House of the Dragon: Why Did Aemond Burn Sharp Point?

House of the Dragon: Why Did Aemond Burn Sharp Point?

As a seasoned gamer and lover of all things fantasy, I must confess that my feelings towards Aemond Targaryen are as cold as the winds of Dragonstone itself. In the grand tapestry of Westeros, he stands out like a sore, dragon-scorched thumb.


Aemond is one of the least pleasant characters in House of the Dragon. The Targaryen family is full of brutal conquerors and cruel monsters, but some seem more forgivable than others. Viserys and Alicent’s second son seems to have all the bad parts of his father’s lineage. Aemond unleashes the wrath of his mighty dragon on the innocent village of Sharp Point when he sees his enemies gaining power. He torches the seat of House Bar Emmon because their patriarch supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne.

The TV series “House of the Dragon” often presents an unusual portrayal of its characters’ moral compasses. At times, it goes to great lengths to excuse or justify a character’s violent actions. In certain episodes, writers introduce new acts of cruelty to further tarnish what were once noble figures. Aemond serves as a notable example in this regard. In the books, he intentionally murders his young nephew. However, in the show, this act is portrayed as an accident that sets off a continent-wide conflict. Despite being pardoned for this crime, he also burns down a city that he had no connection to in the original narrative. This approach is intriguing yet complex.

What is the significance of Sharp Point?

House of the Dragon: Why Did Aemond Burn Sharp Point?

1. The stronghold of House Bar Emmon is known as Sharp Point, and Lord Bar Emmon supported Rhaenyra when the War of the Five Kings, or Dance of the Dragons, commenced. Aemond, however, didn’t think much beyond his attack during this conflict that took thousands of innocent lives. The turmoil started when Rhaenyra and her son Jacaerys devised a plan to find more dragon riders. They sent messages across the realm, seeking every distant Targaryen relative and bastard. A swarm of potential ‘dragonseed’ candidates made their way to Dragonstone, hoping to claim a dragon. Sadly, most perished instantly as Vermithor, the fierce dragon, attacked everyone in close proximity. The skilled blacksmith Hugh Hammer bravely confronted Vermithor, won its respect, and became its rider. By chance, the boastful Ulf White claimed Silverwing. Instantly, he flew over King’s Landing, alerting Aemond to his presence. Realizing the new threat, Aemond rode his formidable elder dragon, Vhagar, to Dragonstone to attack Rhaenyra. He was forced to retreat when he discovered her three newly hatched dragons. Infuriated by this, Aemond set Sharp Point ablaze on his return journey, facing criticism from many. Jacarus, a bystander, summarized the event as follows:

The commonly known prince regent is reported to have reduced Sharp Point to its very foundations, resulting in the death or disappearance of countless inhabitants.

Who rules Sharp Point?

House of the Dragon: Why Did Aemond Burn Sharp Point?

Sharp Point is governed by House Bar Emmon, which lies in the heart of the crownlands, situated at the tip of Massey’s Hook and along the Gullet coast. This town serves as a strategic location, being almost equidistant between Dragonstone and King’s Landing. House Bar Emmon has held sway over this region since its formation during the Andal Invasion, engaging in conflicts with numerous petty lords before Aegon’s Conquest. Upon Aegon’s arrival, they swiftly pledged allegiance to the first Targaryen king. As vassals of House Durrandon at Storm’s End, they found themselves allied with the Storm Kings. However, during the reign of King Argilac the Arrogant, they chose to remain neutral while he engaged in combat with Orys Baratheon, ultimately leading to a favorable relationship with House Targaryen. This allegiance endured even after House Baratheon claimed the Stormlands. During the selection process for a new king by King Jaehaerys Targaryen, an unnamed Lord Bar Emmon supported Rhaenys. Mimicking this pattern, they also backed Rhaenyra in the Dance of the Dragons. Despite their relatively minor role in the conflict, their lord once suggested that Rhaenyra should yield following a significant defeat, but she chose to disregard his counsel.

Where else does House Bar Emmon appear?

In the realm of George R.R. Martin’s epic saga, A Song of Ice and Fire, House Bar Emmon isn’t exactly a household name. Occasionally, their presence is felt, though not significantly so. Their symbols make an appearance in the Battle for the Stepstones depicted in House of the Dragon’s first season. In the grand tapestry of the War of the Five Kings, they pledged allegiance to Stannis Baratheon, but even he found them less than indispensable, given their young patriarch was just 15 at that time. They contributed one of the numerous ships sacrificed in Tyrion’s daring wildfire strategy during the Battle of the Blackwater. Their contributions, while noteworthy, were far from impressive. If they reappear in House of the Dragon, it might be a fleeting mention or a brief, unnamed appearance by their lord. As a gamer immersed in this world, I can’t help but wonder what greater role they might have played if given the chance.

One of the numerous regions in Westeros, Sharp Point, is scarcely explored or mentioned in the scope of the ‘Game of Thrones’ series. The franchise barely recognizes its presence and the ruling family, House Bar Emmon, which often fades into the backdrop among other noble houses with little significant influence. However, Aemond Targaryen found a justifiable outlet for his anger. During the Dance of the Dragons, the Greens predominantly targeted the homes of Rhaenyra’s supporters, and this action, though not unusual, triggers the wrath of Aemond’s entire family and further intensifies public disapproval towards the Greens. Though Sharp Point may be insignificant compared to other villages, it remains another chapter in the grim tale of Aemond Targaryen.

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2024-08-13 19:04