As a seasoned historian and scholar of the Targaryen dynasty, I find myself deeply troubled by the turn of events at Dragonstone. The fall of this once proud stronghold to the hands of Aegon II is a bitter pill to swallow, especially for those who have followed Rhaenyra’s claim with hope in their hearts.
Nestled at the entryway to Blackwater Bay lies the volcanic island of Dragonstone, which was inhabited by the technologically superior Valyrians long before the Targaryens claimed Westeros. The Valyrians expanded their territorial and naval influence in the west by establishing a foothold in the Gullet. On this island, they constructed a massive stone castle known as Dragonstone using mysterious magic. Dragonstone shares borders with Driftmark Island, where House Velaryon of Valyria holds power. The Velaryons, sworn to Dragonstone, are ancient allies of the Targaryens and a maritime dominant force in House of the Dragon.
1. The Valyrians harnessed powerful fires and magic to manipulate and spin hard rocks in various directions. The towers at Dragonstone were designed to resemble colossal stone dragons, with their entrances mimicking the heads of these mythical creatures. Aenar Targaryen, the dragonlord, moved his entire family, servants, and five dragons to Dragonstone a dozen years prior to the Destruction of Valyria. Four of the dragons perished, but Balerion lived on, while two eggs hatched into Meraxes and Vhagar. These early members of House Targaryen flourished as the ruling dragonlords of the Valyrian Freehold were extinguished by a devastating catastrophe. In the series ‘House of the Dragon’, Dragonstone functions as Rhaenyra’s seat, but its downfall foreshadows her demise in legend.
Who Has Dragonstone In House of the Dragon?
Following the Conquest, the Targaryens made their home on mainland Westeros and Dragonstone was designated as the future ruler’s stronghold for the Iron Throne. This background is significant in understanding why Daemon revolts and strengthens Dragonstone after Viserys declares Rhaenyra as his heir in “House of the Dragon.” Later on, Rhaenyra takes up residence on Dragonstone while Viserys continues to reign in King’s Landing. She remains the Princess of Dragonstone until Viserys’ demise. If circumstances were different, her eldest child, Jacaerys, would have been titled the Prince of Dragonstone. However, the Greens’ coup prevented this. Alicent Hightower sends envoys, led by Otto Hightower and accompanied by Maester Orwyle, to negotiate with Rhaenyra at the gates of Dragonstone. Alicent encourages her father and Otto not to allow Rhaenyra to enter King’s Landing, fearing she might challenge Viserys’ rule there.
Then she [Rhaenyra] must not return.
Rhaenyra calls upon her supporters to gather at Dragonstone, a place where she is guarded by Maesters and caretakers of dragons. Her dragon Syrax resides at Dragonmont, as do the unridden Silverwing and Vermithor of the Red Sowing. As the prospective ruler of the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra has strengthened Dragonstone, while the Velaryon fleet safeguards its seas. She organizes for food-laden rowboats to be delivered to the hungry residents of King’s Landing. The naval blockade enforced by House Velaryon in the Gullet serves as proof of their powerful navy, which is dedicated to Dragonstone.
Dragonstone and Driftmark, situated in Blackwater Bay, are merely two key isles. The decisive battle for their control unfolds as King’s Landing falls.
Dragonstone Falls To Aegon II
If Rhaenyra is to ascend as Queen, she must depart from Dragonstone for King’s Landing. She is making preparations to claim her throne, as armies advance throughout the realm. In “Fire & Blood,” Rhaenyra assumes the role of Half-Year Queen by exploiting the Greens’ march towards Harrenhal. She quickly captures King’s Landing, and the common people are initially pleased with the change in leadership. However, Rhaenyra’s rule proves unpopular, causing the Smallfolk to turn against her. The final straw leading to Rhaenyra’s downfall occurs when the Begging Brother Shepherd incites a mob to violence against Targaryen dragons following Queen Helaena’s suicide. During the ensuing riots in King’s Landing, the Shepherd leads the mob to kill the remaining dragons at the Dragonpit. Unfortunately, House Targaryen loses Tyraxes, Morghul, Dreamfyre, and Shrykos during this heinous event, while Syrax meets its end in the aftermath.
Afterward, Rhaenyra’s advisors counsel her to depart from King’s Landing. She exits, accompanied by her son Aegon the Younger (also known as Prince Aegon), without realizing that her stronghold has already been captured by Aegon II (Aegon the Elder).
The Fall Of Dragonstone In Fire & Blood
1. When Blacks reach King’s Landing, Larys Strong assists Aegon II in escaping and hands him over to one of his Kingsguard knights, Ser Marston Waters. They find sanctuary in Dragonstone, where they leverage the anti-establishment sentiments. Aegon II reconnects with Sunfyre and captures Dragonstone due to the treacherous act of Ser Alfred Broome. Ser Marston’s supposed kin, the two Toms (Tanglebeard and Tangletongue), provide them with all the assistance they need. The senior knight at Dragonstone, Ser Alfred, had wished to be appointed as castellan once Queen Rhaenyra departed for King’s Landing, but she chose Ser Robert Quince instead. As a result, Ser Alfred’s followers open the secondary gate of Dragonstone to Aegon II’s supporters. Those who switched sides overthrow Ser Robert, and Marston Waters stabs him with a spear. Furthermore, Marston Waters prevents Grand Maester Gerardys from sending out ravens, thus enforcing an embargo on news about the coup. Baela Targaryen manages to reach her dragon, Moondancer, and takes to the skies to challenge Aegon II and Sunfyre in a battle above the castle’s courtyard.
At the break of dawn, Sunfyre clashes with Moondancer in an aerial battle, culminating in their descent to the ground. The encounter leaves Sunfyre severely wounded, causing Aegon to become incapable of walking. Baela, scarred and singed, is confined within Dragonstone’s dungeons. In the end, Ser Alfred makes a deal with the Greens, trading Rhaenyra for power, land, and riches, while Aegon II waits for an opportune moment to act.
Ser Alfred and his men escort Rhaenyra and her Queenguard to the castle. She learns of Ser Alfred’s treachery through Ser Robert’s burnt remains that hang from the battlements alongside the steward, master-at-arms, captain of the guards, and a bisected torso of Gerardys. Aegon II feeds Rhaenyra to Sunfyre in the presence of her son, Aegon the Younger. Ser Alfred suggests killing the Prince, but Aegon takes him as a hostage and prepares to return to King’s Landing.
House of the Dragon: Changes From The Books
In the series “House of the Dragon”, Aegon II Targaryen and Larys Strong have left for Essos, with Rhaenyra Targaryen yet to seize King’s Landing. Ser Alfred Broome, a member of Rhaenyra’s advisory council, hints to Daemon that he would make an excellent king. The narrative of “House of the Dragon” has diverged in this way, with Aegon II and Ser Alfred playing significant roles leading up to the Fall of Dragonstone. Aegon II is anticipated to return, but Sunfyre the Golden has perished.
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2024-08-15 23:04