By the final months of Aegon II’s reign, Fire & Blood stops feeling like a grand Targaryen chronicle and starts reading like the story of a man who refuses to lose, even when his body is practically begging him to stop. ‘House of the Dragon‘ has shown much about his arc. However, in the books it’s much worse.
Aegon Became A King Too Broken To Sit His Own Throne
Aegon was left in terrible condition after being attacked at Rook’s Rest. His burns covered much of his body, his armor had melted into his flesh, and he was carried back to King’s Landing in a closed litter, for his condition was so bad. He spent much of his recovery in agony, yet eventually refused dreamwine and milk of the poppy.
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But somehow this broken king still had some spite left in him, and he kept fighting. Aegon came back to rule again, but he was no longer able to ascend the Iron Throne. He sat on a wooden seat with cushions and his broken legs covered with a blanket. It’s almost ironic: a Targaryen king who fought a civil war for his throne was not even able to sit on it. However, his priorities were still very Aegon.
He didn’t seek peace; he kept on punishing his enemies. He had Trystane Truefyre knighted before executing him, dealt harshly with Gaemon Palehair’s supporters, and ordered the Shepherd’s tongue removed before burning him and his followers.
The war was coming to an end all around him. Riverlords were heading toward King’s Landing, and troops from the Vale were readying themselves to attack the capital. However, even then, Aegon was planning his revenge. Honestly, it is hard not to look at the situation and think: this man has absolutely learned nothing.
Even Defeat Couldn’t Make Him Let Go
The darkest example is Aegon the Younger. Corlys Velaryon wanted peace, and he offered to marry the young prince, but Aegon II wasn’t about to take it. Rather, he wanted his nephew to be sent to the Night’s Watch or to become a eunuch.
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With the Black armies coming closer, the idea grew more extreme. There was even a discussion about sending the boy’s ear to the rebels as proof that the king would never surrender. Aegon eventually died after drinking poisoned wine, almost certainly arranged by Larys Strong.
That’s what makes his last months so intriguing. He is a mutilated, dying king watching his kingdom collapse around him, yet still obsessed with punishment, succession and revenge. Aegon II didn’t go down swinging because he believed victory was possible. He went down swinging because he simply couldn’t imagine letting go.
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