The Rise and Death of Maegor

This thread follows Maegor’s seizure of power, his destructive rule, and the unexplained death that makes way for Jaehaerys.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Stronger Son

Maegor’s Early Reputation A Warrior Prince Maegor excels at arms and becomes a feared fighter, while his brother Aenys is less martial. A Claim in the Background The difference encourages whispers that Maegor may be better suited to rule, though Aenys remains the heir.

Exile and Return

Conflict with Aenys A Second Wife Maegor marries Alys Harroway in a Valyrian rite, defying Aenys and the Faith. Exile Ends Aenys sends Maegor away, but when rebellion spreads, Maegor returns with Balerion and challenges the succession directly.

Tyranny and Suppression

Rule by Fear Rebellion Is Crushed Maegor fights the Faith Militant and executes opponents, while using dragons and terror to enforce obedience. No Heir, No Trust His cruelty isolates him, and his failure to produce an heir leaves the regime without a stable future.

A Marriage Strategy Fails

The Black Brides Three Marriages Maegor marries Rhaena and two other widows in a bid to produce an heir. Stillborn Children Pregnancies end in malformed stillbirths, and Tyanna is accused of poisoning them. Maegor’s violence intensifies as hope of succession disappears.

Death on the Iron Throne

An Unexplained End A King Found Dead Maegor is discovered dead on the Iron Throne, his body cut by its blades. Accounts disagree over whether he was murdered or died by his own hand. A Dynasty Survives He leaves no heir. Jaehaerys succeeds him, and the realm receives an opportunity to end the cycle of repression.

12–37 AC, before Aegon I’s death

39–42 AC, after Maegor’s second marriage

42–48 AC, during Maegor’s reign

47–48 AC, near the end of Maegor’s life

48 AC, before Jaehaerys’s accession