How old was Aegon when he became king? This question has intrigued many fans of the epic fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin. Aegon Targaryen, the first Targaryen king to rule the Seven Kingdoms, is a central figure in the series, and his rise to power is a significant event in the history of Westeros. Understanding his age at the time of his ascension can provide valuable insights into the narrative and the character development of Aegon himself.
Aegon Targaryen, the son of Aenar Targaryen and Queen Rhaena Targaryen, was born on the island of Dragonstone in 283 AC. He was the last child born to his parents, and his birth was a joyous occasion for the Targaryen family. However, Aegon’s early life was marked by tragedy, as his parents were killed in a shipwreck when he was just a baby. This left him as the sole heir to the Targaryen throne.
Despite his young age, Aegon’s destiny was set in motion when he was crowned king at the age of 13. This event took place in 293 AC, following the fall of the last independent kingdom in Westeros, the Kingdom of the North. The Targaryens, who had previously ruled from the Iron Throne, had been overthrown by the Baratheons, who were crowned as the new rulers of the Seven Kingdoms.
The young Aegon’s ascension to the throne was not without controversy. Many in the North were skeptical of his claim to the Iron Throne, as he was not of age to rule. However, the Targaryens had a long history of using dragons to assert their claim to power, and Aegon’s mother, Rhaena, had been a great dragon queen. This legacy played a significant role in the acceptance of Aegon’s rule.
At the age of 13, Aegon was a boy with a strong sense of destiny and a desire to restore the Targaryen legacy. His early reign was marked by the construction of the massive Wall, a defensive structure to protect the Seven Kingdoms from the dangers beyond the Wall. Aegon’s rule also saw the beginning of the Targaryen’s so-called “Golden Age,” a period of peace and prosperity for the realm.
Understanding how old Aegon was when he became king is crucial to appreciating the challenges he faced and the impact he had on the world of Westeros. Aegon’s youth and the responsibilities thrust upon him at such a tender age serve as a testament to his resilience and determination. His story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the greatest leaders are those who rise to the occasion despite their youth and inexperience.
