Difference between revisions of "Aegon II Targaryen"

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| othertitles = [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}<br>[[Protector of the Realm]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| othertitles = [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}<br>[[Protector of the Realm]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| fullname = Aegon Targaryen the Second of His Name
 
| fullname = Aegon Targaryen the Second of His Name
| alias = Aegon the Elder{{Ref|TRP}}<br>Aegon the Usurper{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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| alias = Aegon the Elder{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}<br>Aegon the Usurper{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
| predecessor = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| predecessor = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| successor = [[Aegon III Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| successor = [[Aegon III Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
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| consort =
 
| consort =
 
| spouse1 =
 
| spouse1 =
| issue = [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Jaehaera Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Maelor Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>Bastard twins (a boy and a girl){{Ref|TRP}}<br>Bastard daughter{{Ref|TRP}}<br>[[Gaemon Palehair]] (alleged bastard)
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| issue = [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Jaehaera Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Maelor Targaryen]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>Bastard son{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>Bastard daughter{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<br>[[Gaemon Palehair]] (alleged bastard){{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
 
| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen]]{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
| dynasty =
 
| dynasty =
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{{See homonyms | Aegon Targaryen}}
 
{{See homonyms | Aegon Targaryen}}
  
'''Aegon II Targaryen''' was the sixth [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] king to sit the [[Iron Throne]], succeeding his father, [[Viserys I Targaryen]], as [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]. His ascent was disputed by his older half-sister, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who had been their father's designated heir. Aegon and Rhaenyra fought for the throne in the civil war the singers called the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which both siblings perished.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
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'''Aegon II Targaryen''', also known as '''Aegon the Elder''',{{ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} was the sixth [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] king to sit the [[Iron Throne]], succeeding his father, [[Viserys I Targaryen]], as [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]. His ascent was disputed by his older half-sister, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], who had been their father's designated heir. Aegon and Rhaenyra fought for the throne in the civil war the singers called the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which both siblings perished.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
Aegon was married to his younger sister, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], and had three children by her, though none reached adulthood. His dragon was [[Sunfyre]], also known as "the Golden". During the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon took a three-headed golden dragon for his personal sigil instead of the red three-headed Targaryen dragon,{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} indicating his mount.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} During the Dance, his supporters used his personal heraldry as their battle-flag.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
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Aegon was married to his younger sister, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], and had three children by her, though none reached adulthood. His dragon was [[Sunfyre]], also known as "the Golden". During the Dance, Aegon took a three-headed golden dragon for his personal sigil instead of the red three-headed Targaryen dragon,{{Ref|twoiaf|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} indicating his mount.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} Aegon's supporters used his personal heraldry as their battle-flag.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
{{See also|:Category:Images of Aegon II Targaryen|l1=Images of Aegon II Targaryen}}
 
{{See also|:Category:Images of Aegon II Targaryen|l1=Images of Aegon II Targaryen}}
According to a semi-canon source, Aegon resembled [[Viserys I Targaryen|his father]] in appearance.<ref name="targaryenkings">[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_Kings Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)]</ref> He was a handsome young man,{{ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} though he had a sullen look to his eyes and a pouty mouth. Aegon did not have a beard, and only had a wispy mustache. Overall, he did not look like a warrior.<ref name="targaryenkings"/> He wore the iron-and-ruby [[crown]] of [[Aegon I Targaryen]] and carried his namesake's [[Valyrian steel]] [[Bastard sword|sword]] [[Blackfyre]].{{Ref|TPATQ}} Aegon was severely injured during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], which left him bent and twisted.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
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According to a semi-canon source, Aegon resembled his father, [[Viserys I Targaryen]], in appearance.<ref name="targaryenkings">[[So Spake Martin]]: [https://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_Kings Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)]</ref> He was a handsome young man,{{ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} though he had a sullen look to his eyes and a pouty mouth. Aegon had a wispy mustache instead of a beard. Overall, he did not look like a warrior.<ref name="targaryenkings"/> He wore the iron-and-ruby [[crown]] of [[Aegon I Targaryen]] and carried [[Blackfyre]], his namesake's [[Valyrian steel]] sword.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
At [[Battle at Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]] Aegon broke his ribs, his hip, and was burned on half his body, most severely on his left arm.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} His burns turned to scars, and his subsequent use of [[milk of the poppy]] gave him a puffy face.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Later on, at [[Dragonstone]], Aegon broke both his legs and was for the remainder of his life unable to walk.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 
  
Aegon II was quick to anger and slow to forgive.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} At the age of fifteen, Aegon was known to be a lazy and somewhat sulky boy, inclined to gluttony at the table and given to swilling [[ale]] and [[strongwine]], traits he carried to adulthood.{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} A sweet [[Arbor]] red was Aegon's favorite vintage.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} During the Dance of the Dragons, after a series of defeats and setbacks, Aegon's drinking grew more frequent, as he used strongwine to drown his fears.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} He would later use wine to dull his pain from the injuries and burns he had suffered.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} [[Grand Maester]] [[Kaeth]] also described him as grasping.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Through his reign, Aegon never knew joy nor peace.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Aegon was severely injured during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], which left him bent and twisted.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}
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At [[Battle at Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]], Aegon broke his ribs, his hip, and was burned on half his body, most severely on his left arm.{{Ref|fab|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} His burns turned to scars, and his subsequent use of [[milk of the poppy]] gave him a puffy face.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Later at [[Dragonstone]], Aegon broke both his legs and was for the remainder of his life unable to walk.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
Aegon was also very promiscuous, and it was widely known that he fathered several [[bastards]].{{Ref|TRP}} Even at a young age, he was known to pinch or fondle any serving girl who strayed within his reach.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} After his injuries left him incapable of sexual congress, the [[court fool]] [[Mushroom]] claims Aegon would watch as one of his favorites coupled with a serving girl or lady of court, though he would later weep and summon [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] to grant him absolution.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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Aegon II was quick to anger and slow to forgive.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} At the age of fifteen, he was known to be a lazy and somewhat sulky boy, inclined to gluttony at the table and given to swilling [[ale]] and [[strongwine]], traits he carried to adulthood.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} A sweet [[Arbor]] red was Aegon's favorite vintage.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} During the Dance, after a series of defeats and setbacks, Aegon's drinking grew more frequent, as he used strongwine to drown his fears.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}} He would later use wine to dull his pain from the injuries and burns he had suffered.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Grand Maester [[Kaeth]] described him as grasping.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Through his reign, Aegon never knew joy nor peace.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
==Biography==
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It was widely known that the promiscuous Aegon had fathered several [[bastards]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Even at a young age, he was known to pinch or fondle any serving girl who strayed within his reach.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} After his injuries left him incapable of sexual congress, the court fool [[Mushroom]] claims Aegon would watch as one of his favorites coupled with a serving girl or lady of court, though he would later weep and summon Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] to grant him absolution.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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==History==
 
===Youth===
 
===Youth===
Aegon was born in {{Date|106}} to King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and his second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. Aegon had three older half-siblings: two brothers who had died in infancy, and a sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], who had officially been appointed as King Viserys's heir in late {{Date|105}}, with hundreds of [[lord]]s and [[landed knight]]s having done obeisance to her and having sworn sworn solemn oaths to defend her rights.{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Aegon was born in {{Date|106}} to King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] and his second wife, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]. Aegon had three older half-siblings: two brothers who had died in infancy, and a sister, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], who had officially been appointed as Viserys's heir in late {{Date|105}}, with hundreds of [[lord]]s and [[landed knight]]s having done obeisance to her and having sworn sworn solemn oaths to defend her rights.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
Aegon was named by his mother after [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} He would have three younger siblings: two brothers, [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], and a sister, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]]. Although King Viserys now had three sons, he refused to alter the succession and kept Rhaenyra as his heir, a decision he left in his will.{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|TPATQ}} Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], the brother of King Viserys, was notably cool towards Aegon and Aemond, as their births had pushed Daemon further down the line of succession.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
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Aegon was named by his mother after [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} He would have three younger siblings: two brothers, [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], and a sister, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]]. Although King Viserys now had three sons, he refused to alter the succession and kept Rhaenyra as his heir, a decision he left in his will.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], the king's younger brother, was notably cool towards Aegon and Aemond, as their births had pushed Daemon further down the line of succession.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
Aegon's mother, Queen Alicent, did not agree with her husband's decision to name Rhaenyra heir to the throne over Aegon. When her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], continually encouraged Viserys to name Aegon his heir, he was stripped of his office as [[Hand of the King]]. When attempts to persuade the king to do otherwise failed, Alicent attempted to convince her husband to have Rhaenyra and Aegon marry. Viserys did not agree, as the two siblings were ten years apart in age, and had never gotten along. King Viserys knew that Alicent only proposed the match to get Aegon on the throne, and thus married Rhaenyra to Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], heir to [[Driftmark]], instead.{{Ref|TRP}}
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Aegon's mother, Queen Alicent, did not agree with her husband's decision to name Rhaenyra heir to the [[Iron Throne]] over Aegon. When her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], continually encouraged Viserys to name Aegon his heir, he was stripped of his office as [[Hand of the King]]. When attempts to persuade the king to do otherwise failed, Alicent attempted to convince her husband to have Rhaenyra and Aegon marry. Viserys did not agree, as the two siblings were ten years apart in age, and had never gotten along. King Viserys knew that Alicent only proposed the match to get Aegon on the throne, and thus married Rhaenyra to Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], heir to [[Driftmark]], instead.{{ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
===Tensions at court===
 
===Tensions at court===
[[File: King Aegon II FAB.PNG|thumb|250px|Aegon II Targaryen, depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]
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Relations at court began to escalate as lords began to side with either [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] or [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], with many favoring the laws established at the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}, declaring that the [[Iron Throne]] could not pass to a woman. The two parties soon became known as the "[[greens]]" and the "[[blacks]]", the former consisting of those in favor of Aegon inheriting the Iron Throne, while the latter favored Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
Relations at court began to escalate as lords began to side with either Alicent or Rhaenyra, with many favoring the laws established at the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}, declaring that the Iron Throne could not pass to a woman. The two parties soon became known as the "[[greens]]" and the "[[blacks]]", the former consisting of those in favor of Aegon inheriting the Iron Throne, while the latter favored Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 
  
The enmity between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra was passed on to their children; Aegon and his brothers did not get along with their Velaryon nephews, and resented the three boys for having stolen their "birthright", the Iron Throne itself. Prince Aegon was convinced that Rhaenyra's three Velaryon sons were fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]], and stated such to his brother Aemond. The six boys attended the same feasts, balls, and revels, and sometimes trained together under the same [[master-at-arms]] and studied under the same [[maester]]s. [[Archmaester]] [[Gyldayn]] believed that forcing Aegon and his siblings to be close to Rhaenyra's sons only caused their mutual dislike to grow.{{Ref|TRP}}
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The enmity between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra was passed on to their children; Aegon and his brothers did not get along with their [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] nephews, and resented the three boys for having stolen their "birthright", the Iron Throne itself. Prince Aegon was convinced that Rhaenyra's three Velaryon sons were fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]], and stated such to his brother [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]]. The six boys attended the same feasts, balls, and revels, and sometimes trained together under the same [[master-at-arms]] and studied under the same [[maesters]]. Archmaester [[Gyldayn]] believed that forcing Aegon and his siblings to be close to Rhaenyra's sons only caused their mutual dislike to grow.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
By the time he was thirteen years old, Prince Aegon had become a [[dragonrider]], having successfully bonded with the young [[Sunfyre]]. After the deaths of their spouses, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon married. In {{Date|120}}, Rhaenyra bore a son she named [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], intended to be a slight towards Prince Aegon, much to the wroth of Queen Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} In {{Date|122}}, in accordance with the ancient tradition of [[House Targaryen]], Prince Aegon married his sister, Princess [[Helaena Targaryen]], in [[King's Landing]]. Their first children, the twins Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] and Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], were born a year later, as were Aegon's first two [[bastards]], one boy he had fathered on a girl whose maidenhead he had won at an auction in the [[Street of Silk]], and one girl he had fathered on one of his mother's servants.{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} In {{Date|127}}, Helaena gave birth to Aegon's youngest son, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]].{{Ref|TRP}}
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By the time he was thirteen years old, Prince Aegon had become a [[dragonrider]], having successfully bonded with the young [[Sunfyre]]. After the deaths of their spouses, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon married. In {{Date|120}}, Rhaenyra bore a son she named [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]], intended to be a slight towards Prince Aegon, much to the wroth of Queen Alicent.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} In {{Date|122}}, in accordance with the ancient tradition of [[House Targaryen]], Prince Aegon the Elder married his sister, Princess [[Helaena Targaryen]], in [[King's Landing]]. Their first children, the twins Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] and Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], were born a year later, as were two [[bastards]], a boy Aegon had fathered on a girl whose maidenhead he had won at an auction in the [[Street of Silk]] and a girl he had fathered on one of his mother's servants.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} In {{Date|127}}, Helaena gave birth to Aegon's youngest son, Prince [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
Despite the various attempts of King Viserys to get Aegon, his siblings, and their Velaryon nephews on friendlier terms, Aegon remained resentful of Rhaenyra's children. When at a feast on the first day of {{Date|127}}, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] asked Princess Helaena for a dance, Aegon took offense. They argued, and might even have fought, had the [[Kingsguard]] not intervened.{{Ref|TRP}}
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Despite the various attempts of King Viserys to get Aegon, his siblings, and their Velaryon nephews on friendlier terms, Aegon remained resentful of Rhaenyra's children. When at a feast on the first day of {{Date|127}}, Prince [[Jacaerys Velaryon]] asked Princess Helaena for a dance, Aegon took offense. They argued, and might even have fought, had the [[Kingsguard]] not intervened.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
  
 
===The Dance of the Dragons===
 
===The Dance of the Dragons===
When King Viserys I died in {{Date|129}}, Princess Rhaenyra was still the heir to the throne. Since Rhaenyra was pregnant on [[Dragonstone]] when her father died, the greens in King's Landing hid the news of Viserys's death, keeping the king's body in his room for seven days, until their preparations for Aegon's coronation were complete. After the small council was ready to crown Aegon, the prince was found abed with a [[paramour]]. According to [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]],<ref name="Ran">A Forum of Ice and Fire: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/100284-spoilers-the-princess-and-the-queen-complete-spoilers-discussion/&do=findComment&comment=5178064 [Spoilers<nowiki>]</nowiki> The Princess and the Queen, complete spoilers discussion (28 November (20143]]</ref> Aegon at first refused to be a part of his mother's plans to crown him, insisting Rhaenyra was heir. However, Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], convinced him that should Rhaenyra take the throne, Aegon and his brothers would be executed. Eustace insists that only this persuaded him to take the crown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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====Early rule====
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[[File:Aegon II crowned.jpg|thumb|250px|Aegon II is crowned by Ser [[Criston Cole]], depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]
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When King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] died in {{Date|129}}, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] was still the heir to the [[Iron Throne]]. Since she was pregnant at [[Dragonstone]] when her father died, the greens in [[King's Landing]] hid the news of Viserys's death, keeping the king's body in his room for seven days, until their preparations for Aegon's coronation were complete. With the exception of Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]], the [[small council]] agreed to crown Aegon. According to [[Mushroom]], the prince was found with a young girl in [[Flea Bottom]], while Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] claimed Aegon was found abed with a [[paramour]], the daughter of a trader. According to Eustace, Aegon at first refused to be a part of his mother's plans to crown him, insisting Rhaenyra was heir. However, Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], convinced him that should Rhaenyra take the throne, Aegon and his brothers would be executed. Eustace insists that only this persuaded him to take the crown.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
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While the council made plans to win the [[Great Houses]] over to Aegon, the prince grew tired of the secrecy and demanded to be crowned. On the tenth day of the third moon of 129 AC, the death of King Viserys I was finally announced to the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and Aegon was declared king. Preparations were made to have the coronation at the [[Dragonpit]]. On the appointed day, Ser Criston the Kingmaker placed the crown of Aegon the Conqueror upon the prince's head, proclaiming him [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]. With the aged [[High Septon (Dance of the Dragons)|High Septon]] in [[Oldtown]], it fell to Septon Eustace to anoint and bless King Aegon II.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
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However, Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the [[Kingsguard]] fled to Rhaenyra at Dragonstone with the crown of Viserys I. Rhaenyra refused to be denied her crown, disputing Aegon's ascension. Aegon enjoyed the wealth of King's Landing, Oldtown, and [[Lannisport]], as well as the support of Houses [[House Hightower|Hightower]], [[House Lannister|Lannister]], and [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]]. He also maintained the appearance of legitimacy, with the Conqueror's crown, the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]], and the Iron Throne.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Upon hearing of Rhaenyra's coronation, Aegon demanded the heads of her and Prince Daemon, though Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] convinced Aegon to allow him to give peace terms to Rhaenyra. However, Rhaenyra refused the terms, much to the anger of Aegon. The realm was split into two as the greens and the blacks battled for the Iron Throne, and the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
  
[[File: Aegon II crowned.jpg|thumb|260px|left|Aegon II is crowned by Ser Criston Cole, depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]  
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Early in the war, Prince Aemond slew Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]] over [[Storm's End]], while Lucerys was attempting to win [[Borros Baratheon]], [[Lord of Storm's End]], over to his mother's side. Upon Aemond's return, having ensured Storm's End's support, Aegon welcomed his brother with a great feast, though Queen Alicent and her father, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], were concerned about the extent of Aemond's actions.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Seeking revenge against Aegon, Prince Daemon took action. Aegon's heir, Prince [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], was murdered in the [[Red Keep]] by [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]], agents of [[Mysaria]], Daemon's spymaster. His sister-wife, Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]], quickly began to sink into depression and madness, due to [[Dance of the Dragons#Blood and Cheese|the role she had played]] in the events leading to Jaehaerys' death.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} While Blood was captured and tortured to death, Cheese was not found. In his fury, Aegon ordered every ratcatcher in the city to be hanged. Aegon and his wife slept separately thereafter, with the king drinking in anger.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
While the council made plans to win the [[Great Houses]] over to Aegon, the prince grew tired of the secrecy and demanded to be crowned. On the tenth day of the third moon of 129 AC, the death of King Viserys I was finally announced to the realm and Aegon was declared king. Preparations were made to have the coronation at the [[Dragonpit]]. On the appointed day, Ser Criston the Kingmaker placed the crown of Aegon the Conqueror upon the prince's head, proclaiming him [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]. With the aged [[High Septon]] in [[Oldtown]], it fell to Septon Eustace to anoint and bless King Aegon II.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
  
However, Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the [[Kingsguard]] fled to Rhaenyra at Dragonstone with the crown of Viserys I. Rhaenyra refused to be denied her crown, disputing Aegon's ascension. Aegon enjoyed the wealth of King's Landing, Oldtown, and [[Lannisport]], as well as the support of [[House Hightower]], [[House Lannister]], and [[House Baratheon]]. He also maintained the appearance of legitimacy, with the Conqueror's crown, the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]], and the Iron Throne.{{Ref|TPATQ}} Upon hearing of Rhaenyra's coronation, Aegon demanded the heads of her and Prince Daemon, though [[Grand Maester]] [[Orwyle]] managed to convince Aegon to allow him to give peace terms to Rhaenyra. However, Rhaenyra refused the terms, much to the anger of Aegon. The realm was split into two as the greens and the blacks battled for the Iron Throne, and the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]] began.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
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[[File: Sunfyre rook's rest.png|thumb|300px|Aegon II and [[Sunfyre]] are badly injured, as depicted by Jordi Gonzales Escamilla]]
  
Early in the war, Prince Aemond slew Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]] over [[Storm's End]], while Lucerys was attempting to win Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] over to his mother's side. Upon Aemond's return, having ensured Storm's End's support, Aegon welcomed his brother with a great feast, though Queen Alicent and Ser Otto were concerned about the extent of Aemond's actions.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}} Seeking revenge against Aegon, Prince Daemon took action. Aegon's heir, Prince Jaehaerys, was murdered in the [[Red Keep]] by [[Blood (the butcher)|Blood]] and [[Cheese (the rat-catcher)|Cheese]], agents of [[Mysaria]], Prince Daemon's spymaster. His sister-wife Helaena quickly began to sink into depression and madness, due to [[Dance of the Dragons#Blood and Cheese|the role she had played]] in the events leading to Jaehaerys' death.{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} While Blood was captured and tortured to death, Cheese the ratcatcher was not found. In his fury, Aegon ordered every ratcatcher in the city to be hanged. Aegon and his wife slept separately thereafter, with the king drinking in anger.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son}}
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While the greens suffered a series of defeats in the [[riverlands]], Ser Otto attempted to win allies with letters and buying sellswords. Aegon mistook his efforts for inaction, and his caution for cowardice. With [[House Velaryon]], [[House Stark]], [[House Arryn]], and much of the riverlords firmly behind his sister, Aegon drowned his growing fears in strongwine. With [[Corlys Velaryon]], [[Lord of the Tides]], blockading King's Landing, Otto reached out to the [[Triarchy]] and [[Dalton Greyjoy]], [[Lord of the Iron Islands]], for aid. Because of his grandfather's delays in waging war, Aegon stripped Otto of the Handship and awarded it to Criston Cole. Under Criston the Kingmaker's advice, those nobles who were imprisoned for their loyalties to Rhaenyra were brought before the [[King's Justice]] and executed if they did not bend the knee to Aegon. The king also desired to attack Dragonstone, though he was dissuaded by his council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
  
[[File: Sunfyre rook's rest.png|thumb|300px|Aegon II and Sunfyre are badly injured, as depicted by Jordi Gonzales Escamilla]]
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Ser Criston soon took to the offensive. Aegon himself took the field in a trap set by the Kingmaker at [[Battle of Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]], where he and Aemond fought and killed Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], the Queen Who Never Was, and her dragon, [[Meleys]]. However, Sunfyre were badly maimed by Rhaenys and Meleys, and Aegon suffered from burns that covered half his body, a broken hip, and numerous broken ribs. His armor had melted into his left arm, and it would take him a year to recover, his mind clouded by [[milk of the poppy]], causing him to sleep nine hours out of every ten. He did not rise from his bed for the rest of the year, and some say he prayed for his death. Only his mother, Queen Alicent, and his Hand, Ser Criston, were allowed to disturb his rest. Prince Aemond took over the rule in his stead as [[Regent|Prince Regent]] and [[Protector of the Realm]]. Aegon remained bent and twisted for the rest of his life, half his body covered in burn scars.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
While the greens suffered a series of defeats in the [[riverlands]], Ser Otto attempted to win allies with letters and buying sellswords. Aegon mistook his efforts for inaction, and his caution for cowardice. With [[House Velaryon]], [[House Stark]], [[House Arryn]], and much of the riverlords firmly behind his sister, Aegon drowned his growing fears in strongwine. With Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] blockading King's Landing, Ser Otto attempted to reach out to the [[Triarchy]] and Lord [[Dalton Greyjoy]] for aid. Because of his grandfather's delays in waging war, Aegon stripped Ser Otto of the Handship and awarded it to Criston the Kingmaker. Under Ser Criston's advice, those nobles who were imprisoned for their loyalties to Rhaenyra were brought before the [[King's Justice]] and executed if they did not bend the knee to Aegon. The king also desired to attack Dragonstone, though was dissuaded by his council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
 
  
Ser Criston soon took to the offensive. Aegon himself took the field in a trap set by Cole at [[Battle of Rook's Rest|Rook's Rest]], where he and Aemond fought and killed Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]], the Queen Who Never Was, and her dragon, [[Meleys]]. However, Sunfyre were badly maimed by Rhaenys and Meleys, and Aegon suffered from burns that covered half his body, a broken hip, and numerous broken ribs. His armor had melted into his left arm, and it would take him a year to recover, his mind clouded by [[milk of the poppy]], causing him to sleep nine hours out of every ten. He did not rise from his bed for the rest of the year, and some say he prayed for his death. Only his mother, Queen Alicent, and his Hand, Ser Criston, were allowed to disturb his rest. Prince Aemond took over the rule in his stead as [[Regent|Prince Regent]] and [[Protector of the Realm]]. Aegon remained bent and twisted for the rest of his life, half his body covered in burn scars.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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====Dragonstone====
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Rhaenyra [[Fall of King's Landing|took King's Landing]] and the Iron Throne in {{Date|130}}, [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] and [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] slew each other in the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], and Criston perished in the [[Butcher's Ball]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant}} Before they could be captured by Rhaenyra, however, [[Larys Strong]], [[Lord of Harrenhal]], secretly smuggled Aegon and his children out of the city. While Maelor and Jaehaera were spirited away to safety, Aegon disguised himself as one of the [[smallfolk]] and escaped on a fishing boat, later arriving on Dragonstone where he convinced several blacks to defect and help him take the island. During the [[fall of Dragonstone]], he fought Princess [[Baela Targaryen]], both of them mounted on dragons. When Sunfyre and [[Moondancer]] fell to the earth during the fight, Aegon tried to jump off his dragon's back, shattering his legs. He carried great pain with him for the rest of his life, but refused milk of the poppy when offered by Grand Maester [[Gerardys]], due to his experience with it from his recovery from Rook's Rest. Aegon had no trust for Gerardys and ordered him fed to his dragon, although the upper torso was kept and hanged on the battlements to welcome his sister.{{Ref|ASOS|12}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Having been protected by Ser [[Marston Waters]] on his journey to Dragonstone, Aegon named the bastard knight to his Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Aegon's wife Helaena had ended her grief by suicide in the capital, and his son, Prince Maelor, was killed by a mob in [[Bitterbridge]].{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
Prince Aemond was later slain by Daemon, while Ser Criston perished in the [[Butcher's Ball]]. When Rhaenyra [[Fall of King's Landing|took King's Landing]] and the Iron Throne in {{Date|130}}, Lord [[Larys Strong]] secretly smuggled Aegon and his children out of the city. While Maelor and Jaehaera were spirited away to safety, Aegon disguised himself as one of the [[smallfolk]] and escaped on a fishing boat, later arriving on Dragonstone where he convinced several blacks to defect and help him take the island. During the coup, he fought Princess [[Baela Targaryen]], both of them mounted on dragons. When the dragons fell to the earth during the fight, Aegon tried to jump off Sunfyre's back, shattering his legs. He carried great pain with him for the rest of his life, but refused [[milk of the poppy]] when offered it by Grand Maester [[Gerardys]], due to his experience with it from his recovery from Rook's Rest. Aegon had no trust for Gerardys and ordered him fed to his dragon, although the upper torso was kept and hanged on the battlements to welcome his sister.{{Ref|ASOS|12}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} Having been protected by Ser [[Marston Waters]] on his journey to Dragonstone, Aegon named the bastard knight to his Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Aegon's wife Helaena had ended her grief by suicide in the capital, and his son, Prince Maelor, was killed by a mob in [[Bitterbridge]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
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Following the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra [[Flight to Dragonstone|fled to Dragonstone]] in {{Date|130}}. Unaware of Aegon's coup, she was captured on arrival, judged a traitor, and fed by Aegon to Sunfyre, as Rhaenyra's surviving son, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], watched.{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Alfred Broome]] argued for killing Prince Aegon as well, though the king forbade it.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} The war continued, however, as Rhaenyra's supporters continued her cause supporting Aegon the Younger, despite the boy being Aegon the Elder's prisoner.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} However, King Aegon's return to King's Landing was prevented by the [[Velaryon fleet]] surrounding Dragonstone.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
In late {{Date|130}}, Rhaenyra chose to [[Flight to Dragonstone|flee to Dragonstone]] where, unaware of the coup, she was captured, judged a traitor, and fed by Aegon to Sunfyre, as Rhaenyra's son, Prince Aegon the Younger, watched.{{Ref|THK}} Ser [[Alfred Broome]] argued for killing Prince Aegon as well, though the king forbade it.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}} The war continued, however, as Rhaenyra's supporters continued her cause supporting her son, Aegon the Younger, despite the boy being King Aegon's prisoner.{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} However, King Aegon's return to King's Landing was prevented by the Velaryon fleet surrounding Dragonstone.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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====Restoration====
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[[File:King Aegon II FAB.PNG|thumb|250px|Aegon II Targaryen, depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]
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Though [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] was dead, the [[Dance of the Dragons]] was not yet over. Aegon II offered [[House Velaryon]] a pardon if [[Alyn Velaryon]], the heir of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon|Corlys]], swore fealty to him and allowed him to cross [[Blackwater Bay]]. While on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]], Sunfyre died from his wounds and Aegon wept. Although Aegon at first ordered Princess [[Baela Targaryen]]'s execution, he instead threatened to execute her if Alyn did not present himself before the king. When Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] finally arrived at King's Landing, Dowager Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] arranged a marriage between Aegon II and Lady [[Cassandra Baratheon]], Borros's eldest daughter. Meanwhile, Corlys agreed to swear fealty to Aegon and was named [[master of ships]]. As Aegon was preparing to behead Baela again while Alyn prepared an attack on Dragonstone, news of House Velaryon's accord with the Iron Throne reached both sides. Aegon returned to King's Landing aboard ''[[Mouse]]'', a battered cog captained by Alyn's mother, [[Marilda of Hull]]. According to [[Mushroom]], the selection of that ship was intended by Alyn to be an insult to the king.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
===Final days===
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Unable to climb the steps of the [[Iron Throne]], Aegon II held court from a wooden, cushioned seat, with a blanket covering his twisted legs. Though in great pain, he refused to return to the use of [[dreamwine]] or [[milk of the poppy]], but instead turned his attention to the three pretender kings in King's Landing. Aegon allowed [[Trystane Truefyre]] to receive [[knight]]hood before being executed. The king spared [[Gaemon Palehair]] on account of his youth, though his followers were hanged. After arresting the [[Shepherd]], Aegon had his tongue ripped out, then had him burned to death alongside his followers.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
Though his sister was dead, the Dance was not yet over. Aegon II offered House Velaryon a pardon if [[Alyn Velaryon]], the heir of Lord Corlys, swore fealty to him and allowed him to cross [[Blackwater Bay]]. While on Dragonstone, Sunfyre died from his wounds and Aegon wept. Although Aegon at first ordered Princess Baela's execution, he instead threatened to execute her if Alyn did not present himself before the king. When Lord Borros Baratheon finally arrived at King's Landing, Dowager Queen Alicent arranged a marriage between Aegon II and Lady [[Cassandra Baratheon]], Borros's eldest daughter. Meanwhile, Lord Corlys agreed to swear fealty to Aegon II and was named [[master of ships]]. As Aegon was preparing to behead Baela again while Alyn prepared an attack on Dragonstone, news of House Velaryon's accord with the Iron Throne reached both sides. Aegon returned to King's Landing aboard ''[[Mouse]]'', a battered cog captained by Alyn's [[Marilda of Hull|mother]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 
  
[[File: Aegon II dead.PNG|thumb|250px|Aegon II dead within his litter, depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]
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While Lord Velaryon urged Aegon to pardon those lords that supported Rhaenyra, the king had said lords of the [[crownlands]] brought to him in chains to swear fealty, pay a heavy ransom, and provide hostages to the Crown, hardening them against him. Meanwhile, the riverlords marched towards King's Landing, while a large host from the [[Vale of Arryn]] was hiring ships to bring them down on the capital. Aegon made efforts to hatch [[dragon egg]]s from Dragonstone, but to no success. Corlys implored the king to wed his daughter, [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], to the captive [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], though Aegon II desired for his sister's line to end; Aegon decreed that the prince would either join the [[Night's Watch]] or serve him as a [[eunuch]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
Unable to climb the steps of the Iron Throne, Aegon held court from a wooden, cushioned seat, with a blanket covering his twisted legs. Though in great pain, Aegon refused to return to the use of [[dreamwine]] or milk of the poppy, but instead turned his attention to the three pretender kings in King's Landing. While he executed [[Trystane Truefyre]], he spared [[Gaemon Palehair]] on account of his youth, though hanged his followers. After arresting the [[Shepherd]], Aegon had his tongue ripped out, then had him burned to death alongside his followers. While Lord Velaryon urged Aegon to pardon those lords that supported Rhaenyra, the king had said lords of the [[crownlands]] brought to him in chains to swear fealty, pay a heavy ransom, and provide hostages to the Crown, hardening them against him. Meanwhile, the riverlords marched towards King's Landing, while a large host from the [[Vale]] was hiring ships to bring them down on the capital. Aegon made efforts to hatch [[dragon egg]]s from Dragonstone, but to no success. Velaryon implored the king to wed his Jaehaera to Aegon the Younger, though Aegon II desired for his sister's line to end; Aegon decreed that the prince would either join the [[Night's Watch]] or serve him as a [[eunuch]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 
  
With armies closing in on the capital and his lords plotting and arguing, Aegon II remained oblivious, only taking pleasure from contemplating his marriage to Lady Cassandra. The king commanded for the Dragonpit to be rebuilt and two statues commissioned of his late brothers, Daeron and Aemond. However, Lord [[Kermit Tully]] and his army had reached King's Landing and defeated Lord Baratheon in the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]]. With no armies remaining and with the approach of the Valemen and Lord [[Cregan Stark]]'s army, Lord Corlys knew defeat was imminent. He counseled King Aegon to abdicate and join the Night's Watch, though Queen Alicent reminded her son of their hostages and the king refused. He instead gave orders to have the ear of his nephew, Aegon the Younger, cut off and sent to Lord Tully as a warning. Aegon then climbed into his litter, to be carried to the castle sept, and was given a cup of wine along the way to ease his pain. When his escort arrived and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]] of the Kingsguard lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was found dead with blood on his lips. Thus died Aegon, the second of his name, in {{Date|131}}, dead by poison.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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====Death====
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With armies closing in on the capital and his lords plotting and arguing, Aegon II remained oblivious, only taking pleasure from contemplating his marriage to Lady [[Cassandra Baratheon]]. The king commanded for the [[Dragonpit]] to be rebuilt and two statues commissioned of his late brothers, [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron the Daring]] and [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond One-Eye]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
===Legacy===
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However, [[Kermit Tully]], [[Lord of Riverrun]], and his army had defeated Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] in the [[Battle of the Kingsroad]]. With no green armies remaining, the [[Lads]] marching on the capital, and with the additional approach of the [[Vale]]men and the [[north]]ern army of [[Cregan Stark]], [[Lord of Winterfell]], Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] knew defeat was imminent in {{date|131}}. He counseled King Aegon to abdicate and join the [[Night's Watch]], though Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] reminded her son of their hostages and the king refused. He instead gave orders to have the ear of his nephew, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], cut off and sent to Lord Tully as a warning.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
With Aegon II dead, Lord Corlys and Prince Aegon rode out to meet the vanguard of Lord Tully's host, proclaiming the king was dead. Meanwhile, Lord [[Leowyn Corbray]], commander of the Arryn host, witnessed the Velaryon fleet remove the banner of Aegon II. Aegon II had no male heirs left, which led to his nephew Aegon the Younger ascending to the throne and marrying Aegon II's daughter, Princess Jaehaera, thus uniting the two branches of House Targaryen. She would die two years later and with her ended the royal line of the marriage of King Viserys I and his second wife Alicent Hightower. As per Targaryen traditions, Aegon II was consigned to the flames, with some hoping that the ills and hatreds of his reign would be burned away with his remains.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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 +
[[File:Aegon II dead.PNG|thumb|250px|Aegon II dead within his litter, depicted by Douglas Wheatley]]
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 +
After his meeting with the [[small council]], the fatigued Aegon climbed into his litter and asked to be carried to the [[royal sept]]. The king had his customary flagon of sweet [[wine|Arbor red]] along the way to ease his pain. When his escort arrived and Ser [[Gyles Belgrave]] of the Kingsguard lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was found dead with blood on his lips.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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 +
With Aegon II, Corlys and an unharmed Aegon the Younger rode out to meet the vanguard of Kermit Tully's host, proclaiming the king was dead. Meanwhile, Lord [[Leowyn Corbray]], commander of the [[House Arryn|Arryn]] host, witnessed the [[Velaryon fleet]] remove the banner of Aegon II. The late king had no male heirs left, which led to his nephew Aegon the Younger ascending to the [[Iron Throne]] and marrying Aegon II's daughter, Princess [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], thus uniting the two branches of [[House Targaryen]]. As per Targaryen traditions, Aegon II was consigned to the flames, with some hoping that the ills and hatreds of his reign would be burned away with his remains.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
  
Who exactly poisoned the king remains unknown to history, though those judged responsible were arrested for the crime during the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. The main conspirators in Aegon II's death were Lord Corlys, Lord Larys, and Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], who feared that Aegon II remaining on the Iron Throne would lead to continued war. When Lord Stark arrived in King's Landing, he had them arrested. Grand Maester Orwyle was sentenced to death for providing the poison, Ser Gyles was executed for "allowing his king's death", and twenty-two lesser personages were also judged complicit, most of those under Ser Perkin's command. While Lord Corlys confessed to his involvement, Lord Cregan was eventually convinced to spare him, though Larys was executed while Ser Perkin was sent to the [[Wall]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Construction of the statues of Aegon II's brothers was halted as the Dragonpit was repaired.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
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Who exactly [[poison]]ed the king remains unknown, though those judged responsible were arrested for the crime during the [[Hour of the Wolf]]. The main conspirators in Aegon II's death were Lord Velaryon, Lord [[Larys Strong]], and Ser [[Perkin the Flea]], who feared that Aegon II remaining on the Iron Throne would lead to continued war. When Lord Stark arrived in King's Landing, he had them arrested. Grand Maester [[Orwyle]] was sentenced to death for providing the poison, Ser Gyles was executed for "allowing his king's death", and twenty-two lesser personages were also judged complicit, most of those under Perkin's command. While Corlys confessed to his involvement, Cregan was eventually convinced to spare him by [[Alysanne Blackwood]]. Larys was executed while Perkin was sent to the [[Wall]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} Construction of the statues of Aegon II's brothers was halted as the Dragonpit was repaired.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
  
Despite being considered as part of the Targaryen dynasty, history would not be kind on Aegon II, though it is equally unkind to his half-sister, Rhaenyra. In the tome ''[[Lives of Four Kings]]'', Grand Maester [[Kaeth]] would describe Aegon II as "grasping", and comparing him with some of the worst Targaryen kings: the weakling [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]] and the tyrannical [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
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===Legacy===
 +
Despite being considered as part of the Targaryen dynasty, history would not be kind on Aegon II, though it is equally unkind to his half-sister, Rhaenyra. In the tome ''[[Lives of Four Kings]]'', Grand Maester [[Kaeth]] describes Aegon as "grasping", and comparing him with some of the worst Targaryen kings: the weakling [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]] and the tyrannical [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}}
  
 
==Small council under Aegon II Targaryen==
 
==Small council under Aegon II Targaryen==
Line 108: Line 121:
 
| rowspan="2" | [[Hand of the King]]
 
| rowspan="2" | [[Hand of the King]]
 
| {{Date|129|129}}
 
| {{Date|129|129}}
| Ser [[Otto Hightower]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| Ser [[Otto Hightower]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|-
 
|-
 
|{{Date|129|130}}
 
|{{Date|129|130}}
| Ser [[Criston Cole]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| Ser [[Criston Cole]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}
| Ser Criston served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the same time.
+
| Criston also served as [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] at the same time.
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Grand Maester]]
 
| [[Grand Maester]]
 
| {{Date|129}}–Unknown
 
| {{Date|129}}–Unknown
| [[Orwyle]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| [[Orwyle]]{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
| Orwyle was arrested by Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s forces when she took [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|130}} and placed in the black cells. He was later freed when Rhaenyra fled the capital.  
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| Orwyle was arrested by Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s forces when she [[fall of King's Landing|took King's Landing]] in {{Date|130}} and placed in the [[black cells]]. He was later freed when Rhaenyra fled the capital.  
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Master of coin]]
 
| [[Master of coin]]
 
|{{Date|129|131}}
 
|{{Date|129|131}}
| Ser [[Tyland Lannister]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
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| Ser [[Tyland Lannister]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Master of laws]]
 
| [[Master of laws]]
 
| {{Date|129|130}}
 
| {{Date|129|130}}
| Lord [[Jasper Wylde]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| Lord [[Jasper Wylde]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Lord Confessor]] and [[master of whisperers]]
 
| [[Lord Confessor]] and [[master of whisperers]]
 
| {{Date|129|131}}
 
| {{Date|129|131}}
| Lord [[Larys Strong]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| Lord [[Larys Strong]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|-
 
|-
Line 138: Line 151:
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
| At the start of Aegon's reign, the newly vacant position was offered to Lord [[Dalton Greyjoy]] in the hopes of winning the [[Iron Islands]] as allies. Dalton never officially accepted the position and instead later attacked the [[Westerlands]]. The position remained vacant for much of the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
+
| At the start of Aegon's reign, the newly-vacant position was offered to Lord [[Dalton Greyjoy]] in the hopes of winning the [[Iron Islands]] as allies. Dalton never accepted the position and instead later attacked the [[westerlands]]. The position remained vacant for much of the war.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{Date|131}}
 
| {{Date|131}}
 
| Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
 
| Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| After the death of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Lord Corlys was released and pardoned and appointed to the small council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
+
| After the death of Rhaenyra, Corlys was released from imprisonment, pardoned, and appointed to the small council.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]
 
| [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]
 
| {{Date|129|130}}
 
| {{Date|129|130}}
| Ser [[Criston Cole]]{{Ref|tpatq}}
+
| Ser [[Criston Cole]]{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
 
|&nbsp;
 
|&nbsp;
 
|}
 
|}
 
==Quotes by Aegon==
 
{{Quote|'''Rhaenyra:''' Dear brother. I had hoped you were dead.<br>'''Aegon II:''' After you. You are the elder.<br>'''Rhaenyra:''' I am pleased to know that you remember that. It would seem we are your prisoners ... but do not think that you will hold us long. My [[Blacks|leal]] [[lord]]s will find me.<br>'''Aegon II:''' If they search the seven hells, mayhaps.{{Ref|TPATQ}}|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Aegon II}}
 
 
{{Quote|Let the [[raven]]s fly that the [[Seven Kingdoms|realm]] may know the [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|pretender]] is dead, and their true king is coming [[Red Keep|home]] to reclaim his [[Viserys I Targaryen|father’s]] [[Iron Throne|throne]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}|Aegon II after the death of Rhaenyra}}
 
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==
Line 160: Line 168:
 
Though he was Viserys' eldest son, Viserys had named his eldest child and daughter his heir, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Aegon's half-sister. Rhaenyra and her children by Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] and Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] were to come before Aegon's own, conflicting with precedents set by the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. The ensuring debate and struggle over the succession gave birth to the [[Dance of the Dragons]] when Viserys died in {{Date|129}}. Ultimately, Aegon II reigned as king, though he would be succeeded by Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], his nephew by Rhaenyra and Daemon.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
 
Though he was Viserys' eldest son, Viserys had named his eldest child and daughter his heir, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], Aegon's half-sister. Rhaenyra and her children by Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] and Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] were to come before Aegon's own, conflicting with precedents set by the [[Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. The ensuring debate and struggle over the succession gave birth to the [[Dance of the Dragons]] when Viserys died in {{Date|129}}. Ultimately, Aegon II reigned as king, though he would be succeeded by Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], his nephew by Rhaenyra and Daemon.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
Aside from his trueborn children, Aegon II was known to have sired several [[bastard]]s, including a boy he had fathered on a girl from the [[Street of Silk]], and one girl he had fathered on one of his mother's servants.{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} After Helaena's death, Aegon II was betrothed to Lady [[Cassandra Baratheon|Cassandra]], daughter of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]], though the king died before he was wed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
+
[[Mushroom]] claimed that Aegon fathered a [[bastard]] son on a girl from the [[Street of Silk]] and a bastard daughter on one of his mother's servants.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} The prostitute [[Essie]] claimed that [[Gaemon Palehair]] had been fathered by Aegon II, but under torture she stated the boy's father was actually a [[Lys]]eni sailor.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} After Helaena's death, Aegon II was betrothed to Lady [[Cassandra Baratheon|Cassandra]], daughter of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]], though the king died before he was wed.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}  
  
 
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}
 
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}
 +
 +
==Quotes by Aegon==
 +
{{Quote|'''Rhaenyra''': Dear brother. I had hoped you were dead.<br>
 +
'''Aegon''': After you. You are the elder.<br>
 +
'''Rhaenyra''': I am pleased to know that you remember that. It would seem we are your prisoners ... but do not think that you will hold us long. [[Blacks|My leal lords]] will find me.<br>
 +
'''Aegon''': If they search the seven hells, mayhaps.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}|[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and Aegon}}
 +
 +
{{Quote|Let the [[raven]]s fly that [[Seven Kingdoms|the realm]] may know [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|the pretender]] is dead, and their true king is coming [[Red Keep|home]] to reclaim [[Viserys I Targaryen|his father’s]] [[Iron Throne|throne]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}} |Aegon after the death of Rhaenyra}}
  
 
==References==
 
==References==

Revision as of 21:45, 18 June 2020

House Targaryen.svg
Aegon II
Aegon II Targaryen.svg
AEGON II.jpg
Aegon II by Amok©.
Monarch
Reign 129 AC - 131 AC[1]
Coronation 129 AC[2]
Full name Aegon Targaryen the Second of His Name
Titles
Predecessor Viserys I Targaryen[1]
Heirs
Successor Aegon III Targaryen[1]
Personal Information
Aliases
  • Aegon the Elder[5]
  • Aegon the Usurper[2]
Born In 107 AC, at at King's Landing[6]
Died In 131 AC, at at King's Landing[6]
Family
Dynasty House Targaryen[1]
Queen Helaena Targaryen[7]
Issue Jaehaerys Targaryen[7]
Jaehaera Targaryen[7]
Maelor Targaryen[7]
Bastard son[7]
Bastard daughter[7]
Gaemon Palehair (alleged bastard)[8]
Father Viserys I Targaryen[7]
Mother Alicent Hightower[7]
Personal arms A golden three-headed dragon on black[9]
(Sable a dragon thrice-headed or)
References
Books

Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Elder,[5] was the sixth Targaryen king to sit the Iron Throne, succeeding his father, Viserys I Targaryen, as Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. His ascent was disputed by his older half-sister, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, who had been their father's designated heir. Aegon and Rhaenyra fought for the throne in the civil war the singers called the Dance of the Dragons, in which both siblings perished.[10]

Aegon was married to his younger sister, Helaena, and had three children by her, though none reached adulthood. His dragon was Sunfyre, also known as "the Golden". During the Dance, Aegon took a three-headed golden dragon for his personal sigil instead of the red three-headed Targaryen dragon,[10] indicating his mount.[9] Aegon's supporters used his personal heraldry as their battle-flag.[10]

Appearance and Character

According to a semi-canon source, Aegon resembled his father, Viserys I Targaryen, in appearance.[11] He was a handsome young man,[8] though he had a sullen look to his eyes and a pouty mouth. Aegon had a wispy mustache instead of a beard. Overall, he did not look like a warrior.[11] He wore the iron-and-ruby crown of Aegon I Targaryen and carried Blackfyre, his namesake's Valyrian steel sword.[2]

Aegon was severely injured during the Dance of the Dragons, which left him bent and twisted.[8] At Rook's Rest, Aegon broke his ribs, his hip, and was burned on half his body, most severely on his left arm.[9] His burns turned to scars, and his subsequent use of milk of the poppy gave him a puffy face.[8] Later at Dragonstone, Aegon broke both his legs and was for the remainder of his life unable to walk.[8][4]

Aegon II was quick to anger and slow to forgive.[2] At the age of fifteen, he was known to be a lazy and somewhat sulky boy, inclined to gluttony at the table and given to swilling ale and strongwine, traits he carried to adulthood.[7] A sweet Arbor red was Aegon's favorite vintage.[4] During the Dance, after a series of defeats and setbacks, Aegon's drinking grew more frequent, as he used strongwine to drown his fears.[3][9] He would later use wine to dull his pain from the injuries and burns he had suffered.[8] Grand Maester Kaeth described him as grasping.[12] Through his reign, Aegon never knew joy nor peace.[13]

It was widely known that the promiscuous Aegon had fathered several bastards.[7] Even at a young age, he was known to pinch or fondle any serving girl who strayed within his reach.[7] After his injuries left him incapable of sexual congress, the court fool Mushroom claims Aegon would watch as one of his favorites coupled with a serving girl or lady of court, though he would later weep and summon Septon Eustace to grant him absolution.[4]

History

Youth

Aegon was born in 106 AC to King Viserys I Targaryen and his second wife, Queen Alicent Hightower. Aegon had three older half-siblings: two brothers who had died in infancy, and a sister, Rhaenyra, who had officially been appointed as Viserys's heir in late 105 AC, with hundreds of lords and landed knights having done obeisance to her and having sworn sworn solemn oaths to defend her rights.[7]

Aegon was named by his mother after Aegon the Conqueror.[7] He would have three younger siblings: two brothers, Aemond and Daeron, and a sister, Helaena. Although King Viserys now had three sons, he refused to alter the succession and kept Rhaenyra as his heir, a decision he left in his will.[2] Prince Daemon Targaryen, the king's younger brother, was notably cool towards Aegon and Aemond, as their births had pushed Daemon further down the line of succession.[7]

Aegon's mother, Queen Alicent, did not agree with her husband's decision to name Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne over Aegon. When her father, Ser Otto Hightower, continually encouraged Viserys to name Aegon his heir, he was stripped of his office as Hand of the King. When attempts to persuade the king to do otherwise failed, Alicent attempted to convince her husband to have Rhaenyra and Aegon marry. Viserys did not agree, as the two siblings were ten years apart in age, and had never gotten along. King Viserys knew that Alicent only proposed the match to get Aegon on the throne, and thus married Rhaenyra to Ser Laenor Velaryon, heir to Driftmark, instead.[7]

Tensions at court

Relations at court began to escalate as lords began to side with either Alicent or Rhaenyra, with many favoring the laws established at the Great Council of 101 AC, declaring that the Iron Throne could not pass to a woman. The two parties soon became known as the "greens" and the "blacks", the former consisting of those in favor of Aegon inheriting the Iron Throne, while the latter favored Rhaenyra.[7]

The enmity between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra was passed on to their children; Aegon and his brothers did not get along with their Velaryon nephews, and resented the three boys for having stolen their "birthright", the Iron Throne itself. Prince Aegon was convinced that Rhaenyra's three Velaryon sons were fathered by Ser Harwin Strong, and stated such to his brother Aemond. The six boys attended the same feasts, balls, and revels, and sometimes trained together under the same master-at-arms and studied under the same maesters. Archmaester Gyldayn believed that forcing Aegon and his siblings to be close to Rhaenyra's sons only caused their mutual dislike to grow.[7]

By the time he was thirteen years old, Prince Aegon had become a dragonrider, having successfully bonded with the young Sunfyre. After the deaths of their spouses, Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon married. In 120 AC, Rhaenyra bore a son she named Aegon, intended to be a slight towards Prince Aegon, much to the wroth of Queen Alicent.[7] In 122 AC, in accordance with the ancient tradition of House Targaryen, Prince Aegon the Elder married his sister, Princess Helaena Targaryen, in King's Landing. Their first children, the twins Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera, were born a year later, as were two bastards, a boy Aegon had fathered on a girl whose maidenhead he had won at an auction in the Street of Silk and a girl he had fathered on one of his mother's servants.[7] In 127 AC, Helaena gave birth to Aegon's youngest son, Prince Maelor.[7]

Despite the various attempts of King Viserys to get Aegon, his siblings, and their Velaryon nephews on friendlier terms, Aegon remained resentful of Rhaenyra's children. When at a feast on the first day of 127 AC, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon asked Princess Helaena for a dance, Aegon took offense. They argued, and might even have fought, had the Kingsguard not intervened.[7]

The Dance of the Dragons

Early rule

Aegon II is crowned by Ser Criston Cole, depicted by Douglas Wheatley

When King Viserys I Targaryen died in 129 AC, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was still the heir to the Iron Throne. Since she was pregnant at Dragonstone when her father died, the greens in King's Landing hid the news of Viserys's death, keeping the king's body in his room for seven days, until their preparations for Aegon's coronation were complete. With the exception of Lord Lyman Beesbury, the small council agreed to crown Aegon. According to Mushroom, the prince was found with a young girl in Flea Bottom, while Septon Eustace claimed Aegon was found abed with a paramour, the daughter of a trader. According to Eustace, Aegon at first refused to be a part of his mother's plans to crown him, insisting Rhaenyra was heir. However, Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, convinced him that should Rhaenyra take the throne, Aegon and his brothers would be executed. Eustace insists that only this persuaded him to take the crown.[2]

While the council made plans to win the Great Houses over to Aegon, the prince grew tired of the secrecy and demanded to be crowned. On the tenth day of the third moon of 129 AC, the death of King Viserys I was finally announced to the Seven Kingdoms and Aegon was declared king. Preparations were made to have the coronation at the Dragonpit. On the appointed day, Ser Criston the Kingmaker placed the crown of Aegon the Conqueror upon the prince's head, proclaiming him King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men. With the aged High Septon in Oldtown, it fell to Septon Eustace to anoint and bless King Aegon II.[2]

However, Ser Steffon Darklyn of the Kingsguard fled to Rhaenyra at Dragonstone with the crown of Viserys I. Rhaenyra refused to be denied her crown, disputing Aegon's ascension. Aegon enjoyed the wealth of King's Landing, Oldtown, and Lannisport, as well as the support of Houses Hightower, Lannister, and Baratheon. He also maintained the appearance of legitimacy, with the Conqueror's crown, the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre, and the Iron Throne.[2] Upon hearing of Rhaenyra's coronation, Aegon demanded the heads of her and Prince Daemon, though Grand Maester Orwyle convinced Aegon to allow him to give peace terms to Rhaenyra. However, Rhaenyra refused the terms, much to the anger of Aegon. The realm was split into two as the greens and the blacks battled for the Iron Throne, and the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons began.[2]

Early in the war, Prince Aemond slew Prince Lucerys Velaryon over Storm's End, while Lucerys was attempting to win Borros Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End, over to his mother's side. Upon Aemond's return, having ensured Storm's End's support, Aegon welcomed his brother with a great feast, though Queen Alicent and her father, Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, were concerned about the extent of Aemond's actions.[3] Seeking revenge against Aegon, Prince Daemon took action. Aegon's heir, Prince Jaehaerys, was murdered in the Red Keep by Blood and Cheese, agents of Mysaria, Daemon's spymaster. His sister-wife, Queen Helaena Targaryen, quickly began to sink into depression and madness, due to the role she had played in the events leading to Jaehaerys' death.[3]}[10] While Blood was captured and tortured to death, Cheese was not found. In his fury, Aegon ordered every ratcatcher in the city to be hanged. Aegon and his wife slept separately thereafter, with the king drinking in anger.[3]

Aegon II and Sunfyre are badly injured, as depicted by Jordi Gonzales Escamilla

While the greens suffered a series of defeats in the riverlands, Ser Otto attempted to win allies with letters and buying sellswords. Aegon mistook his efforts for inaction, and his caution for cowardice. With House Velaryon, House Stark, House Arryn, and much of the riverlords firmly behind his sister, Aegon drowned his growing fears in strongwine. With Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, blockading King's Landing, Otto reached out to the Triarchy and Dalton Greyjoy, Lord of the Iron Islands, for aid. Because of his grandfather's delays in waging war, Aegon stripped Otto of the Handship and awarded it to Criston Cole. Under Criston the Kingmaker's advice, those nobles who were imprisoned for their loyalties to Rhaenyra were brought before the King's Justice and executed if they did not bend the knee to Aegon. The king also desired to attack Dragonstone, though he was dissuaded by his council.[9]

Ser Criston soon took to the offensive. Aegon himself took the field in a trap set by the Kingmaker at Rook's Rest, where he and Aemond fought and killed Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was, and her dragon, Meleys. However, Sunfyre were badly maimed by Rhaenys and Meleys, and Aegon suffered from burns that covered half his body, a broken hip, and numerous broken ribs. His armor had melted into his left arm, and it would take him a year to recover, his mind clouded by milk of the poppy, causing him to sleep nine hours out of every ten. He did not rise from his bed for the rest of the year, and some say he prayed for his death. Only his mother, Queen Alicent, and his Hand, Ser Criston, were allowed to disturb his rest. Prince Aemond took over the rule in his stead as Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm. Aegon remained bent and twisted for the rest of his life, half his body covered in burn scars.[9]

Dragonstone

Rhaenyra took King's Landing and the Iron Throne in 130 AC, Aemond and Daemon slew each other in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, and Criston perished in the Butcher's Ball.[14] Before they could be captured by Rhaenyra, however, Larys Strong, Lord of Harrenhal, secretly smuggled Aegon and his children out of the city. While Maelor and Jaehaera were spirited away to safety, Aegon disguised himself as one of the smallfolk and escaped on a fishing boat, later arriving on Dragonstone where he convinced several blacks to defect and help him take the island. During the fall of Dragonstone, he fought Princess Baela Targaryen, both of them mounted on dragons. When Sunfyre and Moondancer fell to the earth during the fight, Aegon tried to jump off his dragon's back, shattering his legs. He carried great pain with him for the rest of his life, but refused milk of the poppy when offered by Grand Maester Gerardys, due to his experience with it from his recovery from Rook's Rest. Aegon had no trust for Gerardys and ordered him fed to his dragon, although the upper torso was kept and hanged on the battlements to welcome his sister.[15][8] Having been protected by Ser Marston Waters on his journey to Dragonstone, Aegon named the bastard knight to his Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Aegon's wife Helaena had ended her grief by suicide in the capital, and his son, Prince Maelor, was killed by a mob in Bitterbridge.[8][10]

Following the Storming of the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra fled to Dragonstone in 130 AC. Unaware of Aegon's coup, she was captured on arrival, judged a traitor, and fed by Aegon to Sunfyre, as Rhaenyra's surviving son, Prince Aegon the Younger, watched.[16] Ser Alfred Broome argued for killing Prince Aegon as well, though the king forbade it.[8] The war continued, however, as Rhaenyra's supporters continued her cause supporting Aegon the Younger, despite the boy being Aegon the Elder's prisoner.[17] However, King Aegon's return to King's Landing was prevented by the Velaryon fleet surrounding Dragonstone.[4]

Restoration

Aegon II Targaryen, depicted by Douglas Wheatley

Though Rhaenyra was dead, the Dance of the Dragons was not yet over. Aegon II offered House Velaryon a pardon if Alyn Velaryon, the heir of Lord Corlys, swore fealty to him and allowed him to cross Blackwater Bay. While on Dragonstone, Sunfyre died from his wounds and Aegon wept. Although Aegon at first ordered Princess Baela Targaryen's execution, he instead threatened to execute her if Alyn did not present himself before the king. When Lord Borros Baratheon finally arrived at King's Landing, Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower arranged a marriage between Aegon II and Lady Cassandra Baratheon, Borros's eldest daughter. Meanwhile, Corlys agreed to swear fealty to Aegon and was named master of ships. As Aegon was preparing to behead Baela again while Alyn prepared an attack on Dragonstone, news of House Velaryon's accord with the Iron Throne reached both sides. Aegon returned to King's Landing aboard Mouse, a battered cog captained by Alyn's mother, Marilda of Hull. According to Mushroom, the selection of that ship was intended by Alyn to be an insult to the king.[4]

Unable to climb the steps of the Iron Throne, Aegon II held court from a wooden, cushioned seat, with a blanket covering his twisted legs. Though in great pain, he refused to return to the use of dreamwine or milk of the poppy, but instead turned his attention to the three pretender kings in King's Landing. Aegon allowed Trystane Truefyre to receive knighthood before being executed. The king spared Gaemon Palehair on account of his youth, though his followers were hanged. After arresting the Shepherd, Aegon had his tongue ripped out, then had him burned to death alongside his followers.[4]

While Lord Velaryon urged Aegon to pardon those lords that supported Rhaenyra, the king had said lords of the crownlands brought to him in chains to swear fealty, pay a heavy ransom, and provide hostages to the Crown, hardening them against him. Meanwhile, the riverlords marched towards King's Landing, while a large host from the Vale of Arryn was hiring ships to bring them down on the capital. Aegon made efforts to hatch dragon eggs from Dragonstone, but to no success. Corlys implored the king to wed his daughter, Jaehaera Targaryen, to the captive Aegon the Younger, though Aegon II desired for his sister's line to end; Aegon decreed that the prince would either join the Night's Watch or serve him as a eunuch.[4]

Death

With armies closing in on the capital and his lords plotting and arguing, Aegon II remained oblivious, only taking pleasure from contemplating his marriage to Lady Cassandra Baratheon. The king commanded for the Dragonpit to be rebuilt and two statues commissioned of his late brothers, Daeron the Daring and Aemond One-Eye.[4]

However, Kermit Tully, Lord of Riverrun, and his army had defeated Lord Borros Baratheon in the Battle of the Kingsroad. With no green armies remaining, the Lads marching on the capital, and with the additional approach of the Valemen and the northern army of Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell, Lord Corlys Velaryon knew defeat was imminent in 131 AC. He counseled King Aegon to abdicate and join the Night's Watch, though Queen Alicent Hightower reminded her son of their hostages and the king refused. He instead gave orders to have the ear of his nephew, Prince Aegon the Younger, cut off and sent to Lord Tully as a warning.[4]

Aegon II dead within his litter, depicted by Douglas Wheatley

After his meeting with the small council, the fatigued Aegon climbed into his litter and asked to be carried to the royal sept. The king had his customary flagon of sweet Arbor red along the way to ease his pain. When his escort arrived and Ser Gyles Belgrave of the Kingsguard lifted the litter's curtains, Aegon II was found dead with blood on his lips.[10][4]

With Aegon II, Corlys and an unharmed Aegon the Younger rode out to meet the vanguard of Kermit Tully's host, proclaiming the king was dead. Meanwhile, Lord Leowyn Corbray, commander of the Arryn host, witnessed the Velaryon fleet remove the banner of Aegon II. The late king had no male heirs left, which led to his nephew Aegon the Younger ascending to the Iron Throne and marrying Aegon II's daughter, Princess Jaehaera Targaryen, thus uniting the two branches of House Targaryen. As per Targaryen traditions, Aegon II was consigned to the flames, with some hoping that the ills and hatreds of his reign would be burned away with his remains.[10][4]

Who exactly poisoned the king remains unknown, though those judged responsible were arrested for the crime during the Hour of the Wolf. The main conspirators in Aegon II's death were Lord Velaryon, Lord Larys Strong, and Ser Perkin the Flea, who feared that Aegon II remaining on the Iron Throne would lead to continued war. When Lord Stark arrived in King's Landing, he had them arrested. Grand Maester Orwyle was sentenced to death for providing the poison, Ser Gyles was executed for "allowing his king's death", and twenty-two lesser personages were also judged complicit, most of those under Perkin's command. While Corlys confessed to his involvement, Cregan was eventually convinced to spare him by Alysanne Blackwood. Larys was executed while Perkin was sent to the Wall.[4] Construction of the statues of Aegon II's brothers was halted as the Dragonpit was repaired.[18]

Legacy

Despite being considered as part of the Targaryen dynasty, history would not be kind on Aegon II, though it is equally unkind to his half-sister, Rhaenyra. In the tome Lives of Four Kings, Grand Maester Kaeth describes Aegon as "grasping", and comparing him with some of the worst Targaryen kings: the weakling Aenys and the tyrannical Maegor the Cruel.[12]

Small council under Aegon II Targaryen

During the reign of King Aegon II Targaryen, the small council (called the "green council" in opposition to Rhaenyra Targaryen's "black council") held the following members:

Office Duration Name Notes
Hand of the King 129129 AC Ser Otto Hightower[2]  
129130 AC Ser Criston Cole[9] Criston also served as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the same time.
Grand Maester 129 AC–Unknown Orwyle[2] Orwyle was arrested by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's forces when she took King's Landing in 130 AC and placed in the black cells. He was later freed when Rhaenyra fled the capital.
Master of coin 129131 AC Ser Tyland Lannister[2]  
Master of laws 129130 AC Lord Jasper Wylde[2]  
Lord Confessor and master of whisperers 129131 AC Lord Larys Strong[2]  
Master of ships     At the start of Aegon's reign, the newly-vacant position was offered to Lord Dalton Greyjoy in the hopes of winning the Iron Islands as allies. Dalton never accepted the position and instead later attacked the westerlands. The position remained vacant for much of the war.[4]
131 AC Lord Corlys Velaryon[7] After the death of Rhaenyra, Corlys was released from imprisonment, pardoned, and appointed to the small council.[4]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard 129130 AC Ser Criston Cole[2]  

Family

Aegon II Targaryen was the firstborn son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower. Aegon II had two younger brothers, Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron, as well as a sister, Princess Helaena. As per the traditions of House Targaryen, Aegon would marry his sister Helaena in 122 AC. Together, Aegon and Helaena would have three children. The twins Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera were born in 123 AC, and Prince Maelor was born in 127 AC. None of his children lived to adulthood, and his line ended with Jaehaera's death in 133 AC.[10]

Though he was Viserys' eldest son, Viserys had named his eldest child and daughter his heir, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aegon's half-sister. Rhaenyra and her children by Ser Laenor Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen were to come before Aegon's own, conflicting with precedents set by the Great Council of 101 AC. The ensuring debate and struggle over the succession gave birth to the Dance of the Dragons when Viserys died in 129 AC. Ultimately, Aegon II reigned as king, though he would be succeeded by Prince Aegon the Younger, his nephew by Rhaenyra and Daemon.[10]

Mushroom claimed that Aegon fathered a bastard son on a girl from the Street of Silk and a bastard daughter on one of his mother's servants.[7] The prostitute Essie claimed that Gaemon Palehair had been fathered by Aegon II, but under torture she stated the boy's father was actually a Lyseni sailor.[4] After Helaena's death, Aegon II was betrothed to Lady Cassandra, daughter of Lord Borros Baratheon, though the king died before he was wed.[4]

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jocelyn
Baratheon
 
Aemon
 
Daella
 
Rodrik
Arryn
 
Baelon
 
Alyssa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corlys
Velaryon
 
Rhaenys
 
 
 
 
 
Aemma
Arryn
 
Viserys I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alicent
Hightower
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Rhea
Royce
 
Aegon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laena
Velaryon
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Laenor
Velaryon
 
Rhaenyra
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Son
 
Baelon
 
Aegon II
 
Helaena
 
Aemond
 
Daeron
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaena
 
Baela
 
Stillborn
son
 
Jacaerys
Velaryon
 
Lucerys
Velaryon
 
Joffrey
Velaryon
 
Viserys II
 
Visenya
 
Aegon III
 
Jaehaera
 
Jaehaerys
 
Maelor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
  1. 1.0 1.1 Prince Daemon Targaryen was married to Lady Rhea Royce from 97 AC to 115 AC, to Lady Laena Velaryon from 115 AC to 120 AC, and to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen from 120 AC to 130 AC.


Quotes by Aegon

Rhaenyra: Dear brother. I had hoped you were dead.

Aegon: After you. You are the elder.
Rhaenyra: I am pleased to know that you remember that. It would seem we are your prisoners ... but do not think that you will hold us long. My leal lords will find me.

Aegon: If they search the seven hells, mayhaps.[8]

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon

Let the ravens fly that the realm may know the pretender is dead, and their true king is coming home to reclaim his father’s throne.[4]

—Aegon after the death of Rhaenyra

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - A Son for a Son.
  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 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  5. 5.0 5.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  6. 6.0 6.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Aegon II Targaryen.
  7. 7.00 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 7.05 7.06 7.07 7.08 7.09 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  11. 11.0 11.1 So Spake Martin: Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)
  12. 12.0 12.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV.
  13. The Princess and the Queen.
  14. Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  15. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 12, Tyrion II.
  16. The Hedge Knight.
  17. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  18. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.