George R.R. Martin’s fantasy world suggests that history is doomed to repeat itself. While the end of Game of Thrones offered a relatively happy conclusion (depending on your perspective), it’s likely another conflict will eventually rise and undo everything. This pattern is already being established in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, which hints at future uprisings.
In Season 1, Episode 3, titled “The Squire,” Egg performs a song detailing the First Blackfyre Rebellion, though the show simply refers to it as the “Blackfyre Rebellion” since the second one hasn’t occurred yet. The song recounts the story of his father and uncle, who fought against Daemon I Blackfyre, the illegitimate half-brother of their King, Daeron II. This rebellion helps explain the tense relationship between Baelor and Maekar, and future episodes in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will explore the consequences faced by those who supported Daemon Blackfyre.
What Was the First Blackfyre Rebellion?
The Blackfyre Rebellion stemmed from a complex and controversial family history, primarily a dispute over who was legitimately born and rightful claims to the Iron Throne. It began with Daemon Blackfyre, born in 170 AC to Daena Targaryen after she secretly left the Red Keep’s Maidenvault, defying her brother and former husband, Baelor. While Aegon IV was widely believed to be Daemon’s father—as he had many illegitimate children—Daena never revealed the truth.
Daeron II was born seventeen years before a series of events that questioned his claim to the throne. As the oldest son, he was originally named heir by his father, Aegon IV. However, rumors circulated – even from Aegon himself – suggesting Daeron was the product of an affair between Naerys and her brother, Aemon. Despite these doubts, and on his deathbed, Aegon legitimized all his illegitimate children, though he reportedly favored Daemon as his successor instead of Daeron.
When Daeron II’s father died, he became king. However, despite trying to please his half-siblings, some lords and knights still favored his brother, Daemon, as ruler. They admired Daemon’s strength and traditional Targaryen looks, and disliked Daeron II’s friendly ties with Dorne. Many didn’t want a king with Dornish heritage – especially Daeron II’s son, Baelor – and rumors even circulated claiming Daeron II wasn’t legitimately born.
The rebellion began in 196 AC, with Daemon Targaryen adopting the symbol of a black dragon – a choice that would later be seen as a betrayal. There were many battles, but the most brutal was the Battle of the Redgrass Field. Daeron II’s sons, Baelor and Maekar, fought side-by-side, honoring their father and employing a new tactic called “the hammer and the anvil” to overcome the rebels. However, Maekar grew resentful of Baelor, who received most of the praise for their victory.
The Blackfyre Rebellion Will Come Into Play in Later Seasons
Daemon was one of ten thousand people who died in the battle. After the fighting ended, Daeron II punished those who had supported the rebels by stripping them of their land, titles, and possessions, and demanding hostages as a guarantee of future loyalty. Many acknowledged illegitimate children also fled to Essos, going into exile.
The story will likely introduce Ser Eustace Osgrey, a supporter of the rebel cause. As readers learn in the novella The Sworn Sword, Dunk previously served Ser Eustace, who backed Daemon Targaryen. In the third novella, The Mystery Knight, Dunk encounters even more of Daemon II’s followers – Blackfyre supporters planning another uprising.
The Blackfyre Rebellion, like other events in this story, explores the lasting effects of war and how history can be shaped by those in power. Both Daeron II and Daemon Blackfyre lived with questions about their parentage – no one was certain who their fathers were. In fact, it’s possible neither of them were legitimate sons of Aegon IV, and even Aegon’s own lineage was questionable.
History is often told from the perspective of the winners, and in this conflict, that was Daeron II. While people like Ser Eustace initially supported Daemon because they believed he was the stronger leader, they ultimately failed due to Daeron II’s superior army. Consequently, they would be remembered as traitors by those who came after them, such as Dunk.
As a huge fan, I’ve always found it interesting that George R.R. Martin didn’t really fully develop the Blackfyre Rebellion until the second of the Dunk and Egg novellas. That explains why it becomes such a big deal in the later stories, but wasn’t present from the start. And honestly, the show has done a fantastic job subtly laying the groundwork for all of this. I think it’s going to be really compelling to watch Dunk and Egg grapple with the complexities of the rebellion, and realize that people aren’t simply good or evil – it’s going to force them to question everything they thought they knew.
New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premiere every Sunday on HBO.
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2026-02-02 06:11