Incest has always been one of the central elements of the Targaryen dynasty’s story in the universe created by George R. R. Martin. Since the time of Aegon the Conqueror, who married both of his sisters, this practice has been considered a means to preserve the purity of the bloodline and consolidate the family’s power. In the world of Westeros, marriages between brothers, sisters, and cousins are therefore a well-established tradition among the Targaryens.
However, there are limits that even this family considers taboo. Among these are romantic relationships between parents and children, a boundary that the third season of House of the Dragon seems to have decided to cross thru one of the most controversial scenes ever seen in the series.
WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THE THIRD SEASON OF HOUSE OF THE DRAGON FOLLOW
In the first episode of the new season, Alicent Hightower once again tries to influence her son Aemond’s decisions, who is now increasingly determined to consolidate his power and pursue the Iron Throne. During a particularly intense conversation, Alicent tries to reassure him and convince him to act with caution.
Aemond initially rejects the idea of being driven by fear of Rhaenyra and her forces, but accepts his mother’s comfort. It is precisely at that moment that the situation takes an unexpected turn: interpreting maternal affection as something different, Aemond kisses her.
Alicent’s reaction is significant. Even tho she does not reciprocate the gesture, she does not walk away immediately. The scene suggests that the woman is aware of the position of power her son has reached and fears that a clear rejection could further fuel his instability and anger.
For many viewers, this moment doesn’t come as a complete surprise. The series had indeed scattered numerous clues in the previous seasons. Since childhood, Aemond found in Alicent the only figure who supported him unreservedly. When he was mocked by his brothers and the other young Targaryens, his mother was always ready to defend him. The most emblematic episode remains the one of the eye loss, when Alicent openly sided with him, even risking her own position to obtain justice for him.
This privileged relationship seems to have contributed to creating a distorted view of affection in Aemond. Growing up with few manifestations of authentic love, the character might have ended up confusing maternal love with romantic love.
The series had already hinted at this possible obsession during the second season. The only woman with whom Aemond had shown a certain vulnerability was indeed the prostitute frequented in the brothel of King’s Landing, a figure that surprisingly resembled Alicent both in appearance and demeanor. In those scenes, their relationship seemed to go beyond mere physical desire: Aemond sought comfort, approval, and reassurance, elements typically associated with the maternal figure.
However, there is also another possible interpretation. Aemond is obsessed with the idea of being the true heir of the Targaryen spirit. He studies High Valyrian, knows the history of his house better than anyone else, and rides Vhagar, the most powerful dragon in existence. In this perspective, the desire to push beyond all limits could represent the attempt to embody that supposed dynastic purity which he associates with the greatness of his ancestors.
If Aemond seems to be getting closer and closer to the more extreme aspects of Targaryen culture, Alicent continues to represent an element foreign to that world. Even having accepted dynastic marriages and political compromises, the woman remains deeply attached to the values of the Hightower family. Not surprisingly, the son she seems most proud of is Daeron, raised far from King’s Landing and considered by many to be the least influenced by the toxic dynamics of his house.
For this reason, the premiere scene takes on an even more tragic significance. Beside confirming a theory long discussed by fans, it shows how irreparably compromised the mother-son relationship has become. Without realizing it, Aemond might have just pushed Alicent away more than any war or political clash ever could.
