Did Aegon the Conqueror Have a Wife?

Aegon the Conqueror, the founder of the Targaryen dynasty, is often seen as a charismatic and powerful figure in the lore of Westeros. However, his marriage and family life are shrouded in mystery and often subject to scrutiny. Aegon the Conqueror was indeed married, but not to a woman, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, he married both his sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya, which we will explore in this article.

Background: Aegon the Conqueror and the Targaryen Dynasty

During the era of Aegon the Conqueror, the Targaryen family was a powerful force in Westeros. They hailed from Dragonstone, the fortress where dragon eggs were found and hatched. This gave the Targaryens a unique advantage, as they could control and ride dragons, a trait inherited by their descendants. Aegon himself was born with the gift of dragon riding, a trait that seemed to be passed down within his family.

The Marriages: Aegon and His Sisters

Unlike many kings of Westeros, Aegon the Conqueror married not just one, but two sisters: Visenya and Rhaenys. This was a significant political and dynastic move on his part, as it solidified the position of the Targaryen family and ensured the continuity of their rule. Both Visenya and Rhaenys played crucial roles in Aegon's conquest and in the establishment of the Targaryen dynasty.

Visenya and Rhaenys not only rode dragons but also aided Aegon in his military campaigns. It is said that they were his most trusted advisors, and their strategic prowess was instrumental in bringing Westeros under Targaryen control. The Targaryen sigil, featuring a three-headed dragon, symbolizes the three sisters who aided Aegon in his conquests (himself, Rhaenys, and Visenya).

Descendants Through Their Unusual Marriages

The marriages to his sisters did not hinder Aegon's ability to sire children. He and Visenya had a son named Maegor the Cruel, who would later come to the throne. Meanwhile, Aegon and Rhaenys had a son named Aenys, who inherited the Iron Throne after Aegon's death.

These unions were not just a political move but a matter of bloodline and inheritance. Marrying his sisters ensured that the Targaryen bloodline remained pure and strong. It also allowed the Targaryens to claim divine right, as their descent from dragons was considered a sign of celestial favor.

Legacy and Critique

While the marriages were a strategic move, they do raise ethical questions. In the time of Aegon the Conqueror, incest was not uncommon among ruling families, especially those claiming divine right or a unique heritage. However, the conduct of such unions is often seen as inappropriate by modern standards.

Many believe that Visenya and Rhaenys were better suited to rule the Seven Kingdoms. While Aenys proved to be a capable king, Maegor the Cruel's reign was marked by brutality and a lasting impact on the Targaryen dynasty. Interestingly, some historians and fans speculate that if Visenya had taken over the throne after Aenys's reign, the Targaryen dynasty might have had a different trajectory.

Conclusion: Unusual but Necessary Marriages

In conclusion, Aegon the Conqueror's marriages to his sisters, while unusual and often controversial, were a necessary part of his political strategy. The union of Visenya and Rhaenys with Aegon ensured the Targaryen bloodline's dominance and contributed to the historic conquest and governance of Westeros. Their legacy continues to intrigue and debate among fans and scholars of Westerosi history.

Keywords: Aegon the Conqueror, Targaryen Dynasty, Dragon Conquest