The Motivations Behind Aegon the Conqueror and the Targaryen Sisters' Conquest of Westeros

It is often asked: why did Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters decide to conquer Westeros? While George R.R. Martin himself may not have clearly laid out all the motivations, it is safe to assume that their actions were driven by a combination of personal ambition, strategic foresight, and a desire for a grand legacy.

Strategic Ambition and the Weakness of Divided Westeros

Aegon and his sisters may have perceived the seven divided kingdoms as a ripe opportunity for conquest. Westeros, fragmented and often at odds with itself, appeared to be a weaker adversary compared to the various lands and free cities of Essos. This perceived weakness would have made the conquest of the seven kingdoms a more achievable goal.

A Vision of Eternal Empire

Besides the desire to conquer and merge these kingdoms, Aegon and the Targaryens may have been driven by a vision of an eternal empire. They aimed to establish dominion over all known lands, connecting their legacy to the great Valyrian civilization and their lineage as the last dragonriders. This desire for an empire that would last for eternity was likely a deeply entrenched ambition, fueled by the Targaryen love for Valyrian culture.

The Targaryens: The Last of the Great Valyrians

The Targaryens had been in residence on Dragonstone for some time before the start of the Conquest. During this period, they faced a succession crisis just before the birth of Aegon and his sisters. It was a critical turning point that seemed to shift their fortunes significantly. Their preparation and deliberate actions prior to the Conquest, such as the construction of the Painted Table, showed a long-standing plan.

George R.R. Martin's narrative often invites readers to infer the motivations behind events. My personal theory suggests that the Targaryens' relationship with dragons, particularly Balerion, contributed to their dragon-like mentality. The use of fire and blood as primary means of conquest is not just a reflection of Aegon's strategy but also a direct link to the ways of the dragon. Dragons are integral to their identity, not merely for decoration but as a force in themselves.

Unprecedented Opportunity

The Targaryens considered themselves the last bastion of the greatest civilization that ever existed. They had escaped the doom that befell the Valyrians with the last Valyrian dragons. In their eyes, they had a unique opportunity to establish themselves beyond Essos, either by conquering the free cities and creating a new realm, or by looking west to the seven kingdoms. Westeros, having no experience with dragon warfare, would likely be unable to form a united front against Aegon, especially with the centuries of bitter, political, and ego-driven conflicts that defined their history.

In modern parlance, it's as if Aegon faced a clear and present danger, akin to a significant threat to global stability. Just like the contemporary world struggles to unite against common threats, Westeros was unable to form a cohesive defense against the dragon-riding forces of the Conquest. The absence of a strong, influential alliance among the Seven Kingdoms made their victory more plausible.

Their actions also mirror real-world histories and geopolitical dynamics. From the crusades to colonial expansions, ambitious leaders have frequently capitalized on the weaknesses of divided states. Aegon's valiant and ruthless conquest of Westeros is a prime example of this timeless strategic principle.