The Unlikely King: The Life and Legacy of Aegon V Targaryen
KING’S LANDING, 02 February 2026 — In the vast annals of Westerosi history, few figures command as much affection and tragedy as Aegon V Targaryen. Known colloquially as “Egg” in his youth and “Aegon the Unlikely” upon his ascension, his reign represented a bold, albeit fraught, attempt to bridge the gap between the high-born lords and the common folk of the Seven Kingdoms.
The Prince Who Wandered
Aegon was the fourth son of a fourth son, a position that placed him so far down the line of succession that his eventual crowning was deemed nearly impossible. His early years were defined not by courtly intrigue, but by the dusty roads of the Reach and the Storm Lands. Serving as a squire to the hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall, Aegon lived the life of the smallfolk, an experience that would fundamentally alter his worldview and his future policies as monarch.
The Great Council of 233 AC
The path to the Iron Throne was cleared by a series of unlikely deaths and the refusal of his elder brother, Aemon, to take the crown. In 233 AC, a Great Council was convened to settle the succession. Despite opposition from those who feared his “common” sensibilities, Aegon was chosen, becoming the fifteenth Targaryen to sit upon the throne. His coronation was seen by many as a victory for the ordinary citizen, though it sowed seeds of resentment among the Great Houses.
A Reign of Reform and Resistance
Aegon V’s tenure was marked by a persistent struggle to grant rights and protections to the peasantry. He enacted numerous edicts aimed at curbing the absolute power of the lords, providing the smallfolk with legal recourse against abuses. However, these reforms were met with fierce resistance. The nobility viewed his actions as an infringement on their ancient rights, leading to a reign plagued by minor rebellions and political stalemates.
The Defiance of the Lords
To secure his reforms, Aegon intended to marry his children to the heads of the Great Houses (Baratheon, Tyrell, Tully, and Arryn). However, in a move that mirrored his own unconventional upbringing, his children followed their hearts rather than their duty, breaking their betrothals to marry for love. This weakened Aegon’s political standing and left him without the military leverage needed to enforce his pro-smallfolk laws.
The Tragedy at Summerhall
The final years of Aegon’s reign were consumed by a desire to restore the dragons to Westeros. He believed that only with the power of dragons could he force the lords to accept his reforms. This obsession culminated in the Tragedy at Summerhall in 259 AC. While celebrating the impending birth of his great-grandson, Rhaegar, a ritual to hatch dragon eggs went catastrophically wrong. A massive fire consumed the summer palace, resulting in the deaths of King Aegon V, his eldest son Prince Duncan the Small, and his loyal friend Ser Duncan the Tall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Aegon V called “The Unlikely”?
He was given the moniker because he was the fourth son of Maekar I, who was himself a fourth son. The statistical probability of him inheriting the throne was considered non-existent until a series of deaths and the abdication of his brother Aemon occurred.
What happened to his squire master, Ser Duncan the Tall?
Ser Duncan rose to become the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Aegon V. He remained the King’s closest confidant until they both perished in the fire at Summerhall.
Did Aegon V’s reforms survive his death?
Unfortunately, many of the pro-smallfolk laws enacted by Aegon V were repealed by his successors, most notably during the reign of Aerys II (The Mad King) under the influence of Tywin Lannister, who sought to regain the favour of the Great Houses.
How is Aegon V related to Daenerys Targaryen?
Aegon V was the paternal great-grandfather of Daenerys Targaryen. His son Jaehaerys II and grandson Aerys II followed him on the throne before the dynasty was toppled during Robert’s Rebellion.