House of the Dragon enthusiasts are anxiously awaiting news about the programme's most notorious antagonist after a shocking development in Season 3, episode 2. Be warned, this article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 2 and Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin.
Aemond's Peril at Harrenhal
Season 3 of House of the Dragon has been both mesmerising and shocking viewers in equal measure since its latest return. The second episode delivered once again as it appeared one significant character might be facing their demise earlier than anticipated. Aemond Targaryen (played by Ewan Mitchell) found himself in a perilous situation after being stabbed at Harrenhal and left pleading with Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) for assistance.
According to George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Aemond's ultimate fate is sealed in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, a dramatic clash with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) over Harrenhal. The two Targaryens fought astride their dragons as the enormous beasts battled, with Daemon ultimately leaping from Caraxes and onto Aemond's dragon Vhagar. Daemon then slayed Aemond with his sword just as both men plummeted to their deaths in the Gods Eye Lake. Neither uncle, nephew nor dragon survived the devastating battle, marking yet another dramatic twist in the Targaryen Civil War.
Recovery and Rumors
A Wiki of Ice and Fire notes that while Aemond's body was recovered from the water, Daemon's remains were never discovered. Rumours circulated that he had survived and retreated to live alongside his lover Nettles. However, Westerosi historians disputed this theory, suggesting Daemon was simply swept away by the currents, his body consumed by fish.
Given that House of the Dragon has previously departed from its source material, the series may well offer a contrasting version of events to those depicted in Fire and Blood. Notably, in Season 2, Haelena Targaryen (Phia Saban) cautioned Aemond that he was "swallowed up by the Gods Eye and never seen again" as she confirmed his fate would be death. Considering how remarkably precise Haelena's prophecies have proved throughout the series, this appears to be the manner in which Aemond meets his end.
Fan Reactions
Numerous fans flocked to X (formerly Twitter) to react to the moment Aemond found himself on the brink of death. One user posted: "aemond suffering and groveling from a wound was satisfying ngl i can't stand him [sic]." A second fan wrote: "attention to everyone to do not help him that's exactly what he deserve." A third commented: "Aemond learned the hard way that he is just a mortal with a dragon, and like all other mortals, he bleeds. #HOTD #HouseOfTheDragon." Someone else noted: "Aemond truly isn't fit to be a King and he's turning into a monster."
House of the Dragon season 3 is streaming on Sky Atlantic, NOW and HBO Max.
