The first season of House of the Dragon has almost reached its climax. Episode 9 “The Green Council” was one of the most intriguing yet. And one thing that left viewers puzzled was its ending. So, why didn’t Rhaenys kill Aegon in House of the Dragon?
As you might expect, that isn’t a simple question to answer. It is, of course, important to understand the context of Aegon’s accession to the Iron Throne and Princess Rhaenys’ stake in the events surrounding it.
King Viserys declared his daughter Princess Rhaenyra as his heir. This was following the death of his newborn son Baelon and wife Queen Aemma.
In the years since their deaths, Viserys married Alicent Hightower and had four more children. They are Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and (the so far unseen) Daeron Targaryen.
Aegon, as Viserys’ eldest son, is considered by many as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. In fact, it is revealed in “The Green Council” that much of Viserys’ Small Council (including Otto Hightower) have been planning to supplant Rhaenyra with Aegon.
This put Rhaenyra and Aegon on a collision course. And we already know House of the Dragon is building to the Dance of Dragons, the Targaryen civil war of succession.
In the episode 8 “The Lord of the Tides” Rhaenys made her allegiance to Rhaenyra clear. And she refuses to back down and side with Aegon, despite Alicent trying to convince her.
Rhaenys was locked in her room for refusing but is ultimately freed and attempts to escape King’s Landing. During her escape she finds herself trapped in large crowds on their way to King Aegon’s coronation ceremony.
She briefly watches, before going down below to retrieve her dragon Meleys. She uses Meleys to smash through the floor and interrupt the ceremony.
Rhaenys approaches the newly-coronated Aegon and his mother Alicent. Meleys bellows an almighty roar before Rhaenys decides to fly away as Aegon and Alicent look on in terror and relief.
So, why didn’t Rhaenys kill Aegon in House of the Dragon?
Why didn’t Rhaenys kill Aegon in House of the Dragon?
Many viewers will have been left wondering why Rhaenys didn’t seize the opportunity to eliminate Aegon, Alicent, Otto, and the rest of the usurpers.
Surely that would’ve been the best opportunity to prevent any future confrontations over the Iron Throne and to ensure Rhaenyra’s accession.
Why didn’t Rhaenys kill Aegon in House of the Dragon? Rhaenys’ exact reasoning for sparing Aegon’s life is unclear, however there are a couple of possible explanations.
It may be because she simply doesn’t wish to be known as a kinslayer. Kinslaying is considered a major taboo and an abomination in Westeros culture.
An individual who commits it is considered cursed and is significantly shamed for their actions.
It may be that this was enough to prevent Rhaenys from killing Aegon and the others. However, another theory suggests she simply had too much respect for Alicent as a mother to kill her along with her children.
Perhaps most likely is that Rhaenys simply wanted to send a clear message of warning and defiance to Alicent and Aegon.
While she may have left them alive, it’s abundantly clear that her allegiance is with Rhaenyra.
Why do you think Rhaenys spared Aegon in House of the Dragon? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
