Why Aegon Can’t Speak High Valyrian in House of the Dragon

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Highlights

Aegon’s inability to speak High Valyrian in House of the Dragon season 2 highlights differences between him and Aemond.
Aegon learned High Valyrian as a child but never practiced, showing his lack of interest in Targaryen traditions.
Aegon’s neglect of High Valyrian risks diminishing House Targaryen’s legacy and power.

Aegon’s Struggles with High Valyrian in House of the Dragon

Aegon’s Embarrassment in House of the Dragon Season 2

In House of the Dragon season 2, Aegon embarrasses himself by failing to speak High Valyrian fluently, unlike his brother Aemond. This linguistic shortcoming becomes evident in the opening scene of season 2, episode 4, titled “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” While Aemond speaks High Valyrian with ease to communicate privately with Aegon, the latter can barely form a sentence in their ancestral language, underscoring the stark differences in priorities between the Targaryen brothers.

Aemond’s Confident Use of High Valyrian

During a council meeting, Aemond uses High Valyrian to address Aegon directly, criticizing his decisions and plan. Aegon’s attempt to respond in High Valyrian results in a jumbled, incoherent sentence: “I can… Have to… Make a war?” Aemond’s sneering reaction highlights Aegon’s inadequacy, further isolating the king from the traditions and responsibilities expected of a Targaryen ruler.

Aegon Learned High Valyrian But Lacked Commitment

Despite Aegon’s current struggles, he did learn High Valyrian during his upbringing, as all Targaryen children did. However, unlike his diligent brother Aemond, Aegon didn’t care enough to practice and become fluent. His disinterest in maintaining this aspect of his heritage mirrors his overall reluctance to embrace the duties and responsibilities that come with his royal birth.

The Significance of High Valyrian for House Targaryen

High Valyrian as a Symbol of Power and Tradition

High Valyrian serves as a crucial symbol of power, responsibility, and tradition within House Targaryen. Aegon’s inability to speak the language fluently not only reflects his unsuitability as a king but also poses a threat to the preservation of the Targaryen legacy. This ancient language, spoken primarily by Targaryens and House Velaryon’s dragonriders, distinguishes them from other noble families and reinforces their god-like reputation in Westeros.

Aegon’s Disregard for Tradition

By neglecting to prioritize High Valyrian, Aegon risks eroding an essential part of House Targaryen’s heritage. The language, along with their dragons and the Iron Throne, represents a vital component of their identity and influence. Even after the dragons’ extinction, High Valyrian and their unique silver hair continue to set Targaryens apart. Had Aegon’s successors not emphasized the importance of High Valyrian, it wouldn’t have become a significant asset for Daenerys Targaryen in Essos during Game of Thrones.

Impact on House Targaryen’s Future

The preservation of High Valyrian is critical for maintaining the Targaryen family’s power and influence in Westeros. Aegon’s failure to uphold this tradition signals a potential decline in the house’s distinctiveness and strength. New episodes of House of the Dragon season 2 air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max, exploring these intricate dynamics within the Targaryen family.