House of the Dragon Season 3 Rewriting Its Iron Throne Story Is Bad News for Team Green

Things are about to get much harder for Team Green in Season 3 of House of the Dragon if King Aegon II Targaryen succeeds. The conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons is escalating, promising a fiery and action-packed civil war between the Targaryens. The upcoming season is expected to be grand in scale, with some unexpected twists as it deviates from the original book.

So far, we know of a few changes to the story. One is that a character named Nettles has been removed, and Rhaena Targaryen now connects with the dragon Sheepstealer instead. Also, Baela Targaryen appears to be taking Nettles’ place in the Battle of the Gullet. There are likely more changes that haven’t been announced yet.

The show is also altering Daemon Targaryen’s storyline, showing him battling with forces from the North and the Riverlands, and even interacting with Ormund Hightower. However, the biggest shift centers on Aegon, who is now determined to get revenge on his brother, Aemond, following the brutal attack on him during the Battle at Rook’s Rest in Season 2, Episode 4. In the Season 3 trailer, Aegon declares, “I’m going to kill my brother, or die trying.”

Aegon Taking Revenge On Aemond Would Be A Mistake

If you step back from the details of the book and just consider what Aegon wants within the show’s storyline, his motivations become clearer. Aemond deeply wronged him, nearly killing him, inflicting horrific burns and lasting injuries, seemingly killing his dragon, and now occupies his throne, wearing his crown and using his sword, all while Aegon has been forced into exile. Considering Aegon’s intensely emotional nature, it’s easy to see why getting revenge on Aemond would matter to him even more than defeating his half-sister. However, that doesn’t necessarily make his actions reasonable.

Aegon’s plan has several flaws. He’d likely fail—and possibly be killed—trying to defeat Aemond, who is a far more capable and strategic fighter. Even if he did manage to kill Aemond, it would further divide the Greens, making them even more vulnerable to the Blacks—who are already in a weak position. Most importantly, it would mean losing Vhagar, their most powerful asset.

She’s the largest and most dangerous dragon in existence, and currently the biggest danger to the Blacks. Even just her presence discourages attacks on King’s Landing. If Aegon were to kill Aemond, it’s unlikely the dragon would accept a new rider – and it’s hard to imagine who could even take on that role. Losing her would mean losing their best hope of winning the war, Aegon’s claim to the throne, and likely the survival of his family.

Can Aegon’s Revenge On Aemond Even Happen In House Of The Dragon? (Major Book Spoilers Ahead)

Considering the events in the book Fire & Blood, Aegon’s desire for revenge seems unlikely to happen. The source material doesn’t include a revenge plot for him, and the way things unfold doesn’t really allow for one. His story leads him to Dragonstone, where he ultimately kills Rhaenyra, who is then eaten by his dragon, Sunfyre. At the same time, Aemond travels to Harrenhal and faces off against Daemon, resulting in both of their deaths, along with their dragons, Vhagar and Caraxes.

The story doesn’t seem to have a clear purpose for that particular line, so it’s puzzling why it’s even there. If Aegon is truly focused on killing his brother, even above claiming the Iron Throne, that conflict needs to be addressed. Given his Targaryen heritage, a simple resolution like forgiveness feels unlikely. It’s a significant plot point, and the story needs to justify its inclusion with a proper payoff or conclusion.

In the book, Aemond is already dead when Aegon returns to King’s Landing, and plans are made to honor him with a statue. The show seems likely to handle things differently. Aegon might spend time plotting revenge, only to discover someone else killed Aemond first – that’s where the story appears to be going. It’s also possible the change will be minor, with Larys Strong simply talking Aegon out of seeking revenge. However, the show often makes significant changes from the books, so a larger alteration is possible.

House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres on June 21st on HBO and HBO Max.

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2026-05-09 22:11

Aegon Taking Revenge On Aemond Would Be A Mistake

Can Aegon’s Revenge On Aemond Even Happen In House Of The Dragon? (Major Book Spoilers Ahead)

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