Who is Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon?

As House of the Dragon Season 2 unfolds, one character stands out for his fierce determination and complex motivations: Aemond Targaryen. This article delves into the journey of the one-eyed prince, from his portrayal in George R. R. Martin’s Fire and Blood to his on-screen depiction in the Game of Thrones prequel series.

Who was Aemond Targaryen?

Credits: Max

Aemond Targaryen was the second son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. Known for his fierce temperament and skill as a warrior, Aemond played a significant role in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Early Life

As a child, Aemond was bullied for not having a dragon. This changed when he claimed Vhagar, the largest living dragon in Westeros, which cost him his left eye but earned him the moniker “Aemond One-Eye.”

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

During the civil war, Aemond became a key figure for the Greens, supporting his brother Aegon II’s claim to the Iron Throne against their half-sister Rhaenyra.

Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Season 1 Portrayal

In Season 1, Aemond transforms from a bullied child to a formidable young man. Key moments include:

• His initial struggles as the only royal child without a dragon
• Claiming Vhagar and losing his eye in the ensuing fight
• His growing rivalry with his nephews, Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon

Season 2 Development

Season 2 shows Aemond’s increasing influence in the war effort:

• His role in the Green Council and military strategy
• The aftermath of his confrontation with Lucerys at Storm’s End
• His complex relationship with his brother, King Aegon II
• His role in injuring Aegon and killing Rhaenys and Meleys at Rook’s Rest

Read More: Ryan Condal reveals how the House of the Dragon Season 2 premiere ends

How does Fire and Blood portray Aemond Targaryen?

Credit: Diego Gilbert Llorens

In Fire and Blood, Aemond is portrayed as a complex and often brutal character:

Personality and Appearance

• Described as quick to anger and slow to forgive
• Wore a sapphire in place of his missing eye
• Became a skilled swordsman under Ser Criston Cole’s tutelage

Role in the War

Aemond played a crucial role in several key events:

• His killing of Lucerys Velaryon, which escalated the conflict
• His time as Prince Regent during Aegon II’s incapacitation
• His final battle against Daemon Targaryen above the God’s Eye

Read More: Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

Quotes

“Do not mourn me, mother. It was a fair exchange. I may have lost an eye, but I gained a dragon.”

“I want you to put out your eye, as payment for mine. One will serve. I would not blind you. I plan to make a gift of it to my mother.”

Quick Answers

Why is Aemond called “One-Eye”?

Aemond lost his left eye in a fight with his nephews after claiming the dragon Vhagar. He later wore a sapphire in the empty socket.

What was Aemond’s role in starting the Dance of the Dragons?

Aemond’s killing of Lucerys Velaryon at Storm’s End was a major catalyst for the full-scale war between the Greens and the Blacks.

How did Aemond die?

According to Fire and Blood, Aemond died in a dragon battle against his uncle Daemon Targaryen above the God’s Eye. Both riders and dragons perished in the conflict.

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