Aegon II Targaryen stands out in House of the Dragon for his messy reign. As a young king thrust onto the throne by his ambitious mother, he struggles with wielding power responsibly, often resorting to war.
Despite his unlikable qualities, his failures resonate with many due to his overwhelming sense of being out of his depth. Unlike his predecessors, Aegon never desired the Iron Throne; he would have been content as a prince, leaving governance to his more capable half-sister while he enjoyed a leisurely life of drinking.
The central theme of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones is the harsh and often brief lives of royalty. Those wielding power in Westeros seldom find joy in it, often becoming tyrannical and corrupt.
Aegon’s rule reflects this pattern, influenced by his upbringing and the corrosive nature of inherited authority and wealth.
While compared to the despised Joffrey Baratheon, Aegon differs significantly. Joffrey epitomizes cruelty and arrogance, whereas Aegon, though undeserving of the throne, displays occasional generosity towards his subjects, influenced by his father Viserys’ example of kindness and wisdom. Aegon’s upbringing under Viserys the Peaceful shaped his desire for a more relaxed royal life focused on battles, luxury, and fashion.
Hedonism defines Aegon’s character—he prefers revelry with friends, indulging in pleasures, and surrounding himself with sycophants. Unlike his more formidable siblings, Aemond and Helaena, Aegon relies solely on his birthright for stature. Similar to Robert Baratheon, who shirked responsibilities after seizing power, Aegon also struggles with leadership, preferring battles and revelry over governance.
Aegon’s occasional bouts of cruelty echo the Targaryen legacy, reminiscent of Daenerys Targaryen’s impulsive and reckless tendencies. While not descending into madness like Daenerys, Aegon’s impulsive acts, such as his severe response to the Blood and Cheese plot, reveal a darker side beneath his usual demeanor.
Aegon II Targaryen’s rule is marked by his unsuitability for kingship, driven by entitlement and manipulated by those around him. Despite his flaws, he embodies both the positive and negative traits of his predecessors in House of the Dragon.
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