In episode 6 of “House of the Dragon,” titled “The Princess and the Queen,” young Aemond Targaryen sees Vhagar, the largest and oldest dragon in the world, basking on the shores of Driftmark. This encounter marks a pivotal moment in his character arc, fueling his ambition and setting the stage for future conflicts.
Vhagar: A Legacy of Fire and Fury
Vhagar, named after one of the Valyrian gods, is far more than just a massive reptile. She is a living, breathing embodiment of Targaryen power, a relic from a bygone era when dragons dominated the skies. At the time of “House of the Dragon,” Vhagar is the last surviving dragon ridden during Aegon’s Conquest. Her size and age are legendary, dwarfing even the most powerful of the younger dragons. This makes Aemond’s desire to claim her particularly significant, as it would instantly elevate his status and power within the family. The dragon is often associated with the color green because of this, as the Green faction of the Targaryen house are allies of Aemond.
The Significance of Vhagar’s Bond
Bonding with a dragon is a deeply personal and transformative experience for a Targaryen. It’s not merely about controlling a powerful beast; it’s about forging a psychic and emotional link that lasts a lifetime. For Aemond, who has felt overshadowed by his dragon-riding siblings, claiming Vhagar represents more than just power. It is an attempt to gain respect, recognition, and a sense of belonging within his own family. The scene in episode 6 highlights the stark contrast between Aemond’s ambition and his insecurities, making his eventual claim of Vhagar all the more compelling.
Decoding the Dragon’s Presence
The appearance of Vhagar in episode 6 is carefully crafted to underscore several key themes within the series.
Power Dynamics and Family Rivalry
Aemond’s lack of a dragon becomes a symbol of his perceived weakness within the Targaryen family. Seeing Vhagar, the largest and most formidable dragon, ignites a fierce determination within him. This fuels the already simmering rivalry between him and his nephews, especially Jacaerys Velaryon, who readily rides his own dragon. This moment directly contributes to the later events that escalate the tensions between the two branches of the Targaryen family. The very act of wanting to own Vhagar symbolizes Aemond wanting to be seen as powerful, like his ancestors and family members.
Foreshadowing Future Conflicts
Vhagar’s imposing presence serves as a visual reminder of the immense power at stake in the succession struggle. Her connection to the Targaryen bloodline and the legacy of Aegon’s Conquest highlights the historical weight behind the claims to the Iron Throne. Aemond’s subsequent claiming of Vhagar foreshadows the devastating role the dragon will play in the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war.
Aemond’s Character Development
The episode offers a glimpse into Aemond’s complex character. His desire for a dragon is not simply about power; it stems from a deep-seated need for validation and belonging. His eventual claim on Vhagar, while seemingly empowering, also marks a turning point in his moral compass, setting him on a path towards ruthless ambition and ultimately contributing to the tragic events of the civil war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Aemond and Vhagar
1. Why is Aemond so desperate for a dragon?
Aemond is desperate for a dragon because he feels like an outsider within his own family. He is the only one of Aegon II’s children without a dragon, which leads to ridicule and feelings of inadequacy. He craves the power and respect that dragon-riding bestows upon a Targaryen.
2. How old is Vhagar at this point in the story?
At the time of episode 6 of “House of the Dragon,” Vhagar is estimated to be around 180 years old, making her the oldest living dragon.
3. Who was Vhagar’s previous rider?
Vhagar was previously ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen, the sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror, during the Conquest of Westeros. After Visenya’s death, Vhagar was later ridden by Prince Baelon Targaryen, father of King Viserys I. Following Baelon’s death, she remained unclaimed for many years.
4. What is Vhagar’s size compared to the other dragons?
Vhagar is significantly larger than most of the other dragons alive during the reign of Viserys I. Only Caraxes and Meleys are of comparable size but Vhagar dwarfs even them due to her age. As the oldest and largest dragon, she can easily outmatch younger and smaller dragons in combat.
5. How does Aemond eventually claim Vhagar?
Aemond eventually claims Vhagar later in episode 7, after Laena Velaryon’s death. He risks his life and successfully bonds with her at Driftmark, proving his courage and determination. His act of claiming a dragon that had been under the Velaryon’s home turf also sparks conflict in the house, as it is seen as theft to Rhaena.
6. What are the consequences of Aemond claiming Vhagar?
The consequences of Aemond claiming Vhagar are significant. It instantly elevates his status, enrages the Velaryons (particularly Rhaena, who was hoping to claim Vhagar herself), and intensifies the already strained relationships within the Targaryen family. It contributes to the overall build-up towards the Dance of the Dragons.
7. How does Vhagar impact the Dance of the Dragons?
Vhagar plays a crucial role in the Dance of the Dragons. Her immense size and power make her a formidable weapon in the war. She participates in key battles, inflicting significant damage on the opposing side and serving as a symbol of the Greens’ might. The dragon also ends up being the one to kill Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax, which ignites the fire between the two sides of the families, officially starting the dance.
8. Does Vhagar survive the Dance of the Dragons?
No, Vhagar does not survive the Dance of the Dragons. She dies during the Battle Above the Gods Eye, battling Daemon Targaryen and Caraxes. Though the battle is won, the death of Vhagar signals the weakening of the Greens’ power.
9. What color is Vhagar?
Vhagar’s color is described as bronze with green tinges, reflecting her great age. She is also often described as having a milky-white coloring in her eyes.
10. How strong is Vhagar’s fire compared to other dragons?
Vhagar’s fire is described as being incredibly powerful and intense, befitting her size and age. It is capable of causing massive destruction and is a significant threat on the battlefield.
11. Is there a specific connection between Vhagar and House Hightower (the Greens)?
While not directly linked by blood, Vhagar becomes associated with House Hightower (the Greens) because Aemond, a key figure in their faction, rides her. Her allegiance becomes intertwined with their cause during the Dance of the Dragons.
12. What does Vhagar represent in the larger narrative of “House of the Dragon?”
Vhagar represents the dwindling power of the Targaryens and the destructive potential of dragons when used in conflict. She is a living weapon, a symbol of past glory, and a tragic reminder of the costs of ambition and war. The fact that such an important symbol of the Targaryen history is claimed by Aemond, and eventually dies because of the Civil War, symbolizes the end of the Targaryen dominance.