Everything we know about Maekar Targaryen

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes viewers back to the world of Westeros, long before the events of Game of Thrones. Though this era was covered by George R. R. Martin in the Fire and Blood anthology, Maekar Targaryen plays a significant role in both the novellas and the upcoming series. As the father of key characters like Aegon V, Maekar’s actions have a lasting impact on the Seven Kingdoms. Let’s explore the life and legacy of Maekar Targaryen, known as ‘The Anvil.’

Who was Maekar Targaryen?

Credits: Amok

Maekar Targaryen, also known as The Anvil, was the fourth son of King Daeron II and Queen Myriah Martell. He was born in King’s Landing, growing up alongside his famous older brothers, Baelor Breakspear, Aerys I, and Rhaegel. Maekar was a stern and dutiful prince, known for his strong leadership and military prowess.

Maekar married Dyanna Dayne and had four sons: Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, and Aegon. His youngest son, Aegon, would eventually become King Aegon V Targaryen, known as Egg. Though Maekar was never meant to inherit the Iron Throne, his steadfast nature and eventual rise to kingship left a lasting mark on the history of Westeros.

Quick Facts

Show

• Appears in the upcoming series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
• Portrayed by actor Sam Spruell.
• Father of Prince Aegon Targaryen, who later becomes King Aegon V.
• Known as The Anvil for his stern leadership in battles.
• Brother of Baelor Breakspear, Aerys I, and Rhaegel Targaryen.

Books

• First introduced in The Hedge Knight, part of the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas.
• Fourth son of Daeron II Targaryen and Myriah Martell.
• Father of Aegon V (Egg), who becomes King of Westeros.
• Known for wielding a spiked mace in battle.
• Died at Starpike during the Peake Uprising in 233 AC.

In the Show

Credits: FX

Maekar’s Role in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Maekar Targaryen is portrayed as a stern and unforgiving character. He is the father of Prince Aegon Targaryen, who would later be known as King Aegon V, and he also plays a pivotal role in the rise of his children. The British actor Sam Spruell, known for his roles in The Hurt Locker and Legend, takes on the role of Maekar in the series.

Maekar’s storyline focuses on his interactions with his brothers and his role as a military leader. He is often seen as a shadowed figure, living under the legacy of his older brother, Baelor Breakspear. Despite his status as a younger son, Maekar proves himself to be a powerful and respected leader on the battlefield, earning the nickname “The Anvil” due to his military strategy. The show highlights his complex relationship with his children, particularly Aegon and Aerion.

In the Books

Credits: Even Mehl Amundsen

Maekar Targaryen in Fire and Blood

In George R. R. Martin’s world, Maekar Targaryen is introduced in the Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, with a more detailed backstory given in Fire and Blood. Maekar was the fourth son of Daeron II, and from a young age, he was known for his temper and harsh personality. Despite this, Maekar was a respected military commander and was often referred to as “all that could be wished in a knight.”

Though Maekar never expected to inherit the throne, circumstances brought him closer to power after the deaths of his older brothers, Baelor and Aerys. Maekar was strict and demanding, particularly with his sons, who included Daeron the Drunken, Aerion Brightflame, Aemon the maester, and Aegon, known as Egg. His relationship with his sons was complex, as he often disapproved of their choices, especially with Aerion’s cruel and erratic behavior.

Maekar’s Reign as King

After Aerys I’s death, Maekar ascended to the throne as King Maekar I Targaryen. His reign, while relatively short, was marked by internal strife and ongoing threats from the Blackfyre Pretenders. Despite his hard exterior, Maekar retained a sense of duty to his family and his kingdom. His death during the Peake Uprising at Starpike was sudden, leaving a legacy of both triumph and tragedy.

Maekar’s legacy continued through his youngest son, Aegon V, who would go on to become one of the most beloved kings in Westerosi history. Though Maekar’s reign was filled with conflict, his story represents a key chapter in the Targaryen dynasty.

Quotes

“If a cause is just, good men will fight for it.” —Maekar to Duncan the Tall

Quick Answers

How did Maekar Targaryen die?

Maekar Targaryen died in 233 AC during the Peake Uprising, an event sparked by the Blackfyre Rebellion. He was struck down at the siege of Starpike, a castle held by House Peake, one of the last supporters of the Blackfyres.

Who were Maekar’s children?

Maekar Targaryen had four sons: Daeron, Aerion, Aemon, and Aegon. Aegon, also known as “Egg,” would go on to become King Aegon V Targaryen, one of the most beloved rulers in Westerosi history. His other sons had tragic and complex lives, including Aerion Brightflame, known for his madness, and Aemon, who became the maester of the Night’s Watch.

How does Maekar relate to the Targaryen family history?

Maekar’s role in Targaryen history is pivotal. Though not initially expected to rule, he ascended the Iron Throne after the deaths of his elder brothers. His reign was a turbulent period marked by civil strife, but it also laid the foundation for his son, Aegon V, to become king. Through his children, especially Aegon and Aemon, Maekar’s legacy endures long after his death.

Compilation

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (A Song of Ice and Fire)

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Taking place nearly a century before the events of A Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms compiles the first three official prequel novellas to George R. R. Martin’s ongoing masterwork, A Song of Ice and Fire.

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12/02/2024 07:27 pm GMT