Aegon's Conquest: How Dragons and Fire Forged the Seven Kingdoms
Aegon's Conquest: How Dragons and Fire Forged the Seven Kingdoms
Long before the events of "Game of Thrones" and even "House of the Dragon," a seismic shift occurred in the land of Westeros. Aegon Targaryen, later known as Aegon the Conqueror, reshaped the political landscape of the continent through fire and blood, uniting the Seven Kingdoms under one rule. Let's dive into this pivotal moment in Westerosi history and explore how dragons played a crucial role in forging the Iron Throne.
The Dawn of Targaryen Rule
In 2 BC (Before Conquest), Aegon Targaryen, along with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, began plotting the invasion of Westeros from their ancestral seat on Dragonstone. What set the Targaryens apart from the other noble houses of Westeros was their secret weapon: dragons.
Aegon and his sisters each rode a fearsome dragon: Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes. These beasts would prove instrumental in the conquest to come.
The Conquest Begins
Aegon's campaign kicked off in earnest in 1 AC (After Conquest) when he landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush with a small army. It was here that he built his first rudimentary fortress, the Aegonfort, which would later evolve into King's Landing.
The conquest unfolded rapidly:
- The Riverlands fell quickly, with Harren the Black and House Hoare being spectacularly destroyed at Harrenhal.
- The Stormlands were conquered after the defeat of the last Storm King, Argilac the Arrogant.
- The Reach and the Westerlands submitted after the Field of Fire, where all three Targaryen dragons were unleashed simultaneously.
Discover how Aegon's conquest left an indelible mark on one of Westeros' most infamous castles.
The Power of Dragons
The dragons were the ultimate equalizer in Aegon's campaign. No conventional army could stand against them, as proven at the Field of Fire. Here, the combined might of the Reach and the Westerlands—55,000 men strong—faced off against Aegon's much smaller force. The result? A decisive Targaryen victory, with approximately 4,000 men burned alive.
The Field of Fire marked the only time in the conquest that all three Targaryen dragons were deployed together in battle, showcasing their terrifying potential.
The North Bends the Knee
Interestingly, not all of Westeros was conquered through battle. Torrhen Stark, King in the North, after seeing the devastation wrought by the dragons, chose to bend the knee to Aegon rather than face certain defeat. This act earned him the moniker "The King Who Knelt" but saved countless Northern lives.
Dorne: The Unconquered Kingdom
Despite Aegon's overwhelming success, one kingdom remained defiant: Dorne. The Dornish used guerrilla tactics and the harsh desert climate to their advantage, refusing to meet Aegon's forces in open battle. This resistance would continue well beyond Aegon's initial conquest.
Legacy of the Conquest
Aegon's Conquest had far-reaching consequences that shaped the Westeros we see in both "Game of Thrones" and "House of the Dragon":
- The creation of the Iron Throne, forged from the swords of conquered enemies.
- The establishment of King's Landing as the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
- The founding of the Targaryen dynasty, which would rule for nearly 300 years.
- The introduction of new laws and customs, including the King's Peace.
Follow the Targaryen family tree from Aegon's Conquest to the Dance of Dragons.
Looking Ahead: Aegon's Conquest in Media
With the success of "House of the Dragon," fans are eagerly anticipating more stories from Westeros' rich history. Reports suggest that an Aegon's Conquest series is in early development at HBO, with writer Mattson Tomlin attached to the project. This series promises to bring the epic tale of Aegon and his dragons to life, showcasing the birth of the Targaryen dynasty in all its fiery glory.
Whether you're a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin's world or new to the Game of Thrones universe, Aegon's Conquest represents a fascinating chapter in Westerosi history. It's a tale of ambition, power, and the awe-inspiring might of dragons—elements that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
What aspect of Aegon's Conquest are you most excited to see potentially brought to life on screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
- Martin, George R.R. "Fire & Blood." Bantam Books, 2018.
- "Aegon I Targaryen." A Wiki of Ice and Fire, accessed July 10, 2024.
- "Aegon's Conquest: Confirmation & Everything We Know About The Game Of Thrones Prequel." ScreenRant, April 7, 2024.
- Martin, George R.R. "The World of Ice & Fire." Bantam Books, 2014.
- Cogman, Bryan. "Inside HBO's Game of Thrones: Seasons 1 & 2." Chronicle Books, 2012.