The Succession to the Throne- Deciphering Who Will Ascend After Aegon II’s Reign
Who becomes king after Aegon II? This question has intrigued fans of the iconic fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin. As the story unfolds, the fate of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance, and the line of succession becomes a matter of life and death. This article delves into the complexities of the royal lineage and the various claimants to the Iron Throne that arise after the reign of Aegon II.
The reign of Aegon II, the Mad King, was marked by madness and chaos. His reign was characterized by his irrational behavior, which led to the deaths of countless innocent people. His son, Aerys II Targaryen, inherited the throne at a young age, and his reign was no different. Aerys II was also known for his madness and his ruthless pursuit of power. His reign ended with the infamous “Sack of King’s Landing,” where he burned the city to the ground and killed many of its inhabitants.
After the fall of Aerys II, the question of who would become the next king of the Seven Kingdoms became a pressing issue. The Targaryen line was in dire straits, with only a few remaining members. The most prominent claimant was Rhaegar Targaryen, the son of Aerys II and Lyanna Stark. Rhaegar, however, was already king, and his claim to the throne was uncontested. This left the realm with no clear successor, leading to a power vacuum that would eventually result in the War of the Five Kings.
The War of the Five Kings was a brutal conflict that raged across the Seven Kingdoms. Five claimants to the Iron Throne fought for control, each with their own reasons and ambitions. These claimants were: Rhaegar Targaryen, the legitimate heir; Robert Baratheon, a former Stark bannerman; Balon Greyjoy, the ironborn prince of the North; Eddard Stark, the Hand of the King; and Joffrey Baratheon, the son of Cersei Lannister and Rhaegar.
As the war raged on, the line of succession became increasingly blurred. The true heir to the throne, Rhaegar Targaryen, was killed in battle, leaving his daughter, Daenerys Stormborn, as the last living Targaryen. Daenerys, known as the Mother of Dragons, eventually reclaimed the Iron Throne, but her reign was fraught with its own set of challenges and conflicts.
In conclusion, the question of who becomes king after Aegon II is a complex one, with multiple claimants and a war for power that reshaped the Seven Kingdoms. The line of succession was fraught with intrigue, betrayal, and violence, leading to a series of events that would change the course of history. As the story continues, the legacy of Aegon II and the Targaryen dynasty remains a central theme in the ongoing struggle for power in the realm.
