Who is Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon?

Every show needs a menacing presence to ignite fear and despair in viewers’ minds. Similar to Joffrey Baratheon and Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones, there’s Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon. We have already witnessed how ruthless and heartless he can be. Season 2 of House of the Dragon will only feature a more fierce angle of this intriguing character. In the meantime, let’s dig deep and find out more about Aemond of House Targaryen.

Also Read: House of the Dragon season 2 to premiere between April-June

Who is Aemond Targaryen?

Credits: HBO

Aemond is the third child born to King Viserys I and Alicent Hightower. His childhood is clouded with fear and shyness as the young boy is unable to command a dragon as other dragon-riding Targaryens do. He faces ridicule and insults by his siblings and cousins who deem him unworthy of a dragon. At the same time, Aemond appears to be a man of values and principles as he defends his sister Helaena and encourages elder brother Aegon to respect her.

The young prince tries his best to stay on the right path and not stray away from his purpose. However, after seeing lies, betrayal, and debauchery all around him, he cannot help but join in. Suffering through years of bullying and being overlooked by his parents, Aemond learns how to be self-sufficient and work towards what he wants in life.

As he grows up, Aemond learns how to use his cunning and wit in life. With the support of his mother, his ego grows with him and he becomes more willful and wild.

Also Read: Harvey Sadler (young Lucerys) reveals part of his audition tape for House of the Dragon

Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon

Credits: HBO

After the death of his Aunt Laena, Aemond sneaks off to steal Vhagar from the Velaryon children. He wishes to test his strength and willpower and eventually succeeds in calming the enormous dragon and claiming it for himself. Aemond bonds with Vhagar by speaking to it in High Valyrian as he climbs on her back and learns to be a dragon rider. He puts up a powerful fight when his cousins find out how he stole their dragon.

Known for sacrificing an eye to get a dragon as mighty as Vhagar, it shows how Aemond will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He eventually gets his revenge on Luke who cut his eye open.

Aemond Targaryen’s rapport with Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey

Credit: HBO

Much like bloodlines and genes, the enmity between Rhaenyra and Alicent was passed down to their children who could not get along even if they tried. Many instances point towards Alicent muddying the waters for the kids as she openly alleges Rhaenyra’s children are bastards. Aegon and Aemond, armed with this knowledge, continuously badger Rhaenyra’s kids Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey by calling them “Strong Boys.”

Children usually fight and squabble occasionally, but their rift goes deeper than that. The kids despise each other beyond comparison and the fight for the throne only deepens their hatred for each other.

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Aemond’s involvement in Dance of the Dragons

Credits: HBO

After the death of King Viserys I, a battle to claim the throne begins. Aemond reaches Storm’s End to urge Lord Borros Baratheon to support Aegon’s ascension to the Iron Throne. At the same time, Rhaenyra sends her younger son Lucerys to convince Lord Borros of her claim to reign. The two meet at Storm’s End and try to secure Lord Borros’s support.

Aemond tries to provoke Luke and attack him with his words. As they exit the court, they fight on the backs of their dragons in the sky. Aemond and Vhagar render Luke and Arrax powerless as the former plunge the latter to their deaths. It is widely believed that although the battle for the throne could have been handled peacefully, Luke’s death instigates the beginning of the popular Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra will not let such an action go unpunished.

Also Read: Who is Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon?