Aegon and His Sisters: Age During the Conquest and Reign of the Dragon

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Aegon's Conquest in the A Song of Ice and Fire series is the ages of Aegon Targaryen and his sisters during this pivotal event. According to George R.R. Martin's writings, Aegon, his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, and their dragon were instrumental in ending the Targaryen's self-imposed exile and reclaiming Westeros. This article explores their ages during the conquest and reign, and analyzes how their ages influenced their roles in the events that followed.

Introduction: Ages in the Targaryen Family

The Targaryen family, known for their unique ability to ride dragon, has a distinct cultural norm regarding the age of their children. Unlike many noble houses in Westeros, which often engaged in powerful political marriages at a very young age, the Targaryens typically delayed such marriages until their children reached a more mature age. This allowed for time to form bonds and alliances that could later be called upon for political and military reasons.

Age of Aegon at the Conquest

Aegon I Targaryen, the conqueror of Westeros, was born in 192 AL (Albedro). During the time leading up to the final battle, as detailed in "A Game of Thrones" and "A Clash of Kings," Aegon was in his mid-30s, possibly around 35 years old. His age at the start of the conquest suggested he was physically and mentally mature, capable of leading an army and coordinating a complex campaign involving dragons, likely Visenya's Nyra and Rhaenys's Balerion.

Age and Power Dynamics of Visenya and Rhaenys

Both of Aegon's sisters were young enough to remain active participants in the battles. Visenya, Aegon's older sister and the Dragon hindsight, was perhaps in her early to mid-20s. With experience from the realm of Valyria, she was a valuable ally, especially in the early stages of the campaign. Rhaenys, Aegon's younger sister, was in her late teens or early 20s. She was considered a powerful force, though not as seasoned as Visenya, with her own dragon Balerion playing a critical role in the war.

Impact of Age on the Conquest and Reign

The age of the three siblings greatly influenced their roles during the conquest and reign. Aegon, being in his mid-30s, was mature enough to handle the responsibilities of leadership and the political intricacies of Westeros. His age also meant he was more capable of considering long-term strategies, which was crucial during the war and in the early years of the reign to solidify the Targaryen rule.

Both Visenya and Rhaenys, being relatively younger, were more agile and venturesome. This age allowed them to engage in direct combat and contribute significantly to the forces deployed against the rebel factions. Additionally, the younger age of Rhaenys meant she could marry a younger man, Daemon Targaryen, and later have a son who would become the famous Daemon Blackfyre. Her role as a fighting force and her marriage helped secure support from other Targaryen loyalists during the war.

Age During the Reign

After the conquest, as Aegon began establishing his kingdom, his age and their sisters' also played a role. Aegon, by this time, had further matured, which allowed him to hold steady governance. His age likely gave him a sense of wisdom and resilience, as he continued to face various challenges, such as the rebellion of House Mannington and the subsequent Andal uprising.

Visenya, with her mature age and wisdom, was appointed as the Hand of the King on multiple occasions. She was a powerful political figure, often second only to Aegon in matters of state. Her age both bolstered her authority and contributed to her lasting influence in the early Targaryen reign.

Rhaenys's age at the time of the Targaryen conquest also influenced her role. She was already a seasoned warrior and a mother, which made her particularly strong in terms of political and military strategy. Her age and experience contributed significantly to her success in several campaigns and battles against the rebels and factions.

Conclusion: The Significance of Age in the Targaryen Conquest and Reign

The ages of Aegon I Targaryen, Visenya Targaryen, and Rhaenys Targaryen during the conquest and reign were significant. Their ages allowed them to play crucial roles in both the war and the early years of the Targaryen rule. Aegon's mid-30s gave him a mature perspective, while Visenya and Rhaenys's younger ages allowed them to contribute both militarily and politically. Their ability to adapt and take on various roles based on their ages helped secure the Targaryen victory and established the foundations for their rule in Westeros.

Whether through wisdom, cunning, or the strength of their dragon riders, their ages contributed to the success of the Targaryen conquest and their subsequent reign. Understanding the ages of the Targaryens during this critical period of Westerosi history is essential for comprehending the complex dynamics and decisions that shaped their rule.

Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on the A Song of Ice and Fire series, where we dive deep into the intricacies of the Targaryen family dynamics and how it all began with Aegon and his sisters.