Targaryens are not inherently immune to fire, meaning Aegon (and other Targaryens) would be susceptible to burns, while Daenerys's survival of fire was a singular, unique magical event, not a common Targaryen trait.
Dispelling the Myth: Targaryens and Fire
A common misconception in the world of Westeros is that all Targaryens possess an innate immunity to fire. However, this is not true. Throughout history, numerous Targaryens have been burned, injured, or even killed by fire. This fundamental truth clarifies why any Targaryen, including Aegon, would be vulnerable to flames.
For example, historical accounts and lore reveal instances where Targaryens suffered greatly from fire:
- Aerion Brightflame: Drank wildfire, believing it would transform him into a dragon, and died screaming in agony.
- Viserys Targaryen: Daenerys's brother, was killed by molten gold, demonstrating his vulnerability to extreme heat.
- The Tragedy at Summerhall: Many Targaryens perished in a massive fire during an attempt to hatch dragon eggs.
These instances underscore that fire immunity is not a genetic trait passed down through the Targaryen bloodline.
Aegon's Susceptibility to Fire
Given that Targaryens are not immune to fire, Aegon, like any other person, would be burned if exposed to significant heat or flames. There is no special protection afforded to him by his Targaryen lineage. Any depiction of Aegon (or Jon Snow, his true identity) experiencing fire would likely show him reacting as any human would – with pain and injury. This aligns with the established lore that fire does not discriminate based on noble blood.
Daenerys's Unique Fiery Endurance
Daenerys Targaryen's ability to withstand the flames of Khal Drogo's funeral pyre and emerge unharmed with her newly hatched dragons was an extraordinary event, but it was not indicative of general Targaryen immunity. Her survival in that instance was attributed to a rare confluence of magical elements:
- Magic and Sacrifice: Her emergence from the flames was deeply intertwined with powerful blood magic and a human sacrifice. The witch Mirri Maz Duur's death on the pyre, combined with the extreme circumstances, created a unique magical catalyst.
- The Birth of Dragons: This event was not merely about Daenerys's survival but was primarily about the miraculous hatching of the last dragon eggs. The magic required for such an unprecedented event also extended to her protection.
It is crucial to understand that this was a one-time, unique magical occurrence tied to the rebirth of dragons, rather than an inherent, recurring ability she possessed. She is still susceptible to fire in other contexts, much like any other human.
Key Differences Summarized
To further clarify the distinction between Aegon's vulnerability and Daenerys's unique experience, consider the following table:
| Aspect | Aegon (General Targaryen) | Daenerys Targaryen (Specific Event) |
|---|---|---|
| Innate Fire Immunity | No, Targaryens are not immune. | No, it's not an inherent trait. |
| Vulnerability to Fire | Fully susceptible to burns and death. | Generally susceptible to fire. |
| Reason for Survival | Would suffer harm from fire. | Unique, one-time magical event involving human sacrifice and dragon hatching. |
| Commonality | Normal human reaction to fire. | An unprecedented, non-replicable miracle. |
In essence, Daenerys's fiery trial was a moment of profound magic and the birth of a new era for dragons, not a demonstration of a power shared by all Targaryens. Aegon, therefore, would face the same consequences of fire as any other person.
