Does Aemon Targaryen Become King?
In the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the question of whether Aemon Targaryen would ever ascend to the throne has intrigued readers since the very beginning. Aemon, a Targaryen prince, is known for his intelligence, courage, and dedication to the Night’s Watch. However, his path to the throne is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. This article explores the factors that could have influenced Aemon’s potential ascension to the Iron Throne.
Aemon Targaryen is the youngest son of Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King. Born during the Targaryen civil war, Aemon was separated from his family and raised by the Night’s Watch. Despite his noble birth, Aemon chose to serve the Night’s Watch and dedicated his life to the protection of the realm. His commitment to the Watch and his role as a maester at the Citadel make him an unconventional candidate for the throne.
One of the primary reasons Aemon’s potential ascension to the throne is a topic of debate is his lack of political ambition. Unlike his brother Rhaegar, who was deeply involved in the politics of the realm, Aemon preferred to focus on his duties as a member of the Night’s Watch. His decision to remain at the Watch, even after being named a Prince of Dragonstone, suggests that he may not have been interested in the throne.
Moreover, Aemon’s role as a maester at the Citadel further complicates his chances of becoming king. As a maester, he was deeply involved in research and knowledge, rather than the power struggles of Westeros. This focus on knowledge and wisdom may have made him an unlikely candidate for the throne, as the Iron Throne is often associated with power and aggression.
Another factor that could have prevented Aemon from becoming king is the political landscape of Westeros during his time. The Targaryen family had been reduced to a few scattered members, and the remaining Targaryens were scattered across the realm. Aemon’s claim to the throne was weak compared to other potential claimants, such as Daenerys Targaryen, who was seen as a more viable candidate due to her dragons and the support of various factions.
However, there is one scenario in which Aemon’s ascension to the throne could have been possible. In the books, Aemon is known to have had a strong bond with his sister, Daenerys Targaryen. If Daenerys had failed in her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne and had died childless, Aemon’s claim to the throne could have become stronger. In this case, Aemon’s intelligence, wisdom, and experience as a maester may have made him a suitable candidate to lead the Targaryen family and reunite the realm.
In conclusion, while Aemon Targaryen’s potential ascension to the throne is an intriguing topic, it seems unlikely given his dedication to the Night’s Watch, his lack of political ambition, and the political landscape of Westeros during his time. However, one cannot discount the possibility that under certain circumstances, Aemon’s claim to the throne could have become stronger. The question of whether Aemon Targaryen would have become king remains a captivating mystery in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe.
