Aegon’s Conquest: how did the Targaryens take Westeros?
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Daenerys Targaryen follows in the footsteps of Aegon Targaryen's conquest to conquer Westeros with her dragons, army, and navy. She must learn from Aegon's strategies, including valuing her dragons, political legitimacy, and cultural integration, while also considering the impact of guerrilla tactics and the importance of mercy towards defeated foes.
Insights
- Aegon Targaryen's conquest of Westeros was facilitated by his dragons, which played a pivotal role in defeating various lords and solidifying his rule, showcasing the importance of powerful allies in achieving dominance.
- The surrender of King Torrhen Stark, intimidated by Aegon's forces and dragons, marked a significant shift in power dynamics in Westeros, highlighting the strategic value of knowing when to yield to prevent unnecessary conflict and secure a more favorable position in the long term.
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Recent questions
How did Aegon Targaryen conquer Westeros?
Aegon Targaryen conquered Westeros by utilizing his dragons in battles, such as the Field of Fire where they decimated his enemies. He also formed alliances with key figures like Orys Baratheon and minor houses to secure his conquest.
What role did Daenerys Targaryen's dragons play in her conquest?
Daenerys Targaryen's dragons played a crucial role in her conquest of Westeros, much like Aegon Targaryen's dragons did. They provided her with a significant military advantage and instilled fear in her enemies, helping her to establish her rule.
How did Aegon Targaryen solidify his reign in Westeros?
Aegon Targaryen solidified his reign in Westeros by anointing himself as the ruler of Westeros with the approval of the High Septon in Oldtown. This act helped to legitimize his rule and establish King's Landing as the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
What challenges did Daenerys Targaryen face in her conquest of Westeros?
Daenerys Targaryen faced challenges such as resistance from certain regions, like Dorne, where the Martells refused to kneel. She also had to navigate the complexities of political legitimacy, cultural integration, and the impact of her foreign origins on her rule.
How did Aegon Targaryen handle defeated foes in his conquest?
Aegon Targaryen handled defeated foes with mercy, a strategy that contributed to his success in maintaining peace and stability in his reign. This approach may serve as a valuable lesson for Daenerys Targaryen in her own conquest of Westeros.
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Summary
00:00
Targaryen Conquest: Dragons, Battles, Surrenders
- Daenerys Targaryen sails west with an army, navy, and three dragons to conquer Westeros, following the footsteps of Aegon Targaryen's conquest three hundred years prior.
- Aegon Targaryen, founder of the Targaryen dynasty, settled on Dragonstone before invading Westeros, which was divided into seven kingdoms ruled by different monarchs.
- Aegon, with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, and allies like Orys Baratheon and minor houses, initiated the Conquest by landing in Westeros and establishing the Aegonfort.
- Aegon's dragons played a crucial role in battles, such as defeating the lords of Duskendale and Maidenpool and King Harren Hoare of the riverlands.
- Rhaenys and Orys conquered the stormlands, with Orys marrying Argella Durrandon and founding House Baratheon.
- Aegon faced a massive army led by Loren Lannister and Mern Gardener, resulting in the Field of Fire where the Targaryens' dragons decimated their enemies.
- Loren Lannister surrendered and became Warden of the West, while Mern Gardener's line ended, passing control of the reach to Harlen Tyrell.
- Aegon then confronted King Torrhen Stark of the North, who, intimidated by Aegon's forces and dragons, knelt and swore fealty, becoming known as the King Who Knelt.
- Torrhen's decision to surrender saved the North from a likely defeat in war, transitioning the Starks from Kings of Winter to Wardens of the North.
- Brandon Snow, Torrhen's brother, offered to kill Aegon's dragons, showcasing a potential plot that remains intriguing and mysterious.
11:24
"Aegon's Dragons and Daenerys' Rule"
- Some fans speculate that weirwood arrows could have been used to kill Aegon's dragons due to their magical properties.
- Queen Regent Sharra Arryn fortified the Vale after witnessing Aegon's conquests, but her defenses proved futile against Visenya and her dragon.
- Rhaenys faced resistance in Dorne, where the Martells refused to kneel, leading to Dorne remaining unconquered through guerilla tactics.
- Aegon was anointed as the ruler of Westeros by the High Septon in Oldtown, solidifying his reign and establishing King's Landing.
- Daenerys can learn from Aegon's conquest by recognizing the value and vulnerability of her dragons, as well as the importance of political legitimacy and cultural integration.
- Dany should be cautious of guerrilla tactics and consider the impact of her foreign origins on her rule, emphasizing her connection to Aegon's dynasty.
- Aegon's success was partly due to his mercy towards defeated foes, a strategy Daenerys may need to adopt to ensure peace and stability in her reign.
