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 us in this episode. We cover Daeron II, whether or not he actually deserved to be called the Good, and more. This episodes pays special attention to the Great Bastards, Baelor Breakspear, and Dorne.
Listen to the rest of our Blackfyre Rebellions series here.
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.
Daeron surrounded himself with maesters, septons, and singers.
Dorne
In truth, the seeds found fertile ground because of Aegon the Unworthy. Aegon had hated the Dornish and warred against them, and those lords who desired the return of those days—despite all the associated misrule—would never be happy with this peaceable king.
He was conscientious in his duties to the realm; he sought to stabilize it in the wake of Aegon’s deathbed decree.
It was a great moment, at last unifying the realm from the Wall to the Summer Sea as Aegon the Conqueror had once dreamed
Sons
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.
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