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The Shadow of Summerhall: Aerys & Rhaegar (spoilers)

August 29, 2015 | By History of Westeros

This episode delves deep into Aerys, Rhaella, and Rhaegar Targaryen, and we also discuss other characters impacted by Summerhall. There’s talk of how the Mad King could wreak havoc on the Seven Kingdoms even now. Of course, our main focus is the Aftermath of Summerhall. Why didn’t it work? Who tried to capitalize on the instability? What impact did the event have on the survivors? What impact does it have on the current ASOIAF storyline? You can listen to the previous episode in this series here. Stay tuned past the credits for a short after episode chat. We’ll talk a bit more about dragon eggs, pyromancers, Summerhall art, toss out a few random facts. 

Anyway, here’s Summerhall.

“Summerhall.” The word was fraught with doom.

Credits

Thank you to yolkboy of Radio Westeros, Nina Friel, and Rhaenys_Targaryen for their contributions.

The primary topics in this episode are:

  1. The Day After.
  2. Jaehaerys Ascends, Blackfyres Descend.
  3. Aerys Ascends, Madness Descends.
  4. Dragons in the Shadow.
  5. Rhaegar.
  6. The Mad King’s Revenge.

“Once it takes fire, the substance will burn fiercely until it is no more.”


Drawing on his father’s plans, His Grace put aside his grief, called his lords bannermen, and resolved to meet the Ninepenny Kings upon the Stepstones, choosing to take the war to them rather than awaiting their landing on the shores of the Seven Kingdoms.


“…many of the accounts written of Harrenhal speak of his hysterical laughter, long silences, bouts of weeping, and sudden rages.”


Rhaegar


He would go there from time to time, with only his harp for company. Even the knights of the Kingsguard did not attend him there. He liked to sleep in the ruined hall, beneath the moon and stars, and whenever he came back he would bring a song. When you heard him play his high harp with the silver strings and sing of twilights and tears and the death of kings, you could not but feel that he was singing of himself and those he loved.


Who is the Prince that was Promised?

“He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of ice and fire.”


“Your grandsire commanded it. A woods witch had told him that the prince that was promised would be born of their line.”


“It was a prince that was promised, not a princess. Rhaegar, I thought… the smoke was from the fire that devoured Summerhall on the day of his birth, the salt from the tears shed for those who died. He shared my belief when he was young, but later he became persuaded that it was his own son who fulfilled the prophecy, for a comet had been seen above King’s Landing on the night Aegon was conceived, and Rhaegar was certain the bleeding star had to be a comet. What fools we were, who thought ourselves so wise!”


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbgMl0LgNn0

Episode Details

Episode Summary

Uncover the chilling secrets behind Summerhall in this explosive episode! We delve into the Targaryen dynasty’s darkest hour, exploring the devastating impact of the tragedy on Aerys II, Rhaella, and Rhaegar. Discover how the Mad King’s madness took root, the role of wildfire and pyromancers, and the unanswered questions surrounding the Prince That Was Promised prophecy. From the chilling whispers of the Ghost of High Heart to the political maneuvering of Tywin Lannister and the unwavering loyalty of Barristan Selmy, we dissect the ripple effects of Summerhall on the Seven Kingdoms, revealing its lasting influence on the Game of Thrones. We also explore fascinating side-stories, including the mysterious Jenny of Oldstones and the tragic fate of Rickard and Brandon Stark. Plus, stick around for a post-credit chat on dragon eggs, Summerhall artwork, and some truly unexpected historical trivia!

Characters

Aerys IIAerys II TargaryenBarristan SelmyBrandon StarkDavos SeaworthDuncanGhost of High HeartJaime LannisterJenny of OldstonesJoanna LannisterLyanna StarkRhaegar TargaryenRhaella TargaryenRhaelle TargaryenRickard StarkShaera TargaryenSteffon BaratheonTywin Lannister

Houses

House LannisterHouse StarkHouse Targaryen

Tags

Aegon I TargaryenAerys IIaerys ii targaryenaerys targaryenaudiobarristan selmybrandon starkdavos seaworthdragonsduncan the tallghost of high heartHigh Septonhouse targaryenJaehaerys I Targaryenjaehaerys ii targaryenjaime lannisterjenny of oldstonesjoanna lannisterking's landingkingsguardlyanna starkmaester aemon targaryenMoon Boypost traumatic stress disorderprince that was promisedProphecyptsdpyromancersrhaegar targaryenrhaella targaryenrhaelle targaryenrickard starkshaera targaryensteffon baratheonsummerhallthe mad kingtywin lannistervideowildfire

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