Aemond Targaryen

[FP1997]

Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon

• Status:  Prince Regent and Protector of the realm. Also known as the ‘Aemond  Targaryen One-Eye and later as Aemond the Kingslayer. 

• Traits: feared and admired, his ferocity and determination unmatched. 

• Famous quote: “it is hard to be so old, and harder still to be so blind. I miss the sun. I miss the books most of all”  

• Relationships: Second son of Viserys Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, younger brother of King Aegon and half-brother of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Born into the House Targaryen, Aemond is the second son of Queen Alicent Hightower and King Viserys Targaryen. Surrounded by a complex web of alliances and enmities, his early life was overshadowed by the growing discord between his mother and his aunt, Rhaenyra Targaryen, setting the rivalry and tone for Ameond’s future actions.  

Ameond’s relationship with his siblings, particularly his older brother Aegon II Targaryen, were characterized by a mix of loyalty and internal competition. His brother, Aegon Targaryen’s perceived inadequacies often made Aemond feel that he might be more of a suitable heir to the throne.  

Claiming Vhagar  

As the only son yet to have claimed a dragon, Aemond’s father suggested for him to travel to Dragonstone for either a dragon egg or hatchling, but only if he was ‘bold enough’. Angered by this remark, he knew that after the death of his brother in law, Ser Laenor Velayron, Vhagar, the legendary dragon, was riderless and resolved to claim him in secret.  

With both determination and a desire to prove himself, Aemond made his way to Dragonpit in Kings Landing to declare Vhagar as his own. Using the ancient Valyrian words of bonding, Vhagar bowed his head, accepting him as his rider. The bond between dragon and rider is forged in that moment, taking the skies and soaring above the rooftops of Westerious.  

The news of Aemond’s bonding with Vhagar, spread like wildfire throughout the realm sending shockwaves through the ranks of both the Greens and the Blacks.  

One-Eyed Warrior 

Aemond’s actions were caught by his nephew, Prince Joffrey Velaryon. When Joffrey began to yell, alarming his two older siblings, Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon. The four boys fought with Aemond called his nephews "Strongs", questioning their parenthood. Lucery’s drew his dagger and slashed at Aemond's face, taking out his right eye. Escalating their feud, Queen Alicent called for Lucerys to lose an eye as a sacrament, which King Viserys refused, while Princess Rhaenyra demanded that Aemond was questioned. It wasnt untill then that he revealed where he heard Joffrey and Lucery’s being described as "Strongs" suggesting that Rhaenyra was guilty of high treason by sleeping with Ser Harwin Strong.  

Conflict with Lucerys Velaryon  

After the death of Aemond’s father, Visery’s Targaryen, his brother Aegon was crowned king without Rhaenyra’s knowledge. Once made aware of Aemond’s coronation, both The Green and Blacks navigated the web of Westerious for allies. As Lucerys arrived at Storm’s End, a crucial stronghold held by House Baratheon, hoping to sway Lord Borros Baratheon to Rhaenyra's cause. However, unbeknownst to Lucerys, Aemond was also present at Storms End, seeking the same allegiance for the Greens.  

The encounter between Lucerys and Ameond quickly escalated into confrontation as old rivalries and personal vendettas came to the fore. Despite onlookers attempts to defuse the situation, the run-in boils over into violence. In a dramatic ariel battle at Storms End, Lucerys and Aemond engage in a deadly dual with both dragons Vhagar and Arrax. The ferocious clash between them, ends in a devastating blow that sends Lucerys and Arrax plummeting from the sky with their fate sealed below.  

Lucerys' death portrays the brutal rivalry between the Greens and Blacks, any possibility of Rhaenyra accepting a peaceful resolution to the succession is destroyed and a war is declared.  

Who plays Aemond Targaryen? 

• Young Aemond is portrayed by Leo Ashton; an English actor making his debut in House of the Dragon as Ameond Targaryen. Leo has also appeared in TV series The Bay, Red Rose and Doctors.  

• Adult Aemond is portrayed by Ewan Mitchell; an English actor known for his breakout role the BBC Two and Netflix drama The Last Kingdom. Ewan was shown to have both a positive and favourable performance in House of the Dragon.