announced to Cole in Season 1. He was also seen drawing his sword at Aegon II, but Cole called out his name from behind, and he was quick to sheath it. Aemond is a complicated character, and he has a clear motive behind blasting his brother. He has sympathy for none, including his dead nephew, and he sees himself as the greatest figure in the Seven Kingdoms. He also steals the Valyrian steel dagger from Aegon II at the crash site.

Aemond strongly suspected that he could seize the opportunity at Rook’s Rest to disable Aegon II and assume the role of Prince Regent, driven as he was by a powerful desire for power.

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2024-07-13 17:04