WARNING! This article contains major SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!
Summary
After essentially leaving his brother for dead, Aemond steals Aegon’s Valyrian steel dagger for deeper selfish purposes inHouse of the Dragonseason 2. InHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4’s ending, the Battle at Rook’s Rest comes to an end following the deaths of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys, signaling a victory for Aegon, Aemond, Criston, and Team Green. However, the Greens’ victory isn’t a runaway, asKing Aegon II Targaryen’s fate is left in questionafter he’s burnt by Vhagar and crashes into the trees below with Sunfyre.
Shockingly, Aegon’s fate isn’t caused by an attack from Rhaenys. Instead,Aemond tries to kill Aegonand Sunfyre with Vhagar, treacherously sending his brother and dragon to what he thought would be their deaths. After defeating Rhaenys, Aemond takes Vhagar to where Aegon and Sunfyre lie immobile and on the verge of death. As Criston Cole walks up to Aegon’s body, he sees Aemond with an unsheathed sword hovering closer to the King. When Cole makes him stop,Aemond silently takes Aegon’s Valyrian steel dagger and walks away, teasing massive consequences for Team Green and the Targaryen prophecy engraved on the blade.
Aemond Stealing The Catspaw Dagger From Aegon Gives Him A Legitimate Valyrian Steel Targaryen Blade
Aemond’s legitimacy and ferocity in House Targaryen increases with the catspaw dagger
While he also had the Targaryens’ Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre to choose from on Aegon, Aemond took thecatspaw dagger that would later play a major role inGame of Thronesto kill the Night King. Aemond likely chose the dagger because he already possesses a sword and understands that Blackfyre is most commonly held by the Targaryen king. Therefore, Aegon and other members of his council would presumably be less interested in the dagger being stolen than Blackfyre. By Aemond’s logic, Aegon is already incapacitated and perhaps even dead, so why would he need both a Valyrian steel dagger and sword on his person being unused?
Everyone Who Owned The Catspaw Dagger Before Arya & How Targaryens Lost It
Originally seen in Game of Thrones, the “catspaw dagger” is a historical heirloom that represents the responsibility weighing on every Targaryen king.
Ultimately,Aemond takes the Valyrian steel dagger because it increases his sense of legitimacy and powerwithin House Targaryen. TheTargaryens’ Valyrian steel bladesare typically passed down by inheritance or gifts from their former owner, so Aemond likely feels slighted that King Viserys never gave him one of the weapons deemed worthy of the greatest Targaryen warriors. Like King Jaehaerys I Targaryen giving Dark Sister to Daemon for his skills in battle, Aemond feels that he deserves a Valyrian steel weapon as a token for his proven battle expertise. After all, Aemond has taken down Lucerys, Rhaenys, and Aegon, whereas Aegon is constantly undermined as a warrior.
First known owner
Inherited after Aenar’s death
Likely inherited after King Maegor the Cruel’s death
Unknown; actual ownership of the dagger is debated
Taken after an assassination attempt
Returned to after betraying Ned Stark
Arya Stark
Given to by Bran Stark
Within House Targaryen,Aemond sees himself as far more deserving than Aegon of possessing oneof the most sacred family heirlooms and important Valyrian steel blades. Aemond ridesHouse Targaryen’s biggest dragon, is a skilled warrior, can speak High Valyrian, knows the histories, and is respected by the council and realm, so why shouldn’t he have a Valyrian steel weapon once wielded by Aegon the Conqueror? Furthermore, the King is on the verge of death and Aemond is Aegon’s heir, meaning Aemond likely believes he’s just speeding along his inheritance.
Aemond rides the biggest dragon, is a skilled warrior, can speak High Valyrian, knows the histories, and is respected by the council and realm, so why shouldn’t he have a Valyrian steel weapon once wielded by Aegon the Conqueror?
Aemond Could Learn Aegon’s Song Of Ice & Fire Dream From The Valyrian Steel Dagger
The Song of Ice & Fire is engraved on the Valyrian steel dagger
Perhaps more terrifyingly for Rhaenyra and the rest of the realm, Aemond being in possession of the Valyrian steel dagger means he could accidentally discoverAegon the Conqueror’s Song of Ice and Fire dream. Viserys revealed to Young Rhaenyra inHouse of the Dragonseason 1 thatAegon the Conqueror had Valyrian pyromancers engrave his prophecy onto the catspaw dagger. However, the Valyrian words are only revealed when the blade is held over a flame, which helps to preserve the prophecy as a secret for only Targaryen sovereigns and their heir.
Rhaenyra also tells Jacaerys about Aegon’s dream inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4, which could inspire them to retrieve the dagger from Aemond during the Dance.
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4 emphasizes that King Aegon II Targaryen isn’t fluent in High Valyrian, so he likely wouldn’t have understood the prophecy even if he had put the dagger over flames. This isn’t the case for Aemond, who cleverlyinsults Aegon about his sobriquetand Kingsguard in High Valyrian at a council meeting earlier that episode.If the dagger is lit by dragon flames or held over a fire, Aemond can unintentionally read Aegon’s dream, which could lead him to believe that he’s theprophesied Prince That Was Promised, or expose the secret dream to others.
What Rhaenyra Said To Daemon In High Valyrian In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 4 (Translation & Meaning)
Rhaenyra gives a speech in High Valyrian in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4, though some dialogue isn’t translated on-screen with subtitles.
House Of The Dragon May Have Just Changed An Important Part Of Aemond & Daemon’s Biggest Battle
A different blade may play a big role in the upcoming Battle Above the Gods Eye
Details aboutBaela having Dark Sister inHouse of the Dragonseason 2already suggested that the show is changing a key part of Daemon and Aemond’s upcoming duel, and the Valyrian steel dagger hints at further complications. In George R.R. Martin’sFire & Bloodbook, Aemond and Daemon duel near Harrenhal in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, which culminates in the deaths of Aemond, Daemon, Vhagar, and Caraxes. One particularly interesting detail about their duel is thatDaemon stabs Dark Sister through Aemond’s eye, which is still plunged into his corpse when later recovered.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Secretly Foreshadows The Daemon Targaryen Scene I’ve Been Dreaming Of For 6 Years
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 teased a major Daemon Targaryen moment from GRRM’s Fire & Blood that should look incredible on the show.
However, Baela is teased to have Dark Sister in the show, suggesting it won’t be the blade Daemon plunges through Aemond’s eye during the Battle Above the Gods Eye. There’s been a mystery about how that moment with a Targaryen heirloom protruding from Aemond’s dead body would change, and the Valyrian steel dagger could be the thematically-fitting answer. Whether Daemon takes the catspaw dagger from Aemond in battle, comes into possession of it after Aemond reaches Harrenhal, or manages to obtain it in another way, theValyrian steel dagger could now be the weapon that Daemon uses to kill AemondinHouse of the Dragon.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
