The legacy of the Blackfyre Rebellion continues to shape the history of House Targaryen, which faced a series of existential challenges throughout its reign in Westeros. This week, the series *Knight of the Seven Kingdoms* revisited one of the most significant crises in Targaryen history, exploring the events surrounding the Blackfyre Rebellion, a conflict that would haunt the dynasty for generations.
As the penultimate episode unfolds, the narrative is woven through flashbacks, centering on Dunk’s Trial of Seven. This reflective journey reveals the deep-rooted implications of the Blackfyre conflict, highlighting how these events impacted the wider realm of Westeros.
The Rise of Daemon Blackfyre
Daemon Blackfyre emerged as a pivotal figure in this tumultuous history, born Daemon Waters, the illegitimate son of Aegon IV Targaryen and his cousin Princess Daena. Aegon IV, notoriously nicknamed “Aegon the Unworthy,” made a series of decisions that would sow discord within the Targaryen lineage. The circumstances of Daemon’s birth ignited a chain of tragic events, culminating in King Baelor I Targaryen fasting to death after annulling his marriage to Daena. This sudden succession crisis saw Viserys II Targaryen ascend the throne, only to pass away a year later, paving the way for Aegon IV to rule.
During Aegon IV’s reign, characterized by corruption and power struggles, he openly acknowledged several illegitimate children, including Daemon, whom he knighted at a tournament in 182 AC. With the sword of Aegon the Conqueror, known as Blackfyre, now his own, Daemon positioned himself as a formidable contender for the throne. Following Aegon IV’s death, he legitimized his bastards, further complicating the Targaryen line of succession.
Prince Daeron II Targaryen, Aegon IV’s trueborn son, took the crown in 184 AC. His attempts to reform the court and integrate Dorne into the realm were met with resistance from factions loyal to Aegon IV. As resentment grew over Daeron’s perceived favoritism towards Dorne, the stage was set for rebellion.
The First Blackfyre Rebellion
In 196 AC, Daemon Blackfyre seized upon the discontent and launched the first of the Blackfyre Rebellions. Although details of the conflict remain sparse, it is known that Daemon garnered support from the border lords, many of whom were resentful of Dorne’s growing influence. The rebellion culminated in the Battle of the Redgrass Field, where Daemon initially found success, breaking through Daeron II’s defenses.
However, the tide turned when the loyalist Brynden Rivers and his archers gained control of a strategic ridge, raining arrows upon Daemon’s forces. Daemon fell early in the battle, along with his sons, Aegon and Aemon Blackfyre. Despite initial hopes of victory, Daemon’s forces were ultimately overwhelmed, leading to over 10,000 casualties and the rebellion’s swift conclusion.
The aftermath of the battle left lingering resentment throughout Westeros, as Daeron II’s harsh punishments against the surviving rebels only fueled further discord. Aegor “Bittersteel” Rivers, another of Aegon IV’s bastards, escaped with Daemon’s wife, Calla Blackfyre, and their surviving sons, preserving the Blackfyre claim in exile.
Over the next sixty years, several attempts were made to reclaim the throne. The second Blackfyre Rebellion in 212 AC was thwarted before it could gain momentum, while the third rebellion resulted in the death of Daemon’s fourth son, Haegon. The fourth rebellion in 236 AC saw Haegon’s son, Daemon III Blackfyre, fall at the hands of Aegon V Targaryen.
The End of the Blackfyre Threat
The final chapter of the Blackfyre saga unfolded over two decades later during the War of the Ninepenny Kings. This conflict saw the last male heir of the Blackfyre line, Maelys the Monstrous, killed by Ser Barristan Selmy in a dramatic showdown. After Maelys’ forces captured Tyrosh and the Stepstones, his defeat marked the end of the Blackfyre challenge to Targaryen rule.
Although peace returned to Westeros for a time, the Targaryens struggled to maintain stability. Just two decades later, the reign of Aerys II Targaryen culminated in rebellion led by Robert Baratheon, resulting in the fall of the Targaryen dynasty after nearly 300 years of rule. Despite the eventual downfall of House Targaryen, the legacy of the Blackfyre Rebellions illustrates how internal strife and contested legitimacy can shape the fate of a ruling dynasty. The echoes of these uprisings continue to resonate throughout the annals of Westerosi history.
