Aemon Targaryen's Complex Feelings Towards the Mad King Aerys

Gone are the days when the Targaryens reigned with an unchallenged rule over the Seven Kingdoms, and the family's legacy now seems but a shadow of its former mighty self. Among the many characters from George R.R. Martin's vivid world, Aemon Targaryen stands as a beacon of duty and loyalty, yet his feelings towards his nephew, the infamous Mad King Aerys, are far more complex and nuanced, reflecting broader themes of familial loyalty versus moral obligation.

The Demise of the Targaryen Legacy

Aemon lamented the loss of his family's glorious past, a period when the Targaryens ruled with overarching supremacy. He mourned the fall of the Targaryen dynasty, particularly the impact that Aerys' actions had on their bloodline. Memories of earlier madness within the family, including his elder brother, Aerion, and his uncle, Rhaegel, only deepened Aemon's sorrow and regret. The ultimate consequence of Aerys' reign was the near total destruction of House Targaryen, culminating in the Rebellion and the eventual fall of Aerys and his entire family.

Aemon's Guilt and Reflections

Aemon's sense of guilt runs through his chambers, as it lingers in his thoughts. If he had taken the chance to seize the crown, Aegon V would not have been on the throne, and Jahaerys' line would not have continued. In turn, the Mad King Aerys would not have ascended to power, and the many tragedies that followed could have been averted. Innocents would have been spared, and House Targaryen might have remained intact. However, such choices would have undoubtedly brought their own set of moral quandaries and inner turmoil. Aemon perhaps felt a heavy burden, as if the blood of Aegon, Aerys, Rhaenys, Rhaegar, and Aegon himself is on his hands.

The Maester's Reflections

While we do not know much about Maester Aemon's personal feelings towards the Mad King Aerys, his dialogue with Jon Snow in A Clash of Kings offers a glimpse into his complex emotional landscape. In a conversation about the vows of the Night's Watch and the love one must have for their family, Aemon notes:

Three times the gods saw fit to test my vows. Once when I was a boy, once in the fullness of my manhood, and once when I had grown old. By then my strength was fled, my eyes grown dim, yet that last choice was as cruel as the first. My ravens would bring the news from the south, words darker than their wings, the ruin of my House, the death of my kin, disgrace and desolation. What could I have done, old, blind, frail; I was helpless as a suckling babe, yet still it grieved me to sit forgotten while they cut down my brother's poor grandson and his son and even the little children...

While these words show Aemon's deep sorrow for the destruction of his House, it is clear that he feels a sense of helplessness rather than remorse. He mourns the loss of his House and lineage, rather than the actions of Aerys. However, the mention of 'his poor grandson' Aerys might suggest a sense of sadness and a tragic memory of his grand-nephew's descent into madness. Aemon was a man of honor and integrity, and his feelings encapsulate the broader theme of how the true cost of loyalty and duty can be high and often painful.

Aemon's Duty and Human Emotion

Aemon's feelings towards Aerys Aerys' actions were characterized by a mixture of bewilderment and sorrow. As a Maester and a man who had witnessed the ravages of Aerys' madness, Aemon would have been horrified and distressed by Aerys' cruel and irrational actions. However, the familial bond between Aemon and Aerys, through Aerys' grandfather Aegon II (nicknamed Egg), would have added a layer of sadness to Aemon's perception. The descent of this beloved family member into madness and ultimate demise would have weighed heavily on Aemon's heart, symbolizing the destruction of a legacy and the end of an era.

Conclusion

Aemon Targaryen's relationship with the Mad King Aerys is a poignant exploration of familial loyalty and moral obligation. While Aemon's sense of duty and loyalty remained unwavering, the impact of Aerys' reign on his House Targaryen left an indelible mark of sorrow and regret. Through Aemon's struggles and reflections, we see a character who grapples with the complexities of his position, ultimately mirroring the broader themes of the series—the cost of leadership and the enduring impact of one's choices.

By understanding Maester Aemon's nuanced feelings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the myriad of emotions that characters like Aerys and Aemon navigate in a world where the fates of families are intertwined with fate.