Aegon

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Aegon Targaryen 4
Alias(es)	King Aegon II; Crown Prince 92 152
Species/Race	Human; Targaryen of Valyrian blood 55 92
Gender	Male 55
Affiliation	House Targaryen; the Greens 42 152
Occupation/Role	King of the Seven Kingdoms; nominal head of the Green regime while Aemond serves as Regent 152 190
Status	Alive; grievously wounded at the Battle of Rook's Rest, with Aemond acting as Regent during his recovery 189 190
First Appearance	Chapter 4: “Family” 4

Background

Aegon is the eldest son of King Viserys I and Queen Alicent Hightower. Though Otto Hightower and Alicent regard his birth as the basis for a male-preference succession, Aegon resents being made a contender for the Iron Throne and prefers wine, dragonflight, and personal freedom to royal responsibility 55.

During the Driftmark crisis, Aegon mocks Aemond and Helaena rather than supporting them, prompting Alicent to rebuke him for failing his siblings 4. As part of the settlement following the incident, he is sent to Tidepool Island as a hostage; he later returns to King's Landing after roughly half a year away 10 42.

A political alliance is arranged between Aegon and Aelin Velaryon after Aemond rejects her proposed match. Their marriage becomes central to the Greens' strategy, with Aelin using her wealth, connections, and advice to bolster Aegon's public standing 30 84 85. Their union later produces a daughter, Princess Jaehaera, whose birth intensifies Aegon's concern for his family's future and his own authority as king 163 168.

Appearance

At eighteen, Aegon has the conventional beauty of House Targaryen: silver curls, handsome features, and a pale Valyrian appearance. His habitual indulgence leaves him looking tired and disheveled, with a visibly dissipated air beneath his good looks 55.

• Often wears silver armor and a black-and-red three-headed-dragon surcoat at public events 88.
• Rides Sunfyre, a gold-scaled dragon whose reflected light makes him highly conspicuous in flight 42 116.
• Sustains a broken right leg during the Battle of Dragonstone and later relies on a cane, though he refuses to use it at his coronation 120 151 152.
• His leg has healed by the early months of his reign, though he sometimes maintains the appearance of impaired mobility; he is subsequently left gravely wounded after the fall from Sunfyre at Rook's Rest 168 172 189.

Personality

Aegon is deeply reluctant to accept the role imposed on him. He considers kingship a burden forced upon him by his mother, grandfather, and father, and openly resents the expectations attached to being the firstborn son 42 55. His scandals with serving girls and the existence of three acknowledged-by-Alicent bastard children further undermine the image the Greens need him to project 55.

He is impulsive, insecure, and prone to fear when faced with real danger. After Dragonstone, he suffers recurring nightmares about dragonfire and doubts his ability to return to combat 150. Nevertheless, he can act bravely when others are in danger, particularly Sunfyre and Aemond; despite his terror, he remains in the battle and later attempts to protect his dragon 119 120.

Aegon is also susceptible to stronger personalities. Aelin successfully persuades him to enter the tournament, while Aemond increasingly directs the military and political decisions surrounding his reign. Aegon recognizes this imbalance and fears that he is being treated as a figurehead rather than a true ruler 85 147 151.

His dissatisfaction with being sidelined grows after his coronation. Although he initially accepts Aemond's control as the safer course, he defies Aemond's grain policy and uses royal authority to distribute northern grain among the people of King's Landing, winning popular acclaim 169 175. The Faith and Citadel exploit his insecurity by encouraging him to reclaim authority from Aemond, contributing to his decision to ride into battle at Rook's Rest 172 173 190.

Aegon's affection for his family is a major source of both vulnerability and resolve. He develops genuine love for Aelin and is tenderly protective of their infant daughter Jaehaera, even as he repeatedly measures his own perceived inadequacy against Aemond's capability 168 177.

Abilities & Skills

Dragonriding

Aegon is bonded to Sunfyre, the Gold Dragon. Dragonback is the place where he feels most understood and at ease, and Sunfyre is fiercely protective of him 42.

• Rode with Aemond in the attack on Dragonstone, where Sunfyre was assigned to delay Silverwing, Grey Ghost, and Sheepstealer 116.
• Continued fighting after Sunfyre suffered severe injuries, directing him to climb and evade the attacking dragons 117.
• Called for Sunfyre to ram Grey Ghost in order to save Aemond during the battle 119.
• Was shielded by Sunfyre during their crash into the Dragonpit crater, surviving with a broken leg 120.
• His fear of dragon combat becomes a major limitation after the battle; Aemond must press him to fly again 150.
• Returned to Sunfyre at Rook's Rest despite his fear, leading a charge against the Blacks and facing Meleys and Caraxes in the air 177 180.
• Survived Sunfyre's fall after Caraxes injured the Gold Dragon with dragonflame, though both rider and dragon sustained catastrophic wounds 180 189 190.

Tournament Riding

Aegon competes in the King's Landing tournament as part of Aelin's campaign to improve his public image 85.

• Wins his initial joust against a Westerlands minor noble after Aelin arranges the appearance of a convincing victory 85.
• Follows with six first-pass victories, winning enthusiastic support from common spectators 88.
• Uses his tournament persona—silver armor, raised lance, and practiced smiles—to present himself as a heroic future king 85 88.

Public Kingship

Though politically overshadowed by Aemond, Aegon can use his royal title and personal visibility to influence common opinion.

• Defies the Regent's intended shipment of grain to the North and personally takes control of it for distribution in King's Landing 175.
• Frames the decision as a defense of his loyal smallfolk against potential northern rebels, earning loud public support 175.
• Understands that visible courage and independent action are necessary if he is to avoid being regarded solely as Aemond's puppet, though the Faith and maesters manipulate this desire for their own purposes 172 173 190.

Power Progression

Period	Advancement	Details
Before the succession struggle	Dragonrider of Sunfyre	Possesses Sunfyre, one of the Greens' principal dragon assets, but lacks the discipline and political ambition expected of a royal contender 11 42
Return from Tidepool Island	Re-enters Green politics	Returns to King's Landing and is compelled by Aemond to confront the duties attached to his birth as the eldest son 42
King's Landing tournament	Public image rehabilitation	Under Aelin's direction, builds popular support through a string of highly visible jousting victories 85 88
Viserys I's succession settlement	Crown Prince	Is formally proclaimed heir apparent in place of Rhaenyra, though Aemond's military following exposes the fragility of his position 92
Following Viserys I's death	King Aegon II	Is anointed and crowned in Visenya's Hall, securing public and religious recognition as king while Aemond and the Small Council retain practical control 147 152
Early reign	Limited assertion of royal authority	Defies Aemond's grain policy and gains direct support from the smallfolk of King's Landing 175
Battle of Rook's Rest	Grievously wounded king	Rides Sunfyre into battle against Meleys and Caraxes; both are maimed in the ensuing fall, leaving Aegon unable to govern effectively 177 180 189
After Rook's Rest	Regency of Aemond	Acknowledges Aemond as the more capable ruler and personally asks him to become Regent while he recovers 190

Equipment, Mounts, and Regalia

• Sunfyre — Aegon's gold-scaled dragon and closest companion; over thirty meters long, with a wingspan beyond fifty meters 42. Sunfyre survives Rook's Rest but loses an eye, suffers shattered wings and severe abdominal injuries, and is left in critical condition 189 190.
• Qohor Orichalcum Steel armor — One of two suits presented by Viserys I to his sons; Aelin later has Aegon's set brought for his tournament appearance 81 85.
• Valyrian steel dagger — A relic of Viserys I carried by Aegon before his coronation 151.
• Visenya's ruby-studded crown — Used for Aegon's coronation after the original Valyrian steel crown is reported stolen 152.

Relationships

• Aemond Targaryen — Younger brother and political protector. Their relationship is hostile and unequal at times: Aemond humiliates Aegon at the Dragonpit, yet also pulls him to safety and later saves him and Sunfyre at Dragonstone 42 120. Aegon fears Aemond's ambition and control over the army and government 151. Although he briefly resists Aemond's authority through the grain distribution, Aegon ultimately asks Aemond to serve as Regent after Rook's Rest, accepting his brother's superior ability to govern and wage war 175 190.
• Aelin Velaryon — Wife, queen, and chief political adviser. She pushes Aegon to cultivate public support, organizes his tournament campaign, and prepares him for his coronation despite their politically motivated marriage 84 85 151. Aegon later comes to love her sincerely, and they are the parents of Princess Jaehaera 168 177.
• Alicent Hightower — Mother and Dowager Queen. Alicent is determined to secure the throne for Aegon, repeatedly chastising him for his irresponsibility while defending his right to rule 55 92 151. After his coronation and wounding, she remains aligned with his interests but possesses far less authority than Aemond 163 189.
• Viserys I Targaryen — Father. Viserys ultimately replaces Rhaenyra with Aegon as heir apparent and expects Aemond and Aelin to support him 81 92. His death precipitates Aegon's coronation and the open succession war 147 152.
• Helaena Targaryen — Sister. Though Aegon initially treats her and Aemond dismissively during the Driftmark crisis, she remains part of his immediate family circle during the succession struggle and coronation 4 152. She fears for him before his departure to Rook's Rest but cannot dissuade him from riding Sunfyre 177.
• Jaehaera Targaryen — Infant daughter. Aegon initially wishes for a son, but becomes deeply devoted to Jaehaera upon holding her and vows to protect her 168.
• Sunfyre — Dragon and closest bond. Aegon seeks Sunfyre immediately upon returning from Tidepool Island, and both repeatedly risk themselves to protect the other at Dragonstone and Rook's Rest 42 119 120 180.
• Archmaester Norren and the Faith of the Seven — Ostensible supporters who exploit Aegon's resentment of Aemond's regency. Norren and Bishop Owen urge him to reassert royal authority and encourage his battlefield intervention, which Aegon later recognizes as manipulation 172 173 190.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Tidepool Island Hostage

Aegon's panic at the prospect of serving as a hostage exposes his immaturity and fear. Viserys ultimately accepts the settlement requiring him to remain on Tidepool Island, separating him from King's Landing and the active succession struggle 9 10.

Return to King's Landing

Upon returning, Aegon goes directly to Sunfyre rather than visiting Alicent. His confrontation with Aemond reveals his rejection of duty, but ends with Aemond affirming that he will still protect his elder brother when necessary 42.

The Heir's Campaign

Aegon's proposed marriage to Aelin develops into a political partnership. Under her guidance, he enters the tournament, wins crowd support, and becomes a more viable public alternative to Aemond despite his reluctance 84 85 88.

Viserys formally declares Aegon the new Crown Prince, replacing Rhaenyra in the line of succession. Aegon maintains his composure during the ceremony, though Aemond's armed presence and refusal to bow cast a shadow over the occasion 92.

Battle of Dragonstone

Aegon joins Aemond's attack on Dragonstone aboard Sunfyre. Outnumbered by four enemy dragons, he initially begs to retreat but ultimately follows Aemond's orders to hold off the other dragons 116.

Sunfyre is gravely wounded in the battle, and Aegon is left with a broken leg after their crash. Even while injured, he calls for aid to save Sunfyre from Grey Ghost, leading Aemond to intervene 117 120.

Coronation as Aegon II

Following Viserys's death, Aegon accepts that Aemond and the Small Council will manage state and military affairs while he serves as the public king 147. He is anointed by High Septon Owen and crowned King Aegon II in Visenya's Hall, walking to the platform without his cane despite the pain in his leg 152.

Struggle for Royal Authority

As king, Aegon becomes increasingly troubled by Aemond's dominance over the Small Council, the army, and his own household. Norren and Bishop Owen seek to exploit this anxiety by presenting Aemond as a potential second Maegor and offering the support of the Faith, the Citadel, House Hightower, and Daeron 169 172 173.

Aegon demonstrates an independent political instinct by taking grain intended for the North and distributing it among the people of King's Landing. The action openly defies Aemond's policy and earns Aegon substantial support among the city's commoners 175.

Battle of Rook's Rest and Regency

Pressed by his need to prove himself as a king and dragonrider, Aegon mounts Sunfyre and leads a charge at Rook's Rest 177. He encounters Rhaenys on Meleys and Daemon on Caraxes; after Caraxes wounds Sunfyre with dragonflame, Sunfyre makes a desperate final attack and falls from the sky with Aegon still aboard 180.

Aegon survives but is left gravely wounded, while Sunfyre is maimed, blinded in one eye, and near death 189 190. On regaining consciousness, Aegon admits that the Faith and maesters encouraged him to fight in order to weaken Aemond's prestige. Concluding that Aemond is more capable, he asks his younger brother to become Regent, which Aemond accepts with the support of the Green officers and soldiers 190.

Notable Quotes

“Fuck the Greens' eldest son! Whoever wants it can take it!” 42

“I never wanted to be king. I just want to live my own life.” 55

“Aemond would be better suited to be King. Perhaps I was never suited for it.” 151

“But Father will protect you.” 168

“I'm the King. I can't hide behind everyone else—” 190