Join Liz as she explores the reigns of Targaryen brothers Aerys I and Maekar I. The episode picks up with the Great Spring Sickness, which drastically altered the line of succession.
Aerys I is the bookish brother only interested in the great mysteries. He stands in contrast to his brother Maekar I, known for his martial prowess and swift judgment.
Also in this episode, Liz discusses the Second and Third Blackfyre Rebellions and the rise of the Golden Company. Aegor Rivers' rallies the exiled supporters of Daemon Blackfyre through the Golden Company. This is a constrast with the TV portrayal in Game of Thrones.
This episode also covers the quieter reign of King Maekar. Notable events include the end of House Lothston, and the subsequent emergence of House Whent at Harrenhal.
As always, listeners are invited to sign up the newsletter and follow the podcast's social media accounts. Keep up to date with future content via newsletter, X, Instagram, and Bluesky.
If you're interested in getting occasional news, behind the scenes content, and interesting fandom content, sign up to the newsletter! Head to: https://www.thewesterosiprimer.com/newsletter
What if one strategic marriage could end a war and change the course of Westeros? Join Liz on the Westerosi Primer as she explores the reign of Daeron II Targaryen. This king would later be remembered as Daeron the Good.
This episode kicks off with an some listener feedback on the best and worst Targaryen kings. Liz starts with Daeron's formative years. She discusses his education and the union with Myriah Martell. This marriage brought peace with Dorne and paved the way for a new generation of Targaryens.
The tension that marked Daeron's relationship with his father, Aegon IV, are explored. Daeron demonstrates his intelligence as he sidestep his father’s reckless actions.
The episode also includes first Blackfyre Rebellion. Liz delves into the intricacies of loyalty, legitimacy, and power. Daemon Blackfyre had privileges he wouldn't have gotten if not for his parentage. Despite a thriving family life, Daemon becomes a challenger to his brother Daeron II. The Blackfyre Rebellion was fueled by discontent among the nobility and questions about Daeron's legitimacy.
Daemon adopts the reversed Targaryen sigil and instigates the first of many rebellions. The Rebellion ends with the crucial Battle of the Redgrass Field. Daemon’s advance is ultimately thwarted by Brynden Rivers.
What if the scandals and indulgences of a king could unravel an entire kingdom? Join Liz as she scrutinizes the reign of Aegon IV, infamously dubbed Aegon the Unworthy. His rule was a whirlwind of chaos in Westeros. From a small council filled with sycophants to reckless personal escapades, Aegon's pursuit of pleasure over responsibility left a legacy of instability.
This episode draws parallels between Aegon and England's notorious Henry VIII, each renowned for their scandalous affairs and tumultuous personal lives.
Liz also includes the tale of Sir Terence Toyne and Bethany Bracken. Theri affair sparked a quest for vengeance that caused the death of Aemon the Dragon Knight. We dissect Aegon's fraught relationship with his son Daeron. Liz also explores his futile attempts to conquer Dorne, and the carousel of mistresses who populated his court.
As we explore Aegon's reign, let's ponder whether his legacy of chaos was rivaled only by Aerys II. Engage with the intriguing question of who was truly the worst king in Westeros, and reflect on how Aegon's actions set the stage for a lineage mired in conflict and intrigue.
If you enjoy this episode, be sure to sign up the the podcast newsletter! Head over to https://thewesterosiprimer.substack.com
This podcast episode delves into the reigns of Targaryen kings Baelor and Viserys II. King Baelor becomes known for his religious zeal. He made decisions that were more divine than diplomatic. His reign included releasing Dornish captives and journeying to Sunspear for peace. Baelor's actions, such as rescuing his cousin Aemon and secluding his sisters, revealed contradictions in his rule. Despite his piety, Baelor's decisions often conflicted with the kingdom's practical needs.
The episode shifts focus to Viserys II, whose legacy impacted Westeros profoundly. His son, Aegon the Unworthy, became infamous partially due to Viserys II's parenting challenges. Listeners can explore parallels between Viserys I and II and their sons named Aegon. The podcast sets the stage for the next episode dedicated to Aegon the Unworthy.
Baelor's reign began after Daeron the Young Dragon's death, emphasizing religion over politics. His release of Dornish hostages and peace journey to Sunspear culminated in a future marriage alliance. Baelor's rescue of Aemon Targaryen from a snake pit showcased his saintly yet impractical nature. His reign, marked by charitable acts, was flawed by decisions like book burning.
Join Liz on an exciting journey through the history of Westeros, kicking off with a warm welcome to the new year, 2025. She shares some updates about the future of the podcast. This includes plans for a hiatus after this season, with the return to cover reactions to the highly anticipated series "A Night of the Seven Kingdoms." Please subscribe to the podcast newsletter to find out updates and other content not part of the podcast! https://www.thewesterosiprimer.com/newsletter
In this episode, we explore the fascinating reign of Daeron I, known as the Young Dragon. Ascending to the throne at just 14 years old after the death of his father, Aegon III, Daeron embarked on a bold campaign to conquer Dorne.
Daeron's ambitious goal is inspired by historical figures like Alexander the Great. Daeron faces challenges including fierce resistance and assassination attempts. Despite his short reign, Daeron left a lasting impact on the Targaryen dynasty and Westerosi history.
Visit thewesterosiprimer.com to share your thoughts on this chapter in Westerosi history.