Did King Viserys really want Aegon to be king? This question has been a topic of much debate among fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and its television adaptation, “Game of Thrones.” The answer to this question lies in understanding the complex dynamics of power, politics, and family within the realm of Westeros.
The story begins with King Viserys Targaryen, the last of the Targaryen line, suffering from a fatal illness known as greyscale. As his health deteriorates, Viserys becomes increasingly desperate to secure the throne for his son, Aegon. However, the path to the throne is fraught with challenges, as there are other claimants to the Iron Throne, including Daenerys Stormborn, Viserys’s sister.
Viserys’s desire for Aegon to inherit the throne can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, as the last Targaryen, Viserys felt a deep sense of responsibility to ensure the survival of his bloodline. The Targaryens were once the most powerful rulers in Westeros, and Viserys was determined to restore their former glory. By naming Aegon as his heir, Viserys hoped to ensure that the Targaryen legacy would continue.
Secondly, Viserys’s decision was influenced by the political climate of the time. With the threat of the Lannisters, Baratheons, and Storms looming, Viserys believed that Aegon was the most capable and suitable heir to lead the realm. Aegon, being young and impressionable, was seen as a symbol of hope and renewal for the Targaryen dynasty.
However, there are indications that Viserys’s desire for Aegon to be king may have been more superficial than genuine. For instance, Viserys’s relationship with his son was strained, and there were instances where he seemed to favor Daenerys over Aegon. This could suggest that Viserys’s decision was influenced by external pressures rather than a true affection for his son.
Moreover, Viserys’s actions before his death raise questions about his true intentions. For example, his decision to execute his advisor, Maester Melisandre, could be seen as a move to consolidate power and ensure that Aegon would have no one to challenge his claim to the throne. This act of brutality also highlights Viserys’s willingness to sacrifice his principles for the sake of his son’s ascension.
Despite these concerns, it is important to acknowledge that Viserys’s decision to name Aegon as his heir was not entirely motivated by self-interest. As a father, Viserys wanted to ensure that his son would have a place in the world, even if it meant sitting on the Iron Throne. The love and concern for his son are evident in his final moments, as he entrusts Daenerys with the responsibility of protecting Aegon and the Targaryen legacy.
In conclusion, while it is difficult to say with certainty whether King Viserys truly wanted Aegon to be king, it is clear that his decision was influenced by a combination of love, responsibility, and political necessity. The complexities of the Targaryen family and the ever-changing landscape of Westeros make it impossible to fully understand the motivations behind Viserys’s actions. However, one thing is certain: the legacy of the Targaryens and the fate of Aegon would have been vastly different had Viserys not chosen to name him as his heir.
