Aemond Targaryen

Prince Aemond Targaryen, known as "Aemond One-Eye", is the third child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower and the rider of the dragon Vhagar; in the third season of House of the Dragon he is a pivotal force during the events leading to the capture of King's Landing. In the episode "Queen's Landing," he is depicted flying Vhagar from the Riverlands toward Harrenhal, driven by a singular purpose amidst the chaos of the Dance of the Dragons.

His arrival at the castle, where he is looking for Daemon Targaryen, marks a brutal turning point in the conflict. The narrative highlights Aemond's capacity for extreme violence as he systematically eliminates opposition, including Simon Strong and his sons. Yet he does not leave unharmed: Paxter wounds him, and Aemond pleads with Alys Rivers for help before passing out. These actions underscore a character defined not just by the dragon under his command, but by the desperate toll exacted by the war for succession.

Quick Facts

Dragon: Vhagar

Lore & Background

Aemond's role in "Queen's Landing" is defined by his journey from the Riverlands to Harrenhal, a strategic stronghold in the civil war. While Daemon Targaryen and his forces celebrate their victory in the Riverlands and then learn of Jace's death, Aemond operates with a focused intensity. He travels on Vhagar, the massive dragon that serves as his primary weapon, seeking out Daemon and his allies. This violence includes the deaths of Simon Strong and his sons, Germund and Paxter.

However, the encounter is not one-sided. Paxter manages to wound Aemond before falling, a rare instance where the prince's dominance is challenged physically. Following this skirmish, Aemond pleads with Alys Rivers for assistance but succumbs to exhaustion and passes out. This sequence illustrates that while Aemond commands immense power through Vhagar, he is not invulnerable, facing both physical injury and emotional desperation as the war tightens its grip on him.

Reader's Guide

The episode establishes his direct confrontation with the forces of Daemon Targaryen at Harrenhal. Key details from this encounter include the killing of Simon Strong and his sons, Germund and Paxter, demonstrating Aemond's lethal efficiency. A critical aspect of his character in this episode is the physical cost of war; despite his ferocity, he is wounded by Paxter and subsequently collapses after pleading with Alys Rivers. This moment contrasts with his usual portrayal as an unyielding force, showing a crack in his armor. His journey to Harrenhal occurs simultaneously with Rhaenyra's grief over Jace's death and her subsequent decision to march on King's Landing.

Did You Know?

Aemond flies to Harrenhal on Vhagar specifically looking for Daemon after the Battle of the Gullet.
Aemond's actions at Harrenhal occur while Rhaenyra is grieving the death of her son Jace on Dragonstone.