Blackfyre Rebellions: House Targaryen’s greatest enemies

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Aegon Targaryen established a dynasty that ruled for centuries until Robert Baratheon's takeover, facing internal turmoil with Blackfyre rebellions and civil wars. The conflict between Targaryens and Blackfyres raises questions about lineage, power, and the quest for the Iron Throne, hinting at a potential resolution involving Bran Stark and the destruction of the Throne.

Insights

  • Bloodraven, a key figure in suppressing the Blackfyre rebellions, justifies ruthless actions against traitors to prevent further uprisings, emphasizing the necessity of violence over mercy and honor.
  • The ongoing conflict between Targaryens and Blackfyres raises questions about the importance of true lineage, suggesting the potential destruction of the Iron Throne, Targaryens, and Blackfyres to break the cycle of violence, with themes from the Blackfyre rebellions playing a significant role in the conclusion of A Song of Ice and Fire.

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Recent questions

  • What led to the downfall of House Blackfyre?

    House Blackfyre's downfall can be attributed to a series of failed rebellions against the Targaryen dynasty, starting with Daemon Blackfyre's defeat in the First Blackfyre Rebellion at the Battle of the Redgrass Field. Subsequent attempts by Daemon the Second and Haegon Blackfyre in the Second and Third Blackfyre Rebellions were also unsuccessful. The Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion, led by Daemon Blackfyre the Third, ended with defeat at the Battle of Wendwater Bridge by Dunk, marking the end of House Blackfyre's claim to the Iron Throne.

  • Who played a crucial role in suppressing the Blackfyre rebellions?

    Bloodraven, a key figure in the Targaryen dynasty, played a crucial role in suppressing the Blackfyre rebellions. He was instrumental in defeating Daemon Blackfyre in the First Blackfyre Rebellion and was involved in capturing Daemon the Second in later conflicts. Bloodraven's ruthless tactics, including killing his own brother Daemon, running a surveillance state, and justifying violence over mercy, were aimed at crushing traitors to prevent further rebellions and maintain Targaryen rule.

  • What significance did the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre hold?

    The Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre held significant symbolism in Targaryen history, as it was given to Daemon Waters, Aegon the Fourth's favorite bastard, by the king himself. The sword represented Targaryen power and legitimacy, as Daemon Blackfyre rebelled against King Daeron to claim the throne, leading to a series of Blackfyre rebellions aimed at challenging Targaryen rule and asserting their own claim to the Iron Throne.

  • How did the Golden Company contribute to the Blackfyre cause?

    The Golden Company, founded by Bittersteel in Essos, played a crucial role in supporting the Blackfyre cause by vowing to return to Westeros and place a Blackfyre on the Throne. The company supported various Blackfyre pretenders, including Daemon the Second and Haegon Blackfyre, in their attempts to challenge Targaryen rule and claim the Iron Throne. Despite their efforts, the Blackfyres faced defeat in multiple rebellions, leading to the eventual end of House Blackfyre.

  • What potential outcomes arose from the conflict between Targaryens and Blackfyres?

    The conflict between Targaryens and Blackfyres raised questions about the importance of true lineage, the cycle of violence for the Iron Throne, and potential resolutions to the ongoing rivalry. Speculation surrounded the potential return of characters like Shiera as the sorceress Quaithe, the destruction of the Throne to break the cycle of violence, and the role of Bran Stark as a puppet king under Bloodraven's influence. Themes of power, mercy, and monarchy from the Blackfyre rebellions could play a significant role in the conclusion of the conflict in A Song of Ice and Fire.

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Summary

00:00

Targaryen Dynasty: Rise, Fall, and Rebellions

  • Aegon Targaryen took over Westeros 300 years ago, establishing a dynasty that ruled for almost three centuries until Robert Baratheon's takeover.
  • Targaryen rule faced internal turmoil, including the Dance of the Dragons civil war and threats from the Blackfyres.
  • King Aegon the Fourth, known as "the Unworthy", was a corrupt and impulsive ruler who had numerous illegitimate children.
  • Daemon Waters, Aegon's favorite bastard, was given the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre, symbolizing Targaryen power.
  • Daemon Blackfyre rebelled against King Daeron, supported by Bittersteel and Fireball, aiming to claim the throne.
  • The First Blackfyre Rebellion culminated in the Battle of the Redgrass Field, where Daemon Blackfyre was defeated.
  • Bittersteel survived and founded the Golden Company in Essos, vowing to return to Westeros and place a Blackfyre on the Throne.
  • The Second Blackfyre Rebellion, led by Daemon the Second, failed due to lack of support and strategic errors.
  • The Third Blackfyre Rebellion, led by Haegon Blackfyre, was also defeated by the Targaryens, with Bittersteel captured.
  • Bloodraven, a key figure in suppressing the Blackfyre rebellions, was eventually sent to the Night's Watch by King Egg, who ascended to the throne after a council chose him over Aenys Blackfyre.

13:24

Bloodraven's ruthless actions in Blackfyre conflict.

  • Bloodraven reveals to Bran that he had a brother he loved, a brother he hated, and a woman he desired, identifying Shiera as the woman, Bittersteel as the hated brother, and possibly Daeron as the loved brother.
  • Bloodraven commits terrible acts in his fight against the Blackfyres, including killing his brother Daemon, running a surveillance state under King Aerys, and capturing Daemon the Second.
  • Bloodraven justifies his actions by arguing that traitors must be crushed to prevent further rebellions, emphasizing the necessity of ruthless violence over mercy and honor.
  • The Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion begins during King Egg's reign, led by Daemon Blackfyre the Third, but is ultimately defeated at the Battle of Wendwater Bridge by Dunk, leading to the end of House Blackfyre.
  • The Band of Nine, including Maelys the Monstrous, forms an alliance to conquer Westeros, prompting a united effort by various houses to defeat them.
  • The Golden Company supports Young Griff, believed to be Aegon Targaryen, hinting at a potential Blackfyre heritage, with Illyrio's motivations tied to his affection for Young Griff and his deceased wife, Serra.
  • Young Griff's similarities to Daemon Blackfyre the Second, along with the potential possession of the sword Blackfyre, suggest a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne.
  • Daenerys' arrival poses a threat to Young Griff's claim, leading to a potential conflict between them, with Daenerys possibly being the one to end the Blackfyre line.
  • The ongoing conflict between Targaryens and Blackfyres raises questions about the importance of true lineage and the cycle of violence caused by the quest for the Iron Throne.
  • The suggestion arises that perhaps the Throne should be destroyed, along with the Targaryens and Blackfyres, to break the cycle of violence, with Bran Stark potentially becoming a puppet king under Bloodraven's influence.

26:51

Ancient rivalry and sorcery in ASOIAF.

  • Speculation surrounds the potential outcomes of the ancient rivalry between Bittersteel and the Blackfyres, with the possibility of Shiera returning as the sorceress Quaithe, while themes of power, mercy, and monarchy from the Blackfyre rebellions could play a significant role in the conclusion of A Song of Ice and Fire. Viewers are encouraged to read the main books along with Dunk & Egg novellas and history books, available for free on audiobook through a Premium Plus trial membership at audible.com/asx or by texting asx to 500-500.
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