Aegon II rode into the Battle at Rook’s Rest to prove he’s a man as much as Aemond and Cole: Condal

Despite being the King of the Seven Kingdoms, several insecurities and fears plague Aegon II in House of the Dragon season 2. He’s afraid of not being a worthy King and doesn’t understand the weight of responsibilities that he carries. Despite all of that, his mother advises him to do nothing and listen to his peers.

In House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4, Aegon II already feels down in the dumps when Alicent decides to be finally real with him. From what pushed him over the edge to Aegon II’s need to ride into battle, Ryan Condal sheds light on the King’s decision to suit up and fly into the battlefield.

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Aemond humiliates Aegon II

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During the small council meeting, Aegon II throws a fit over not being involved in the war strategy aspect. He feels left out as Aemond and Criston Cole prepare plans for capturing Rook’s Rest next and laying a trap for Rhaenyra. However, Aemond instantly puts his elder brother into his place as he speaks in High Valyrian, a language both brothers learned as kids. Nonetheless, Aemond speaks it fluently and Aegon II can barely string a sentence together.

Not only does Aemond eviscerate Aegon II’s tantrum but also proves how superior and knowledgeable he is. Ewan Mitchell shares, “That scene is a public execution, in a way. Only he and Aegon can understand. It’s a public shaming.”

Aegon II cannot stand such behavior especially when he’s struggling to get the council to respect him. What he does not understand is that his petulant actions are only making the elders see how irresponsible and unfit he is for the throne.

Tom Glynn-Carney expresses, “He’s aware that everyone else is feeling certain resentment towards him, but then when Aemond does it, that really breaks a bit of his heart off.”

Aegon II wants to prove he’s a man

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While Rhaenyra receives the advice of not riding into battle since the entire claim rests on her shoulders, Aegon II pays no heed to any advice and dives headfirst into the battleground. His inner demons have taken the reigns of his emotions and actions as he drunkenly carries Sunfyre to Rook’s Rest despite explicit instructions otherwise.

As Ryan Condal explains, “Aegon has just muscled everybody out of the way and decided to ride into the battle to prove that he was just as much a man as Cole and his brother.”

Aegon II perhaps feels that he needs to act as a King. He cannot simply sit idle while Criston Cole and Aemond gather glory on the battlefield for carrying out their brilliant plan successfully. He needs a share of the pride, to show people that he can fight a battle as bravely as his peers, especially Aemond.

Also Read: Aegon II thinks he’s a fraud and wants to prove himself, says Tom Glynn-Carney

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