House of the Dragon Season 2: How Does Aegon Die in the Book?

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4 is out and the Dance of the Dragons has truly begun, leading to the lust for power consuming the characters. The episode witnessed the Battle of Rook’s Rest, an important event from Fire & Blood. This led to a bloodbath, but Aegon’s fate took a twist. So, does Aegon die in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4?

Let’s delve deep into the plot and the possibilities of Aegon’s death in the show.

How does House of the Dragon’s Aegon II Targaryen die in Fire & Blood?

Aegon II Targaryen dies by poison in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. In the book, the Battle of Rook’s Rest leaves Aegon critically injured with broken hips, ribs, and severe burns, confining him to bed rest while Aemond assumes the duties of Prince Regent. Later, Rhaenyra returns to take King’s Landing, but Aegon is missing along with his remaining children. According to the book, Larys Strong helps him escape on a fishing boat.

Aegon then engages in another battle against Baela and her dragon Moondancer, resulting in Aegon breaking his legs but managing to seize Dragonstone. He subsequently feeds Rhaenyra to his dragon Sunfyre upon her arrival. Sunfyre also dies later. Aegon returns to King’s Landing to claim the Iron Throne, vengeful against those who opposed him during the war.

Despite his council’s efforts to avoid rebellion, Aegon consumes himself with his newfound power. He wishes to marry Lady Cassandra Baratheon for new heirs and aims to end Rhaenyra’s bloodline to prevent the betrothal of his daughter Jaehaera to Rhaenyra’s son. However, the arrival of opposing armies seals his fate.

In the end, Aegon is poisoned with a cup of wine, but his killer’s identity remains unknown. However, the suspected conspirators of his murder including Corlys Strong, Lord Larys Strong, and Ser Perkin the Flea were all arrested. Corlys confessed to it and was spared. But, Perkin was exiled to the wall and Larys faced execution for it.

Did House of the Dragon kill off Aegon II in Season 2 Episode 4?

Season 2, Episode 4 of House of the Dragon has not confirmed Aegon II’s death yet.

In the battle of Rook’s Rest, Criston Cole and Aemond’s plans are threatened by Aegon’s entry into the battle. The dragons Sunfyre, Vhagar, and Meleys face off in a bloodbath.

Despite suffering injuries, Aegon’s fate remains unknown by the episode’s end. The teaser for the next episode also does not confirm his death. However, given Aemond’s intention to kill Aegon at the end of the episode and Aegon’s role beyond the battle of Rook’s Rest in the book, he is likely still alive.

It will be a huge shock to the viewers if he is given such an early demise, and his fate from the book gets altered so dramatically. The series could risk major fan outcry. Hence, he will probably return in a burnt state showcasing his injuries in the aftermath of Episode 4’s battle.