Why did Aemond give back the ball to Aegon in the latest House of the Dragon episode?

It would be an understatement to say House of the Dragon’s latest episode posed some burning questions. The entire episode focused on the small folk while also covering the far-reaching consequences of this power struggle between two half-siblings. With Aegon II severely injured, Aemond becomes the Prince Regent and savors the newfound taste of power.

When he learns of his elder brother’s recuperating health, he feels the threat to his power is imminent. He knows if Aegon II talks, he will tell everyone how it was Aemond who harmed the King. Aemond must now ensure Aegon II keeps his mouth shut if Aemond is to stay in his position of power for longer.

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11/22/2024 03:57 am GMT

Significance of Aemond handing the ball to Aegon II

Credit: Theo Whiteman/HBO

The tiny balls on the table of the council at the Greens signify the attendance of each member. When the meeting begins, they must pick up their ball and keep it in front of them.

In House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6, we see Aemond going to meet Aegon II after hearing of his bettering health. While subtly threatening him, Aemond hands the ball to Aegon II and presses on his wounds to give him more pain. This also acts as a reminder of what Aemond is capable of. Actor Ewan Mitchell has an interesting outlook on that scene as he shared with Variety,

“You’ll have to wait and see. I love that scene, because it’s almost like Stephen King’s “Misery.” It’s like this spider leering over his prey in the web. You’re right there in the palm of my hand. That’s certainly a new dynamic for Aemond, as well as his brother, who’s now physically inferior than him. I can’t wait to see where it goes. If I give all the answers, people will stop asking the questions. That’s a really cool way of looking at it. It’s the king’s marker. Maybe Aemond is giving it back to his brother, maybe he’s trying to reassure him that everything’s gonna be okay — “You’ll be king after you recover” — maybe lure him into that false sense of security.”

Also Read: Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon and the Gold

Director Andrij Parekh shares a concrete view

Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

While Mitchell is not spilling the beans entirely, House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6 director Andrij Parekh reveals a deeper insight into that seismic scene. He tells The Hollywood Reporter,

“I loved Aemond giving the ball back to Aegon by pushing it into his wound and torturing him with it. He basically hands the power back to him, but in a way that so you know who really has the power.”

This is indeed a turning point for the two brothers as the power dynamics have shifted and established in new slots. Aegon II no longer holds the power to bully or humiliate Aemond while the latter can obliterate his elder brother without a second thought.

Aemond is riding the tide of power and ambition currently, having dismissed his mother Alicent from the small council and called Otto Hightower back as the Hand of the King. He further proves how he cannot be manipulated like Aegon II. Aemond is steadfast in his beliefs and goals, and will let nobody take that away from him.

Also Read: “He’s going to fight, just like Daemon,” Aemond’s regent ambitions revealed by House of the Dragon director Andrij Parekh

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