Aemon Targaryen: The Maester Who Could Have Been King

Aemon Targaryen, a name whispered with respect and a hint of melancholy in the annals of Westeros, stands as a testament to duty, honor, and sacrifice. Born into the illustrious House Targaryen, his life took an unexpected turn, leading him away from the throne and towards the Citadel. This article delves into the life of Aemon Targaryen, exploring his lineage, his choices, and his enduring legacy within the A Song of Ice and Fire universe. We’ll examine why Aemon Targaryen, despite his royal blood, chose the path of a Maester, and how his wisdom and experience shaped events in the Seven Kingdoms and beyond.

Early Life and Lineage

Aemon Targaryen was born the third son of King Maekar I Targaryen. His elder brothers were Daeron and Aerion. From the beginning, Aemon Targaryen was surrounded by the expectations and privileges that came with being a member of the ruling dynasty. He was a direct descendant of Aegon the Conqueror, the man who united Westeros under the Targaryen banner. However, unlike his brothers, Aemon Targaryen never seemed particularly interested in the games of power and ambition that consumed the court.

Recognizing Aemon Targaryen’s intellectual curiosity and calm demeanor, his father, King Maekar, suggested that he be sent to the Citadel to train as a Maester. This was a somewhat unusual choice for a member of the royal family, but Maekar believed that Aemon Targaryen’s talents would be better suited to the pursuit of knowledge and service than to the intrigues of court. Aemon, drawn to the promise of learning and understanding, readily accepted this path. He relinquished his claim to the Iron Throne, a decision that would have profound consequences for the future of Westeros.

The Path of a Maester

At the Citadel in Oldtown, Aemon Targaryen excelled in his studies. He proved to be a diligent and dedicated student, mastering a vast array of subjects, from history and medicine to ravenry and astronomy. He forged his Maester’s chain link by link, each representing a different area of expertise. He became known for his keen intellect, his unwavering dedication to his duties, and his genuine compassion for others. He rose through the ranks of the Citadel, eventually earning the title of Maester and being assigned to serve at Dragonstone.

Serving at Dragonstone, Aemon Targaryen provided counsel to the Targaryen lords who ruled the island. He proved to be a valuable asset, offering wise advice and skilled medical care. He was respected and trusted by all who knew him. However, fate had another twist in store for Aemon Targaryen. After the tragic death of King Maekar I, a Great Council was convened to determine the succession to the Iron Throne. The obvious heir was Aemon’s elder brother, Aerion Brightflame, but Aerion’s erratic and cruel nature made him an unsuitable candidate. Daeron, another brother, had already passed away. This left Aemon, the next in line. But because he had taken vows as a Maester, he was ineligible to inherit the throne. His vows prevented him from holding titles or lands, effectively removing him from the line of succession.

This decision, while born of necessity, had significant ramifications. The crown eventually passed to Aegon V, known as Aegon the Unlikely, Aemon’s younger brother. Aegon V’s reign was marked by attempts to reform the feudal system and improve the lives of the common people, efforts that were met with resistance from the nobility. Had Aemon Targaryen not taken his vows, the history of Westeros might have unfolded very differently. [See also: The Reign of Aegon V Targaryen]

Service at the Wall

After the Great Council, Aemon Targaryen felt that his presence in King’s Landing would only complicate matters. He chose to accept a position as Maester at the Wall, the last line of defense against the dangers that lurked beyond the Seven Kingdoms. This decision, while seemingly a step down from his previous position, was in keeping with Aemon Targaryen’s commitment to service and duty. He believed that he could do more good by tending to the needs of the Night’s Watch than by involving himself in the political machinations of the court.

At the Wall, Aemon Targaryen became a mentor and father figure to generations of Night’s Watch recruits. He shared his vast knowledge and experience with them, teaching them the importance of duty, honor, and sacrifice. He became a respected and beloved figure, known for his wisdom, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to the Watch. He was one of the few Maesters the Night’s Watch had at their disposal, and was invaluable to them. Aemon Targaryen’s presence at Castle Black was a beacon of hope and stability in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

Mentorship of Jon Snow

One of Aemon Targaryen’s most significant contributions at the Wall was his mentorship of Jon Snow. Jon, the bastard son of Eddard Stark, arrived at the Wall feeling lost and uncertain. Aemon Targaryen recognized Jon’s potential and took him under his wing, providing him with guidance and support. He taught Jon the importance of duty and honor, and helped him to understand the true meaning of the Night’s Watch oath. Jon grew to respect and admire Aemon Targaryen, seeing him as a father figure and a source of wisdom. It was Aemon Targaryen who helped Jon navigate the complex politics of the Night’s Watch and ultimately guided him towards becoming a leader.

Aemon Targaryen also played a crucial role in helping Jon understand the true nature of the threat that faced the Seven Kingdoms. He recognized that the White Walkers were not just a myth or a legend, but a real and present danger. He urged Jon to prepare for the coming winter and to warn the rest of Westeros about the threat. His experience and years of study led him to understand that the threat beyond the Wall wasn’t just a story. [See also: The Threat of the White Walkers]

The Journey to Oldtown and Death

As the threat from beyond the Wall grew more imminent, Aemon Targaryen realized that the Night’s Watch needed to send a messenger to the Citadel, seeking help and support. He volunteered to undertake this dangerous mission, despite his advanced age and failing health. He set sail for Oldtown, accompanied by Samwell Tarly and Gilly. However, the journey proved to be too much for him. Aemon Targaryen fell ill and died during the voyage. His death was a great loss to the Night’s Watch and to the Seven Kingdoms.

Even in his final moments, Aemon Targaryen remained true to his principles. He spoke of his regret at not being able to help Jon Snow more, and he expressed his hope that Jon would be able to save the realm from the coming darkness. His death served as a reminder of the sacrifices that are sometimes necessary to protect the greater good. Before his death, Aemon Targaryen revealed to Samwell Tarly his true identity and the implications for the Iron Throne. This knowledge would later prove crucial in the events that unfolded in Westeros.

Legacy of Aemon Targaryen

Aemon Targaryen’s legacy is one of service, duty, and sacrifice. He was a man who could have been king, but he chose instead to dedicate his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the service of others. He was a wise and compassionate leader, a skilled healer, and a trusted advisor. He played a crucial role in shaping the events of the A Song of Ice and Fire universe, and his influence can still be felt long after his death. Aemon Targaryen is remembered as one of the most honorable and selfless characters in the series, a true embodiment of the Targaryen spirit, even if he chose a different path than most of his kin. Despite his removal from the line of succession, Aemon Targaryen continued to indirectly influence the fate of Westeros through his wisdom and mentorship.

The story of Aemon Targaryen serves as a reminder that true strength lies not in power or ambition, but in character and integrity. He was a man who lived by his principles, even when it meant making difficult choices. He was a true hero, and his memory will continue to inspire generations to come. He understood duty and honor and lived by that code until his dying breath, a testament to the values he held dear. Aemon Targaryen remains a fascinating and complex character, whose choices continue to resonate within the A Song of Ice and Fire narrative.

Even though he chose to serve at the Wall, Aemon Targaryen never forgot his family. He always held a special place in his heart for his younger brother, Aegon V, and he followed the events in King’s Landing with keen interest. He understood the burdens of leadership and the sacrifices that were required to rule. His knowledge and experience would have been invaluable to any monarch, and his absence was felt keenly by those who knew him. The story of Aemon Targaryen is a poignant reminder of the complexities of family, duty, and the choices that shape our lives.