Lore
Everything we know about the Fall of Dragonstone
KIng Aegon II’s solo military venture.
![dragonstone-isle](https://wikiofthrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/dragonstone-isle.jpg)
The Fall of Dragonstone marked a significant moment in the Dance of the Dragons. George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood details this battle, which fans can expect to see in future seasons of House of the Dragon. This event changed the power balance in Game of Thrones history.
What happened at the Fall of Dragonstone?
![dragonstone](https://wikiofthrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dragonstone.jpg)
Dragonstone (Credits: HBO)
The Fall of Dragonstone took place during the Dance of the Dragons. King Aegon II captured the castle through betrayal and a fierce dragon battle. The event led to the death of Grand Maester Gerardys and changed control of the ancestral Targaryen stronghold.
Quick facts
1. Dragonstone served as the Black faction’s base early in the war. (Books and Show)
2. Ser Alfred Broome betrayed the Blacks for the Greens. (Books)
3. A dragon battle occurred between Sunfyre and Moondancer. (Books)
4. Aegon II shattered both legs during the battle. (Books)
5. The battle claimed Sunfyre’s life. (Books)
In House of the Dragon
![dragonstone-island](https://wikiofthrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dragonstone-island.jpg)
Dragonstone Island (Credits: HBO)
Setup for the fall
House of the Dragon Season 2 sets up the Fall of Dragonstone. The Blacks currently hold the castle. The show introduces Alfred Broome and shows his conflicts with Rhaenyra. Sunfyre suffers injuries at Rook’s Rest. King Aegon and Larys flee King’s Landing. The show also establishes Baela Targaryen’s dragon-riding skills with Moondancer.
How does Fire and Blood describe the Fall of Dragonstone?
![Sunfyre and Moondancer](https://wikiofthrones.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sunfyre-and-Moondancer.jpg)
Credit: The World of Fire & Blood 2023 Calendar
The betrayal
Fire and Blood describes King Aegon II’s careful planning to take Dragonstone. He convinced Ser Alfred Broome and Ser Marston Waters to betray the Blacks. Two local fishermen helped coordinate the attack. Ser Alfred killed the castellan, Ser Robert Quince, while Ser Marston secured the ravens.
The dragon battle
Baela Targaryen escaped capture and mounted her dragon, Moondancer. She engaged Aegon II and Sunfyre in aerial combat. Both dragons crashed to the ground. Aegon II shattered his legs, jumping from Sunfyre. Baela survived but suffered severe injuries. Ser Marston Waters prevented Ser Alfred from killing her.
Aftermath of the battle
Aegon II refused treatment from Grand Maester Gerardys, fearing poison. He fed the maester to Sunfyre. The king displayed Gerardys’ and Quince’s remains at the castle gates. Sunfyre died from battle wounds. Aegon II spared Baela’s life after learning of her connection to House Velaryon.
Key figures
1. King Aegon II: Led the attack and suffered severe injuries. (Books)
2. Baela Targaryen: Fought against Aegon II on Moondancer. (Books)
3. Ser Alfred Broome: Betrayed the Blacks. (Books)
4. Ser Marston Waters: Helped coordinate the attack. (Books)
5. Grand Maester Gerardys: Executed by Aegon II. (Books)
Aftermath
1. The Greens gained control of Dragonstone. (Books)
2. Sunfyre and Moondancer died in the battle. (Books)
3. Aegon II suffered permanent injuries. (Books)
4. The Blacks lost their ancestral stronghold. (Books)
5. Baela became a hostage to ensure House Velaryon’s loyalty. (Books)
Quotes
“So it came to pass that when King Aegon II flew Sunfyre over Dragonmont’s smoking peak and made his descent, expecting to make a triumphant entrance into a castle safely in the hands of his own men, with the queen’s loyalists slain or captured, up to meet him rose Baela Targaryen, Prince Daemon’s daughter by the Lady Laena, as fearless as her father.” – Fire and Blood
Quick answers
How did Aegon II capture Dragonstone?
Aegon II convinced key defenders to betray the Blacks and coordinated an attack with local fishermen. (Books)
What happened to the dragons?
Both Sunfyre and Moondancer died from injuries sustained in their battle. (Books)
What happened to Baela Targaryen?
Baela survived the battle but became Aegon II’s hostage to ensure House Velaryon’s loyalty. (Books)
What were the consequences for Aegon II?
Aegon II gained Dragonstone but shattered both legs and lost his dragon Sunfyre. (Books)
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