Steve Jobs once said “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” HBO must have taken those words to heart as they continue to push the story of Game of Thrones further into the past of Westeros. According to THR, HBO is developing a series around Aegon I Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros. Mattson Tomlin, who co-wrote Matt Reeves‘ The Batman Part II is penning the prequel for HBO.
Aegon’s Conquest will be the third Game of Thrones franchise spinoff since the original ended its run in 2019. House of the Dragon‘s sophomore season is set to stream this summer and production will begin soon on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight, a series based on the Dunk and Eggs stories.
In the expansive history of George R.R. Martin’s fictional world detailed in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Aegon’s Conquest took place roughy 110-130 years before the events of House of the Dragon and over 400 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Aegon’s Conquest refers to the invasion and subsequent unification of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros by Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, riding on their dragons. Their rule solidified the Targaryens’ control over the realm for nearly three centuries. Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke, carries the blood of Aegon through her father, Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King. This familial connection links Daenerys to the great legacy of her ancestor, Aegon the Conqueror, and his conquering dragons.
About Aegon’s Conquest
Prelude to Conquest: Aegon’s Landing and the Birth of Ambition
Aegon Targaryen, along with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, embarked on an audacious journey to Westeros with their dragons and a modest army. Their arrival marked the beginning of a saga that would reshape the continent forever. Born of Valyrian blood and wielding the power of dragons, Aegon’s ambition knew no bounds. With dreams of forging a unified realm under his rule, he set his sights on the fractious Seven Kingdoms, determined to bend them to his will. As the last scion of House Targaryen, Aegon carried with him the legacy of his ancestors and the weight of destiny, driven by a singular purpose: to carve out a new empire amidst the chaos of warring kingdoms.
Harrenhal’s Fall: Dragonfire and the End of an Era
Aegon’s first conquest was the legendary Harrenhal, seat of House Hoare. King Harren the Black’s defiance met a fiery end when Aegon’s dragons reduced the imposing castle to ashes, heralding the dawn of a new era in the Riverlands. The destruction of Harrenhal sent shockwaves throughout Westeros, demonstrating the devastating power of dragonfire and the futility of resistance against Aegon’s might.
Storm’s End and the Baratheon Legacy
The Stormlands fell next to Aegon’s might as he clashed with King Argilac the Arrogant. The decisive Battle of the Last Storm saw the defeat of House Durrandon and the rise of House Baratheon, with Orys Baratheon earning both the lordship and the hand of Argilac’s daughter. With Storm’s End secured and House Baratheon firmly established, Aegon strengthened his foothold in the southern regions of Westeros, laying the groundwork for his further conquests.
Conflagration in the Reach: Victory at the Field of Fire
The fertile fields of the Reach became the battleground for Aegon’s ambitions as he confronted the armies of House Gardener. The Field of Fire witnessed the unparalleled might of Aegon’s dragons, resulting in the submission of House Gardener and the ascension of House Tyrell as stewards of the Reach. With the Reach firmly under his control, Aegon solidified his position as the preeminent power in southern Westeros, setting the stage for his conquest of the western kingdoms.
The Westerlands and the Last Stand
Aegon’s conquest culminated in the Westerlands, where King Loren Lannister and King Mern IX Gardener made their final stand. The Battle of the Mander sealed their fate, with House Lannister and House Gardener meeting their demise and paving the way for House Stark and House Tully to rise as paramount rulers. With the fall of the last remaining kingdoms resisting his rule, Aegon’s dominance over the Seven Kingdoms was complete, ushering in a new era of Targaryen supremacy.
Legacy of the Conquest: The Targaryen Dynasty and Beyond
With the Seven Kingdoms united under his rule, Aegon the Conqueror was crowned King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, marking the dawn of the Targaryen dynasty. His reign laid the foundation for centuries of Targaryen rule, shaping the fate of Westeros for generations to come. Aegon’s conquest would echo through the annals of history, leaving an indelible mark on the realm and setting the stage for the turbulent events that would follow in its wake.
Aegon’s Conquest Resonates Through the Ages
Aegon’s conquest remains a defining chapter in the history of Westeros, a testament to the power of ambition, courage, and the relentless pursuit of destiny. From the ashes of conflict rose the Iron Throne, forging a new era of unity and turmoil that would echo throughout the annals of time. As the Seven Kingdoms united under the banner of House Targaryen, the stage was set for centuries of intrigue, betrayal, and struggle for power, ensuring that Aegon’s legacy would endure for generations to come.
Source: THR
