What happened during the Fall of King’s Landing?

The Fall of King’s Landing 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. Game of Thrones viewers will witness Prince Daemon’s strategic brilliance in taking the capital.

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What happened at the Fall of King’s Landing?

The Fall of King’s Landing (Credits: The Rise of the Dragon)

Prince Daemon Targaryen captured King’s Landing through cunning strategy. He waited until Prince Aemond left the city with most of its defenders. The Gold Cloaks, still loyal to Daemon, turned against the Greens. Queen Alicent surrendered the city within a day.

Quick facts

1. Prince Aemond’s absence left the city vulnerable. (Books)
2. The Gold Cloaks betrayed the Greens. (Books)
3. The city fell in less than a day. (Books)
4. King Aegon II escaped through secret passages. (Books)
5. Rhaenyra claimed the Iron Throne after the victory. (Books)

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In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Setup for the battle

Season 2 of House of the Dragon sets up the Fall of King’s Landing. The Greens hold the city with limited dragon power. Only Vhagar remains battle-ready as Sunfyre recovers from injuries. The Blacks have gathered new dragonriders, including Addam with Seasmoke and Ulf with Silverwing. They command a significant aerial advantage over the defenders.

Preparations for attack

The show depicts key characters preparing for the coming battle. Larys Strong and King Aegon flee the city. Alicent has already surrendered and begged Rhaenyra to spare her and Helaena. The Blacks must first clear the naval blockade at the Gullet before attacking the city. The show suggests these events may occur simultaneously.

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In Fire and Blood

The Gold Cloaks of King’s Landing (Credits: David Demaret)

The fall begins

Fire and Blood describes Prince Daemon’s careful planning. He used spies to monitor the city’s defenses. When Prince Aemond left with the army, Daemon struck. The Gold Cloaks, still loyal to their former commander, turned on the Greens. They killed seven commanders loyal to Aegon II and captured Gwayne Hightower.

The city falls

The city’s defenses crumbled quickly. Only thirteen Hightower knights and a hundred men-at-arms defended the River Gate. They held out for eight hours against attacks from both sides. The other six gates fell quickly to the Blacks’ forces. Queen Alicent ordered a surrender when she realized the situation was hopeless.

Key figures

1. Prince Daemon Targaryen: Led the attack with Caraxes. (Books)
2. Queen Alicent: Surrendered the city. (Books)
3. Ser Luthor Largent: Commander of the Gold Cloaks who turned against the Greens. (Books)
4. Gwayne Hightower: Remained loyal to the Greens and died defending the city. (Books)
5. King Aegon II: Escaped with help from Larys Strong. (Books)

Aftermath

1. Rhaenyra claimed the Iron Throne. (Books)
2. Lord Otto Hightower faced execution for treason. (Books)
3. Queen Alicent and Princess Helaena became prisoners. (Books)
4. The city initially welcomed Rhaenyra but later turned against her harsh rule. (Books)
5. King Aegon II’s escape prolonged the war. (Books)

Quotes

“Daemon gave us these cloaks, and they’re gold no matter how you turn them.” – Ser Luthor Largent

Quick answers

How did the Blacks capture King’s Landing?

Prince Daemon attacked when Prince Aemond left with the main army. The Gold Cloaks turned against the Greens, allowing the Blacks to enter. (Books)

What happened to the royal family?

King Aegon II escaped, while Queen Alicent and Princess Helaena became prisoners. Lord Otto Hightower faced execution. (Books)

How long did the battle last?

The Fall of King’s Landing took less than a day. Only the River Gate held out for eight hours. (Books)

What role did the Gold Cloaks play?

The Gold Cloaks betrayed the Greens due to their loyalty to Prince Daemon, their former commander. (Books)

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

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04/19/2025 08:32 am GMT