Who Will Sit on the Iron Throne: The Case for Aegon VI Targaryen

At the end of Game of Thrones, Bran Stark ascends as the King of the Six Kingdoms, while Sansa Stark proclaims the independence of the North, becoming its queen. However, digging deeper into the narrative and drawing parallels with real-world history, a different outcome emerges.

Why Aegon VI Targaryen?

Many fans have speculated about who will ultimately sit on the Iron Throne. One such theory is the ascension of Aegon VI Targaryen, often referred to as Young Griff. In this discussion, we explore the reasoning behind this theory, drawing parallels from the War of the Roses and the rise of Henry VII Tudor.

The Parallel: Henry VII Tudor

!Aegon VI Targaryen (Young Griff)

John Rossignol Martin (JRRM), the creator of the Game of Thrones universe, has multi-faceted storytelling, often inspired by historical sources. The War of the Roses, which pitted the House of Lancaster against the House of York, mirrors the complex political landscape of Westeros. In this context, Aegon VI Targaryen’s ascendancy could be seen as a parallel to Henry VII Tudor, the first of the Tudor monarchs.

!Henry VII Tudor

Henry VII was raised abroad and took the throne through conquest. His claim was tenuous, as he descended from the Beaufords, a legitimised branch of the House of Lancaster. This bears a striking resemblance to Aegon’s narrative, as he is the probable son of Rhaegar Targaryen and either Elia Martell or Lyanna Stark, both legitimised branches of the Targaryen family.

Parallels Between Aegon and Henry VII

!Aegon VI Targaryen vs. Henry VII Tudor

1. Raised Abroad: Henry VII was raised abroad, while Aegon was prepared in Essos by Jon Connington and is ready to invade Westeros.

2. Legitimised Branches: Henry VII’s claim to the throne was through the Beaufords, a legitimised branch of Lancaster. Similarly, Aegon’s legitimacy stems from his connection to the Targaryen lineage through Rhaegar.

3. Prophecy and Symbolism: The legend of the Three-Eyed Raven foretells a great King. For Aegon, this is a powerful symbol of his destiny.

Future of Aegon Targaryen

Despite the potential ascent of Aegon Targaryen, another significant factor is the presence of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons. Historically, Daenerys has powerful allies and enemies, much like Elizabeth of York in the House of Tudor. If we draw parallels from history, Daenerys and Elizabeth could either ally or face each other.

1. Ally or Opponent: If Daenerys and Aegon form an alliance, it would mirror the marriage of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, which brought stability to England. If they clash, it would be a fierce conflict, potentially involving poisoning or other strategies.

Who Will Be Aegon’s Wife?

If the parallels hold, Aegon’s wife may be the key to his reign. Considering the history of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, Sansa Stark, much like Elizabeth, is a fitting candidate for Aegon’s wife.

1. Elizabeth of York: Elizabeth was a daughter of Edward IV, had a traumatic past with siblings locked in the Tower of London, and was eventually recognised as Queen. Similarly, Sansa Stark’s story, from her kidnapping at Winterfell to her survival in the Vale, mirrors Elizabeth’s journey.

2. Biographical Parallels: Sansa Stark, like Elizabeth, is a survivor and possesses the leadership qualities necessary to unite Westeros.

Unity and Peace

The marriage of Aegon VI Targaryen and Sansa Stark would mirror the union of the houses of York and Lancaster. This union would:

Reunite the North and the South, stabilising the realm.

Unite the North under a Targaryen ruler who can leverage Sansa’s knowledge and connections.

Mitigate the power of the Lannisters and other houses that oppose Aegon.

Thus, Aegon’s ascension and Sansa’s partnership could bring about a period of peace and unity, similar to the Tudor era.

!The Tudor Rose

Conclusion

Through a detailed analysis of the historical parallels and the narrative of Game of Thrones, it becomes evident that Aegon VI Targaryen and Sansa Stark would be the ideal rulers to bring about an era of peace and unity. The unity of the Targaryens and Starks could mirror the unification of the House of York and House of Lancaster, ensuring a stable and peaceful Westeros.

Reflect and share your thoughts on this intriguing theory. Who do you believe will ascend to the Iron Throne?

!Aegon VI Targaryen Reigning