Missing from House of the Dragon is Targaryen Bastard: Gaemon Palehair's Identity
Although House Of The Dragon has added several claimed Targaryen bastards in season 2, one important character from George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood is conspicuously absent: Gaemon Palehair, the presumed bastard of Aegon II Targaryen. The show has mostly followed Rhaenyra Targaryen's search for possible dragonriders among the smallfolk—including those with Valyrian blood. With Ulf White and Hugh Hammer claiming dragons, this search has turned out success; Gaemon's story stays unaltered.
The History of Gaemon Palehair
Fire & Blood describes the aftermath of Rhaenyra's seizure of King's Landing, including the reception of the new queen by the smallpeople. This story notes an alleged bastard of Aegon II, a four-year-old child with silver hair called Gaemon Palehair. After the Riot of King's Landing drives Rhaenyra from the capital, Gaemon's possible background becomes pertinent. Aegon missing and Aemond dead creates a period known as the "Moon of the Three Kings" in the turbulent aftermath whereby several people declare themselves as kings. Along with a squire called Trystane Truefyre and a preacher called Shepherd, Gaemon fights for dominance in several areas of King's Landing. Aegon II's return, following Rhaenyra's death at Dragonstone, brings order back. Though Gaemon, a young child, is spared most of the pretenders are killed. Gaemon's mother tells later on that he was not Aegon's son.
Gaemon's Disappearance from Dragon House
Though season 2 brings many possible Targaryen bastards, Gaemon Palehair is still conspicuously absent. Although many think a young lad with silver hair seen in season 1, episode 9 could be Gaemon, this character is never seen again. This absence is especially interesting considering Rhaenyra's search for dragonriders among Targaryen bastards.
The Value of Gaemon's Potential Invclusion
Gaemon's inclusion in the show could present major narrative chances. The mother of Gaemon confessing he wasn't Aegon's son could provide interesting new insights on Aegon's ancestry and possible challenges to Rhaenyra's succession. Furthermore, Gaemon's presence might complicate the political scene even more, especially if he were raised in the court of Aegon III as Fire & Blood implies.
Gaemon's Future within House of the Dragon
It remains unresolved whether Gaemon Palehair will show up in next House Of The Dragon seasons. Although the show's emphasis on other characters and events helps to explain his absence thus far, Gaemon's backstory and possible influence on the developing conflict point to either interesting and fitting inclusion or absence. The writers of the show could be deliberately holding back Gaemon's introduction, waiting for the ideal moment to release his narrative, so adding still another level of complexity to the already complex tapestry of the Targaryen dynasty.
