Prince Aerion Targaryen – better known as Aerion Brightflame – is the son of Maekar Targaryen, and after appearing in three episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, he has already left a strong impression on viewers. Comparisons with characters like Joffrey Baratheon and even Aemon Targaryen have begun to surface, largely due to his cruelty and volatile temperament.
The previous episodes, directed by Sarah Adina Smith, place Aerion’s darker traits front and centre. Among his brothers, he emerges as the most openly cruel – driven by entitlement, unchecked pride, and an obsession with Targaryen superiority.
Targaryen Pride After the Dragons
Dragons were once the foundation of Targaryen power, allowing the family to conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms. In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the dragons are long gone – but the pride remains. As the old saying goes, “Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air,” and Aerion seems to embody the darker side of that legacy.
Hungry for power and deeply invested in his lineage, Aerion clings to the idea of Targaryen dominance even as the family’s influence among the common folk has faded.
When Dunk Attacks Aerion
The tension surrounding Aerion comes to a head during the Ashford Tourney. The Targaryens arrive in the second episode to reassert their presence. Valarr Targaryen competes in the opening joust, expecting Aerion to face him. Instead, Aerion selects Humfrey Hardyng and brutally wounds his horse during the match, shocking the crowd and enraging onlookers – including Dunk and Egg.
Later that night, Dunk discusses Aerion’s cruelty with Raymun Fossoway while drinking. Meanwhile, Aerion attends one of Tanselle’s plays, which depicts a knight slaying a dragon. Taking this as a personal insult, Aerion violently snaps Tanselle’s fingers in front of Egg.
Egg rushes to fetch Dunk. Seeing Tanselle injured, Dunk attacks Aerion on pure instinct. Guards immediately seize him, and to save Dunk from severe punishment, Egg reveals his true identity as Aerion’s brother. Even so, striking a Targaryen prince has consequences – Dunk is taken prisoner.
In the latest episode, following Prince Baelor Targaryen’s advice, Dunk requests a trial by combat. Aerion escalates matters by demanding a trial by seven. During the hearing, Dunk’s fear is evident, while Aerion appears calm and confident, convinced of his own superiority.
Does Egg Hate Aerion?
While Egg never explicitly states it, the series strongly suggests deep resentment toward Aerion. Rivalry among Targaryen siblings is nothing new, and two moments underline this tension.
When Baelor confronts Dunk over the attack, Egg bluntly remarks, “I wish Ser Duncan had killed him.” Later, as Daeron comes to apologise to Dunk, Egg recounts a disturbing memory from childhood, revealing the extent of Aerion’s cruelty. He says:
“Aerion used to come to my chamber at night, put his knife in between my legs. He had too many brothers, he’d say. Maybe one night he’d make me his sister Then he could marry me.”
The moment offers a chilling glimpse into Aerion’s past behaviour and explains the fear and hatred surrounding him.
Sarah Adina Smith on Aerion Brightflame
Under Sarah Adina Smith’s direction, Aerion is firmly established as an entitled and dangerous prince – one whose cruelty is deeply tied to his identity as a Targaryen. Speaking on the official Game of Thrones podcast, Smith explained what truly drives him:
“I will say he has a zealous family pride and a belief in the power of the dragon. And there’s something to that. You know, in a way, his other family members have perhaps… let some of that hubris go. Whereas I think Aerion has a lot of passion. Passion and belief in the power of the dragon.”
Her comments underline why Aerion remains so unyielding. While others in his family have adapted to a world without dragons, Aerion clings to the old myth of Targaryen supremacy.
The fourth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms now sets the stage for Dunk’s trial by seven—a confrontation where Aerion’s arrogance and belief in his bloodline may finally be tested. Who do you think will emerge victorious? Share your thoughts in the comments.
If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.
