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Aemond Targaryen - Blog Posts
"i'm team black" "i'm team green"
well i am neither because i choose my teams with my pussy and not my moral compass
I feel like this season of House of The Dragon is going to be utterly ruthless in it's approach.
As always, the intricacies never fail to take my breath away...
Last season, the opening showed blood on rock... rock that does not stain. But this time, we see blood tainting canvas, likely to leave deep gashes that won't be washed over, won't signify beginning anew.
This is further seen in how the last shot we saw of Rhaenyra was with her back facing the fire and darkness in her eyes. Yet, here we see in in the same room with a map of the seven kingdoms... alit with fire, demanding Aemond's life and walking out without a word.
Fire in all it's duality is clearly seen when alicent lights a candle for Viserys parallel to Luke's pyre being burned and finally as she wished to quell her guilt, lighting a candle for Luke, only for it to cut to Rhaenyra being obscured by flames, signifying that this stain isn't going to be washed off, it's not a rope that's frayed, but one that's cut.
And finally, Helena saying beware of the rats but not knowing who it is... Alys, who betrays information or her, who betrays herself.
In all its glory, there are four fronts that are going to impact the game moving forward:
Alicent's desire for victory, and whether she sees it in sleeping with Crison Cole, or allowing her soul absolvement from guilt by making peace between her and the blacks (Rhaenyra).
Otto's thrist for violence and who he deems (un)worthy enough to sacrifice.
Rhaenyra's vengeance, and which wing will forever be grounded next.
And Daemon's venerence towards Rhaenyra and who he's willing to betray for it.
HotD episode 9 was bewildering. Being the first episode solely about the greens, I was apprehensive regarding how it'll be carried by the audience... in one word? Powerful.
What truly made the episode were certain quotes which blew my mind.
"We do not rule, but we may guide the men that do."
"And yet you toil in your service to men... you desire not to be free but to make a window in the wall of your prison."
The words which truly sparked the desire to break free in Alicent. Free from the clutches of her father, free to make her own decisions.
We see this particularly during the coronation when:
Alicent is the one on screen, between the swords when the words 'A new king' are spoken.
Alicent stands between Meleys and Aegon. A dragon facing another desiring equal standing. Two queens who never were facing each other.
"It is our fate, I think, to crave always what is given to another. "
Helena's words overlapping with Alicent's meeting with the lords to establish Aegon on the throne. And in the end Alicent and Aemond craving it for themselves.
And finally "There is no power but what people allow you to take."
Mysaria's words left me gaping. It truly embodied the entire scenario of power is temporary being highlighted in the episode.
I believe that we might also compare these words to Aemond's condition as he too is not able to take anything apart from what is handed to him.
(I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.)
House of the Dragon, Episode 8:
Not Alicent thinking that Viserys was talking about her rapist firstborn while he answered Rheanyra's question on his deathbed, regarding her being the 'prince' that will unite them as one, especially mere hours after we see them being hospitable after years.
Syrax providing Daemon and Rheanyra's children with three eggs, for their three children, befitting their station as trueborn children of dragons.
Funnily enough, Daemon being a classy malewife and manslaughtering Vaemond Velaryon for badmouthing Rhaenyra (all true, by the way), screamed Will Smith Energy (not that I condone what he did in any way).
Lastly, wondering why Aemond Targaryen's actions seem so familiar, why his mannerisms are something that remind us of someone we've witnessed before? Me too! Each and every action, sly retort, and taunt, gives the viewers of Daemon Targaryen in his prime, impulsive, agitated, and having a keen taste of violence.
But where Daemon's actions reflect underlying hurt, and the urge to protect and safeguard his family, Aemond's actions are a result of his dysfunctional upbringing and the deep seethed wounds caused by the callous words of his own blood at the time he didn't have a dragon, and thus, no proper position as a dragon himself.
HotD episode 7 was frightening in its approach. It resonated a single message loud and clear... fire will reign.
The entire episode carried the strength of fire is such a subtle manner that it left me stunned and at a loss of words. Each conflict was illuminated and outlines by bright, raging flames.
The first time we see the symbolism of separation by fire is during the conversation between Viserys and Daemon.
We see it again, when Raenys calls Corlys out for desiring the throne for himself, ending his delusion of righteousness.
We see it behind Alicent and Rhaenyra when Allicent loses control and goes feral as the dam of her patience breaks.
We even see it behind Laenor's 'death' and his end in flames itself.
Another aspect which consumed me was the blood and the comparisons drawn by it.
While on one hand we see Rhaenyra bleeding alone, without Laenor by her side.
We see Rhaenyra and Daemon bleed together as he binds himself to her by marriage.
We also get a beautiful parallel of Daemon and Rhaenyra walking on the same beach where Laenor and Rhaenyra once started their relationship. A new start and perhaps a better one.
In the end, only one thing stands true:
Fire is a prison. The Targaryens are made of fire, meant to burn together.
I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.
Helaena & Aemond Targaryen
What is your favourite moment of Helaena and Aemond?
EWAN MITCHELL as AEMOND TARGARYEN House of the Dragon S2E8 - "The Queen Who Ever Was"
EWAN MITCHELL as AEMOND TARGARYEN in HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022-) s2e8 "The Queen Who Ever Was"
Credits: netcrow98 (Twitter)
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022 -) s01e07 "Driftmark" // s02e05 "Regent"
