House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4: What really happened to Aegon Targaryen?

*Warning - The following article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 and major spoilers from George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood.*

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 left many fans wondering what fate has befallen Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) after he is brutally betrayed by his brother Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell). The latest instalment of the popular HBO series ends on a huge cliffhanger, as we are left speculating whether Aegon has survived a terrible fall on his loyal dragon Sunfyre. 

At Rook’s Rest, the battle between House Black and House Green quickly escalates when several royals show up on their dragons unexpectedly, which causes the men fighting below to panic. Both sides attempt to enter the battle with the element of surprise, with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) agreeing to send her aunt Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) in order to quickly put an end to the fight. 

Meanwhile, fans were stunned to learn that Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Aemond also have the same idea, with the latter hiding in the trees with his gargantuan dragon Vhagar. However, what no one expects is for inexperienced King Aegon to join the fray.

His reckless decision appears to be sparked by a conversion with his mother Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), whose harsh words leave him feeling like an inadequate ruler. In a tragic twist, Rhaenys and Aegon’s dragons become tangled during the fight and - rather than swooping in to help his brother - Aemond rains fire down on the pair, causing Aegon and his dragon to fall to the ground. 

While Rhaenys is able to get away, she decides to bravely return and fight Aemond on his much larger dragon, which eventually leads to her death.

At the end of the episode, we know that Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys are dead, but a horrified Ser Criston finds Aegon and his dragon in the woods.

Fans have been left to wonder if Aegon is actually dead - and there is also a lot of speculation over what the consequences will be for Aemond if he isn’t.

In the final shot of the episode, all viewers are shown is a shot of the barely breathing dragon curled around Aegon's still body.

It seems Criston is convinced that his King has died under his watch, as he collapses dramatically to his knees.

While the King’s fate is yet to be determined in the show, we can reveal how it all plays out in George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones prequel book Fire & Blood. But be warned - spoilers ahead! 

What happens to Aegon Targaryen in the books?

In Fire & Blood, the events of the Battle at Rook's Rest play out very similarly to how they do in the TV show.

And, contrary to what many viewers may believe, Aegon Targaryen is not dead. 

In the novel, Aegon survives but with scorching burns over half of his body and multiple broken bones.

His wounds take a year to heal following an intense, coma-like rest induced by milk of the poppy and constant thoughts of his own death. 

During this time, his brother Aemond takes centre stage as Prince Regent, ruling in Aegon’s stead.

In fact, Aegon’s story is far from over - and fans may either be troubled or pleased to know that the deeply flawed character has a lot more pain coming his way. 

In the books, he becomes even more embittered and spiteful, with his rage only growing over time.

With the two brothers’ paths headed in completely different directions thanks to these shocking scenes, plenty of shocking twists lie ahead.

House of the Dragon season 2 lands in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with a repeat airing later on at 9pm.