The Mysterious Claimant: Fake Aegon in 'A Dance with Dragons'

In George R.R. Martin's A Dance with Dragons (ADWD), the character known as Aegon Targaryen, who claims to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell, often raises questions about his true origins. This ambiguity has fueled speculation among fans, leading many to suggest that Aegon may be a fake or a Blackfyre claimant. Here, we delve into the reasons behind these theories and explore the textual hints that support them.

Unclear Origins: Questioning Aegon's Legitimacy

Aegon Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne is met with skepticism from various characters and plot twists. This is mostly due to his mysterious upbringing and the strange circumstances surrounding his entrance into Westeros. He was allegedly raised in secret by the Golden Company, a group of mercenaries, which casts a significant doubt on his legitimacy.

Lack of Recognition

Key characters who knew Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell do not recognize Aegon. This lack of acknowledgment further raises suspicions about his true identity. If he were truly Rhaegar's son, he would likely have known him since birth, and his family would recognize him as their own.

Suspicious Circumstances

The arrival of Aegon in Westeros is quite sudden and suspicious. He emerges precisely when the political landscape is shifting, with potential alliances forming. Some characters, like Tyrion Lannister, have their own doubts about Aegon's identity and motivations, suggesting he might be a pawn in a larger game.

Hints from Other Characters

Varys, Illyrio Mopatis, and Tyrion Lannister all express suspicion regarding Aegon's legitimacy. This sense of doubt is palpable and contributes to the theory that Aegon may not be the true heir to the Iron Throne. Fans often refer to him as “fake Aegon” or “fAegon” because of these uneasy feelings.

Spoiler Warnings: Evidence That Aegon Could Be a Blackfyre

There are several hints in the book that suggest Aegon might be a Blackfyre claimant, and not the rightful Targaryen heir. These clues include:

The Mummer’s Dragon from Quaithe's Prophecy

Quaithe, a mysterious augur, prophesied:

The glass candles are burning. Soon comes the pale mare and after her the others. Kraken and dark flame, lion and griffin, the sun’s son and the mummer’s dragon. Trust none of them. Remember the Undying. Beware the perfumed seneschal

The prophecy clearly marks Aegon (or possibly “fAegon”) as the “mummer’s dragon,” which is a symbolic term for a false or imposter claimant. This is a significant hint that Aegon might not be who he claims to be.

Dany’s Vision in the House of Undying

When Dany visited the House of Undying, she saw people cheering for a dragon that seemed to be a cloth dragon or a fake dragon. This vision echoes Quaithe’s prophecy, suggesting that the entity Dany saw might be Aegon, who was described as a false dragon.

The Golden Company’s Role

The Golden Company, led by Bittersteel, is known for their loyalty to the Blackfyre claimants. They entered into a contract with Bittersteel to support the Blackfyre claim to the throne. This contract is so important to them that Illyrio cryptically replies, “Some contracts are writ in ink and some in blood. I say no more,” suggesting that blood for Blackfyre and Aegon (or fAegon) is more important than any contract of ink.

The Story of the Dragon Sigil at the Inn at the Crossroads

Meribald told Brienne and Pod a story about the inn that had a three-headed black dragon as one of its signs. After the Blackfyre rebellion, the sign was taken down by Lord Darry and thrown into the river, with one of the heads eventually washed up on the Quiet Isle, red with rust. This could be a metaphor, implying that a black dragon (the Blackfyre claimant) was eventually revealed as a red dragon (the true Targaryen heir).

Food Symbolism

Arbor gold wine, a symbol often used for lies, and Varys’ purchase of a double of baby Aegon with Arbor gold can also be seen as a lie, reflecting further doubt about Aegon’s true identity.

In conclusion, the ambiguity surrounding Aegon's identity in A Dance with Dragons is intentionally crafted to make readers question who the true heir to the Iron Throne is. This ambiguity has led many readers to believe that Aegon might not be the real child of Rhaegar Targaryen, but rather a Blackfyre claimant known as “fake Aegon” or “fAegon.”