Lore

Everything we know about the Fall of Dragonstone

KIng Aegon II’s solo military venture.

Published

2 months ago

October 22, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: JordiGart

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 (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 (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?

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)

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

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12/20/2024 11:27 am GMT

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Related Topics:Aegon II Targaryen Baela Targaryen

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Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.