We’ve finally finished reading Fire and Blood, the unreliable textbook about the Targaryen dynasty from Aegon the Conqueror to Aegon III. However, the book also explores themes that even its sequels in the Game of Thrones series of books and the television series covers.
In this post, we’re going to explain what these themes are. Remember that we only explore Fire and Blood, not Game of Thrones. So, without further ado, let’s jump in.
Sexism
One of the earliest themes we are introduced to in Fire and Blood is sexism. Only men are allowed to inherit the Iron Throne, as evident when Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, despite having a more significant claim than her cousin, Prince Viserys, is passed over due to her gender.
The same issue occurs with Viserys’ daughter, Rhaenyra, which prompts a power struggle between her and her younger half-brother, Aegon. There were two groups: the blacks supported Rhaenyra, and the greens supported Aegon.
Also, many women were treated horribly during this period, and it certainly got worse during the events of Game of Thrones. However, women were at least allowed to rule.
Blood Purity – A Classic Fire And Blood Theme
Blood purity is a big talking point throughout Fire and Blood, especially early on. There is a reason why some Targaryens go mad. The dynasty is obsessed with keeping the Blood of the Dragon within their ranks. Siblings marry each other, or they marry cousins with Valyrian blood.
Incompatible Family Dynamics – Fire And Blood Theme
In all families in Westeros, there is something incompatible with many family dynamics. This is due to the different branches of the various wealthy families. For example, there are at least two branches of the Arryn family—one residing in Gulltown and the ‘main branch’ at the Eyrie.
Also, the incompatible family dynamic with the Targaryens is that their need to keep their bloodline “pure” via incest is also their downfall. Most couples are nothing alike. For example, Aegon II is nothing like his sister-wife Helaena. She’s more gentle, and he’s more of a tyrant. He’s not Joffrey Baratheon level, but it’s pretty close.
Power Grabs
The final of our themes we wanted to cover is the whole thing where some people like the power of the Iron Throne for themselves, and so they scheme to do just that. One example is Unwin Peake, who would serve as the Hand of the King to Aegon III. After the death of Queen Jaehaera, he tried to get the King to marry his daughter, but the council of regents were deadset against it.
Despite inviting his daughter to spend time with Aegon III, Peake’s plan rapidly unravelled. After the Grand Ball that saw the King’s older half-sisters, Ladies Baela and Rhaena, bring in Baela’s ward, Peake couldn’t handle it and resigned, throwing an oversized hissy fit because his daughter wouldn’t be queen.
While not stated, it’s clear why the regents didn’t want Peake’s daughter on the throne as Aegon III’s consort. They didn’t want to repeat what happened with Otto Hightower and Alicent. Otto was the puppetmaster, and his daughter was doing what he told her.
