Aegon's Conquest: A Transformative Chapter in Westeros History
Chapter One of "Aegon's Conquest" delves into the origins and pivotal moments that shaped Westeros, focusing on Aegon the Conqueror and his decisive campaign. The narrative opens with an exploration of Westeros' history, heavily influenced by events across the Narrow Sea, particularly the Doom of Valyria. The Targaryens were among the few dragon lord families who survived this catastrophic event, thanks to the foresight of Deniz the Dreamer, daughter of Enoch Targaryen. Her vision led the Targaryens to relocate to Dragonstone, the furthest Valyrian outpost to the west, twelve years before the Doom obliterated Valyria.
For a century, the Targaryens remained on Dragonstone, until Aegon the Conqueror, born in 27 BC, launched his campaign to conquer Westeros. Aegon, alongside his sisters-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, each riding their own dragon, embarked on this monumental quest. Westeros at the time was divided into seven warring kingdoms. Aegon initially sought a peaceful resolution but faced opposition from the existing kings. Consequently, he and his sisters dispatched ravens across the Seven Kingdoms, declaring Aegon as the sole ruler. His coronation took place at the mouth of the Blackwater River.
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Despite starting with a mere few hundred men, Aegon and his sisters, empowered by their dragons, began their conquest. The common folk supported Aegon, but the ruling kings resisted. One notable opponent was Harren the Black, King of the Riverlands, who believed his formidable castle, Harrenhal, could withstand dragon fire. However, he and his family were incinerated inside the castle. This event sent a clear message across the kingdoms.
The Battle of the Last Storm saw the Storm King, who almost defeated Aegon, fall to Rhaenys’ dragon and Orys Baratheon, Aegon’s probable bastard brother and first Hand of the King. After the battle, the Storm King's daughter, Argella Durrandon, was captured and eventually married Orys Baratheon, who adopted her house sigil.
The combined forces of House Lannister and House Gardener formed the largest army ever seen in Westeros but were decimated in the Field of Fire, where the Targaryen dragons fought together for the first time. The destruction of House Gardener led to House Tyrell becoming the new Wardens of the South. King Torrhen Stark of the North chose to bend the knee to Aegon rather than face annihilation. Visenya’s diplomacy secured the Vale’s submission, though Dorne remained defiant.
Aegon’s march to Oldtown, the spiritual heart of Westeros, concluded with its peaceful surrender after the High Septon, following seven days of fasting and prayer, advised compliance to avoid destruction. Aegon's coronation at the Starry Sept marked the formal beginning of his reign over Westeros, despite Dorne's continued resistance.
Aegon established his rule from King's Landing, a new city built on the site where he and his sisters first landed. Unlike the other narratives in "A Song of Ice and Fire," this chapter reads like an academic historical account, yet author George R.R. Martin warns against accepting it at face value. The Citadel's historians, like the fictitious Jordan, often present a biased version of events, neglecting the contributions and perspectives of many, particularly women and the common folk.
The Reign of the Dragons
The second chapter, "Reign of the Dragons," chronicles the first thirteen years of Aegon's rule, marked by continuous conflict. In the Bite, the Sutherlands declared their independence until Visenya’s dragon subdued them. On the Iron Islands, Aegon quashed multiple contenders for kingship, including the self-proclaimed son of the Drowned God, Lotus, who met a tragic end.
Dorne remained unconquered, employing guerrilla tactics against the Targaryen forces. Orys Baratheon was captured, and his men killed, leading to a protracted and grueling campaign. Despite initial victories, the Dornish resistance persisted, culminating in the loss of Rhaenys and her dragon. Eventually, a letter from the Dornish princess Daria to Aegon led to a peace treaty without Dorne's surrender.
This chapter highlights the pervasive sexism in Westeros. Even though Princess Meria Martell successfully defended Dorne, her tactics were derided as dishonorable. This contrasts sharply with Aegon's glorified campaigns, despite his brutal methods. The ambiguity of historical accounts is emphasized, particularly regarding the mysterious letter that ended the war, speculated to be written in Rhaenys' handwriting.
Ultimately, these chapters illustrate the complexity and biases inherent in the history of Westeros, revealing the profound impact of Aegon’s conquest and the often-overlooked contributions of his allies and adversaries.
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