Yes, Rhaenyra Targaryen was murdered by her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen, through the actions of his dragon.
The Tragic End of Queen Rhaenyra
Rhaenyra Targaryen, a central figure in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, met a brutal end orchestrated by her half-brother, King Aegon II Targaryen. The act was carried out by Aegon's dragon, Sunfyre, marking a pivotal and horrifying moment in the history of Westeros.
How Rhaenyra's Death Occurred
Following her defeat and capture at Dragonstone, Rhaenyra was brought before Aegon II. Instead of a swift execution by sword, Aegon chose a more gruesome fate. He commanded his golden dragon, Sunfyre, to consume Rhaenyra. This event was not only a means of execution but also a deliberate act of cruelty, as it reportedly occurred in front of her young son, who was forced to witness his mother's death.
This infamous event is acknowledged in the lore of Westeros, with characters like Joffrey Lannister later recounting the grim details: "Rhaenyra Targaryen was murdered by her brother, or rather, his dragon. It ate her while her son watched." This highlights the direct responsibility Aegon II bore for his half-sister's demise, even though the dragon physically committed the act.
Key Figures Involved in Rhaenyra's Death
To understand the dynamics of this tragic event, it's essential to recognize the main individuals and the creature involved:
| Figure | Role in the Event | Relationship to Rhaenyra | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhaenyra Targaryen | Victim | N/A | Eaten by Sunfyre |
| Aegon II Targaryen | The Commander/Perpetrator | Half-brother | Ordered Rhaenyra's execution by his dragon |
| Sunfyre (the Golden) | The Executioner (Dragon) | Aegon II's mount | Carried out the act of consuming Rhaenyra |
| Rhaenyra's Youngest Son | Witness | Son | Forced to watch his mother's brutal death |
The Significance of Rhaenyra's Murder
Rhaenyra's death at the hands of her brother's dragon marked the effective end of her claim to the Iron Throne and was a significant turning point in the Dance of the Dragons. While Aegon II secured a temporary victory, his reign was short-lived, and the civil war had devastating consequences for House Targaryen and Westeros as a whole. This act of fratricide, carried out with such brutality, underscored the bitter animosity that fueled the conflict between the "Greens" and the "Blacks."
