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What Aegon’s dream of A Song of Ice and Fire means

Published

August 27, 2022

House_of_the_Dragon_-_Viserys_Rhaenrya_Targaryen_illustrated

HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon premiered its first episode on Sunday. It has all the familiar concepts that GoT fans have come to love: magic, mystery, murder, and mayhem. However, a reveal at the end of the episode took everyone by surprise. We find out that Aegon the Conqueror had a vision of the future, a prophecy that he named ‘The Song of Ice and Fire.’ Aegon the Conqueror was the first Targaryen ruler of Westeros. He had a vision of the White Walkers and that only a Targaryen with a dragon could save humanity.

It may explain why George R. R. Martin‘s Game of Thrones book series known as A Song of Ice and Fire received its title. It is a twist that retcons Game of Thrones and reframes the White Walkers’ defeat. This article delves into what this prophecy is. It attempts to explain what the implications could be for the future, as well as how it connects to GOT.

The Song of Ice and Fire prophecy

The first episode of House of the Dragon ends with the Lords of Westeros swearing their fealty to Rhaenyra. Viserys has a conversation with Rhaenyra in front of the skull of Balerion the Black Dread. Balerion was the dragon that Viserys rode when it was still alive. It was the same dragon ridden by Aegon the Conqueror. This is when Viserys reveals a family secret that each monarch passes on to their successor.

“There’s something else that I need to tell you. It might be difficult for you to understand, but you must hear it. Our histories, they tell us that Aegon looked across the Blackwater from Dragonstone, saw a rich land ripe for the capture. But ambition alone is not what drove him to conquest. It was a dream. Just as Daenys foresaw the end of Valyria, Aegon foresaw the end of the world of men. It is to begin with a terrible winter gusting out of the distant North.”

Daenys was an ancestor of the Targaryens who had a dream that predicted the Doom of Valyria. It was due to this dream that the Targaryens migrated to Westeros.

“Aegon saw absolute darkness riding on those winds and whatever dwells within will destroy the world of the living. When this great winter comes, Rhaenyra, all of Westeros must stand against it. And if the world of men is to survive, a Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne. A king or queen strong enough to unite the realm against the cold and the dark. Aegon called his dream The Song of Ice and Fire. This secret, it’s been passed from king to heir since Aegon’s time. Now you must promise to carry it.”

Saying this, he reveals to her a Valyrian Steel dagger. This is the same Catspaw Dagger that ends up with Arya Stark, with which she kills the Night King.

Prophecies in Game of Thrones

This reveal has come as a surprise to viewers and readers alike. Aegon’s dream is not mentioned in the Game of Thrones TV series and does not appear in the books either. It is completely new information. It is worth mentioning that House of the Dragon has been co-created by author George R. R. Martin. He has had more creative input in this series than he did with Game of Thrones. Due to this, Aegon’s prophetic vision is likely canon.

There have been other prophecies surrounding the White Walkers. One of these is the myth of Azor Ahai, said to be a great hero who wields the burning sword, Lightbringer. The Red Priestess Melisandre recites this legend in Game of Thrones. Maester Aemon Targaryen of the Night’s Watch was also aware of it. Aemon may also have known about Aegon’s dream. His father and brother were both King in their time. Aemon was also once in line for the throne, and his brother had prophetic dreams. Aemon is aware of the other prophecy from the books,” the Prince That Was Promised.” It contains a mention of “A song of ice and fire.”

Many prophecies in Game of Thrones turn out to be self-fulfilling. They often drive people to act upon their visions to try and stop something bad from happening. These prophecies are usually misunderstood and end up happening anyway. The question is whether Rhaenyra was able to pass on this knowledge to the next generation. The events of this storyline show how House Targaryen destroyed itself. Due to this, the passage of this ancient secret from ruler to an heir may have ended with the Dance of the Dragons.

Did Rhaegar know about the prophecy?

Some have theorized that the Mad King Aerys knew about this prophecy. His obsession with burning things with wildfire may stem from this. This may turn out to be untrue, as many records of Targaryen family history disappeared after the Dance of the Dragons. Additionally, another Targaryen king down the line named Baelor the Blessed burned all the magical family lore he could find. He viewed it as blasphemous due to his devotion to the faith of the Seven. If any evidence of the prophecy remained, it was well hidden. However, there is evidence to suggest that this information was found by prince Rhaegar.

Rhaegar obsessed over the prophecy of “The Prince who was Promised” He believed it could refer to himself and later to his son. In the books, Ser Barristan Selmy said that Rhaegar used to be bookish to a fault until he found something in his scrolls that changed him. After that, he showed up for practice in the yard with the master-at-arms, declaring, “I will require sword and armor. It seems I must be a warrior.” It is quite possible that he discovered a long-forgotten scroll with the secret written upon it.

Also, in the books, Daenerys has a vision in the House of the Undying of her brother Rhaegar naming his newborn son Aegon. He says of him, “He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of ice and fire.” After the death of Rhaegar, Ned Stark adopted his son Aegon and hid his identity by naming him Jon Snow.

What are your theories? Tell us in the comments below!