'Game of Thrones' Infamous Ruler Deserves a Spin-Off Show

Article Summary

Maegor Targaryen was the first terrible king in the history of Westeros. His cruelty echoed through generations, making him the kingdom's primary example of an evil king.

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Featured in George R.R. Martin's in-universe history book, Fire & Blood, his story holds significance as the Game of Thrones franchise delves into the history of Westeros. Maegor's intriguing life, shrouded in mystery, particularly his demise, possesses immense potential. Uncovering Maegor's reign has the potential to enrich the depths of the fantasy realm.

George R.R. Martin's creation of an extensive history for his fictional world, which served as the inspiration for Game of Thrones, has made the world feel remarkably authentic, despite its inclusion of dragons. Over time, this historical backdrop has evolved into its own compelling narrative. House of the Dragon, a Game of Thrones spinoff, focuses on a story from Martin's book Fire & Blood, delving into the lives of the Targaryen family generations before the events of the original series. However, there are still more Game of Thrones projects underway, including the exploration of the story of the first Targaryen King, Aegon the Conqueror. As the rich history of Westeros unfolds on screen, there are countless moments of conflict and intrigue to witness, and yet, one story that has remained untold is that of Maegor the Cruel.

Westeros has seen its fair share of terrible kings, from the infamous Mad King to the indecisive Viserys. However, none of them can compare to the ruthlessness and cruelty exhibited by Maegor Targaryen. As only the third king to rule after the conquest, Maegor set the precedent for what it means to be a truly despised ruler, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent generations. His name is often invoked whenever a ruler's actions bring dissatisfaction to the population. House of the Dragon touches upon Maegor's demise and incorporates direct references to his reign as the story unfolds. As the world of Westeros continues to be developed, it is crucial that this significant figure from its history is brought to life on screen. The franchise has already demonstrated that even the Targaryens who are considered mad can be more complex than they initially appear, and Maegor's enigmatic tale has the potential to be one of the most captivating narratives yet.

The TV series "Game of Thrones" was first released on December 10, 2010. It features a talented cast including Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Liam Cunningham, Maisie Williams, Gwendoline Christie, Rory McCann, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Conleth Hill, and John Bradley. The main genre of the show is adventure, and it ran for a total of 9 seasons. "Game of Thrones" was produced by HBO.

Maegor's Story Appears in George R. R. Martin's 'Fire & Blood'

One of the stories showcased in Martin's fictional history book revolves around the eventful life of Maegor. Born as the younger son of Aegon the Conqueror and Visenya, his own sister-wife, Maegor possessed a strong inclination towards warfare. His insistence on having multiple wives resulted in conflicts with the Faith, while his position as the second son made him an unlikely candidate for the throne. Although his half-brother, Aenys, inherited the Iron Throne upon their father's death, Maegor received the Conqueror's sword and his dragon, Balerion. However, the true narrative begins with Aenys' demise. Following the king's death, Visenya traveled to Pentos, where Maegor and his second wife were exiled, to bring him back and crown him. Even though there had been earlier discussions regarding succession when Aenys had his first children, the dowager queen disregarded tradition, prioritizing her own son over his nephew. Although his rise to power was challenged, Maegor swiftly eliminated anyone who opposed him, establishing himself as king through the sheer force of fear. As a seasoned warrior, he and Balerion effortlessly crushed the rebellion led by the Faith that resulted in his brother's death. Nonetheless, his reign was anything but peaceful.

Maegor confronted challenges to his legitimacy from all directions, engaging in conflicts with the Faith and even his own family. Yet, his exceptional combat skills made it difficult for anyone to oppose him. Although many of his actions could have warranted the moniker, "the Cruel," Maegor earned this title by executing his eldest nephew, Aegon, who dared to rebel against him. Throughout his six-year rule, Maegor governed with tyranny, keeping a close eye on his brother's family. He had a propensity for violence, with numerous legends circulating about his brutal deeds. Maegor was responsible for the completion of the Red Keep and the creation of the secret passages famously depicted in Game of Thrones. To ensure the secrecy of these passages, he ordered the execution of every builder involved in their construction. When Aenys' widow and youngest children, Jaehaerys and Alysanne, managed to escape, he subject another nephew to torture and displayed his lifeless body to the city.

Despite having six different wives, Maegor was unable to father any living children. However, when one of his wives gave birth to a deformed creature, Maegor suspected infidelity and executed the entire household, thus putting an end to Harrenhal's lineage. Following further stillbirths, Maegor accused his wife, Queen Tyanna, of poisoning the others. She confessed and was subsequently put to death. Nevertheless, Maegor remained without an heir. When young Jaehaerys asserted his claim as the last surviving son of Aenys, the Lords turned their backs on Maegor, choosing to support Jaehaerys or simply disregard Maegor's commands. Prior to facing Jaehaerys, Maegor's life came to an end in mysterious circumstances as he was found dead on the Iron Throne. Whether he was betrayed or killed by the Throne itself, Maegor was no more, and Jaehaerys ascended to the throne.

Maegor the Cruel Should Get a 'Game of Thrones' Spin-Off

Image via HBO

Maegor's significance in the history of Westeros makes his story deserving of exploration. The franchise's newest series already acknowledges the notorious king, thus elevating the importance of Maegor's narrative. In the first season, Viserys incurs wounds from the Iron Throne, symbolizing his unsuitability as a ruler. This legend gained popularity due to Maegor's demise on the throne. Allegedly, the Throne deemed him unworthy and impaled him. Without considering Maegor's context, the reference carries less weight, particularly as Viserys is not as problematic as Maegor himself. However, the show, especially Otto (Rhys Ifans), casually mentions his name. If House of the Dragon follows Fire & Blood, there will be a more significant allusion to the reviled king. In the novel, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) is bestowed the epithet "King Maegor with teats," hinting at her violent actions and her attempt to claim power over the son of the previous king. As the series progresses, this unflattering comparison is likely to emerge, piquing the curiosity of those unfamiliar with the book Fire & Blood. While lacking knowledge about Maegor's story does not hinder comprehension of House of the Dragon, understanding the context adds a deeper layer of meaning to the events within the series.

A definite depiction of Maegor's life, despite its uncertainty, would be captivating. Although there is a clear outline and plenty of action, the events are ambiguous, providing enough material for a show to work with and make adjustments. The most enigmatic occurrence revolves around Maegor's death, with various suspects including his wife who found his body and the Knight of the Kingsguard responsible for his protection. Nevertheless, the blame for regicide falls on the Iron Throne, leaving his death unresolved. There are also other mysteries, such as his inability to conceive a child. One intriguing fan theory proposes that this, along with his violent behavior, may have been due to Maegor being undead during his reign, similar to Lady Stoneheart in the Song of Ice and Fire books. Exploring this angle, which was omitted from Game of Thrones, would be fascinating.

Despite the mysteries, Maegor's story is brimming with potential. The complex relationships among his numerous wives, who have lost their first husbands to him, would undoubtedly create ample drama. Additionally, Queen Tyanna, who served as his Mistress of Whispers, would be a compelling character. From the war against the Faith to two rebellions against him, Maegor's tale is rife with significant events. Although he may not be portrayed as a hero, even in a series centered on him, the franchise has proven with Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) that mad Targaryens can evoke sympathy, particularly in the beginning. Giving Maegor the same treatment would further enrich Westeros' history and provide a unique twist to the ongoing battle for the Iron Throne.

Game of Thrones is available for streaming exclusively on Max in the U.S.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the idea of a spin-off show centered on Maegor the Cruel, the infamous ruler from George R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood." On the one hand, I am intrigued by the potential for exploring the twisted legacy of this enigmatic character and learning more about the history of Westeros. On the other hand, I am concerned that a show about such a ruthless and cruel ruler could be gratuitous and potentially harmful.

Overall, I believe that a Maegor the Cruel spin-off show could be a valuable addition to the "Game of Thrones" franchise, but only if it is handled carefully and with sensitivity. The show would need to avoid glorifying violence and cruelty, and instead focus on the complex moral and political issues that arise from Maegor's reign. It would also need to be careful not to whitewash Maegor's character or present him as a sympathetic figure. If done well, a Maegor the Cruel spin-off show could provide a fascinating and thought-provoking look at one of the most complex and controversial characters in the history of Westeros.