The King Before Aegon's Conquest: Harren Hoare of the Iron Islands and Riverlands

The Divided Realm of Westeros

Before Aegon Targaryen's conquest, Westeros was a land divided into multiple independent kingdoms, each ruled by individual kings. One of the most significant of these was the Kingdom of the Isles and Rivers, which was ruled by King Harren Hoare of the Iron Islands and the Riverlands. Harren Hoare was the last of the Kings of the Isles and Rivers, known for his ambition and the grandeur of his construction projects. His reign played a crucial role in the history of Westeros, culminating in Aegon's invasion that led to the unification of the Seven Kingdoms.

Historical Background

Westeros was not a single unified monarchy before Aegon Targaryen's conquest. The region was divided into multiple kingdoms, each with its own ruling family:

The Kingdom of the North was ruled by House Stark from Winterfell. The Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale was ruled by House Arryn from the Eyrie. The Kingdom of the Isles and Rivers was ruled by House Hoare from the Iron Islands and the Riverlands. The Kingdom of the Rock was ruled by House Lannister from Casterly Rock in the westerlands. The Kingdom of the Stormlands was ruled by House Durrandon.

Among these, King Harren Hoare of the Iron Islands and Riverlands was particularly noteworthy. His ambition and the construction of Harrenhal, a massive citadel built on the remnants of others, made him a formidable leader in his time. However, his reign ended with Aegon Targaryen's invasion, which brought a new era of unity to the Seven Kingdoms.

The Fall of Harren Hoare

Harren Hoare's reign came to an end with Aegon I Targaryen's invasion of Westeros. This conquest led to the unification of the Seven Kingdoms under a single Targaryen rule. Aegon's victory over Harren Hoare marked the end of the Ironborn hold over the Riverlands and the Iron Islands, ushering in a new chapter in Westerosi history.

The Unique Iron Throne

Aegon Targaryen did not just conquer Westeros, he created the Iron Throne by melting the swords of his defeated foes. This throne, made with dragonfire, became the symbol of Targaryen rule and a reminder to the kings that their power came with a sense of duty, not privilege. The story behind the creation of the Iron Throne, as told in the old Valyrian scrolls and prophetic dreams, speaks of the ancient prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised, who would unite the Seven Kingdoms and lead them to greatness in the face of a looming threat.

Key Figures of the Era

Harren the Black Hoare - King of the Kingdom of the Isles and Rivers. Torrhen Stark - The Last King of the North. Sharra Arryn - Queen Regent of the Vale until her son came of age. Argilac the Arrogant - The King of the Stormlands. Princess Meria Martell - Known as the Yellow Toad of Dorne. King Mern XI - The last King of the Reach. King Loren I - The last King of the Westerlands. King Aegon of Dragonstone - Aegon I Targaryen's predecessor and the last Ironborn king of the Reach.

The story of these figures and their roles in Westerosi history is a testament to the complexity and grandeur of the region's past, leading to the eventual unification under Aegon Targaryen and the creation of the Iron Throne as a symbol of his rule.