A mythical and legendary figure in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe, Aegon the Conqueror is one of the most important characters in the franchise created by George R.R. Martin, playing a crucial role in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. But who was he, really? Let’s take a look back at his life and his deeds.
Aegon Targaryen I, known as Aegon the Conqueror or Aegon the Dragon, was the founder of the ruling Targaryen dynasty, as well as the first-ever ruler of Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms. He was born in Dragonstone, considered the westernmost outpost of the Freehold of Valyria, and it was from there that he began his campaign to conquer the Western World.
Aegon’s Wives and the Dragons of the Conquest
In keeping with his family’s tradition, Aegon I married within his own bloodline, but unlike his predecessors, he chose to marry both of his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys. This was because he was bound to the elder sister, Visenya, by political obligations, but he deeply loved the younger sister, Rhaenys. In Martin’s books, there is a famous passage that reads: “Aegon spent ten nights with Rhaenys for every night he spent with Visenya.”
Aegon I and his sister-wives rode three mighty dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. The first, nicknamed “The Black Terror,” is remembered as the greatest creature ever to soar through the skies of Westeros. He was so imposing that it is said his wingspan could obscure an entire village. Vhagar, on the other hand, is the only one of the three original dragons from the Conquest still alive, and is currently ridden by Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Meraxes, however, was slain during the Dornish War, an event of historic significance: it proved to the world that dragons were not invincible creatures, but could indeed be brought down.
The Conquest of Westeros
As is well known, following the Doom of Valyria, Aegon began his conquest of the Western World, subjugating all the houses of Westeros with the exception of a few territories: the Riverlands remained independent, and Dorne, after fierce resistance, forced the Conqueror to accept its autonomy. During the campaign, Aegon I also converted to the Faith of the Seven, abandoning Valyrian religious traditions and thereby winning the favor of the clergy who supported the Seven Gods.
King’s Landing, the Iron Throne, and the Kingsguard
Once the Conquest was complete, Aegon I founded King’s Landing and had the Red Keep built, making it the heart of monarchical power in Westeros. With the 1,000 swords of the enemies defeated during the war, he forged the Iron Throne, which, according to its creator, was meant to remain uncomfortable and studded with sharp blades because “a king should never sit comfortably.” For Aegon, this intention symbolized the burden and responsibility of being a sovereign, at the expense of privileges. Finally, the king also established the White Cloaks, the royal family’s elite guard, also known as the Kingsguard.
Aegon the Conqueror’s Character and Allies
It is said that Aegon the Conqueror was a reserved and solitary man, though ambitious and possessing such charisma that he was a natural-born leader. According to George Martin’s writings, he had only one true friend, Orys Baratheon, who also became the first Hand of the King in the history of Westeros. Although he was a great warrior, he did not flaunt his skills in battle—so much so that he never participated in a tournament—and he rode his immense dragon, Balerion, only to go to war or to travel.
