A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms‘ Aerion Targaryen has undoubtedly become one of the most hated members of the house in the Game of Thrones franchise. At the Ashford Meadow, Aerion is a man with a mission: to prove that House Targaryen is as powerful as it once was, though the ways he does it are decidedly cruel. However, in an interview, actor Finn Bennett revealed he believes that Aerion’s cruelty stems from his search for his family’s validation.
Quick read:
- Aerion Targaryen’s cruelty is a front for the validation he seeks.
- Finn Bennett explains how Aerion justifies his actions to himself.
- Dunk’s attack presented Aerion with the perfect opportunity to reinforce House Targaryen’s formidable authority.
Finn Bennett on the sad reason behind Aerion Targaryen’s cruel ways
Aerion Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Image: HBO)
Finn Bennett plays Aerion Targaryen in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms well enough that fans need no more convincing that the young prince is a villain. While Bennett does not deny that, he believes that Aerion behaves this way to impress his family.
In a conversation with Vulture, the True Detective star said, “Maybe the saddest thing about Aerion is that he’s constantly looking for approval. He feels deeply unloved by his family, and I think he wants to show them that he’s worthy of the crown, and he sees this as an opportunity. He justifies it to himself that this is what his uncle and father would want, and so he does it.” Neither Aerion’s father, Maekar, nor his uncle Baelor finds his actions impressive. In fact, Baelor goes so far as to choose to fight against his own kin.
Aerion wanted to make an example out of Dunk
In episode 3, Dunk loses his cool when he sees Aerion break Tanselle’s fingers. Consequently, the hedge knight beats up the prince and immediately gets into trouble. Bennett explained that Aerion sees the tournament as an “embarrassment” for House Targaryen. So, when Dunk beats him up, he gets a chance to flex the house’s imaginary muscles.
The Irish-British actor said, “Aerion uses it as an opportunity to do something big, to strike and instill fear and respect in the hearts of his subjects.” He further stated that Aerion’s cruelty and vanity were what drew him to the character, adding that he is highly calculated in his actions.
Read more: Why did Aerion Targaryen demand a Trial of Seven?
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