What's up with Aegon Targaryen and the Milk of the Poppy? Following the premiere of House of the Dragon season 2's latest episode, fans were curious about the aftermath of her battle against Aemond Targaryen and his dragon, Vhagar.
SPOILER WARNING: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 and George R.R. Martin's novels, so proceed with caution.
What Happens to Aegon After the Battle at Rook's Rest?
Fans were shocked to see Aemond Targaryen defeat two birds with one stone. In this case, kill off two dragons, the Blacks' Meleys and King Aegon II Targaryen's Sunfyre.
Aemond's reputation for being a kinslayer was highlighted in episode 4 titled The Red Dragon and the Gold, as he flew right into battle and slew the two dragons, leaving Aegon injured and Rhaenys fell to her death.
There is no doubt that Aemond has longed to take the Iron Throne and rule the Seven Kingdoms himself, considering that he believes himself to be the better King than his older brother.
Aemond used Vhagar's incredible size and firepower and killed Sunfyre in the sky while having Aegon land stiff on the ground.
However, this attempt at murdering his own blood leads to drastic measures at the turning point in Aegon's life. Particularly with the Milk of the Poppy.
While George R.R. Martin's novel did not show what the series Aemond did, Fire & Blood tells what became the undoing of His Highness, Aegon, after the Battle at Rook's Rest.
READ MORE: Who Killed Vhagar the Dragon in House of the Dragon? Fans Seek Justice After THAT Unruly Death
What Did Milk of the Poppy Do To Aegon II Targaryen?
In Fire & Blood, Aegon was practically bedridden after his fall and fatal burns from Rhaenys and Meleys, which included his armor melting into his arm. It would take a full year for him to recover.
But what makes his recovery journey all the more uncomfortable is its involvement with the Milk of the Poppy.
It is commonly used throughout the Seven Kingdoms for those who suffered severe injuries and the liquid from crushed poppy flowers happens to be the same color as milk, hence the term.
The powerful medicine is usually utilized as a painkiller and anesthetic. What makes it deadly is that higher doses may lead to patients "dulling their senses." Its effects are essentially similar to "morphine" in the real world.
During Aegon's bedridden recovery, he was described to have grown more reliant on the milk of the poppy, which caused him to sleep nine hours out of every ten. In his absence, Prince Aemond took over his role as Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm.
Meanwhile, half of Aegon's body was filled with burnt scars, and after one year of recovery, he learned the effects of the milk of the poppy turned him and refused to relive the same experience again.
READ NEXT: Why Did Daemon Dream of a Younger Rhaenyra? House of the Dragon S2 Significance Explained
House of the Dragon season 2 episode 5 airs on HBO and Max on July 14, 2024.
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