'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Aemond Targaryen's attempt at fratricide is about much more than revenge
Contains spoilers and speculation 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4 premiered on HBO on July 7, 2024. The episode had an epic battle sequence that featured a heartbreaking betrayal as Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) used his dragon Vhagar to burn down his brother Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Sunfyre.
Aegon decided to take Meleys on in battle as Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) was taking out the Green army but his dragon Sunfyre was easily dominated by Meleys. Aegon and Sunfyre needed help and help came in the form of Aemond and Vhagar, or so Aegon thought.
Aemond in a surprise move decided to command his dragon Vhagar to burn Aegon and Sunfyre. Here is why we think Aemond did what he did.
Why did Aemond attack Aegon in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4?
Those who have followed 'House of the Dragon' Season 1, would be aware of the bullying Aemond has been subjected to since their childhood. Aegon has been notorious since the very beginning and Aemond always took his bullying.
A moment in Season 2 Episode 3 seems to have ticked Aemond off. The moment here is in the brothel when Aegon finds Aemond naked with Madam Sylvi (Michelle Bonnard) and makes fun of him. Aemond quietly walks out but the rage he harbored is there for everyone to see.
Beyond personal revenge, Aemond could have taken this decision for the benefit of the Greens too. It is pretty clear that Aemond is a much better strategist and warrior than Aegon and as the war goes deep, Aemond could be a much better decision maker. It is evident from the fact that Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) and Aemond did not even discuss the plan at Rook's Rest with Aegon.
So now with Aegon injured, it puts the Greens in a better state to go after the Blacks particularly with Meleys and Rhaenys now out of the equation.
What next for Aemond and Aegon in 'House of the Dragon'
As per 'Fire and Blood', after returning to King's Landing, Aegon will take his time to get better and recover from severe injuries. It will be long before he will be a part of any war but he will survive long enough to get his revenge on Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) who will take over King's Landing.
Aemond takes over as the Prince Regent in the absence of Aegon and in the book he considers himself as a more capable ruler than Aegon. He goes to Harrenhall as King's Landing falls and that is where he takes on Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) who he kills but also dies in the process. Both their dragons die too in the battle knowns as the Battle Above Gods Eye.
Aegon will then return to be the ruler at King's Landing albeit still injured only to be poisoned eventually by Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and other conspirators.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?'
'House of the Dragon' started streaming on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with episodes dropping every Sunday till August 4, 2024. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually. Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
Episodes 1-4 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 are streaming in HBO.