House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 ending explained: Did Aemond kill Aegon?

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 was released on July 7, 2024, on HBO Max. It showed one of the first battles between not two, but three Targaryen dragons. Rhaenys, Aegon, and Aemond rode their dragons to a battle at Rook's Rest, which led to a hollow victory for the Greens.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon.

However, the battle took a drastic and shocking turn when Aemond joined the fray by attacking his own brother and king Aegon as he sparred with Rhaenys and her dragon. Aemond's dragon Vhagar ambushed Aegon and his steed Sunfyre with fire, and the king collapsed to the ground, sustaining major injuries.

After this, Aemond faced Rhaenys and managed to overpower her, choking and beheading her dragon Meraxes. Rhaenys fell with her dragon onto the Rook's Rest fortress, taking her last breath with her dragon companion.

While it has not been fully revealed whether Aegon is dead or just badly wounded, it will be interesting to see if Aemond suffers any consequences.

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Why did Aemond attack Aegon with his dragon?

Aemond Targaryen in a still from House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 (via HBO Max)

The battle at Rook's Rest was the result of a strategic manoeuvre by Ser Criston Cole and Aemond Targaryen. They planned to lure one of the Black faction members at the site with a dragon and then counter the attack with Aemond riding on Vhagar.

However, the plan is disrupted when Aegon decides to ride into battle on his dragon Sunfyre. Spurred into anger by his mother's words, Aegon makes the impulsive decision to go to war even though he's king. He also does not know of Aemond and Cole's plan and shows up to defend his army.

Aegon Targaryen in a still from House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 (via HBO Max)

Rhaenys volunteers to go to war on behalf of Rhaenyra and confronts Aegon with her dragon Meraxes. Meraxes starts to dominate over Sunfyre as the two dragons tussle when Aemond decides to intervene.

Initially, Aegon is thrilled to see his brother but his face changes to horror and betrayal when Aemond orders Vhagar to unleash fire directly on Rhaenys and Aegon.

Already injured, Sunfyre is unable to hold on to defence and collapses into the forest in a ball of flame. Later, Criston Cole finds Aegon lying on the ground near Sunfyre in very bad shape. It is unclear whether Aegon is dead, but Aemond's betrayal will certainly leave a mark for upcoming episodes.

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Is Rhaenys dead in House of the Dragon?

Rhaenys Targaryen in a still from House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 (via HBO Max)

After Aegon crashes to the ground, Rhaenys and Aemond face each other on their respective dragons. Though Vhagar seems like a bigger and stronger opponent, Rhaenys and Meraxes do significant damage to the Green army. Rhaenys looks resigned to her fate, but she continues to fight and urges her dragon to do the same.

However, Vhagar launches a surprise attack on Meraxes from the gorge below. Vhaegar grips the smaller dragon's neck in his jaw, as Meraxes tries to go free. Ultimately, Meraxes looks sadly at Rhaenys before Vhagar delivers a final blow.

Aemond watches a tear-stricken Rhaenys and her dragon drop dead into the castle walls of Rook's Rest. The Green faction uses this breach to its advantage and storms the fort.

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Audiences can watch House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 on platforms like HBO Max or JioCinema, with new episodes in the series releasing every Sunday.