Aegon’s Conquest: All Major Characters, Kingdoms, and Details You Need To Know [Without Spoilers]

The world of Game of Thrones is heading to the big screen with Aegon’s Conquest, an upcoming film exploring one of the most defining periods in Westerosi history. Set approximately 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones, the film follows Aegon I Targaryen, better known as Aegon the Conqueror, and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, as they set out to bring the Seven Kingdoms under one ruler. Written by Beau Willimon and directed by Owen Harris, the film will introduce audiences to an era filled with legendary dragons, powerful kings, ancient houses and some of the most iconic events in Westerosi history. If you’re looking to familiarise yourself with the characters and kingdoms before watching the film, here’s everything you need to know.

The Seven Kingdoms and Their Rulers

Before Aegon’s arrival, Westeros was divided into several independent kingdoms, each governed by its own monarch. These rulers frequently fought over territory, power and influence. Here are the seven realms and their rulers at the time of the Conquest.

1. The North – King Torrhen Stark: Ruler of the North and head of House Stark, seated at Winterfell.
2. The Vale – King Ronnel Arryn: The young King of the Vale, with his mother Sharra Arryn serving as Queen Regent.
3. The Riverlands and Iron Islands – King Harren Hoare: Also known as Harren the Black, an ironborn monarch who ruled regions of Riverlands and Iron Islands from Harrenhal.
4. The Westerlands – King Loren Lannister: Ruler of the wealthy Westerlands and head of House Lannister.
5. The Reach – King Mern IX Gardener: Ruler of the fertile Reach and head of House Gardener, commanding other great houses of Reach including Hightower and Tyrell.
6. The Stormlands – King Argilac Durrandon: Also known as Argilac the Arrogant, he ruled the Stormlands as the head of House Durrandon from Storm’s End.
7. Dorne – Princess Meria Martell: Also known as the yellow Toad, she was the formidable ruler of Dorne and head of House Martell.

Knowing the seven kings and kingdoms is important as Harren Hoare’s growing ambitions and cruelty eventually became a concern for neighbouring rulers, setting the stage for the events that would become known as the Conquest.

Major Characters from Aegon’s Conquest You Should Know

Apart from the seven rulers and Queen Reagant Sharra Arryn several other important figures feature in the historical accounts of Aegon’s Conquest. Here’s a quick introduction to the names worth remembering.

• Aegon I Targaryen: The legendary dragonlord known as the Conqueror, wielder of Blackfyre Valyrian steel sword, rider of the dragon Balerion the Black Dread, and the central figure of the Conquest.
• Queen Visenya Targaryen: Aegon’s elder sister-wife, a formidable warrior, wielder of Darksister, and rider of dragon Vhagar.
• Queen Rhaenys Targaryen: Aegon’s younger sister-wife, known for her charm and intelligence, and rider of dragon Meraxes.
• Lord Orys Baratheon: A close companion of Aegon, founder of house Baratheon, and a prominent figure from Dragonstone.
• Lord Daemon Velaryon: A member of House Velaryon, the powerful Valyrian house of Driftmark.
• Lord Darklyn of Duskendale: The head of House Darklyn, a prominent noble family of the Crownlands.
• Lord Mooton of Maidenpool: The head of House Mooton, a prominent noble family of the Riverlands.
• Lord Manfred Hightower: The head of House Hightower, one of the most influential families in the Reach.
• The High Septon of Oldtown: The spiritual leader of the Faith of the Seven at Oldtown in Reach.
• Lord Harlen Tyrell: The head of House House Tyrell, associated with Highgarden and the Reach.
• Lord Edmyn Tully: The head of House  Tully, the noble family of Riverrun.
• Lord Qhorin Volmark: The head of House Volmark, an Ironborn noble house.

Iconic Details and Events to Look Forward To

For longtime fans, Aegon’s Conquest brings several legendary elements of Westerosi history to the forefront. Here are some of the biggest highlights to look forward to:

• Three Legendary Dragons: Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar and Meraxes, the three dragons ridden by Aegon and his sisters.
• Blackfyre and Dark Sister: The legendary Valyrian steel swords wielded by Aegon and Visenya.
• The Burning of Harrenhal: The legendary destruction associated with Harren the Black’s enormous castle.
• The Battle of the Last Storm: One of the major military confrontations of the Conquest.
• The Field of Fire: One of the most famous and devastating battles in Westerosi history.
• The Iron Throne: The creation of the iconic seat of power that would define the Targaryen dynasty.
• Carving Table at Dragonstone: A massive wooden map of Westeros that would become familiar to fans of HBO Adaptations.

Aegon’s Conquest is one of the most important chapters in Westerosi history, establishing the Targaryen dynasty and changing the political landscape of the continent forever. With legendary dragons, ancient Valyrian weapons, powerful noble houses and iconic historical events, the film has plenty of material to excite longtime fans. Hopefully, this quick guide gives you a head start before the next journey into Westeros.

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