Aerion Targaryen may be remembered for arrogance and cruelty, but director Sarah Adina Smith insists there’s more to him than villainy. On the official Game of Thrones podcast, Smith offered a surprisingly sympathetic take, pointing out Aerion’s striking looks, his skill as a fighter, and his zealous belief in the power of the dragon. For Smith, those qualities — however twisted — reveal a character driven by passion, not just hubris.
Quick read
- Sarah Adina Smith says Aerion has “great cheekbones and jawline.”
- She praises his fighting ability and family pride.
- Aerion’s belief in dragon power sets him apart.
Smith on Aerion’s redeeming qualities
Smith admitted that Aerion is far from easy to love, but she argued that the prince’s intensity deserves recognition. She pointed to Aerion’s physical presence — “great cheekbones and jawline” — and his prowess as a fighter. More importantly, Smith said Aerion embodies a zealous family pride and an unshakable belief in the power of the dragon.
Sarah Adina Smith explained: “I mean, he’s got great cheekbones and jawline and is a great fighter. Um, you know, if I’m going to give Aerion some credit, I will say he has, um… a zealous family pride. And a belief… that—a belief in the power of the dragon.
Um, and there’s—there’s something to that. You know, in a way, his other family members have perhaps… maybe ‘given up’ is too strong of a word, but have—have let some of that go, that hubris go. Whereas I think Aerion is—has a lot of passion. Passion and belief in the power of the dragon.”
Why Aerion’s passion matters
For Smith, Aerion’s redeeming qualities lie in his refusal to surrender to mediocrity. His passion may manifest as arrogance, but it also reflects a deep conviction in his family’s legacy. That belief in dragon power, Smith argued, makes Aerion stand out among his relatives, who have grown weary of their own myth.
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Aerion’s flaws are undeniable, but his intensity ensures he remains a figure of fascination — a man who embodies both the danger and allure of Targaryen pride. In Smith’s view, Aerion’s passion is his most defining trait, the fire that keeps him relevant even when his actions alienate those around him.
