Aegon II Targaryen was named King thanks to the intrigues and mechanizations of his mother and uncle in House of the Dragon Season 2. Although this singular act caused a rift between the Black House and the Green House, Aegon has yet to prove that he deserves the throne. As Alicent’s eldest son, he is forced to take the throne despite his initial reluctance.
Historically known as King “The Usurper”, Aegon, although the eldest son, shows the least maturity of Alicent’s children (as shown in Dragon House). Although he initially strived to be a benevolent king, Aegon has taken Otto’s advice about harshness too far. Mad with power, the audience has seen Aegon make major mistakes since the beginning of House of the Dragon season 2.
Weakening the members of his secret council
At the beginning of Dragon House season 2King Aegon II’s Secret Council, which acts as his royal advisory council, is primarily dominated by members loyal to the Green House. More importantly, these members played an active role in ensuring Aegon usurped the throne. Aegon bringing his son to the meeting to teach the boy prince about the affairs of state was an impressive move. However, openly disrespecting Ser Tyland Lannister the way he did only spells doom for him. Even his uncle and his mother could not show less disgust at Aegon’s behavior. Although the Lannister family is not yet as politically powerful as shown in game of ThronesThe Lannisters are a powerful house that Aegon must be careful not to disrespect.
Publicly hanging the palace rat catchers was a bad idea
Aegon’s anger and desire for revenge were completely understandable. Not only had they infiltrated King’s Landing, but the assassins had made their way to the Red Keep to assassinate the heir apparent. Until now, since game of Thrones to House of the DragonTargaryens are notorious for making the silliest mistakes when grieving. However, Aegon ordering the public execution of the rat catchers is one of the silliest mistakes made by a Targaryen king, as shown in the series.
Although the loss of a child is devastating, holding a procession through King’s Landing was an excellent decision. As the episode was appropriately titled (“Rhaenyra the Cruel”), House Green had won the love of the people. Ultimately, this would have jeopardized Rhaenyra’s standing with the people, as well as that of her loyal allies and spies within King’s Landing. Even her Small Council at Dragonstone had doubts. Yet with one ill-conceived move, Aegon put his house in a worse position than before.
Blood had confessed to having a rat catcher as an accomplice. Since the palace knew all the rat catchers in its service very well, anyone with half a brain would have lined them up for Blood to identify. As Otto observed, the citizens of King’s Landing We only see fathers and husbands hanged for an alleged crime. Although we are still centuries away from having “The Mad King” (Aerys II Targaryen), Aegon’s action was nothing short of madness!
Replacing Ser Otto Hightower with Ser Criston Cole
Although he’s not really a big fan of Ser Otto Hightower, there’s no denying that he’s a better man for the job. His years of service as Hand of the King and his experience in tactical warfare cannot be understated.. More than ever, Otto is more valuable to Aegon as a Hand than Ser Cole. In addition to usurping the throne with Otto’s connections, most of the alliances House Green has made in the war are due to his uncle. Judging solely by the turn of events in the series, without Otto at his side, Aegon is now, more than ever, free to launch an attack on Dragonstone.
However, while it’s not a tactically advantageous move, it’s a welcome development for many viewers. Ser Otto had his due long ago. His quest for power and control often leads him to cross the line between Hand of the King and his grandfather. Given that he lit the fuse that started the war, it would have been nice to have him around to see how it all played out. Nonetheless, it’s a relief to know that he’s been fired from the job twice, first by a close friend and now by his own grandson.
Aegon’s War Quest
While being a young king may have its advantages, Aegon’s quest for war evidently shows that he has never been in one. Even his uncle, whose greed to have his family in the royal line knows no bounds, knows that attacking Dragonstone at this time jeopardizes his military advantage. Aegon seems to be spurred on by Aemond and Vhagar’s triumph over a young Lucerys and her dragon.
Although Aemond undoubtedly rides the largest mounted dragon in Westeros, the Black House still has the numerical advantage with expert dragons and riders. With Ser Cole as Aegon’s new Hand, his next predictable move will be to destroy the Gullet’s sea blockade. At this point, with the Dragon Dance inevitable, audiences are eager to see how it all plays out. If you enjoyed reading about Aegon’s mistakes in home of the Continuethis is why House of the DragonThe latest season proves that things will get worse before they get better..
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