How Did Aegon Targaryen Die? Did He Truly Perish in ‘House of the Dragon’?

Fans of House of the Dragon woke up this Monday, July 8, to the aftermath of an incredibly dramatic Episode 4, packed with dragons, action, emotional scenes, and shocking deaths, including a beloved heroine and a pivotal character in the storyline. But did this central figure truly die? We dive into the details—spoilers ahead!

House of the Dragon is certainly delivering on its promises this summer of 2024. After months of anticipation, fans were finally able to rejoin the heroes of this Game of Thrones spin-off on June 17, exclusively on Max. Since then, Sunday nights have become a weekly ritual to savor a new episode of the Targaryen’s fiery adventures, brimming with shocking revelations and jaw-dropping scenes, all leading up to the legendary Dance of the Dragons.

Episode 4 of Season 2, available from July 8 on Max, throws us headlong into this conflict, shining the spotlight on the dragons and staging high-flying battles between the series’ stars, resulting in some truly unexpected deaths. Just as Game of Thrones was infamous for its hero-stacking body count, House of the Dragon bares its teeth in Season 2 with the murders of Prince Jaehaerys and the twin brothers Erryk and Arryk. These shocking losses have shaken the audience, yet they pale in comparison to what’s coming in the rest of this new season.

House of the Dragon Season 2: Spectacular Dragons, Epic Duels, and Deaths in Episode 4

Episode 4 of Season 2 of House of the Dragon, titled “The Red Dragon and the Gold Dragon,” opens with a deepening rift between the Green and Black factions. This division follows Rhaenyra Targaryen’s failed attempt to resolve the bitter misunderstanding with her rival Alicent Hightower, which led to Aegon II seizing the throne and igniting the war between the two houses. Meanwhile, Daemon appears to be slipping further into madness at Harrenhal Castle as both sides brace for a looming and spectacular battle.

Now allied with Rhaenyra Targaryen, Rhaenys Targaryen, known as “The Queen Who Never Was,” pledges her support to the rightful queen. Mounted on her dragon Meleys, she is resolute in her determination to survive and triumph over the rival faction. As Criston Cole and his men clash with the Black battalion on the ground, in the sky, the beloved heroine, portrayed by Eve Best, takes flight to confront Aegon II, who unexpectedly decided to join the fray at the last moment.

In a breathtaking duel, Aemond, Alicent’s youngest, joins the battle to everyone’s astonishment. Concealed in the forest with his dragon Vhagar, he makes a dramatic entrance in the skies but stuns all by not attacking Rhaenys. Instead of aiding his elder brother against the dragonrider, he commands Vhagar to unleash flames upon him! This shocking twist allows Aemond to engage Rhaenys one-on-one in a scene that is as spectacular as it is heartbreaking, ultimately leading to her death and the brutal demise of her dragon.

Did Aegon Really Die in Episode 4 of House of the Dragon Season 2?

While it is certain that Rhaenys meets her end during the episode, the fate of Aegon II remains ambiguous. In the final moments, Criston Cole anxiously asks about the king’s whereabouts. Aemond points to his brother’s dragon, which appears to conceal a body presumed to be Aegon II. However, there is no definitive confirmation of the king’s death.

Furthermore, according to George R.R. Martin’s novel Fire & Blood, Aegon II does not die in this battle. In the source material, he kills Rhaenyra and later loses the use of his legs in another epic duel. Will the series adhere to this storyline, or have they already marked the end for Aegon II? We’ll have to wait for Episode 5 of House of the Dragon to find out!