The son of Aegon the Unworthy had a lot to deal with after his father’s deathbed decree. Guest Steven Attewell of Race for the Iron Throne joins Aziz in discussing Daeron II, and whether or not he actually deserved to be called “the Good”. Special attention paid to the Great Bastards, Baelor Breakspear, and Dorne.

“Daeron’s reign quickly stabilized the realm, and he soon came to be called Daeron the Good by the smallfolk and noble lords alike. He was widely seen as just and goodhearted, even if some questioned the influence of his Dornish wife. And though he was no warrior—descriptions of the era note that he was small of frame, with thin arms, round shoulders, and a scholarly disposition—two of his four sons seemed all that could be wished in a knight, lord, or heir. Yet too many men looked upon Baelor’s dark hair and eyes and muttered that he was more Martell than Targaryen, even though he proved a man who could win respect with ease and was as open-handed and just as his father. Knights and lords of the Dornish Marches came to mistrust Daeron, and Baelor as well… And then they would look at Daemon Blackfyre—grown tall and powerful, half a god among mortal men, and with the Conqueror’s sword in his possession—and wonder.”

He chose to be crowned with his father’s crown—a decision likely intended to quell any remaining doubts about his legitimacy.”

“The line of the dragonkings had almost died out during his father’s day, but it was commonly said that Daeron II and his sons had left it secure for all time.”

“The eldest, Prince Baelor, won the name Breakspear at the age of seventeen, following his famous victory at Princess Daenerys’s wedding tourney; he defeated Daemon Blackfyre in the final tilt. And his youngest son, Prince Maekar, seemed like to show a similar prowess.”

“Aegon and Prince Daeron were quarreling over the king’s plans to launch an unprovoked war against Dorne. It was also the first (but not the last) time that Aegon threatened to name one of his bastards as his heir instead of Daeron.”

“He was conscientious in his duties to the realm and sought to stabilize it in the wake of Aegon’s deathbed decree.”