Aemond Targaryen was a mid-13th-century Valyrian prince of House Targaryen, a younger son of Viserys II and the younger brother of King Aegon III. During the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, he served as a prominent dragonrider riding Vermithor. His rule as Prince of Dragonstone and actions in the Stepstones and in the war shaped much of the political turbulence of his era. His death at the hands of Luke Targaryen and the dragon Nettles, alongside his legacy of conflict and contested succession, marks him as a pivotal, divisive figure in Targaryen history with lasting consequences for the realm.
The Lineage and Family of Aemond Targaryen
Aemond Targaryen belonged to the elder branch of House Targaryen ruling from Dragonstone during the waning years of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. He was the son of Viserys II and a younger brother of Aegon III, placing him in a direct line of succession during a time of intense dynastic pressure. His upbringing in the royal courts of Dragonstone and King's Landing shaped his martial outlook and his claim to rule through both birthright and conquest.
Immediate Family and Claim to the Throne
As the son of Viserys II, Aemond stood within the core of Targaryen royalty, with claims that intertwined with the fates of his siblings and nephews. His relationships with his brothers, notably Aegon III, and his nephews would later fuel much of the rivalry and bloodshed during the Dance of the Dragons. His family connections made him both a potential regent and a focal point for opposition factions within the court.
Aemond During the Dance of the Dragons
The Dance of the Dragons, a brutal Targaryen civil war over succession, positioned Aemond as a leading commander and dragonrider on the side of the Greens, who supported the claim of his nephew Aegon II. His tenure as Prince of Dragonstone and his aggressive campaigns in the Stepstones and mainland riverlands made him a formidable, if divisive, figure. The war tested his loyalties, military acumen, and willingness to take extreme measures to secure Targaryen rule, culminating in decisions that amplified the conflict's devastation.
Key Roles and Commands
- Served as Prince of Dragonstone under Aegon II’s faction during the Dance.
- Claimed the dragon Vermithor, one of the largest and oldest dragons in the realm.
- Led campaigns in the Stepstones and riverlands, expanding Greens’ control.
- Played a central role in the burning of Harrenhal and other strategic strongholds.
The Fall of Harrenhal and Escalating Brutality
One of Aemond’s most infamous acts during the war was the sacking of Harrenhal, a move intended to crush resistance and demonstrate Targaryen dominance. The siege and subsequent atrocities there deepened the war’s brutality, turning Harrenhal into a symbol of fear and destruction. These actions, while militarily effective in the short term, eroded support among lords and further polarized the factions vying for the Iron Throne.
Vermithor and the Dragons of the Dance
Vermithor, the massive bronze dragon ridden by Aemond, was one of the oldest and largest dragons in existence at the time of the Dance. The bond between Aemond and Vermithor was central to his martial reputation, with the dragon amplifying his authority on the battlefield. Vermithor’s participation in key battles, including engagements above King’s Landing and the decisive clash in the riverlands, marked several turning points in the war and underscored the strategic importance of dragonpower.
Dragonrider Tactics and Aerial Dominance
Riding Vermithor gave Aemond a decisive edge in mobility and firepower, enabling rapid strikes against enemy strongholds and fleets. The use of dragons like Vermithor shifted the balance of power throughout the Dance, making fortified positions vulnerable to sudden aerial assaults. Aemond’s skill as a dragonrider, combined with Vermithor’s size and aggression, allowed him to project power across vast stretches of territory, reinforcing the Greens’ military narrative in the early phases of the conflict.
Death and Final Battle at the Eye of the Gods
Aemond’s end came during a climactic duel at the Eye of the Gods, where he faced Luke Targaryen and the dragon Nettles. In a confrontation that blended personal vendetta, military necessity, and dragonfire, Aemond was slain, marking a critical turning point in the war. His death removed one of the Greens’ most dangerous commanders and dragonriders, yet it also signaled the deepening tragedy and cyclical vengeance that characterized much of the Dance.
The Moment of the Kill
- Luke Targaryen and Nettles engaged Aemond in the skies above the Gods Eye.
- Aemond, though a seasoned warrior, was ultimately brought down by coordinated dragon and rider tactics.
- His death at the Eye of the Gods became a legendary moment, symbolizing the fall of the Greens’ aerial supremacy.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Aemond’s legacy is one of martial prowess, controversial decisions, and enduring consequence for House Targaryen. His actions during the Dance shaped the conflict’s brutality and influenced the fates of countless lords and dragons. The loss of Vermithor with his death further diminished the Greens’ dragon strength, contributing to the eventual resolution of the war. Even in defeat, Aemond remained a symbol of Targaryen ambition, rivalry, and the heavy cost of dynastic conflict.
Aemond in the Tapestry of Targaryen History
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| House | Targaryen (elder branch, Dragonstone line) | Genealogical records |
| Father | Viserys II Targaryen | Royal genealogy |
| Known Dragon | Vermithor (bronze, largest dragons之一) | Historical accounts, battle records |
| Title(s) | Prince of Dragonstone (claimant) | Official appointments, war chronicles |
| Notable Conflict | War logs, eyewitness narratives | |
| Death | Killed by Luke Targaryen and dragon Nettles at the Eye of the Gods | Historical chronicles, ballads |
| Estimated Era | Mid-13th century AC (Aegon’s Conquest) | Maester timelines, regnal records |
Strategic Decisions and Consequences
Aemond’s strategic choices during the Dance — from claiming Vermithor to the sacking of Harrenhal — rippled through the realm, affecting alliances, morale, and the overall trajectory of the war. While they strengthened the Greens’ short-term position, they also provoked fiercer resistance and deepened the cycle of retribution. His willingness to employ brutal tactics reflected the high stakes of the conflict, but it also limited broader support from lords who feared unchecked Targaryen violence. These decisions contributed to an enduring narrative of caution against ruthless ambition within the family’s history.
Enduring Influence in Targaryen Lore
Across maester histories and Westerosi ballads, Aemond is remembered as a warrior prince whose actions left scars on the kingdom and his house. The feud between his line and the forces that opposed him — including the Targaryens who finally ended his rule at the Eye of the Gods — became a touchstone in discussions of succession, honor, and the price of civil war. Even centuries later, references to Aemond serve as reminders of how personal loyalties, rival claims, and dragonmight shaped one of the most turbulent eras in Westerosi history.
Conclusion
Aemond Targaryen was a central, if controversial, figure of the Dance of the Dragons, whose martial skill, family connections, and partnership with Vermithor defined an era of conflict. His death at the Eye of the Gods reshaped the war’s momentum and left a complex legacy of ambition, retribution, and caution. Understanding Aemond’s role, decisions, and enduring influence offers critical insight into the challenges of Targaryen succession and the lasting impact of the civil wars that once threatened to tear the realm apart.