Who was Aegon the Unworthy?

Game of Thrones fans will explore new territory in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The series builds on George R.R. Martin’s tales of a realm shaped by Aegon IV Targaryen’s disastrous reign.

Who was Aegon the Unworthy?

Credits: Amok

King Aegon IV started life as Prince Viserys’s eldest son. The bells rang at his birth, and septons anointed him with seven oils. His early years showed promise, with skills in combat and charm at court.

His marriage to his sister Naerys brought unhappiness to both. She preferred his brother Aemon’s company, while Aegon sought pleasure elsewhere. Their son Daeron arrived early in the marriage.

Young Aegon joined the conquest of Dorne with his brother and cousin. His time escorting Dornish hostages led to his first affairs. His relationship with Lady Cassella Vaith marked the beginning of many liaisons.

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Quick facts

Show facts

• His actions set up the events of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
• The Blackfyre Rebellion stems from his decisions
• His legitimization of bastards changed Westeros forever
• His reign marks the beginning of Targaryen decline
• Multiple characters reference his infamous legacy

Book facts

• Suspected of poisoning his own father
• Gave away Blackfyre sword to his bastard son
• Had numerous noble mistresses across the realm
• Created the Great Bastards through legitimization
• Died covered in his own filth at age forty-nine

In the books

The Seeds of the Blackfyre Rebellion, by Jota Saraiva

Early reign and corruption

King Viserys died mysteriously after one year on the throne. Many suspected Aegon of poisoning his father, though none could prove it. The new king quickly filled his court with flatterers.

His self-indulgence grew more pronounced with each passing year. Both highborn and lowborn women caught his eye. He took any woman he desired, regardless of marriage status.

The Small Council became a mockery under his rule. He replaced wise counselors with those who pleased him. He gave away treasures, including dragon eggs, to curry favor.

His whims dictated the fate of noble houses. He stripped inheritances from those who displeased him. He awarded lands based on which mistress currently held his attention.

The rivalry between Houses Bracken and Blackwood intensified through his actions. He named disputed territories after mistresses from each house. This led to centuries of renewed conflict.

Only Prince Aemon dared to oppose his brother’s excesses. The Dragonknight stood alone against the king’s worst impulses.

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Marriage and family strife

Aegon’s cruelty toward Naerys knew no bounds. He forced her to continue bearing children despite health risks. He refused her request to join the Faith.

Rumors spread about Naerys and Aemon’s relationship. Ser Morgil Hastwyck accused the queen of adultery. Aemon defended her honor in combat and killed the accuser.

The king himself likely started these rumors about his wife. He resented Aemon’s popularity and noble character. His jealousy of their close relationship poisoned the court.

Aegon executed Ser Terrence Toyne for sleeping with a mistress. This led to an assassination attempt by Toyne’s brother. Aemon died protecting the king he despised.

Naerys died in childbed shortly after. Her death removed the last check on Aegon’s behavior. The realm suffered as his appetites grew unchecked.

The Great Bastards

Daemon Waters, born to Daena the Defiant, became his father’s favorite. Aegon later granted him the sword Blackfyre and the name to match.

Aegor Rivers, called Bittersteel, came from Lady Barba Bracken. His hatred for his half-brother Bloodraven shaped future conflicts.

Brynden Rivers, known as Bloodraven, was born to Lady Melissa Blackwood. His mother’s kindness earned Queen Naerys’s friendship.

Shiera Seastar, his last acknowledged bastard, came from Serenei of Lys. Her mother died, giving birth to the famed beauty.

These Great Bastards held noble blood from both parents. Their legitimization would tear the realm apart for generations.

Quotes

“Aegon the Fourth legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed. And how much pain, grief, war, and murder grew from that? … The Blackfyre pretenders troubled the Targaryens for five generations, until Barristan the Bold slew the last of them on the Stepstones.” —Catelyn Stark to Robb Stark

Quick answers

Why was Aegon called “the Unworthy”?

The books show his corrupt rule, self-indulgence, and the damage he caused to the realm earned him this name.

How many Great Bastards did Aegon have?

In the books, he had four famous Great Bastards: Daemon Blackfyre, Aegor Rivers (Bittersteel), Brynden Rivers (Bloodraven), and Shiera Seastar.

What was Aegon’s most damaging decision?

According to the books, his legitimization of all his bastards on his deathbed led to the Blackfyre Rebellions that nearly destroyed House Targaryen.

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11/22/2024 09:27 am GMT