Aemond Targaryen meets his end in episode two of season two, “The Riverlands” during the epic confrontation known as the Battle Above the Gods Eye. His death marks a pivotal moment in the Dance of the Dragons, dramatically reshaping the balance of power and intensifying the conflict.
The Fateful Encounter: Aemond’s Final Flight
Aemond Targaryen, the one-eyed prince and skilled dragonrider, ultimately met his match against his uncle, Daemon Targaryen. The battle, fought amidst a raging storm over the Gods Eye lake, saw Aemond riding the colossal Vhagar, the oldest and largest dragon in Westeros. Daemon, astride Caraxes, challenged Aemond, knowing a direct confrontation was inevitable.
The Prelude to the Clash
Before the fateful duel, Aemond had been successfully campaigning in the Riverlands, consolidating control for Aegon II. His ruthlessness and the sheer power of Vhagar had struck fear into the hearts of Rhaenyra’s supporters. This string of victories fueled his ambition and seemingly invincibility, ironically contributing to his downfall. Daemon, a seasoned warrior and cunning strategist, understood that stopping Aemond and Vhagar was paramount to Rhaenyra’s claim.
The Battle Above the Gods Eye
The battle itself was a brutal display of aerial combat. Vhagar’s immense size and experience gave Aemond an initial advantage. However, Daemon’s skill as a dragonrider and Caraxes’ agility allowed them to evade Vhagar’s initial onslaught. The fight was a desperate dance of fire and claws, with both dragonriders unleashing their full fury.
The confrontation reached its climax when Daemon, in a daring and desperate maneuver, leapt from Caraxes onto Vhagar’s back. With Dark Sister, his Valyrian steel sword, he plunged it into Aemond’s blind eye, killing both him and mortally wounding Vhagar. The two dragons plummeted into the Gods Eye, sinking beneath the waves. Daemon’s fate remains ambiguous in some accounts of the Dance, but he also perishes during the fall.
The Significance of Aemond’s Death
Aemond’s death was a devastating blow to the Greens. He was not only a formidable warrior and dragonrider but also a key strategist in Aegon II’s war effort. The loss of Vhagar, the most powerful dragon alive, further weakened their position.
A Turning Point in the Dance
The Battle Above the Gods Eye is often considered a turning point in the Dance of the Dragons. While Rhaenyra had suffered heavy losses previously, Aemond’s death and Vhagar’s demise shifted the momentum in her favor. It instilled hope in her supporters and demoralized the Greens, who had previously seemed unstoppable.
The Legacy of Violence
Aemond’s death is a stark reminder of the brutality and cost of war. His ambition and ruthlessness ultimately led to his demise, leaving a lasting impact on the power dynamics of Westeros and highlighting the destructive nature of the Targaryen civil war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was Aemond’s motivation for fighting Daemon?
Aemond sought to avenge the loss of his eye, which Lucerys Velaryon had taken years earlier under Rhaenyra’s orders. Beyond personal vengeance, he was deeply committed to Aegon II’s claim to the Iron Throne and viewed Daemon as a key obstacle. His ambition and belief in his own superiority also fueled his determination to defeat Daemon, solidifying his position as a major power player.
Why was Vhagar so important?
Vhagar was the largest and oldest dragon in Westeros at the time. Her size and experience made her an unparalleled weapon of war. She had previously been ridden by Visenya Targaryen, sister-wife to Aegon the Conqueror, adding to her legendary status. Her presence alone could turn the tide of battles, instilling fear in enemies and providing unparalleled offensive capabilities.
Did Aemond have any other dragons before Vhagar?
No, Aemond did not have another dragon before claiming Vhagar. He claimed her after Laena Velaryon’s death, showcasing his ambition and ruthlessness, as Vhagar was a highly sought-after dragon. He was much younger than other dragonriders, solidifying his reputation as a formidable and ambitious individual.
How did Aemond lose his eye?
Aemond lost his eye during a brawl with Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s son, over a dragon that Aemond was trying to claim. Lucerys, acting in self-defense and on Rhaenyra’s orders, slashed Aemond’s face with a knife, resulting in the loss of his eye. This incident sparked a deep and lasting feud between the two families.
Was Daemon’s death confirmed in the books?
The exact circumstances of Daemon’s death in the books are somewhat ambiguous. It’s generally accepted that he died alongside Aemond during the Battle Above the Gods Eye, but the details surrounding his demise aren’t explicitly stated. Some accounts suggest he fell from Vhagar after killing Aemond, while others imply he may have survived the initial fall but succumbed to his injuries later. The television adaptation is more explicit in implying his death, even if it wasn’t explicitly shown.
What was the strategic importance of the Gods Eye?
The Gods Eye was a large lake located in the Riverlands. It held strategic importance because controlling the surrounding area was crucial for controlling access to the river systems and transportation routes of the Riverlands. Therefore, gaining control of the area was advantageous to both sides during the Dance of the Dragons.
What impact did Aemond’s death have on Aegon II?
Aemond’s death was a devastating blow to Aegon II. Beyond the loss of a key advisor and warrior, it also demoralized Aegon and his supporters. Aemond’s charisma and military prowess had been instrumental in rallying support for Aegon’s claim. His death left a void in the Green faction’s leadership and strategic planning, making it significantly harder for Aegon to maintain control.
What kind of dragon was Caraxes?
Caraxes, ridden by Daemon Targaryen, was a blood-red dragon known for its ferocity and formidable size, although smaller than Vhagar. He was a battle-tested dragon, having participated in numerous battles alongside Daemon, making him a formidable opponent for Vhagar. His strength and agility made him a challenging adversary despite Vhagar’s enormous size.
Did Aemond regret his actions before he died?
There’s no indication that Aemond regretted his actions before his death. He remained committed to Aegon II’s cause and appeared driven by a thirst for power and vengeance until the very end. His final thoughts likely centered on victory or, at the very least, ensuring Daemon’s demise along with his own.
How did the common people react to Aemond’s death?
The common people likely reacted with a mix of emotions. For those loyal to Rhaenyra, it was a cause for celebration, as Aemond was seen as a cruel and ruthless enemy. For those who supported Aegon II, it was a devastating blow, as Aemond was a powerful figure and a symbol of their cause. Overall, it intensified the division and heightened the tension within Westeros.
What happens to Vhagar after the battle?
Vhagar’s body, along with Aemond’s, sank to the bottom of the Gods Eye. Though many attempts were made to retrieve Vhagar, the dragons body remained submerged, and was never recovered from the depths of the lake.
Did Aemond have any children?
Aemond did not have any children. His entire focus was on advancing Aegon II’s claim and achieving military victories. He never married, and he devoted his life entirely to the political and military pursuits of the Green faction.