Gift from Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon: Brotherly Act or Strategic Move?
Viewers saw a gripping scene in the sixth episode of House of the Dragon's second season when Ewan Mitchell's Aegon Targaryen presented Aegon Targaryen with the stone ball the Small Council had previously owned. Among supporters, this apparently straightforward action has generated a lot of conjecture and study that raises questions regarding the actual motivations behind Aemond's choice. Was it a calculated action meant to advance Aemond's own aspirations or a show of brotherly kindness?
House of the Dragon: Motivation of Aemond Targaryen
The actor playing Aemond, Ewan Mitchell, has deliberately left opportunity for viewer interpretation by keeping the whole meaning of Aemond's action vague. With Aemond as a spider and Aegon as his prey, he hints at the scene having a Stephen King "Misery" vibe as suggesting a manipulative dynamic between the brothers. Mitchell notes the change in power relations, since Aegon's injuries have made him physically weaker.
One could regard Aemond's behavior as evidence of his strategic thinking. Declaring that the stone ball is "the king's marker," he might be trying to get back under control by giving it to his brother. Aemond might be trying to turn Aegon into a false sense of security, suggesting that Aegon will finally get strength and ascend the throne. Given that Aemond was declared the legitimate heir in the last episode, this manipulation might help him particularly.
Fate of Aegon Targaryen in House of the Dragon
The sixth episode left Aegon's future unknown. He is weak; his health is declining and his chest wound is rotting. This matches his father, King Viserys, who battled a slow and terrible death during the first season. The creators of the show have already investigated the slow-death arc with Viserys, thus it is less likely for them to retell the same story for Aegon.
Aegon's fate still depends much on Aemond's possible participation. Aemond might be ready to act once more, given he has already tried on his brother's life and given the growing conflicts between the two families. The episode also prepares Rhaenyra and her allies for a certain conflict against the groups supporting Aegon and his claim to the kingdom.
Reading Aemond's Actions in House of the Dragon
One could argue differently about Aemond's choice to present Aegon the stone ball. It might be a show of support, a try at control, or a calculated move meant to set him in position for the throne. The show's creators have deftly added layers of uncertainty, allowing viewers to conjecture on Aemond's actual driving force. The season will allow us more understanding of Aemond's intentions and the consequences of his gift to Aegon. Every decision and action in House Of The Dragon is even more fascinating since the fate of both brothers and the Seven Kingdoms' future rests on balance.
