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{{Infobox monarch
 
{{Infobox monarch
| name         = [[File:House_Targaryen_crest.PNG|50px|left]] '''Aegon I''' [[File:House_Targaryen_crest.PNG|50px|right]]
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| name = [[File:House Targaryen.svg|50px|left]] '''Aegon I''' [[File:House Targaryen.svg|50px|right]]
| image         = [[Image:AEGON I.jpg|325px]]
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| image = [[File:AEGON I.jpg]]
| image_caption = Aegon Targaryen by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]
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| image_caption = Aegon the Conqueror by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/martin.html Amok©]
| reign         = {{Date|1}} {{Date|37}}
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| reign = {{Date|1}} - {{Date|37}}
| coronation   = {{Date|1}}
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| coronation = {{Date|-2}} <small>([[Aegon's coronations#Aegonfort|Aegonfort]])</small><br>{{Date|1}} <small>([[Aegon's coronations#Oldtown|Oldtown]])</small>
| othertitles   = Lord of Dragonstone<br>King of All Westeros<br>Shield of His People<br>King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men<br>Lord of the Seven Kingdoms<br>Protector of the Realm
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| othertitles = Before/During the Conquest:<br>[[Lord of Dragonstone]]<br>[[King of All Westeros]]<br>[[Shield of His People]]
| fullname     = Aegon of House Targaryen, First of His Name
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----
| alias         = Aegon the Conqueror<br>Aegon the Dragon<br>Aegon the Dragonlord
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After the Conquest:<br>[[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]<br>[[Protector of the Realm]]
| predecessor   = none
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| fullname = Aegon Targaryen the First of His Name
| successor     = [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
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| alias = Aegon the Conqueror{{Ref|AGOT|3}}<br>Aegon the Dragonlord{{Ref|AGOT|3}}<br>Aegon Dragonlord{{Ref|AGOT|13}}<br>Aegon the Dragon{{Ref|AGOT|27}}<br>Aegon of Dragonstone{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
| suc-type =
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| predecessor = None
| heir = [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys Targaryen]]
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| successor = King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
| queen = [[Visenya Targaryen]]<br>[[Rhaenys Targaryen]]
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| suc-type =
| consort =
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| heir = Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys Targaryen]]
| spouse1 =
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| queen = Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]]<br>Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]]
| issue = [[Aenys I Targaryen]]<br>[[Maegor I Targaryen]]
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| consort =
| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen]]
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| spouse1 =
| dynasty =
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| issue = King [[Aenys I Targaryen]]<br>King [[Maegor I Targaryen]]
| royalanthem =
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| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen]]
| father = [[Aerion Targaryen (son of Daemion)|Aerion Targaryen]]
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| dynasty =
| mother = [[Valaena Velaryon]]
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| royalanthem =
| dateofbirth = [[Years before Aegon's Landing|27 BC]]{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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| father = Lord [[Aerion Targaryen (son of Daemion)|Aerion Targaryen]]
| placeofbirth = [[Dragonstone]]
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| mother = Lady [[Valaena Velaryon]]
| dateofdeath = {{Date|37}}{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
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| dateofbirth = {{Date|-27}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
| placeofdeath = [[Dragonstone]]
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| placeofbirth = [[Dragonstone]]
| dateofburial =
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| dateofdeath = {{Date|37}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} <small>(aged 64)</small>{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
| placeofburial =
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| placeofdeath = [[Dragonstone]]
| Books         = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| dateofburial =
 +
| placeofburial =
 +
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Mystery Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{See homonyms | Aegon Targaryen}}
 
{{See homonyms | Aegon Targaryen}}
  
'''Aegon I Targaryen''', also known as '''Aegon the Conqueror''' and '''Aegon the Dragon''', was the first King on the [[Iron Throne]], having conquered six of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] in his [[War of Conquest]]. He was the founder of the ruling [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] dynasty of [[Westeros]].
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'''Aegon I Targaryen''', also known as '''Aegon the Conqueror''' and '''Aegon the Dragon''', was the first [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] and king on the [[Iron Throne]], having conquered six of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] during [[Aegon's Conquest|the Conquest]]. The [[dragonlord]] was the founder of the ruling [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] dynasty of [[Westeros]].
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Aegon I Targaryen|Images of Aegon I Targaryen]]''
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{{See also|:Category:Images of Aegon I Targaryen|l1=Images of Aegon I Targaryen}}
Aegon was tall, broad shouldered and powerful in appearance, with [[purple eyes]] and short-cut silver-gold hair. He was very charismatic and commanding. During the [[War of Conquest|Conquest]] he typically wore a shirt of black scales into battle and wielded his [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]]. His [[Crowns (object)|crown]] was a simple circlet of [[Valyrian steel]], set with big square-cut rubies. <ref>[http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/ So Spake Martin: Targaryen Kings], (November 1, 2005). </ref>
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Aegon was tall, broad-shouldered and powerful in appearance, with [[purple eyes]] and short-cut silver-gold hair. He was very charismatic and commanding. During [[Aegon's Conquest|his Conquest]] he typically wore a shirt of black scales into battle and wielded [[Blackfyre]], a [[bastard sword]] made of [[Valyrian steel]]. His [[crown]] was a simple circlet of Valyrian steel, set with big square-cut rubies.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_Kings Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)]</ref>
  
Aegon was seen as an enigma. He was a solitary person whose only friend was [[Orys Baratheon]]. He was a great warrior who wielded a sword called [[Blackfyre]] but only rode his [[dragon]] for battle or travel and never entered tourneys. He remained faithful to his sisters and left governance in their hands and only took command when necessary. While he was harsh with those who defied him, he was generous to those that bent the knee.<ref>[http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/72313-reading-from-the-world-of-ice-and-fire/page__st__40#entry3588552 Reading from the world of Ice and Fire.] Notes from George R.R. Martin's reading and Q&A at the Bubonicon 44 in Albuquerque by Trebla.</ref>
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Aegon was seen as an enigma even to his contemporaries. He was a solitary person whose only friend was [[Orys Baratheon]], who was widely believed to be his bastard half-brother. The king was a great warrior who only rode his [[dragon]], [[Balerion]], for battle or travel and never entered [[tourney]]s. Aegon remained faithful to his sisters and left governance in their hands and only took command when necessary. While he was harsh with those who defied him, he was generous to those that bent the knee.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
Aegon was nearly as mysterious to his era as he is to the [[A Song of Ice and Fire|current]] era.<ref>Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C92/ So Spake Martin]</ref>
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Aegon is not considered to have been particularly pious.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} According to a semi-canon source, he followed the [[Faith of the Seven]] for political reasons.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Asshai.com_Forum_Chat Asshai.com Forum Chat (July 27, 2008)]</ref> Aegon was a [[dragon dream]]er according to another semi-canon source.<ref>Screenrant: [https://screenrant.com/house-dragon-aegon-dream-george-rr-martin/ Aegon's White Walkers Dream In House Of The Dragon Came From GRRM]</ref>
  
==Biography==
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==History==
 
===Early life===
 
===Early life===
: {{See also|Doom of Valyria}}
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[[File:Aegon the Conqueror.jpg|350px|thumb|Aegon the Conqueror, by Magali Villeneuve in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'']]
  
Aegon was from the island of [[Dragonstone]], the westernmost outpost of the [[Valyrian Freehold]], which his family had settled over a century before the [[Doom of Valyria]]. According to [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] tradition, Aegon married within the family; however, instead of just one sister, he married both of them: his elder sister, [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]], and his younger sister, [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]. All three were [[dragonrider]]s before they were wed.
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Aegon was born on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]]{{Ref|AWOIAF|Aegon I Targaryen}} in [[27 BC]] to Lord [[Aerion Targaryen (son of Daemion)|Aerion Targaryen]] and Lady [[Valaena Velaryon]]. He had an older sister, [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]], and a younger sister, [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]. According to [[Valyria]]n and [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] tradition, Aegon married within the family; however, instead of taking only one sister to wife, as had been common, he married both of them. It is believed that he married Visenya out of duty—because as his elder sister he needed to wed her to secure his succession—but he married Rhaenys out of love. Aegon had claimed the dragon [[Balerion]] for his own prior to his marriage.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
In the aftermath of [[Volantis]]'s expansion and attack on [[Tyrosh]], Aegon, the Lord of Dragonsone, supported [[Pentos]] and Tyrosh. Atop his [[dragon]], [[Balerion|Balerion the Black Dread]], Aegon burned a Volantene fleet before it could attack [[Lys]]. After the defeat of Volantis, Aegon returned to Dragonstone.{{ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}
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When [[Pentos]] and [[Tyrosh]] asked Aegon for his aid in their [[Century of Blood|struggle]] against [[Volantis]], Aegon, [[Lord of Dragonstone]], flew to Pentos atop of Balerion to meet with the [[Prince of Pentos]] and the city's [[magister]]s. Aegon next flew to [[Lys]], where he burned a Volantene fleet before it could attempt to invade the city. Shortly after, Aegon returned to Dragonstone.{{Ref|TWOIAF| Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}
  
 
===The Conquest===
 
===The Conquest===
: {{Main|War of Conquest}}
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:{{Main|Aegon's Conquest}}
[[File:Aegon And His Sisters by Amok..png|thumb|right|350px|King Aegon I with his sister Queens - By Amok ©]]
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As the [[Century of Blood]] came to an end, Aegon's interest in [[Westeros]] grew. He had previously visited the [[Citadel]] of [[Oldtown]] and the [[Arbor]] in the [[Kingdom of the Reach]] with his elder sister [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]], and he might also have visited [[Lannisport]] in the [[Kingdom of the Rock]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} He had a huge wooden table made, cut in the shape of Westeros with a map of the seven kingdoms of Westeros painted upon the surface. No borders were painted upon the [[Painted Table]], however, as Aegon believed it should be one realm instead of seven.{{Ref|ASOS|36}}
[[File:Aegon on Balerion.jpg|450px|right|thumb|Aegon the Conqueror upon Balerion, the Black Dread by [http://jordigart.blogspot.com/ Jordi Gonzalez] ©.]]
 
Aegon decided to go west to [[Westeros]], and for years he planned his conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. He made a huge table map of Westeros painted without any borders to signify that it should be one realm alone instead of many. This map later became known as the [[Painted Table]]. <!--(III: 412)--> His plan was ambitious but eventually successful.
 
  
When Aegon was ready, he and his two sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya, landed with his army on the east coast of [[Westeros]] at the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]], where he constructed the wooden [[Aegonfort]]. With the aid of their three dragons ([[Vhagar]], [[Meraxes]], and [[Balerion|Balerion the Black Dread]]) Aegon led the Targaryen army to victory after victory, conquering or subjugating six of the seven kingdoms of Westeros and reestablishing the [[riverlands]] as a separate region. He failed to conquer [[Dorne]], however, and eventually was forced to respect their autonomy.
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The [[Storm King]], [[Argilac Durrandon]], reached out to Aegon, proposing a [[marriage]] between Aegon and his only daughter, Princess [[Argella Durrandon|Argella]]. All the lands east of the [[Gods Eye]] from the [[Trident]] to the [[Blackwater Rush]] were offered as her [[dowry]], although the lands did not belong to Argilac. His offer was an attempt to create a buffer between his own kingdom and that of [[Harren Hoare]], [[King of the Isles and the Rivers]]. Aegon spurned the offer, stating he had no need of a [[polygamy|third wife]], and instead offered his close friend and rumored [[bastard]] half-brother, [[Orys Baratheon]], as Argella's husband instead, in return for lands. Insulted, Argilac cut off the hands of Aegon's envoy and sent those back to Dragonstone, upon which Aegon called his councilors together. After six days of consulting, Aegon sent forth [[raven]]s to every lord in Westeros, declaring his claim to the throne.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
Aegon chose to date the beginning of his reign from the day the [[High Septon]] anointed him in [[Oldtown]].{{Ref|aFfC|28}} Rather than ruling from Oldtown or Dragonstone, Aegon chose to make his seat [[King's Landing]], the new settlement growing around the Aegonfort. He also took the swords of his defeated enemies, forging them into the [[Iron Throne]]. Aegon also created the office of the [[Hand of the King]] and [[Orys Baratheon]] was made the first Hand.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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Aegon [[Aegon's Landing|landed with his army]] on the eastern coast of Westeros at the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]], where he constructed the wooden [[Aegonfort]]. Houses [[House Rosby|Rosby]] and [[House Stokeworth|Stokeworth]] surrendered to his sisters quickly, and Houses [[House Darklyn|Darklyn]] and [[House Mooton|Mooton]] were quickly defeated in [[Aegon's first test]]. Before defeated lords gathered to the new Aegonfort, Aegon was [[Aegon's coronations#Aegonfort|crowned]] with a [[Valyrian steel]] circlet by Visenya and hailed as [[King of All Westeros]] by [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]. He also displayed the three-headed dragon symbol of [[House Targaryen]] for the first time.{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}
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The Targaryen siblings departed the Aegonfort, with Aegon marching northwest into the [[riverlands]] to confront Harren Hoare. [[Edmyn Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]], declared for Aegon and led the riverlords in revolt against the ruling [[ironborn]]. When Harren refused to yield [[Harrenhal]], Aegon attacked the gigantic new castle with [[Balerion]], and [[House Hoare]] was extinguished with the [[burning of Harrenhal]]. The next day Aegon named Edmyn as [[Lord Paramount of the Trident]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}} Meanwhile, Rhaenys and Orys defeated the [[House Durrandon|Durrandons]] in the [[Last Storm]], while Visenya fought the [[House Arryn|Arryns]] and secured [[Crackclaw Point]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}
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After regathering at [[Stoney Sept]], the Targaryen siblings advanced against the larger host of the [[Two Kings]]. The Targaryen dragons (Balerion, [[Meraxes]], and [[Vhagar]]) allowed Aegon to achieve a great victory at the [[Field of Fire]], which resulted in the death of [[Mern IX Gardener]], [[King of the Reach]], and the surrender of [[Loren I Lannister]], [[King of the Rock]]. Aegon then marched for [[Highgarden]], where he named [[Harlan Tyrell]] as [[Lord Paramount of the Mander]] after the castle's surrender. The Targaryens again reunited to face the host of [[Torrhen Stark]], [[King in the North]], but Torrhen chose to kneel to Aegon along the [[Trident]] instead of fighting a battle.{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}
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Visenya returned to the Vale, where she achieved the surrender of the Arryns, while Rhaenys flew to [[Dorne]] in an unsuccessful mission to the [[House Martell|Martells]]. Aegon, meanwhile, marched to [[Oldtown]], which was surrendered to him by Lord [[Manfred Hightower (Aegon's Conquest)|Manfred Hightower]] upon the advice of the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]]. Within the [[Starry Sept]], the High Septon [[Aegon's coronations#Oldtown|declared]] Aegon to be [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]], [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]], and [[Protector of the Realm]].{{ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}
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===Early Reign===
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Aegon chose to date the beginning of his reign from the day the [[High Septon (Aegon's Conquest)|High Septon]] anointed him in [[Oldtown]].{{Ref|aFfC|28}} Rather than ruling from Oldtown or Dragonstone, Aegon chose to make his seat [[King's Landing]], the new settlement growing around the Aegonfort. He also took the swords of his defeated enemies, forging them into the [[Iron Throne]]. Aegon also began what would become known as the [[small council]], as well as that of the [[Hand of the King]], with Lord [[Orys Baratheon]] becoming his first Hand.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Aegon's first established law was the [[King's Peace]], which forbid conflict in the realm without the leave of the [[Iron Throne]]. Aegon treated the defeated lords with respect and allowed each region to retain its own laws and customs and for the lords to retain both the [[right of pit and gallows]] and the [[first night]]. Aegon often travelled the realm with six [[maesters]] who educated him on each region's local customs and history.{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
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During [[Aegon's Conquest]], the lords of the [[Three Sisters]] had declared their independence and crowned Lady [[Marla Sunderland]] as their queen. Following his coronation at Oldtown, King Aegon commanded Lord [[Torrhen Stark]], the new [[Warden of the North]], to end the rebellion, and he sent Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]] on [[Vhagar]] to accompany the northern army led by Ser [[Warrick Manderly]]. At the sight of them, the [[Sistermen]] abandoned their queen and installed her younger brother, [[Steffon Sunderland|Steffon]], as their new lord. Steffon soon bent the knee, swore his fealty to [[House Arryn]], and re-entered the King's Peace, ending the rebellion of the [[Sistermen's Rebellion]].{{Ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}}
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In {{Date|2}}, Aegon turned his attention to the [[Iron Islands]], where the [[ironborn]] had been fighting for two years over the kingship. Leading the [[invasion of the Iron Islands]] by several war fleets, Aegon landed on [[Great Wyk]] with [[Balerion]] to deal with the contenders.{{ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}} Aegon personally cut down [[Qhorin Volmark]] with [[Blackfyre]], while the priest-king [[Lodos]] walked into the sea, drowning himself. The other contenders quickly bent the knee. Aegon ignored the suggestions of making the ironborn vassals to the [[House Tully|Tullys]] of [[Riverrun]] or the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]] of [[Casterly Rock]], as well as the suggestion to exterminate the ironborn by [[dragonflame]]. Instead, Aegon allowed the ironborn to name their own lord paramount, for which the ironborn chose [[Vickon Greyjoy]] as [[Lord of the Iron Islands]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands: The Greyjoys of Pyke}}
  
 
===First Dornish War===
 
===First Dornish War===
Knowing that [[Dorne]] was the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens']] only defeat, Aegon launched another invasion hoping to complete the conquest in {{date|4}}. The [[First Dornish War]] resulted in the death of [[Rhaenys Targaryen]] when a lucky shot from a scorpion took her dragon [[Meraxes]] in the eye, and the dragon crashed from the sky dead taking her rider with her. Aegon's wroth after Rhaenys's death knew no bonds.  
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:{{Main|First Dornish War}}
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[[File:Aegon And His Sisters by Amok..png|thumb|right|350px|Aegon with his sister-queens [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] (left) and [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]] (right), by Amok ©]]
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In {{Date|3}} Aegon turned his attention back on [[Dorne]], the only kingdom remaining unconquered. He first decided to try and bring Dorne under the rule of the [[Iron Throne]] through diplomacy, after a year of negotiations and no progress to show for it though, Aegon decided to take Dorne by force of arms.{{Ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} In {{Date|4}} Aegon launched a new invasion, continuing the [[Wars of Conquest]]. Though initially the conquest of Dorne seemed to succeed, it unraveled quickly and the [[First Dornish War]] prolonged and lasted for nine years, and knew many deaths and tragedies.
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One of these tragedies was the capture and mutilation of Aegon's friend and [[Hand of the King]], Lord [[Orys Baratheon]], by the [[Wyl of Wyl]]. Following his release from two years of captivity, Orys returned home lacking a swordhand, as did the men who had been taken captive with him. Aegon, intent on revenge, released his dragons and burned the castles of the defiant Dornish [[lord]]s.
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The greatest loss Aegon faced was the death of Queen [[Rhaenys Targaryen]] at [[Hellholt]] in {{Date|10}}, when [[Meraxes]] fell from the sky (with Rhaenys upon her back) after a shot from a scorpion took the dragon in the eye. The two years that followed are known as the Dragon's Wroth, as Aegon's wrath after Rhaenys's death knew no bounds.{{Ref|twoiaf|Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons}}
  
Aegon and [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] placed bounties on the heads of Dornish lords and in turn the Dornish put bounties on the price of the Targaryens. Aegon and Visenya were assaulted on the streets of King's Landing and if not for Visenya and [[Dark Sister]] they would have been killed. This attack led to the forming of the elite royal bodyguard known as the [[Kingsguard]] in {{Date|10}}. Visenya personally chose the men herself. The attempted conquest of Dorne was called to an end in {{date|13}} after Aegon, atop the Iron Throne, read a mysterious message delivered from the Prince of Dorne. {{ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Dorne against the Dragons}}
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Aegon and [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] placed bounties on the heads of Dornish lords after Rhaenys's death and in turn the Dornish put bounties on the Targaryens. Aegon was attacked three times, with [[House Targaryen|his guards]] saving his life twice.{{ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}} Visenya also defended her brother twice with [[Dark Sister]],{{ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} with one occasion occurring in {{date|10}}.{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} This led to the forming of the elite royal bodyguard known as the [[Kingsguard]], with Visenya personally choosing the men herself.{{ref|FAB|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
  
===Later life===
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The attempted conquest of Dorne was called to an end in {{Date|13}}, after a visit from Princess [[Deria Martell]], the daughter of [[Nymor Martell]], the ruling [[Prince of Dorne]]. Deria brought the skull of Meraxes and a letter with her, which was given to Aegon. After reading the letter, Aegon flew on Balerion to Dragonstone. He returned the next day, and agreed to a peace between Dorne and the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|twoiaf|Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons}}
Aegon spent much of his reign consolidating his power by traveling throughout the Seven Kingdoms and building his capital at King's Landing. During his rule he tread carefully with the [[Faith of the Seven]], so they would not oppose him.{{Ref|aFfC|33}} Aegon built a grand sept on [[Visenya's Hill]] and agreed to the construction of an even grander one known as the [[Sept of Remembrance]] on [[Rhaenys's Hill]].{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}  
 
  
King's Landing initially lacked walls as Aegon felt no one would assault a city protected by dragons. Realizing that he and Visenya were not always in the city, however, he ordered massive walls to be made to surround the city, with construction of the city walls and its gates completed in {{date|26}}.
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Aegon kept good relations with Princess Deria. He visited [[Sunspear]] with his eldest son, Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]], in {{Date|23}} to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the peace between the [[Iron Throne]] and Dorne.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
Aegon found the Aegonfort was not suitable for a king, and it was torn to the ground in {{date|35}}. Aegon moved his family and court back to Dragonstone, while he commanded the construction of what would later be called the [[Red Keep]]. It was rumored that Aegon placed Visenya in charge of the building of the Red Keep so that he would not have to suffer her presence on Dragonstone. The Iron Throne remained at the build site instead of Dragonstone, since it was too heavy to be moved.{{fact}}
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===Further Reign===
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[[File:Aegon on Balerion.jpg|450px|right|thumb|Aegon upon [[Balerion]], by [http://jordigart.blogspot.com/ Jordi Gonzalez] ©]]
 +
The remaining twenty-four years of Aegon's reign were peaceful, so much that the last two decades of his reign were later called the [[Dragon's Peace]], by the [[maesters]] of the [[Citadel]].{{Ref|FAB|Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I}} He spent much of his time consolidating his power by traveling throughout the Seven Kingdoms and building his capital at King's Landing.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} Aegon devoted half of every year to making these [[royal progress]]es.{{Ref|FAB|Thre Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}} During his rule he tread carefully with the [[Faith of the Seven]], so they would not oppose him.{{Ref|aFfC|33}} Aegon built a grand sept on [[Visenya's Hill]] and agreed to the construction of an even grander one known as the [[Sept of Remembrance]] on [[Rhaenys's Hill]].{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
  
While at Dragonstone's [[Painted Table]] in {{date|37}}, Aegon died from a stroke while telling a tale of his conquest to two of his grandsons. Upon his death and the ascension of his sons, [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]] and then [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor I]], several rebellions broke through out the Seven Kingdoms that eventually evolved into the [[Faith Militant uprising]]. War, death and chaos gripped the Seven Kingdoms that did not end until the reign of Aegon's grandson, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]].
+
King's Landing initially lacked walls, and the likely reason is that the Targaryens likely believed no one would attack a city which housed dragons. However, when he learned about a pirate fleet sacking [[Tall Trees Town]] in the [[Summer Isles]] in {{Date|19}}, Aegon came to the realization that he and Visenya were not always in the city. As such, he ordered the construction of massive walls to be built around the city. Construction began in {{Date|20}} and was completed in {{Date|26}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
 +
 
 +
After Aegon celebrated his sixtieth name day in {{Date|33}}, the royal progresses continued, but were now made by his son Aenys and his wife Alyssa, while the aging king remained at home. By this point late in his reign, Aegon decided that the ramshackle Aegonfort was not a suitable seat for a king, so the structure was torn to the ground in {{Date|35}}. Aegon moved his family and court back to Dragonstone, while he commanded the construction of what would later be called the [[Red Keep]]. Visenya was placed in charge of the building of the Red Keep, and it was rumored that Aegon had done this so that he would not have to suffer her presence on Dragonstone.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} The Iron Throne remained at the build site instead of Dragonstone, since it was too heavy to be moved.{{Ref|tsotd}}
 +
 
 +
===The Sons of the Dragon===
 +
In {{Date|7}}, Aegon became a father for the first time, when his younger sister-wife Rhaenys gave birth to a son: [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]]. However, Aenys was a sickly boy, and Rhaenys's death in {{Date|10}} shattered him. Aegon grew desperate, and there were worries about whether or not Aenys would even live. As Aenys had troubled health, there were rumors that he had been fathered by a singer instead of Aegon. However, when Aenys bonded with his dragon [[Quicksilver]], his health improved, and the rumors faded away.{{Ref|tsotd}}{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
 +
 
 +
As Visenya by then had not gotten pregnant yet, some believed she was barren, and during the times when Aenys's health was still troubled it was rumored at court that Aegon might take another wife. Although Aegon refused to speak his mind on the matter, many lord and knights brought their young daughters to court. In {{Date|11}}, Queen Visenya announced her pregnancy, and the next year she gave birth to Aegon's second son, [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]].{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
 +
 
 +
Aegon raised Aenys at King's Landing, and took him with him on his progressions. Occasionally, he let Aenys train with his Valyrian steel sword [[Blackfyre]]. Lacking daughters, he married Aenys to a cousin, Lady [[Alyssa Velaryon]], the daughter of his [[master of ships]], in {{Date|22}}. Aenys would have six children with Alyssa, five of whom were born during Aegon's reign.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}{{Ref|tsotd}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
 +
 
 +
===Death===
 +
In {{Date|33}}, Aegon made his final progress throughout Westeros,{{Ref|tsotd}} during which he visited [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} Afterwards, Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]] and his wife [[Alyssa Velaryon|Alyssa]] made the progresses in Aegon's stead.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
 +
 
 +
In {{Date|37}} on [[Dragonstone]], while telling his two eldest grandsons [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] and [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]] the tales of [[Aegon's Conquest|his conquest]] at the [[Painted Table]], Aegon died from a stroke at the age of sixty-four.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} Aegon was cremated on Dragonstone, and his funeral pyre was set aflame by [[Vhagar]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} [[Blackfyre]] was burned along with him, but later retrieved from the pyre by Maegor.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
 +
 
 +
==Legacy==
 +
Although Aegon's reign had largely been peaceful, many of his subjects desired to go back to the days of old, when there were still seven kingdoms. Others wanted vengeance for the deaths of their loved ones in wars, and yet others saw the Targaryens as abominations.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Because of this, the tumultuous reigns of both [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]] and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor I]] were filled with battles and chaos.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
 +
 
 +
Because Aegon had wielded [[Blackfyre]], possession of the [[Valyrian steel]] sword has been seen as granting legitimacy to its subsequent holders.{{ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{ref|TSS}}
 +
 
 +
The [[Red Keep]] is situated atop [[Aegon's High Hill]] in [[King's Landing]].{{ref|AGOT|18}}
 +
 
 +
''[[The Conqueror's Two Wives]]'' is a play about the royal siblings.{{ref|AFFC|34}}
  
 
==Small Council under Aegon I==
 
==Small Council under Aegon I==
During the reign of King Aegon his [[small council]] had the following known members:
+
Although the [[small council]] would only be formed during the reign of Aegon's grandson [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], Aegon had established his councillors early on. The following members are known:
  
* [[Hand of the King]] - Lord [[Orys Baratheon]]
+
{|class=wikitable width=100%i
* [[Hand of the King]] - Lord [[Edmyn Tully]]
+
!width=25% | Office
* [[Hand of the King]] - Ser [[Osmund Strong]]
+
!width=15% | Duration
* [[Master of Laws]] - Lord [[Triston Massey]]
+
!width=20% | Name
* [[Master of Coin]] - Lord [[Crispian Celtigar]]
+
!Notes
* [[Master of Ships]] - Lord [[Daemon Velaryon]]
+
|-
* [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] - Ser [[Corlys Velaryon (Kingsguard)|Corlys Velaryon]]
+
| rowspan="5" | [[Hand of the King]]
* [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] - Ser [[Addison Hill]]
+
| {{Date|1|7}}
 +
| Lord [[Orys Baratheon]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|twoiaf|The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|7|9}}
 +
| Lord [[Edmyn Tully]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Riverlands: House Tully}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|9|17}}
 +
| Lord [[Alton Celtigar]]{{Ref|fab|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|17|34}}
 +
| Ser [[Osmund Strong]]{{Ref|tsotd}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|34|37}}
 +
| Lord [[Alyn Stokeworth]]{{Ref|tsotd}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="3" | [[Grand Maester]]
 +
| {{Date|5}}
 +
| [[Ollidar]]{{Ref|fab|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|5|12}}
 +
| [[Lyonce]]{{Ref|fab|Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|12|37}}
 +
| [[Gawen]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| [[Master of coin]]
 +
| {{Date|1}}–Unknown
 +
| Lord [[Crispian Celtigar]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| [[Master of laws]]
 +
| {{Date|1}}–Unknown
 +
| Lord [[Triston Massey]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="2"| [[Master of ships]]
 +
| [[Aegon's Conquest]]
 +
| Lord [[Daemon Velaryon]]{{Ref|twoiaf|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|-
 +
| Unknown–Unknown
 +
| Lord [[Aethan Velaryon]]{{Ref|tsotd}}
 +
| Although it is unknown when exactly Aethan served in the office, he is known to have been Aegon’s master of ships by {{Date|22}}, when his daughter [[Alyssa Velaryon|Alyssa]] married Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} He held the office at least until {{Date|30}}.
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan="1"| [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]
 +
| {{Date|10}}–Unknown
 +
| Ser [[Corlys Velaryon (son of Daemon)|Corlys Velaryon]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
 +
|&nbsp;
 +
|}
  
 
==Quotes by Aegon==
 
==Quotes by Aegon==
{{Quote|There will be only [[Iron Throne|one king]].<ref>Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C92/ So Spake Martin]</ref>}}
+
{{Quote|When the sun sets, [[House Hoare|your line]] shall end.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}|Aegon to [[Harren Hoare]]}}
  
{{Quote|A king should never sit easy.{{Ref|agot|43|p 462}}}}
+
{{Quote|A king should [[Iron Throne|never sit easy]].{{Ref|agot|43}}|Aegon to his armorers}}
 
 
{{Quote|At nightfall, [[House Hoare|your line]] will end. <ref>Chicon 7 Reading (September 02, 2012) [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C92/ So Spake Martin]</ref>}} – Aegon, to [[Harren Hoare]]
 
  
 
==Quotes about Aegon==
 
==Quotes about Aegon==
{{Quote|Aegon the Conqueror brought fire and blood to Westeros, but afterward he gave them peace, prosperity, and justice.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}}} – [[Daenerys Targaryen]]  
+
{{Quote|On the seventh day, a cloud of [[raven]]s burst from the towers of [[Dragonstone]] to bring Lord Aegon's word to the [[Seven Kingdoms]] of [[Westeros]]. To the seven kings they flew, to the [[Citadel]] of [[Oldtown]], to lords both great and small. All carried the same message: from this day forth there would be but [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms|one king]] in Westeros. Those who bent the knee to Aegon of [[House Targaryen]] would keep their lands and titles. Those who took up arms against him would be thrown down, humbled, and destroyed.{{Ref|FAB|Aegon's Conquest}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
  
 +
{{Quote|Aegon the Conqueror brought fire and blood to [[Westeros]], but afterward he gave them peace, prosperity, and justice.{{Ref|aSoS|71}}|[[Daenerys Targaryen]] to her supporters}}
  
{{Quote|Aegon once stood here as I do, looking down on [[Painted Table|this table]]. Do you think we would name him Aegon the Conqueror today if he had not had '''dragons'''?{{Ref|ASOS|54|p 601}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
+
{{Quote|Aegon once stood here as I do, looking down on [[Painted Table|this table]]. Do you think we would name him Aegon the Conqueror today if he had not had '''[[dragon]]s'''?{{Ref|ASOS|54}}|[[Stannis Baratheon]] to [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==
 
{{Targaryen tree Aegon}}
 
{{Targaryen tree Aegon}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==Behind the Scenes==
{{references|3}}
+
According to a semi-canon source, [[w:William the Conqueror|William the Conqueror]] is an inspiration for Aegon.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Historical_Influences/ Historical Influences (June 20, 2001)]</ref>
  
==External Links==
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==References==
 +
{{References|2}}
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 +
==External links==
 
* [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Aegon_I_Targaryen Aegon I Targaryen] on the [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Main Game of Thrones wiki].
 
* [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Aegon_I_Targaryen Aegon I Targaryen] on the [http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Main Game of Thrones wiki].
  
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[[Category:Nobles|Targaryen, Aegon I]]
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[[Category:Characters in alphabetical order|Aegon Targaryen I]]
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[[Category:Characters with purple eyes]]
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[[Category:Dragonriders]]
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[[Category:House founders]]
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[[Category:Kings of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men|Aegon I Targaryen]]
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[[Category:Protectors of the Realm]]
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[[Category:Veterans of the First Dornish War]]
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[[ru:Эйгон I Таргариен]]
 
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[[zh:伊耿·坦格利安一世]]
 
[[zh:伊耿·坦格利安一世]]

Revision as of 18:20, 27 October 2022

House Targaryen.svg
Aegon I
House Targaryen.svg
AEGON I.jpg
Aegon the Conqueror by Amok©
Monarch
Reign 1 AC - 37 AC
Coronation 2 BC (Aegonfort)
1 AC (Oldtown)
Full name Aegon Targaryen the First of His Name
Titles
Predecessor None
Heir Prince Aenys Targaryen
Successor King Aenys I Targaryen
Personal Information
Aliases
  • Aegon the Conqueror[1]
  • Aegon the Dragonlord[1]
  • Aegon Dragonlord[2]
  • Aegon the Dragon[3]
  • Aegon of Dragonstone[4]
Born In 27 BC[5], at Dragonstone
Died In 37 AC[6] (aged 64)[7], at Dragonstone
Family
Dynasty House Targaryen
Queens
Issue King Aenys I Targaryen
King Maegor I Targaryen
Father Lord Aerion Targaryen
Mother Lady Valaena Velaryon
References
Books

Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror and Aegon the Dragon, was the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and king on the Iron Throne, having conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms during the Conquest. The dragonlord was the founder of the ruling Targaryen dynasty of Westeros.

Appearance and Character

Aegon was tall, broad-shouldered and powerful in appearance, with purple eyes and short-cut silver-gold hair. He was very charismatic and commanding. During his Conquest he typically wore a shirt of black scales into battle and wielded Blackfyre, a bastard sword made of Valyrian steel. His crown was a simple circlet of Valyrian steel, set with big square-cut rubies.[8]

Aegon was seen as an enigma even to his contemporaries. He was a solitary person whose only friend was Orys Baratheon, who was widely believed to be his bastard half-brother. The king was a great warrior who only rode his dragon, Balerion, for battle or travel and never entered tourneys. Aegon remained faithful to his sisters and left governance in their hands and only took command when necessary. While he was harsh with those who defied him, he was generous to those that bent the knee.[4]

Aegon is not considered to have been particularly pious.[4] According to a semi-canon source, he followed the Faith of the Seven for political reasons.[9] Aegon was a dragon dreamer according to another semi-canon source.[10]

History

Early life

Aegon the Conqueror, by Magali Villeneuve in The World of Ice & Fire

Aegon was born on Dragonstone[11] in 27 BC to Lord Aerion Targaryen and Lady Valaena Velaryon. He had an older sister, Visenya, and a younger sister, Rhaenys. According to Valyrian and Targaryen tradition, Aegon married within the family; however, instead of taking only one sister to wife, as had been common, he married both of them. It is believed that he married Visenya out of duty—because as his elder sister he needed to wed her to secure his succession—but he married Rhaenys out of love. Aegon had claimed the dragon Balerion for his own prior to his marriage.[4]

When Pentos and Tyrosh asked Aegon for his aid in their struggle against Volantis, Aegon, Lord of Dragonstone, flew to Pentos atop of Balerion to meet with the Prince of Pentos and the city's magisters. Aegon next flew to Lys, where he burned a Volantene fleet before it could attempt to invade the city. Shortly after, Aegon returned to Dragonstone.[12]

The Conquest

As the Century of Blood came to an end, Aegon's interest in Westeros grew. He had previously visited the Citadel of Oldtown and the Arbor in the Kingdom of the Reach with his elder sister Visenya, and he might also have visited Lannisport in the Kingdom of the Rock.[4] He had a huge wooden table made, cut in the shape of Westeros with a map of the seven kingdoms of Westeros painted upon the surface. No borders were painted upon the Painted Table, however, as Aegon believed it should be one realm instead of seven.[13]

The Storm King, Argilac Durrandon, reached out to Aegon, proposing a marriage between Aegon and his only daughter, Princess Argella. All the lands east of the Gods Eye from the Trident to the Blackwater Rush were offered as her dowry, although the lands did not belong to Argilac. His offer was an attempt to create a buffer between his own kingdom and that of Harren Hoare, King of the Isles and the Rivers. Aegon spurned the offer, stating he had no need of a third wife, and instead offered his close friend and rumored bastard half-brother, Orys Baratheon, as Argella's husband instead, in return for lands. Insulted, Argilac cut off the hands of Aegon's envoy and sent those back to Dragonstone, upon which Aegon called his councilors together. After six days of consulting, Aegon sent forth ravens to every lord in Westeros, declaring his claim to the throne.[4]

Aegon landed with his army on the eastern coast of Westeros at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, where he constructed the wooden Aegonfort. Houses Rosby and Stokeworth surrendered to his sisters quickly, and Houses Darklyn and Mooton were quickly defeated in Aegon's first test. Before defeated lords gathered to the new Aegonfort, Aegon was crowned with a Valyrian steel circlet by Visenya and hailed as King of All Westeros by Rhaenys. He also displayed the three-headed dragon symbol of House Targaryen for the first time.[14]

The Targaryen siblings departed the Aegonfort, with Aegon marching northwest into the riverlands to confront Harren Hoare. Edmyn Tully, Lord of Riverrun, declared for Aegon and led the riverlords in revolt against the ruling ironborn. When Harren refused to yield Harrenhal, Aegon attacked the gigantic new castle with Balerion, and House Hoare was extinguished with the burning of Harrenhal. The next day Aegon named Edmyn as Lord Paramount of the Trident.[14] Meanwhile, Rhaenys and Orys defeated the Durrandons in the Last Storm, while Visenya fought the Arryns and secured Crackclaw Point.[14]

After regathering at Stoney Sept, the Targaryen siblings advanced against the larger host of the Two Kings. The Targaryen dragons (Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar) allowed Aegon to achieve a great victory at the Field of Fire, which resulted in the death of Mern IX Gardener, King of the Reach, and the surrender of Loren I Lannister, King of the Rock. Aegon then marched for Highgarden, where he named Harlan Tyrell as Lord Paramount of the Mander after the castle's surrender. The Targaryens again reunited to face the host of Torrhen Stark, King in the North, but Torrhen chose to kneel to Aegon along the Trident instead of fighting a battle.[14]

Visenya returned to the Vale, where she achieved the surrender of the Arryns, while Rhaenys flew to Dorne in an unsuccessful mission to the Martells. Aegon, meanwhile, marched to Oldtown, which was surrendered to him by Lord Manfred Hightower upon the advice of the High Septon. Within the Starry Sept, the High Septon declared Aegon to be King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm.[14]

Early Reign

Aegon chose to date the beginning of his reign from the day the High Septon anointed him in Oldtown.[15] Rather than ruling from Oldtown or Dragonstone, Aegon chose to make his seat King's Landing, the new settlement growing around the Aegonfort. He also took the swords of his defeated enemies, forging them into the Iron Throne. Aegon also began what would become known as the small council, as well as that of the Hand of the King, with Lord Orys Baratheon becoming his first Hand.[4] Aegon's first established law was the King's Peace, which forbid conflict in the realm without the leave of the Iron Throne. Aegon treated the defeated lords with respect and allowed each region to retain its own laws and customs and for the lords to retain both the right of pit and gallows and the first night. Aegon often travelled the realm with six maesters who educated him on each region's local customs and history.[16]

During Aegon's Conquest, the lords of the Three Sisters had declared their independence and crowned Lady Marla Sunderland as their queen. Following his coronation at Oldtown, King Aegon commanded Lord Torrhen Stark, the new Warden of the North, to end the rebellion, and he sent Queen Visenya Targaryen on Vhagar to accompany the northern army led by Ser Warrick Manderly. At the sight of them, the Sistermen abandoned their queen and installed her younger brother, Steffon, as their new lord. Steffon soon bent the knee, swore his fealty to House Arryn, and re-entered the King's Peace, ending the rebellion of the Sistermen's Rebellion.[17]

In 2 AC, Aegon turned his attention to the Iron Islands, where the ironborn had been fighting for two years over the kingship. Leading the invasion of the Iron Islands by several war fleets, Aegon landed on Great Wyk with Balerion to deal with the contenders.[17] Aegon personally cut down Qhorin Volmark with Blackfyre, while the priest-king Lodos walked into the sea, drowning himself. The other contenders quickly bent the knee. Aegon ignored the suggestions of making the ironborn vassals to the Tullys of Riverrun or the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, as well as the suggestion to exterminate the ironborn by dragonflame. Instead, Aegon allowed the ironborn to name their own lord paramount, for which the ironborn chose Vickon Greyjoy as Lord of the Iron Islands.[18]

First Dornish War

File:Aegon And His Sisters by Amok..png
Aegon with his sister-queens Visenya (left) and Rhaenys (right), by Amok ©

In 3 AC Aegon turned his attention back on Dorne, the only kingdom remaining unconquered. He first decided to try and bring Dorne under the rule of the Iron Throne through diplomacy, after a year of negotiations and no progress to show for it though, Aegon decided to take Dorne by force of arms.[16] In 4 AC Aegon launched a new invasion, continuing the Wars of Conquest. Though initially the conquest of Dorne seemed to succeed, it unraveled quickly and the First Dornish War prolonged and lasted for nine years, and knew many deaths and tragedies.

One of these tragedies was the capture and mutilation of Aegon's friend and Hand of the King, Lord Orys Baratheon, by the Wyl of Wyl. Following his release from two years of captivity, Orys returned home lacking a swordhand, as did the men who had been taken captive with him. Aegon, intent on revenge, released his dragons and burned the castles of the defiant Dornish lords.

The greatest loss Aegon faced was the death of Queen Rhaenys Targaryen at Hellholt in 10 AC, when Meraxes fell from the sky (with Rhaenys upon her back) after a shot from a scorpion took the dragon in the eye. The two years that followed are known as the Dragon's Wroth, as Aegon's wrath after Rhaenys's death knew no bounds.[19]

Aegon and Visenya placed bounties on the heads of Dornish lords after Rhaenys's death and in turn the Dornish put bounties on the Targaryens. Aegon was attacked three times, with his guards saving his life twice.[17] Visenya also defended her brother twice with Dark Sister,[16] with one occasion occurring in 10 AC.[20] This led to the forming of the elite royal bodyguard known as the Kingsguard, with Visenya personally choosing the men herself.[16]

The attempted conquest of Dorne was called to an end in 13 AC, after a visit from Princess Deria Martell, the daughter of Nymor Martell, the ruling Prince of Dorne. Deria brought the skull of Meraxes and a letter with her, which was given to Aegon. After reading the letter, Aegon flew on Balerion to Dragonstone. He returned the next day, and agreed to a peace between Dorne and the Seven Kingdoms.[19]

Aegon kept good relations with Princess Deria. He visited Sunspear with his eldest son, Prince Aenys, in 23 AC to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the peace between the Iron Throne and Dorne.[21]

Further Reign

Aegon upon Balerion, by Jordi Gonzalez ©

The remaining twenty-four years of Aegon's reign were peaceful, so much that the last two decades of his reign were later called the Dragon's Peace, by the maesters of the Citadel.[17] He spent much of his time consolidating his power by traveling throughout the Seven Kingdoms and building his capital at King's Landing.[22] Aegon devoted half of every year to making these royal progresses.[23] During his rule he tread carefully with the Faith of the Seven, so they would not oppose him.[24] Aegon built a grand sept on Visenya's Hill and agreed to the construction of an even grander one known as the Sept of Remembrance on Rhaenys's Hill.[22]

King's Landing initially lacked walls, and the likely reason is that the Targaryens likely believed no one would attack a city which housed dragons. However, when he learned about a pirate fleet sacking Tall Trees Town in the Summer Isles in 19 AC, Aegon came to the realization that he and Visenya were not always in the city. As such, he ordered the construction of massive walls to be built around the city. Construction began in 20 AC and was completed in 26 AC.[22]

After Aegon celebrated his sixtieth name day in 33 AC, the royal progresses continued, but were now made by his son Aenys and his wife Alyssa, while the aging king remained at home. By this point late in his reign, Aegon decided that the ramshackle Aegonfort was not a suitable seat for a king, so the structure was torn to the ground in 35 AC. Aegon moved his family and court back to Dragonstone, while he commanded the construction of what would later be called the Red Keep. Visenya was placed in charge of the building of the Red Keep, and it was rumored that Aegon had done this so that he would not have to suffer her presence on Dragonstone.[22] The Iron Throne remained at the build site instead of Dragonstone, since it was too heavy to be moved.[25]

The Sons of the Dragon

In 7 AC, Aegon became a father for the first time, when his younger sister-wife Rhaenys gave birth to a son: Aenys. However, Aenys was a sickly boy, and Rhaenys's death in 10 AC shattered him. Aegon grew desperate, and there were worries about whether or not Aenys would even live. As Aenys had troubled health, there were rumors that he had been fathered by a singer instead of Aegon. However, when Aenys bonded with his dragon Quicksilver, his health improved, and the rumors faded away.[25][26]

As Visenya by then had not gotten pregnant yet, some believed she was barren, and during the times when Aenys's health was still troubled it was rumored at court that Aegon might take another wife. Although Aegon refused to speak his mind on the matter, many lord and knights brought their young daughters to court. In 11 AC, Queen Visenya announced her pregnancy, and the next year she gave birth to Aegon's second son, Maegor.[21]

Aegon raised Aenys at King's Landing, and took him with him on his progressions. Occasionally, he let Aenys train with his Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre. Lacking daughters, he married Aenys to a cousin, Lady Alyssa Velaryon, the daughter of his master of ships, in 22 AC. Aenys would have six children with Alyssa, five of whom were born during Aegon's reign.[22][25][26]

Death

In 33 AC, Aegon made his final progress throughout Westeros,[25] during which he visited Winterfell.[22] Afterwards, Prince Aenys and his wife Alyssa made the progresses in Aegon's stead.[21]

In 37 AC on Dragonstone, while telling his two eldest grandsons Aegon and Viserys the tales of his conquest at the Painted Table, Aegon died from a stroke at the age of sixty-four.[22] Aegon was cremated on Dragonstone, and his funeral pyre was set aflame by Vhagar.[22] Blackfyre was burned along with him, but later retrieved from the pyre by Maegor.[21]

Legacy

Although Aegon's reign had largely been peaceful, many of his subjects desired to go back to the days of old, when there were still seven kingdoms. Others wanted vengeance for the deaths of their loved ones in wars, and yet others saw the Targaryens as abominations.[26] Because of this, the tumultuous reigns of both Aenys I and Maegor I were filled with battles and chaos.[21]

Because Aegon had wielded Blackfyre, possession of the Valyrian steel sword has been seen as granting legitimacy to its subsequent holders.[21][27]

The Red Keep is situated atop Aegon's High Hill in King's Landing.[28]

The Conqueror's Two Wives is a play about the royal siblings.[29]

Small Council under Aegon I

Although the small council would only be formed during the reign of Aegon's grandson Jaehaerys I, Aegon had established his councillors early on. The following members are known:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 17 AC Lord Orys Baratheon[4][30]  
79 AC Lord Edmyn Tully[31]  
917 AC Lord Alton Celtigar[16]  
1734 AC Ser Osmund Strong[25]  
3437 AC Lord Alyn Stokeworth[25]  
Grand Maester 5 AC Ollidar[16]  
512 AC Lyonce[16]  
1237 AC Gawen[22]  
Master of coin 1 AC–Unknown Lord Crispian Celtigar[4]  
Master of laws 1 AC–Unknown Lord Triston Massey[4]  
Master of ships Aegon's Conquest Lord Daemon Velaryon[4]  
Unknown–Unknown Lord Aethan Velaryon[25] Although it is unknown when exactly Aethan served in the office, he is known to have been Aegon’s master of ships by 22 AC, when his daughter Alyssa married Prince Aenys.[26] He held the office at least until 30 AC.
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 10 AC–Unknown Ser Corlys Velaryon[22]  

Quotes by Aegon

When the sun sets, your line shall end.[4]

—Aegon to Harren Hoare

A king should never sit easy.[32]

—Aegon to his armorers

Quotes about Aegon

On the seventh day, a cloud of ravens burst from the towers of Dragonstone to bring Lord Aegon's word to the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. To the seven kings they flew, to the Citadel of Oldtown, to lords both great and small. All carried the same message: from this day forth there would be but one king in Westeros. Those who bent the knee to Aegon of House Targaryen would keep their lands and titles. Those who took up arms against him would be thrown down, humbled, and destroyed.[14]

—writings of Gyldayn

Aegon the Conqueror brought fire and blood to Westeros, but afterward he gave them peace, prosperity, and justice.[33]

Daenerys Targaryen to her supporters

Aegon once stood here as I do, looking down on this table. Do you think we would name him Aegon the Conqueror today if he had not had dragons?[34]

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valaena
Velaryon
 
Aerion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visenya
 
Aegon I
 
Rhaenys
 
 
Orys
Baratheon
 
Argella
Durrandon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceryse
Hightower
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aenys I
 
Alyssa
Velaryon
 
 
House Baratheon.svg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elinor
Costayne
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alys
Harroway
 
 
Maegor I
 
Rhaena
 
Aegon
 
Viserys
 
Jaehaerys I
 
Alysanne
 
Vaella
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeyne
Westerling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tyanna of
the Tower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaella
 
Aerea
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
House Targaryen.svg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Behind the Scenes

According to a semi-canon source, William the Conqueror is an inspiration for Aegon.[35]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  2. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 13, Tyrion II.
  3. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  6. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  7. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  8. So Spake Martin: Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)
  9. So Spake Martin: Asshai.com Forum Chat (July 27, 2008)
  10. Screenrant: Aegon's White Walkers Dream In House Of The Dragon Came From GRRM
  11. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Aegon I Targaryen.
  12. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria.
  13. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 Fire & Blood, Aegon's Conquest.
  15. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Fire & Blood, Reign of the Dragon - The Wars of King Aegon I.
  18. The World of Ice & Fire, The Iron Islands: The Greyjoys of Pyke.
  19. 19.0 19.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons.
  20. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 21.4 21.5 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7 22.8 22.9 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  23. Fire & Blood, Thre Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
  24. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.
  25. 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 25.5 25.6 The Sons of the Dragon.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  27. The Sworn Sword.
  28. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  29. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 34, Cat Of The Canals.
  30. The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Baratheon.
  31. The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  32. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 43, Eddard XI.
  33. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 71, Daenerys VI.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  35. So Spake Martin: Historical Influences (June 20, 2001)

External links