Aemon Targaryen reveals his identity to Jon Snow

[@bridgetbrennan6615]

Maester Aemon, the only man in the series to die of old age. Absolute legend.

[@Bill-en7kw]

Kat's father also died of natural causes

[@mripwntheworld]

@@Bill-en7kw We never saw him alive though. Technically Mellisandra would be the other example.

[@davidebasile9422]

actually, there is also a half-brother of the grandfather of Maester Aemon alive in the series! Plus, the television adaptation removed Jaehaerys, in the book Jaehaerys is the nephew of Aemon and the father of the mad king

[@brettbaratheon9776]

This show used to be so good. So good. It is really hard to believe George hasn’t finished Winds in over 11 years.

[@Battle_Beard]

@@mripwntheworld for one her dead is an artifact of the show. She hasn’t died yet in the book series. Also, can one be said to die of natural causes if they were only alive by unnatural means?

[@TomUK737]

When he talks about them murdering the children, you can see that, even old and blind, hes still a dragon

[@yanaivanova2805]

Once a dragon, always a dragon. I mean we were robbed of him and Daenerys not meeting. But still, he was absolutely amazing.

[@KneelB4Bacon]

Aemon would have carried out some serious vengeance if he had been there.

[@nou5090]

@@thetechtube3786 no one cares about you advertising

[@thetechtube3786]

@@nou5090 If u do not care it doesnt mean nobody cares🙄

[@nou5090]

@@thetechtube3786 well i dont see anyone replying with nice vid or anything on this one

[@arianrahman5886]

"Even the children! They killed the little children!" Rip Aegon and Rhaenys Targaryan and of course Elia Martell, they all deserved better.

[@tudor5716]

@Baz H actually there.were some good Targaryen kings, the worst.were aerys II(the mad king), maegor and Aegon. Iv

[@stefanvladstanciu771]

Sounds like when jon was questioning dany at the end of the series

[@dabestest1387]

Baz H lmao there were only 3 mad targaryens if not 4.

[@heekapoo]

@Baz H of course they did???? they were only children. Rhaenys was 3 and I think Aegon was just a newborn.

[@someguy1576]

Baz H not Elia

[@Mdog2175]

The look in Aemon’s eyes when he said “I am a Maester of the citadel bound in service to castle black.” Always gets me. How many times did he have to say those words. Words he used to say with pride…words he still does.

[@LesserOfTwoWeevils]

How does a blind man have a look in his eyes

[@karinelemaire6402]

@@LesserOfTwoWeevils ... *facepalms*

[@veeam21]

@@LesserOfTwoWeevils bruh

[@joshallen4848]

​​​​@@LesserOfTwoWeevils Because you'd be the one looking at him, genius. His body language is for you - the viewer - not for himself. .... You genius, you.

[@DangerRussDayZ6533]

​@@LesserOfTwoWeevils lol you're not the brightest one in the bunch are you?

[@P3891]

It sucks that Daenerys never got to meet Aemon.

[@rin-fy9mi]

P3891 truee

[@edith1315]

I hope there will be a little scene with Jon telling Daenerys about Maester Amon

[@HUDSON7]

@@edith1315 Nope, that is impossible. All dialogue and good writing has been pushed out of a tower (pun intended) in favour of sh*t writing that 'SuBvERtS OuR EXPecTatiOnS' ffs. Seasons 1-5 were so good :-(

[@tiktokalgerie3573]

@@edith1315 there is not

[@vigzy77]

It's all flashy battles and actions now. Not time for personal exchange of dialogues. Everything needs to be rushed unfortunately because they were given choice of 10 episodes but they said 6 is enough.

[@bazza2974]

When Aemon asks what Ned would do if he had to choose between love and honour, we have the answer. Ned decided to confess himself as a traitor for the sake of his daughters. Ned chose to tell the lie that he fathered a bastard in order to protect his sister's son.

[@Cissablack708]

Maz Amd that's why eddard stark will always be loved

[@perryjoseph616]

Agreed, hence the question "what is honor?". Love is the death of duty, Aemon says. Ned, who would have never lied, actually did what he thought was right which was lie and dishonor himself; all for the love of his family.

[@xavierfranco5800]

Aemon is absolutely right. It's easy when there's only one choice. Honor or Love/Family. That's when it gets messy. The night my daughter was born I was racially profiled by the cops when they pulled me over at 2am trying to get to a food drive-thru because I was hungry and exhausted and could finally leave her side when my wife was dilated enough to get an epidural so that she wasn't in pain anymore. They pulled me over because I had a hood on while driving, and I wasn't white. They gave me some bullshit story about improper lane change and when they figured out I wasn't the thug they thought I was they gave me a lame excuse. I was cussing at them the whole time. I told myself that I would never let cops railroad me like that. When I refused to sign they said sign it or get arrested. I had a choice, stand up for myself, or be there for my wife and new family. Of course I chose my family, and had to pay the ticket eventually. I was so mad. But I did the right thing. If I stood up only for myself, I wouldn't have been there for the birth of my daughter and I wouldn't have been there for my wife.

[@vintagegame9]

Technically , he promised his sister for the child's safety, and hold true to his words.

[@Devils-advocate78]

the maester got it wrong, ned wasnt one in ten thousand. he was one in ten million

[@SnowdropWood]

Anyone else get chills from this scene? Aemon is so epic.

[@ZexyZyxeI]

.

[@ZexyZyxeI]

.

[@ZexyZyxeI]

.

[@TonyMaine915]

Hazel Awesome actor!

[@AngelCakes1997]

Dudes so cool it's unreal

[@BradiKal61]

John Snow- "Nobody understands the pain I feel!" Aemon Targaryen- "Hold my family tree"

[@charankumar9897]

Our family tree perhaps

[@gearoid17]

family wreath more like it 💀@@charankumar9897

[@stefannikolovski3167]

I died 😂

[@Nehelenia3000]

More like “family ladder” 😬

[@DarthMeteos]

what family tree

[@manospapad2087]

So at the end Jon became exactly what Aemon was. A Targaryen who refused the throne and went North. Such an amazing scene.

[@theonlywalltostareat5808]

The show really lack of explaining something meaning

[@coo3disk1]

Don't think you can say that, the show didn't give Jon a choice to choose because the council in episode 6 decided to send Jon to the wall.

[@hamzaal-qaisiah1351]

@@coo3disk1 yeah but if he said the world all of them will have to obey its not a choice

[@hijelhluyorok842]

@@hamzaal-qaisiah1351 LMFAO you really do not get it

[@Da_Homie12]

coo3disk1 Jon’s main conflict was killing the woman he loved for duty, it was never about the throne at all, he had to live with regicide out of duty, no matter what the costs was, even if it meant rejoining the nights watch

[@NuiJagaa]

It’s so heartbreaking that Aemon died bitter that he couldn’t serve Daenerys, not knowing that Rhaegar’s son was right in front of him.

[@RA10H56]

I never put it in that perspective. Beutiful commentary on the scene

[@Guy-lo3th]

And he goes on to kill her 🥹🥹🥹

[@AGon86]

He knew it all

[@ItsSVO]

@@Guy-lo3th choosing duty over love. It’s very poetic seeing Jon take Aemon’s advice from this scene.

[@maringal44]

@@Guy-lo3th she deserved it

[@MrTornado7]

This should be titled "Jon Snow chats with his great great uncle"

[@TheAkmur]

@Zoedog nah great great uncle since aemon was aerys uncle

[@gidijonen7966]

TheAkmur in the books even his great great great uncle, as he was the great uncle of the mad king

[@TheAkmur]

@@gidijonen7966 jesus how fucking old is this dude

[@vigzy77]

@@TheAkmur Somewhere near 100 in the books (102 I guess) and also back in those days , people wed and had children at 16-20 so that's almost 4 generations between him and Jon Snow.

[@liwia7616]

Rather „Aegon Targaryen chats with his great great uncle”

[@kaan0999]

"the gods were cruel when they saw fit to test my vows, they waited till I was old" the most badass line ever.

[@MrsDeeDee313]

Yes, basically saying that he was way to old to do anything about it by then. Wow, I wish Dany found out about him and could have met him.

[@okami-z1b]

Fr​@@MrsDeeDee313

[@BobbySteelanus]

He was tested 3 times in the books

[@lrlavalais2068]

@@BobbySteelanus The Tower of Joy just doesn’t make sense to me. Something is off. Maybe the show told us the truth in plain sight: Maybe Jon is really Aegon. We need those books so bad.

[@michaelbayer5094]

@@lrlavalais2068 re: "The Tower of Joy just doesn’t make sense to me. Something is off." I'm curious. Please explain what doesn't make sense and what seems off to you. The show has Bran in a vision see Ned at Jon's birth and as Lyanna is dying. That scene has not happened yet in the books. However, I don't think D&D would deviate so far from Martin's vision to change Jon's parents. Not only is that a big reveal, it's the only one that moves the plot forward. If Jon isn't Lyanna and rhaegar's child, then his parentage is unimportant to the story, Ned would not have needed to hide Jon's identity and Ned could have told Cat the truth. What I think is "off" about the Tower of Joy scene is that the audience finds out that Rhaegar did not abduct and rape Lyanna. We realize she ran off with him willingly. Why? To avoid marrying Baratheon. So, Robert's Rebellion is based on a lie. Ned's father and brother die because of this lie. I think soon after the Mad King kills the Starks the truth about Rhaegar and Lyanna emerges. I don't know who finds but I suspect Robert finds out, and Ned does too, whether before or after the T of J. And Littlefinger too. The show has a scene between Sansa and him which intimates that he knows the truth. Anyway, what do you think?

[@jaehaerysitargaryen7923]

In the books, Aemon wanted to go to Essos to counsel Daenerys and teach her about dragonlore. He never did because he died on the way to Oldtown. Imagine if Daenerys had him by her side. Not just as an adviser, but as a father-figure. Daenerys would've loved her so much.

[@Lalvon_Zelpharr]

He was just too old unfortunately

[@srsieg1155]

That shit makes me so sad

[@finnheisenheim8274]

@@Lalvon_Zelpharr Meryn trant agrees.

[@Stonks101]

@@finnheisenheim8274 damn XD

[@rochelleabrantes2100]

@@srsieg1155 same, but i was waiting for sam to meet dany in the books as aemon talks about dany to Sam most of the time. Saying she was the azor ahai but damn george rr martin for not finishing the books! 🤣

[@forallthehogs]

What is honor compared to a womans love? - Rhaegar loved Lyanna And what is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms? - Jon's birth Or a brother's smile? - Ned and Lyanna in Tower of Joy

[@shadowboxing7029]

I dig this but the last one doesn't fit. Ned didn't smile at the best of times, he certainly didn't there. I'm fun at parties.

[@Death_Korps_Officer]

He was refering to his own brother, Aegon.

[@perryjoseph616]

@@shadowboxing7029 He did actually; When he told Lyanna he was right here. It was brief, but hey...

[@shadowboxing7029]

@@perryjoseph616 That was a smile? Looked like a grimace lol.

[@JohnLick96]

He basically explained the theme of the entire show in one scene

[@gilgameshthekingofweebs5924]

RIP Peter Vaughan. Your watch has ended...

[@heyheyheyheyheyhey76]

Aemon was a mothefucking badass. He wasn't a boss, he was THE boss. Even if he was blind he was epic. Amazing in each of his scenes. "He was the blood of the dragon."

[@datusi4441]

Lord Beerus im lord beerus

[@hnys7976]

Rest In Peace

[@mrsmarauder]

A fabulous actor, what a great turn he gave as Maester Aemon

[@victorfergn]

@@mrsmarauder he was great in Death at a Funeral

[@miserableben7968]

The fact that all those years later, being old and have served at Castle Black for a very long time already - he still got so angry about the children in his family that were murdered, shows Aemon had a huge capacity for love and kindness

[@brigidmadden5577]

In the books he actually gave his brother Egg an extra horse when he was squiring with Dunc despite maesters usually having to ignore familial ties

[@baccaismemebob2603]

@@brigidmadden5577 it was a donkey I think. They named it Maester in honor of Aemon

[@joeelliott2810]

he’s still blood of the dragon

[@awoiaf-jet]

You are right

[@miguelvaleroarcia7931]

"Love is the death of duty" The day did come when Eddard Stark had to choose between his honor and those he loved. He chose his sister over his honor. He chose to cradle the young Targaryen boy as his bastard, making everyone think he had betrayed his wife, that he had forsaken his sacred vow of marriage. All for the love he felt for his sister.

[@jamie_d0g978]

And later he declared himself a traitor to protect his family again...what a character

[@beauwallbridge5490]

I think it was Glidus (could be wrong though) who made a very cogent argument that Ned's primary concern was for his family, not his honour. For example, he was willing to lie to protect his daughters. He was a family man, first and foremost.

[@DeepikaGinger]

Ned did take Jon in out of love for Lyanna. But, after what happened to Rhaegar and Elia’s children, he wasn’t going to allow any more children to be killed. That’s why he tried to save Cersei’s children. Honour takes people in strange directions.

[@samuelkamau8708]

Very badly written 8th season . Can you imagine jon snoas half stark half targaryan...we would have 4 bad ass seasons

[@verbatim3752]

"He'd do whatever was right..no matter what."

[@Jonas-xl4wg]

Just imagine how peaceful Westeros would be if Aemon would have accepted the throne..

[@kiljeaden767]

The night king would still be a thing though

[@OkaNieba]

@@kiljeaden767 send some faceless men after him,..i hear they are quiet good at handling such creatures^^

[@lennyrose5852]

True... Jaehaerys marrying his sister never should've been an issue, and Aerys's birth as well wouldn't have mattered since he probably never would've been king. All because of what happened with Maekar and Aegon V's kids

[@kiljeaden767]

@@OkaNieba do they all know teleport no jutsu?

[@OkaNieba]

@@kiljeaden767 if Arya, as a newly trained one can do it,...the senior anbu can do it, for sure^^

[@iWearCapeIRL]

This scene becomes even more epic when you know that they are both Targaryen.

[@lisahuber9329]

And that the children maester Aemon talks about are Jon's half siblings

[@asakimx9226]

@@lisahuber9329 wowww

[@matthewvisnaw4306]

So Master Aemon is John's great uncle?

[@davidrojas2331]

@@matthewvisnaw4306 yes

[@kyleharris2307]

I was reading the comments waiting for someone to remark on this part! Well said!

[@Geertt]

He died of natural causes in GOT and in real life at 93 years old back in 2016. What a legend, rest in peace

[@soeffingwhat]

Peter Vaughan, loved him in Porridge and Time Bandits back in the day.

[@eirikwegga]

A year after the character died. They were lucky they didn't have to let Aemond die off screen. Respects to the actor Peter Vaughan, this was his final credit.

[@thalmoragent9344]

Rest in peace 🙏🏾

[@iamsheel]

​@@eirikweggadidn't aemon and bloodravin actors made a movie together back in the day too? Is that right?

[@nowintroducinghertome]

✋🏻😢

[@woodstocklad]

Now that the series is over and Jon is back in the Nights watch, the parallels between him and Aemon are glaring. Both rightful heirs, both bound by service.

[@jeremyroberts8822]

Ramsay Bolton there isn’t a nights watch anymore, that’s just what they told greyworm so he would think Jon was being punished by being banished there and leave to go to nath with his people. Jon gets to be free like he always wanted to be to go north of the wall with the free folk. Atleast that’s the way I interpreted it

[@amour6144]

@@jeremyroberts8822 he didn`t lie jon was wearing the night watch clothes and u can see some of them there .. it not the same anymore cuz they have no enemy to fight or so mean it a place to send ppl who are no longer have place in the seven kingdoms ... in the end jon lost his birth name family home rights and can never set foot again the seven kingdoms

[@yannickkhalil3355]

You know how it should have ended? Grey Worm doesn't misteriously forgive Jon, they fight, and Jon loses, obviously, and Grey blinds him in the two eyes with a horizontal slice of his spear. Then he comes back to the watch. It would have been beautyfull.

[@alexey2901]

Yannick Khalil fuck no, that is terrible

[@thepringIeking]

@@yannickkhalil3355 What would of been good if at the end the camera pans in on bran in the wheelchair and his eyes turn blue (whitewalker eyes) that would of been an awesome cliff hanger

[@ItsEricaBeyetch]

But... when I heard they killed my brother's son, and his poor son and the children. Even the little children! shivers everytime

[@KneelB4Bacon]

+Nunya Yeah, Aemon would have unleashed some serious vengeance if he had been in charge.

[@EmperorRax]

Such an awesome performance.

[@chriswhite3198]

+Mr Rakan he only told Jon because he knew he was blood

[@Subfuge]

His fore son* he was talking about his brothers grandchildren.

[@Hikutachama]

And how the hell would he know that? Some sort of Targaryen tingly senses?

[@Moneysreal]

“What could I do? Blind and frail? But when I heard they killed the children....” This is Aemon basically saying that, even at 80~ years old, completely blind and helpless, he still seriously considered riding south to deliver an ass whooping to Robert and the small council. I want a series about a younger Aemon... 😭

[@bhartiya2859]

Maybe in the house of dragons

[@jonathan2755]

100 years old or something in the books.

[@ShadeStormXD]

@@bhartiya2859 lmao aemon wasnt alive during the dance, not even close

[@bhartiya2859]

@@ShadeStormXD oh right

[@hackett152332]

I wish he did, Robert was an idiot and Tywin was a brut

[@mossy642]

For people who want to know how they are related: Aemon is the brother of Aegon V, whose son was Jaehaerys II, whose son was Aerys II, known as the mad king, whose son was Prince Rhaegar, whose son was Jon Snow. That means Aemon is Jon’s great great great uncle. Incidentally, King Robert is also Aemon’s great great nephew, through his niece Rhealla, making Jon Snow and Bobby B Second cousins once removed.

[@nageri]

But they made a mistake, right? Aemon doesn't mentions Jaehaerys II Targaryen who reigned after Aegon V and then came Aerys II aka the mad king

[@mossy642]

@@nageri for some unknown reason, D&D wanted to simplify it, and for some ungodly reason that meant removing one king. Admittedly Jaehaerys II reigned for under 3 years, so he’s essentially pointless, but still. It might just be script changing to make it a more emotional moment. At the end of the day, it was an unnecessary move probably a petty power move.

[@mick9708]

@@mossy642 Is this guy in House of the Dragon, or different Aemon?

[@robinruth3141]

@@mick9708 this is GoT but obviously ties back to HoD.

[@mossy642]

@@mick9708 different Aemon. Maester Aemon is Rhaenyra and Daemon’s great great great grandson, through their second child, Viserys.

[@bushwhakked]

"I could have been king, but instead, I chose to be the Birdman of Canadian Alcatraz." - Aemon Targaryen

[@Lietiel]

"And instead of bedding countless courtesans and tavern wenches, I beat off into a burlap dust rag. Quite frequently. All day long, in fact. But, as my new personal steward, you must learn to live with that...as I have."

[@sagnikg1990]

This comment killed me!! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!

[@qianli4813]

Trollsif Stalin good

[@cozycorner2751]

@@qianli4813 Still Epic Comment even after 8 years

[@flipyapd2321]

@@cozycorner2751fr lol

[@rahjeel]

Jon Snow's face when he realizes who Aemon is. Hahaha looks like he just saw a rare trading card. Lmao

[@doctorthrax2076]

Adrian Gofredo He didn't realize anything,he knows nothing ! He is Jon Snu !

[@doctorthrax2076]

Adrian Gofredo He didn't realize anything,he knows nothing ! He is Jon Snu !

[@rahjeel]

Doctor Thrax hes junsnoh

[@MegaLabano]

Adrian Gofredo A super rare trading card? That sounds vague enough to be Aemon Targaryen.

[@ameliakyle7054]

Antiphilosopher he opened his booster pack threw away his Joffery Card he got from it, was flicking through and saw the Silver Background, Aemon Targaryen card, one of the rarest of the cards in the Game of Thrones.

[@unknowntraveler9576]

I love how in the earlier seasons Jon really shows his younger side thinking no one could possibly understand and Aemon really shuts him down, it’s tragically beautiful and shows Jon that his problems aren’t the only issues of the world while reinforcing a discussion about responsibility

[@mrz80]

And the look on his face when it clicks and he figures out who the old fellow is... I wonder if he thought back on Aemon's words, "Duty is the death of love" when confronted with the choice Tyrion lays on him in King's Landing

[@mkhanman12345]

this scene also showed Jon that there was someone else who went through something similar

[@theorangeturtle3683]

@@mrz80I mean, he says those exact words to Tyrion in that scene.

[@mrz80]

@@theorangeturtle3683 That's true. "Duty is the death of love." I wonder now, if at least among the nobility, that might actually have been a bit of a common phrase, as nobles would more often than not marry for political or social advantage, certainly not for something as ephemeral and selfish (consider Tywinn constantly berating his children to place the family first) as "true love" .

[@brooke7464]

Jon Snow has nothing on his great uncle. Add the fact house Stark is responsible for an entire family to be brutally killed off, even to kill a new born in the crib.

[@Bloodraven_175AC]

I can't even imagine the guilt Aemon must have felt. Not just that when the targaryens were massacred, he could do nothing to help them, but knowing that if he had chosen not to abdicate, he could have prevented all of it, even the tragedy of summerhall.

[@LilSpookyyy]

What even happened?

[@MoJones9919]

@@LilSpookyyyAemon was the eldest of House Targaryen. The mad Kings uncle. He didn’t want the throne so he abdicated. Then he joined the citadel so that he wouldn’t be used as a political pawn against his brother. After that he joined the Nights watch with his uncle Bloodraven. Had he not abdicated then the tragedy of Summerhall would’ve never happened. And Aerys would not be King. Rickard and Brandon Stark wouldn’t have been murdered. And Roberts Rebellion wouldn’t have happened.

[@Mallerky]

@@MoJones9919 Mad King's great uncle, and he never abdicated as he was never king. He joined the citadel because his Grandfather, King Daeron II forced him to as 'too many dragons are as dangerous as too few' - there were a shit load of Targs at this point. His dad Maekar protested again it to no avail, and at the time Aemon was very very very far down the line of succession so was never likely to become king anyway. Much later on after his father who is at this point King Maekar dies, he is quietly offered the throne but as a Maester he declines so Aegon V becomes king. He then joins the Night's Watch to be as far away as possible and doubly vowed against marriage/inheritance, etc. Aegon V was known as 'Aegon the Unlikely' due to being the fourth son of a fourth son to King Daeron II. There is a lot of speculation that Daeron II's bastard half-brother, Bloodraven (who later becomes the three-eyed-crow) caused the deaths which allowed Aegon V to become King, as he was a likely practicer of magic through his Valyrian and First Men combined dna, very into his prophecies, and held a lot of power as Hand of the King. He may have known that the 'prince that was promised'/song of ice and fire line had to be through Aegon V.

[@James-dj8rt]

​@dmcboi He literally says in this video "I refused the throne." There were a ton of Targs, but his two older brothers had died, and he was next in line for the throne. Instead of taking it, he abdicated

[@MoJones9919]

@@Mallerky yes I know. I just did not feel like writing great uncle. But you are right he was third born

[@MossPalone]

Aegon and Aemon Targaryen talking about their family.

[@RedBalloonSky2750]

“I was helpless. Blind. Frail. But…” Something SO SIMPLE as a dreadful, simmering delivery of a conjunction, hinting a turn of resolute sentiment… that moment in his monologue STILL gives me chills

[@Marko_184]

In viserys own word's "Do not awaken the dragon"

[@Macumber773]

I'm not Jesus.

[@slowbro173]

He still had his fire

[@stevenlovejoy6838]

Aemon had the most peaceful death in the show

[@stregadisalem732]

Steven Lovejoy He deserved a peaceful death after everything he lived through.

[@bois4030]

Olenna Tyrell too

[@dhruvmishra2221]

*only

[@NewWorldOrderFAIL]

Steven Lovejoy in the books it was the saddest death

[@ameeruddinsyed1376]

Only him

[@eugenematthew1977]

A blind, dying Dragon having a moment with A young Dragon who thought he was a Wolf.

[@diegoprodriguez]

2:38 Aemon is such a pure and good character, hearing his voice break in anger, was probably one of the strongest moments for me early on in the show. Rip Peter Vaughan

[@stilzkin77]

Rewatching for the umpteenth time and this moment still gives me chills

[@haroldbrown893]

@@stilzkin77 they skipped a generation

[@anshumansingh1907]

But how the aemond eye came back🤔🧐🧐

[@bobhollywood4093]

@@anshumansingh1907 nigga, what?

[@j_dog_jim7916]

@@anshumansingh1907 not sure if its a joke or not, but the aemond in house of the dragon is like 100 years older than Aemon in this scene(different names). they are about 5 generations apart.

[@ballinbalgruuf8198]

The fact that the massacre of the targaryens happened so long ago but still made a calm old man who is ready to die visibly seething with rage showed that the choice Aemon made for the watch was very difficult. Jon made the same choice later in his life. And I'm sure he remembered Aemon's counsel when he did.

[@Mallerky]

They age the characters up a few years in the show so I'm not sure of the dates, but in the book, this conversation happens when Jon is 14 and Aemon is 100. So yeah 14 years ago to a 100-year-old is basically like yesterday.

[@ananth-y4b]

Jon’s entire arc is driven by this scene.

[@ClownScript]

Well yeah the way they slaughted the Targaryen children was crazy, I understand why they did it not saying I wouldn't of but the one kid they found cowering under his bed hiding and still put to the sword Elia martell and what not, it was brutal

[@SherlockHolmesb-kp4ru]

​@@ClownScriptIf only the dragons were still alive .The traitors would have been on the receiving end instead

[@cris-mo1yx]

If Jon was that shocked when he realised maester aemon was a targaryen, imagine his reaction when he find out he is not only a targ too but also the very product of the events maester aemon was talking about? lol I can't wait!

[@thecoolvideowatcher]

+dorothy Nunez Nah, Jon can't be a Targ. I still believe he is Robert Baratheon's son

[@cris-mo1yx]

Jay Bal huh? how could that be possible?

[@thecoolvideowatcher]

dorothy Nunez The show does a pretty good job with providing striking similarities with it's characters such as the Lannister family with it's golden hair. If you look closely at Robert and Jon their black hair and facial hair provide a striking resemblance, as for Jon's mother, it could be Lyanna Stark herself, maybe she said something to Ned but didn't truly reveal it was Robert's son for unknown reasons. On one hand, my personal theory is, he is Robert and Cersei's only true son. Remember the scene where Cersei recounted about her newborn with Robert and that it had his hair? But the baby somewhat died (Cersei may have deviced a plan to get rid of the baby, since she never loved Robert and probably didn't want his children), in which I don't believe it to be the case, since the baby is actually Jon Snow. If you do the math, in terms of years dating from Robert's rebellion towards the start of season 1, it does coincide. If this theory is true, then Jon is the true heir to the Iron Throne.

[@cris-mo1yx]

Jay Bal I see no sense in ned hiding jon from robert though. Lyanna was the only person robert ever loved, he would be put jon in a pedestal if he knew he was his son. There's no sense in keeping this from robert. Also, rhaegar probably died and lost the war because he left his best guards posted on the tower of joy where lyanna was being kept. arthur dayne was a kingsguard anyway. He had no business in that tower. He should be protecting the mad king or rhaegar. He said himself had he been on the trident rhaegar wouldn't die. He was there to protect something way more important and we all know how obsessed rhaegar was about the prophecy.

[@Fleri001]

+Jay Bal No, it's pretty obvious Jon is a Targaryen, Rhaegar and Lyanna's son. Someone like Ned isn't the type to have a bastard son, but that was the only way he could ever protect Jon, otherwise he would have been executed for who he was. Ned planned to tell Jon the truth before he died.

[@Excalibursin]

Love how Aemon is not being dramatic or mysterious when he "refuses" to answer Jon's question at 2:43. He is giving the most direct answer he can, the one that Jon wants: his father and brother were Targaryens, but HE is not Aemon Targaryen. He is a maester of the citadel, bound in service to castle black and the night's watch. Jon would've thought he was being cryptic had he truthfully answered with that or "Aemon".

[@blackaxe2428]

And now his watch has ended R.I.P. Peter Vaughan

[@heyheyheyheyheyhey76]

"He was the blood of the dragon." A badass dragon. Aemon was the boss. Badass to the end, even in senile blindness.

[@toms1875]

He should have received an Emmy nomination for this scene alone.

[@skullhunter748]

Could you imagine how much history would have changed if HE had taken the Iron throne.

[@ethancann6168]

Jon would be a king/prince right now

[@gabrieleriva651]

Pretty much an historic parallel with what if Otto Habsburg did ascend tot he throne in 1918. He would have reigned for 80 YEARS.

[@captainlovely5213]

No Jon wouldn't be king. Jon is from Egg's line. If Aemon became king we would follow his line.

[@Lucy-ng7cw]

+Ethan Cann Jon likely would never have been born. Because rheagar probably wouldn't have

[@lordzphyr]

So much death and blood could of been avoided if he just taken the crown.....

[@saljpal3]

To bad Jon never told Daenerys about Aemon.

[@hijelhluyorok842]

he would have off screen obviously !

[@Mana-xd2tp]

And the writers took their sweet ass time making Jon Snow a pussy whipped simp *Muh Kween*

[@stirlingarcher7972]

The JayJay a lot of book readers were calling her that long before season 8

[@LeahWalentosky]

He could have off sceen

[@_SnowJustice_]

Understandable, as men suck at initiating very important deep convo

[@kursor52]

"We all do our duty when there's no cost to it, honor comes easy then" that relates to how people treat Jaime's choice and brand him kingslayer. Those judging him have never been put in a position where their honor is challenged. The cost of Jaime's honor all the lives he saved in KL that night.

[@akkir6707]

well the those people even Ned didn't know the reason jaime kill the mad king the only person knows that is brienne.

[@michaelkeenan3437]

After the defeat of the white walkers.And every one celebrating the win!.I think Jaime just loved being one of the guys that night.

[@Reach1335]

Aemon Targaryen, The King Who Should Have Been. :'(

[@allen845]

+Brandon Matthew Who's to say the man would have made a good king? He's a kind man and wise in his old age, but he may have become a very different man were it not for the Night's Watch.

[@bjam27]

+Brandon Matthew His brother was a good King too... it's just, you know... kids nowadays.

[@Atem0007]

+Allen Park A man who steps aside from the throne is a man who despise power, Aemon didn't want to rule, but if he did, he'd still be the same man who said no to the crown.

[@Reach1335]

+Trollolol The problem with Aegon V "Egg," was that he married for love. Which in turn caused his kids to follow suit sowing the seeds of discord among the premiere houses since they wouldn't gain power via political marriages to royalty. This is what set off the Kingmaker Richard Neville, in the War of the Roses. But otherwise yeah, he was by all accounts a great king while he ruled. But he would've made a better Hand to his brother Aemon, as Aemon was unwed and wise enough to marry for political favor...probably.

[@San47di]

This is the most loving gift Maester Aemon could have given Jon. For one, I doubt that anyone other then Commander Mormont knew exactly who Maester Aemon really was. Aemon did not have to tell Jon who he was, but like Mormont, I believe Aemon truly recognized Jon's potential and talent for leadership, and he didn't want Jon to waste his life. What a truly honorable man!

[@vicount3944]

San47di At his funeral Sam says something like ,, His name was Aemon Targaryen,, so , i guess some knew.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

San47di Its not just that , he know who Jon is ..Hint : Notice He laughs when he says Ned is my father !

[@San47di]

Miro aj There is absolutely No Way anyone knows Jon's parentage except possibly Howland Reed. Anyone else who might have known are dead. Aemon was Never in any position to know because he's been at the Wall.

[@miralabualjadail4206]

San47di Aemon can see Targarian blood . Remember he said "You are half the age that Egg was, and your own burden is a crueler one, I fear. You will have little joy of your command, but I think you have the strength in you to do the things that must be done. Kill the boy, Jon Snow. Winter is almost upon us. Kill the boy and let the man be born.

[@San47di]

Miro aj I'm reasonably sure that you're misinterpreting what Aemon meant. It has nothing to do with being able to "see" Targayian blood. If Aemon ever suspected Jon was a Targayian, trust me, he would have said something. Recall how he yearned to go to Dany's aide, but he was too old and feeble to make the journey. Jon was right there with him, so what reason would Aemon have to not acknowledge him had Aemon known or even suspected that Jon was a part of his blood-relations.. I don't look for hidden meaning nor foreshadows involving every little single comment made. If you know the Dunk and Eggs story, then the message Aemon was conveying to Jon was quite clear. Jon had twice the responsibility as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch then Egg had when he was twice Jon's age. Aemon was telling Jon to put away childish things and become a man. That All that comment to "kill the boy" means, and nothing else. Aemn wasn't talking in riddles nor speaking prophecy.

[@SamuelAna4Ever]

This is beautifully acted. The switch in Aemon's emotions from the slight laugh to the revelation of his lineage is brilliant. That is a veteran actor. Perfectly voiced, perfectly acted. Bravo.

[@jstone98]

+Samuel Ana Agreed. He stole every scene he was in in season 4. Great actor.

[@Danbutch24]

+Samuel Ana He's certainly doing well since he got of Slade prison (BBC sitcom Porridge)

[@R4Y2k]

good point.

[@lucasgomez0721]

Braavos

[@brandanpalmer]

The way he says “when I heard they killed the children” you can clearly see the rage. that he, even at this age, is still a dragon.

[@lordalessan]

"But when I heard that they had killed your grandfather, and your poor father, and your siblings! Even your little siblings!"

[@masdr2627]

Elder siblings *

[@fallenknight3016]

Elia children would hate jon

[@TheDeviantLord]

Aemon Targaryen; the grandson of a king, the nephew of a king, the son of a king, the brother of a king, the uncle of a king. you can see the anger on Aemon's face and in his eyes when he is speaking about how they killed his family, the fury of a dragon.

[@saramb6879]

:)

[@armynaruto3490]

God-Emperor of Mankind u again

[@marcostargaryen4181]

TheDeviantLord even the good targaryens have some mad and wisher from vegeance

[@ditathurston5078]

And the honour of a dragon too. He is a truer Targ than Viserys.

[@nickomode1]

Dita Thurston did you edit this comment recently

[@EdgarTheOgre]

When you realize Jon is Aegon Targayren, rightfull heir to the throne... and Master Aemon was Aemon Targayren, rightfull heir to the throne... And that Aemon loved his brother Egg, nickname to Aegon... And that he started saying Egg before his death. Just awesome.

[@rounaktater8704]

I think the egg he was referring to will be jon and dany's son.

[@thearmada6248]

He wasn't the rightful heir. He had already graduated from the Citadel when his father had died which means he had renounced his claim. He was only offered the throne by some of his brothers rivals.

[@andrevanderlinden8722]

@@rounaktater8704 no. He was referring to Aegon V Targaryen, his little brother. He doesnt even know that Jon and Dany end up together or even have a kid. He's a Targaryen Maester, not Nostradamus

[@DeusRex02]

@@andrevanderlinden8722 WO SO YO SAYIN IN THA SHO WIT DRAGONS AN FIRE NINJAS AN SNOWMANS A NIGGA CANT TELL THA FUTURE?

[@xcribabe2050]

FOR SAKE JON IS NOT THE HEIR READ THIS. Daenerys is the true heir , So.. Aerys ll had 3 children rhaegar, viserys and daenerys, rhaegar married elia martell and had 2 sons that died by the hands of mountain, viserys was then declared the king of dragon stone while rhaegar was in battle of trident while lyanna stark had a son aegon targaryen who was Jon snow rhaegars son, rhaegar died before he was declared the king, viserys died by the hands of khal drogo, daenerys was the one true heir, the 1 reason is because Jon joined nights watch where to have swore and give up any inheritance, and 2 is because Jon's father rhaegar died before declared the King and thus making deanerys one true queen of 7 Kingdoms of westrous

[@DanteInferno72]

Cruel is the fact that Jon doesn’t even know Aemon is his uncle, but according to the book Aemon travels to Bravos to help Daenerys, the news about the last Targaeryan alive made him happy and stronger 😊👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@JonDundas10]

It's plausible that Benjen not only knew, but told Aemon of Jon's true parentage

[@didncozosksma4466]

@@JonDundas10I personally choose to believe this, I feel like Ned would’ve trusted Benjen enough, especially since Jon was headed for the wall.

[@rosesweetcharlotte]

​@@JonDundas10I don't think so. I think if Aemond knew the truth, he wouldn't have been able to hold back. He would have wanted to touch Jon's face to "see" if Jon resembled his family, he would have wanted to tell him all about their family and show him Rhaegar's letters. I think he would have been so excited that he would have spilled the beans.

[@infostudy101]

I was going to ask - does Aemon know who Jon really is? Is there a debate in the community about this?

[@lindagbadamosi1622]

@@JonDundas10

[@rahul-qm9fi]

Master Aemon didn't realize that the egg was with him all along. "Aegon Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne"

[@shermanater182]

I'm hoping in the books that if Jon is given a Targaryen name it is Aemon, as Rhaegar already had a son named Aegon. I think that this man deserves a namesake. Maybe in Jon's first born if not him

[@user-pf1zr3lp6r]

Chris G Sigh..... Rhaegars son.... is Jon Snow.... Aegon Targaryen

[@shermanater182]

What you said has nothing to do with what i said, or the original comment. You condescending moron :)

[@user-pf1zr3lp6r]

Chris G you said Rhaegar already had a son named Aegon, and that son named Aegon is Jon Snow

[@shermanater182]

I said, and let me quote myself even though the text is right there for you, "IN THE BOOKS"

[@will_from_pa]

“My brother Aegon reigned after him, when I had refused the throne. And he was followed by his son Aerys” Jaehaerys II: Am I a joke to you?

[@ruigomes9936]

exactly!!! I went crazy with this mistake.. what were they thinking?

[@squamish4244]

It would reinforce the sheer ancientness of Aemon, despite Jaehaerys reign being short.

[@heinzregenmann2219]

THANK YOU

[@gingerbread648]

@@victorianfreakshow2831 I like to think he just forgot about him :')

[@m.cproductions3671]

I thought this too but wasn't 100% sure if I was right. I think they changed the timeline slightly for the show though to make characters like Robb, Jon & Daenerys older.

[@RbullT]

Rest In Peace Peter Vaughan. "Death should hold no fear for a man as old as me, but it does. Isn't that silly? It is always dark where I am, so why should I fear the darkness? Yet I cannot help but wonder what will follow, when the last warmth leaves my body. Will I feast forever in the Father's golden hall as the septons say? Will I talk with Egg again, find Dareon whole and happy, hear my sisters singing to their children? What if the horselords have the truth of it? Will I ride through the night sky forever on a stallion made of flame? Or must I return again to this vale of sorrow? Who can say, truly? Who has been beyond the wall of death to see? Only the wights, and we know what they are like. We know." -Maester Aemon

[@ICU1337]

"Honor comes easy, when theres no cost..." No truer words have ever been spoken. A true test of ones character comes in front of conflict.

[@IslandMan96]

“A newborn son in your arms.. or a brother’s smile” Those two things are beautiful and something we should all treasure.

[@vilyda]

Not to mention it's nodding to Ned and Lyanna. The newborn in her arms and her brothers smile

[@meds4feds198]

A brother's smile and the way he looks after it makes me think he is thinking about his brother Aegon V (egg).

[@tiredy6]

If only Jon knew that Aemon was his Great Uncle.

[@haroldbrown893]

in the books its great great brother

[@Nimesh89pwns]

im pretty sure great great brother and great uncle are the same thing

[@SmokeyBCN]

Great great uncle... Aerys was Aemon's nephew, who would be Jon's grandfather.

[@calamariman24]

Aerys is the son of Jaehaerys, Aemons Nephew.

[@jonathanj9260]

+Nimesh I'm pretty sure he meant, in the books it's great great, brother. As in Aemon is his great great uncle.

[@AlejandroSanchez-fd1bq]

the nights watch did wonders for Jon. changed his life to shape him to the leader he is now

[@samuelleijerstam9575]

They even shaped his life into death :D

[@georgestaykov5358]

and fire brought him back.

[@MANJYOMETHUNDER111]

The horrible, horrible leader who lets his men die pointlessly and was murdered by his own soldiers. What a man.

[@priteshattal]

Brian MacLeod the same man who convinced wildlings and gaints 😒

[@AlejandroSanchez-fd1bq]

+pritesh attal amen. Robb was a good military leader but politics lead to his death. Jon already knows what betrayal is like and maybe less likely to be fooled. the stark family (Ned's sister son) are military good leaders but politics not their game.

[@reginaphalange9417]

funny how this early scene still has such a strong emotional impact on the viewers, years after the end of the series. The acting, the dialogue... perfect

[@catguy00]

I would say this scene is more impactful after the series ended. And after watching House of the Dragon

[@Amdo1980]

when jon said to aemon "I maybe a bastard, but he is my father and Rob is my brother" Aemon laugh was priceless lol

[@amgaaac8480]

amdo ak He knows about Jon's heritage

[@bighands69]

@@amgaaac8480 He knew nothing about Jons background. Only Ned knew. No he was laughing at Jon who thought he was the only one to have been subject to such sorrow.

[@dwally4198]

@@bighands69 that's not 100% true. We do not know for sure that he didn't know. But we do know that him and rhaegar kept in contact and regularly sent ravens back a forth, so it is quite possible that aemon knew rhaegar had married lyanna and produced a child. Maester aemon being a wise, smart man could have put 2+2 together and knew who Jon was

[@KingSten23]

amdo ak I think this is the shows foreshadowing!

[@Ryder214_1]

@amdo ak and @bighands69 Two of the most underrated comments

[@TheDeviantLord]

I can only imagine the emotions that must have been going through Aemon's mind when he heard the news, his entire family slaughtered and scattered his father's throne usurped. And he, the lone dragon in the north, old and forgotten, unable to do anything to help. I truly wish though that Aemon and Dany could have met one another. I can imagine Dany acting the same way Jon did, asking 'Who are you?" And Aemon giving the same answer he gave, all the while Dany moving closer and closer to him when Aemon finally says his name proudly, at which Dany, in tears would embrace her Great-Uncle.

[@madzmidz]

Ahh.. Stop it, stop it. Your making me cry..

[@srintertainment669]

+TheDeviantLord COUGH Jon Targaryen COUGH...only if they knew

[@bunnyontherocks]

+Madz Midz You took my words. I just imagined the whole scene in my mind. ;n;

[@ranjitsardar9920]

+TheDeviantLord and then they kiss and have cave sex

[@SolidShepard]

+Sri Jay jon stark, who happens to have some targerryean blood.

[@Kwendtster]

I like this scene. Aemon has lost so much more than Jon could ever know and simply laughs and schools him.

[@jackholander721]

Yeah, though unfortunately for Jon I guess they're on the same level now.

[@Kwendtster]

Well as far as Jon knows...

[@galeno07]

Now that is wisdom...

[@Porterhaus94]

You shall yet learn everything, Jon Targaryen.

[@Kwendtster]

TheShocel What does that mean?

[@firestream93]

One of the saddest parts of GoT is when Aenon is dying and he says: "Egg. I dreamt I was old."

[@TheScylla666]

I cried like a baby on that one

[@NinjaLegacy805]

I JUST read that part like an hour ago, book 4.

[@nuskiiwilliams4605]

Yess ..I imagine, even dragons get lonely ‼️💯🗣️

[@zahhak5571]

For those who don't know "Egg" is his younger brother, King Aegon V

[@livesofflowers376]

@@zahhak5571and part of the story of dunk and egg, something we will get to watch “ knight of the seven kingdoms”

[@Lauranna]

R.I.P Peter Vaughan. An incredible actor who shared his talent with us to the end. Thank you.

[@deangelowhite31]

Did he died in real life

[@unoriginalhazard]

@@deangelowhite31 he died in 2016.

[@deangelowhite31]

@@unoriginalhazard Damm I ain't no

[@Guy-lo3th]

@@deangelowhite31 you gotta be trolling with this grammar 😮‍💨🫤

[@deangelowhite31]

@@Guy-lo3th no I'm not trolling I really thought he was Damon from House of dragon but that's not

[@Yfigueroa18]

This was foreshadowing for John's fate, a character bound by duty.

[@mesho8575]

Yes, but with level 1 writing ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°).

[@Da_Homie12]

Mesho and you’re a genius? Lol

[@Fatahilmazelan]

@@Da_Homie12 to be honest he is actually praising the writing of earlier seasons of got, and saying that season 8 writing is lacking in comparison

[@RESIST_DIGITAL_ID_UK]

@@Da_Homie12 A baboon could’ve probably wrote a better script for season 8 than D&D

[@roshi98]

@@Da_Homie12 Right? All these moaners going on about "plot armor" and "bad writing" can barely put a sentence together much less dream of building an epic (in the classical sense) series like GoT.

[@Scarecrow545]

This is one of those scenes that becomes so much better on a rewatch, once you're familiar with the series and its history. Only then do you understand the gravity of what's being revealed.

[@quilliamattari2772]

+Scarecrow545 Do you mind telling me as I didn't get this scene and what was being said (apart from his family's history)

[@jpgr69]

+Quilliam Attari Aemon has revealed to Jon he is one of the last living Targaereans (sp)- in fact, he could have been king- and that he faced the same situation that Jon now finds himself in- the struggle between his vows as a brother of the Night's Watch, and his love for his family and desire for revenge.

[@quilliamattari2772]

jpgr69 Thank you so much man :)

[@PMS16]

+Quilliam Attari Yup, Aemon Targaryen refused the Throne to the next claimant, his young brother, Aegon V. Also known has Egg (that's what he calls him in the scene) , from GRRM's "Tales of Dunk and Egg". Which is the Mad King's grandfather. so if R+L=J is true, then Jon just met his great-great-great-uncle. (yeeeeah, he's old as fuck. xD)

[@PMS16]

+Pedro Albano They cut one generation in the show cause the "triple great" would confuse the shit out of people. xDD

[@nealarango1691]

Man, the look in John’s eyes when the realization hits him. What an amazing overlooked scene!

[@CitrineandHoney]

Aemon would've made a great advisor for Daenerys

[@omicronpi8]

jon snow is rhaegar targaryan's son

[@joaquinjoaquin3992]

Jon tells Dany the exact same thing: "The children! Little children!"

[@SerGolden]

It comes full circle :)

[@miinacho9196]

That's why it was obvious what Jon was gonna do. This was already the time when he had chose between the two, duty or love. If he had chosen love from the start, he would have dies already with Ygritte. That's why, it was obvious in S8, he's def gonna kill Dany one way or another

[@fildariusv7045]

@@miinacho9196 Yet it was all rushed. Jon has KILLED A LITERAL CHILDREN (True the kid stabbed him to death but kind off hypocritic from his part). Daenerys in previous seasons was ruthless but never against those clearly innocent. Yes she executed 200 SLAVE MASTERS, and look at that! She did learn to restrain herself for next time! But no, Season 8 was all rushed instead of exploring more that darker side. Up until that point all characters are morally gray, literally. Tyrion using wildfire in Blackwater saves the city but kills thousands of men who did not really wanted to be in a war. Jon executed a children. Jaime sacrifaced his honor and memory to save hundreds of thousands and adopted the face that all saw in him, the cruel kingslayer. Even Varys, who has done horrible things, was all part of his master plan and for the greater good of the realm (Again, all throwed away in the last 2 seasons). Yes, there is a little bit of foreshadow here and there... But I interpret this scene as that but not just "Duty for the Watch" No. Stannis is a good example. He did not want the throne, but he knew that by laws of sucession, he was the rightful ruler, and so was Jon! Both for the North and the South! The end could have perfectly been "As Daenerys and Jon were both Targaryens but did not want to marry each other, they decided to rule the 7 Kingdoms together as joint rulers, with Jon ruling the North and the Riverlands as his brother would have wanted, and Daenerys got to sit on the Iron Throne, a queen with an iron hand but also a more delicate cotton hand".

[@nicholasbrown668]

@@fildariusv7045 how is he a hypocrite for killing a teenager who stabbed him in the chest? And lmao saying Stannis didn't want the throne is childish, he fucking lusted for the Iron Throne, he wanted it because he felt slighted by his brother and everyone else, he used the "blood right" as an excuse to expand his own ego

[@fildariusv7045]

@@nicholasbrown668 In the sense that his character killed a kid and was going out of his way breaking ancient vows for personal revenge against Ramsay. And Stannis wanted the Throne just because it was his duty, it was the Law, in the end he wants it more than ever because he knows he has to save the Realm from The Others and in order to do that is get the Throne. Come on, the actor was good and all but any interview about his character is pretty biased, he did not like GoT or the books at all, he was in it for the money

[@beamprojectcic]

One of the most underrated scenes in the whole show, especially for those who've read the books. I wish the writing was still as powerful and multi-layered in season 8 as it was back then.

[@julianarose9872]

Siobhan Speaks this still gives me chills , the writing , Peter Vaughn 💔

[@beamprojectcic]

@@julianarose9872 Me too. The way his face changes when he says 'the children, even the little children!' Simply fantastic acting

[@josephgrizzly9634]

Children! Little Children Burnt!

[@Sizifus]

I still haven't reached that dialogue in the books, I fear it might not be there as there was no dialogue between Robert and Cersei about Dothraki either🤔

[@Sizifus]

Just read that part. It is one of my favorite parts from the show. Superb acting

[@evman1094]

Rip Peter Vaughan. His portrayal of Aemon was unbelievable. You can hear in Aemon voice that he loved his nephew(Grand-nephew in the books, show removed Jaehaerys II). He was blood after all, regardless of his madness. I would have loved to see him interact with Daenerys as her last living relative. Her Great Uncle(GG Uncle in the books) was raised to be a king, after all.

[@sebastiandiego5905]

Maester Aemon’s vows were tested multiple times in his life. He could’ve put away his chain and maester robes and don a crown instead when he was young but decided to do his duty. Left for the Nights Watch where his vows were tested again when he found out about his brother’s death and of most of the royal family after the Tragedy at Summerhall. Later on when he was an old man, he finds out about Robert’s Rebellion and the murder of his family by the Lannisters. He claims how he had similar thoughts that Jon is feeling at that moment, even when he was an old man. He remained dutiful until the end.

[@daniellelawman9724]

Fuck that! I wouldn't have remained dutiful. I'd have gone back and burned them all.

[@dingliedangliedoodle9261]

Who let the blind man wield the cleaver to feed the crows -_- I don't think this Night's Watch organization is pretty professional.

[@DapaChrons]

+Dinglie Danglie Doodle I mean they make their most skilled fighters dig trenches and clear out pig shit, while sending their most useless undisciplined men into the fighting...I would wholeheartedly agree ^^

[@SamogitianLithuanian]

I’m a chef and believe me I can chop anything without looking, 15 years of experience helps

[@Xelpherpolis]

If Jon Snow's origins are as fans theorize, then the impact and portents of this scene is retroactively increased exponentially.

[@iGavinProductions]

Nice vocabulary there. Pity it doesn't really make any sense.

[@Xelpherpolis]

The scene kicks ass if you assume Jon is a Targ.

[@Xelpherpolis]

崔晗 The children of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell also had dark hair. The platinum blonde hair and purple eyes are likely recessive genetic traits that the Targaryen's propagate through incest. Unless both parents have the gene it's not gonna happen. Not sure what his destiny with the Wall and Winterfell have to do with his bloodline.

[@jasonlong5386]

Xelpherpolis its not assuming lol he is the product of Aegon Targaryen and Eddard Stark's sister Lyanna.Thats why Ned took Jon away because he knew he would be targeted if anyone ever found out about him. also Jon is at the Wall because of his choices he has made, it just so happened that Ameon was there

[@MrEddfoley]

Xelpherpolis Not necessarily. Brynden Rivers was a bastard born Targaryen and looked more Targaryen than other pure bloods

[@SapphireSolstice67]

0:10 “you wanted to SEE me” he said to the blind man

[@PattonPaul-er3id]

Buddy not see as in 'see' with the eye but meet or talk to....😅

[@Sameshitdifferentdog]

Evil cunt for that

[@bernardbugeja9125]

S01 E09 "Love is the death of duty" . S08 E06 "Duty is the death of love"

[@taylorbeckett9686]

One could still argue it was about love when he did it.

[@disruptivebunny6760]

Ehh, I see it as jon being that 1 in 10,000 aemon talked about.

[@MrItalian281]

I don't think Jon really loved Daenerys. I think Jon "loved" her in a certain way, because she did and lost so much for him, but it's not the love who kills the duty

[@ЯворГанев-е1в]

Death is the love of duty and death is the duty of love

[@BlackDiamond2718]

MrItalian281 i disagree. He did love her and he held on to it until he became aegon. I think that targaryan incest thing was the reason he distanced himself. As much as I would disagree with them being together in terms of that, I think he shouldnt have let that stop him from loving her.

[@perdybirdie]

I want an entire spin off for the events preceding game of thrones. I think we all do.

[@ocky88]

agreed!

[@aidanmaclean3758]

George RR Martin said he was working on a prequel book with the first men, etc.

[@FactoryDan]

***** It would be cool if they go even before that and show more of the history of the First Men and the Children of the Forest.

[@perdybirdie]

I want the creators of game of thrones to make this show as well.

[@icedoutelite]

Gumby blue HBO is already looking into that :-)

[@Damar158]

"Even the little children!" If Aemon was thirty years younger and could see, he would have started some serious vengeance down south.

[@MrJSpaeth]

If Aemon was 30 years younger he would be about 70 years old, according to the books, lol. EDIT: All of my thoughtful political/religious/social comments combined have not gotten as many likes as one random semi-snarky comment :-p

[@ScotishChristian]

For some reason I picture him carrying a two-handed sword or a staff and yelling "Fire and Blood!" at the top of his lungs as he kills Robert and Jaime by himself. Just my opinion. Though it may be better if he was say 40 years instead of 30. Though I do find it debatable on if he will be able to kill the entire Kingsguard as well but that is simply because I don't know if he will be able to kill Barristan.

[@cradiIy]

Considering he took his vows as a maester seriously, I don't think he would do that. AS a sworn member of the watch he let go of all selfish desires. Only desire he had was wanting to teach dany of dragons

[@SgtSplatter782]

***** Aemon is a Targaryen and the blood of his kin screams for vengeance. A vengeance he will never be able to mete out or live to see handed down.

[@troilusmaximus7547]

***** I actually really like this comment

[@rerichjs5940]

Man Aemon had him here. Knew exactly how Jon felt. The lesson he’d learned about duty is as hard as man will learn in life.

[@bromixsr]

This was one of those moments that made you put down the book for a moment to try and let it sink all in. I think the show, and Peter Vaughan, did a good job with the scene, and Aemon as a whole.

[@Misterzen87]

"You do NOT know!" And you do, Jon? i heard otherwise :p

[@gustavogoncalves1102]

he knows nothing

[@KingCarrot500]

+Gustavo Goncalves Jeez, thanks. No one realised that that was the joke...

[@Misterzen87]

KingCarrot500 You are welcome

[@KingCarrot500]

Misterzen87 Not you, Gustavo here. You I found entertaining:)

[@Cybraxas]

he knows nothing. it is known.

[@francesca97777777]

Why is nobody talking about the fact that Aemon said “and the children... even the little children” and Jon said something very similiar to dany in the finale? I thought it was really cool, and when he quoted the “love is the death of duty”..

[@uchihahikaku1630]

It was cool but there was no conviction behind his words. They sounded empty and meaningless. When you listen to Aemon you're like "ohhhh yeah that makes sense" when Jon said it it's like "What?I don't get it"

[@makib7184]

I am here because of that. When he screamed at her "children, little children burnt" i had tears in my eyes and immediately thought of this scene.

[@thashwinkumarsaravanan6396]

Duty and Love are interchangeable

[@lucasstrunc7669]

The bloodline is kind of confusing because Egg’s son was Jaehaerys II, not the mad king. Unless they changed it for the show

[@michaelhuston4439]

"Little children, burned!" Dude yes. My favorite piece of writing from the finale. This was perfection. A Targaryean telling another Targaryean what a former Targaryean said

[@mazack00]

Kit Harrington's acting is fantastic in this scene. The look of being totally stunned... seeing the knowledge and realizations sinking in real deep and it shows on his face. Awesome to watch!

[@mulemule]

"Kit Harrington's *beauty* is fantastic in this scene." (ftfy)

[@setasan]

Such a powerful scene and both had no idea how bounded they were.

[@jace5449]

I have a feeling that Aemon knew that Jon was a Targaryen. In fact there is no doubt in my mind. Aemon is a deeply wise and a clever man who sees what others cannot, and his Dragoblood would surely stir in the presence of another man with the same Dragonblood. His bond with Jon was special and not accidental. The blood of the Dragon knows it's kin. He would surely know that the Kingsguard at the Tower of Joy were there for a reason, surely know that Rhaegar would not kidnap Lyanna Stark, let alone rape and imprison her, and knew knew well of the honor of Eddard Stark and that he would not father a bastard, and recognize that there was a reason that Ned Stark raised and treated Jon as his own trueborn son and taught the child the ways of honor, leadership, as he would treat the trueborne heir to the throne and child of his beloved sister. Aemon would certainly be able to do the math, and his dragonblood would ensure it. When a Dragon as sharp as Aemon meets another Dragon, he knows. Like a sixth sense between a bloodline that clearly has special "powers" of some sort. I stand by it. Aemon just knew he could not reveal it, and the potentially dire implications of doing so. But Aemon and Jon built a special bond for a reason.. their dragonblood drew them together and Aemon knew it because he could feel it. He was a sharp and wise man who thought deeply, felt deeply, and had the blood of the Dragon in him. When he said he "was alone" to me that clearly indicates that he knew he was no longer alone with Jon Snow, Aegon of the House Targaryen, by his side at the Nights Watch and why Lord Stark allowed Jon to join. He gave him sage advice and built a deep connection for a reason, he was sharing his wisdom with his only family and the only person that would ever understand him when the day came to prepare him for it. He revealed that he was Aemon Targaryen to Jon because he knew that one day the day would come that Jon Snow would learn of his lineage and birthright and would be in his same difficult position and nedded the knowledge of one who experienced it himself. That conversation was full of subtext and flawlessly executed and acted. There is no doubt he knew, and I'm happy he knew that he was no longer alone after all those years and had the opportunity of teaching an honorable man of his blood and had him by his side, and to empathize and confide in Jon the hard lessons that he learned to prepare Jon for the same lessons he knew would inevitably come to face. One of the best characters in the entire series. Season 1 was masterful, and it's beyond unfortunate and physically painful for me to have experienced what the show divulged into in later seasons. So much potential thrown out the window by hack writers looking to entertain the lowest hanging fruit of audience members with empty and superficial bullshit instead of respecting the people who contributed to the shows rise to extreme popularity by completely turning away from the magic that the show was built on. If only GRRM would've said "get the fuck out and let me handle this" and then *actually* handled it in time. But who am I kidding.

[@JG_SmileSOBright]

​@@jace5449magnificent post! 🌟

[@TheShick95]

After watching the finale this scene makes a lot more sense, he chose duty over love, at the end he was the shield that guarded the realms of men, never wanted to be king nor he needed to be

[@starwish2463]

A powerful moment in GOT, because a different decision by Aemon might have changed their world.

[@VolkXue]

+StarWish246 I think it had far more power for us book readers than in the show.

[@feltthetapedits3332]

wow you read the books you so special

[@davidking6242]

+The Notorious it's more significant in the books. just read them so you understand

[@davidking6242]

aemon could have been king of westeros right now...

[@VolkXue]

The Notorious You know who Aemon actually is in the books so.. Yeah.. Not that reading some kinda insult lol

[@EyebrowsGaming]

2:28 I adore the change in Peter Vaughan's face and voice as he remembers the massacre that befell his family. The low growl of his voice, the rage in his eyes. Even blind and toothless, a dragon still rumbled in Maester Aemon, and Jon saw a little of the burning rage of a dragon right here. We shall never see his like again. Rest in peace, Peter Vaughan. 4 April 1923 - 6 December 2016.

[@kanegarvey3188]

When he says “even the little children!” I get chills every time.

[@neilholmes8200]

I know right, such an amazing actor

[@anatoldenevers237]

@@neilholmes8200 Most underrated actor on the show

[@10ReasonsWhy]

I love Jon's development, if Stannis were to give him the offer in Season 1/2, I have no doubt that he would have gladly taken it. Seeing him grow up so much by Season 5 and becoming more like Eddard than Robb did made him one of my favourites.

[@DrJReefer]

+4SidedStar I think Aemon would have broken his vows had he not been old and blind when the test came.

[@undarkwin]

+Dr J Reefer he was a man of honor, he would never do that

[@DrJReefer]

+Darwin Hernández and he still wants to kill every one of them.

[@SharmaForLlama]

+4SidedStar Yeah, even though he is Eddards nephew he still resembles him more than Robb.

[@ManoVeneza]

+Dr J Reefer nope because in the books he said that his honor was tested 3 times since he joined the night's watch, one when he was still young, one when he was a full grown adult, and one when he was a helpless blind old man. He had plenty of opportunities to break his vowes, but he didnt

[@vincenzomigliore9749]

Jon says "he is my father and Robb is my brother" and Aemon laughs at him like he's a fool

[@Chocolatino10]

damn, so true. Aemon knew all along. you think he didn't keep in constant contact with Raeghar before he died at the Battle of the trident?

[@DeadandPaid1996]

+Chocolatino10 if that theory is true there is no way he would know anyway

[@heyheyheyheyheyhey76]

+Vincenzo Migliore Haha I think Aemon was snickering to himself when Jon was blabbing how Ned is his "father." He knows that's a load of codswallop. More people must know that Jon is Rhaegar's son than we know.

[@UniverseStrongestWarrior]

+Vincenzo Migliore so what Ned still raised him and was basically a father to jon and robb was still like a brother. Hard to raise a son when your a corspe.

[@Hejon25]

+Vincenzo Migliore Most unlikely that's the case for the scene. How would the show writers at this point know that the theory is true unless the G.R.R Martin told them? Has the show writers in that case reaveled it to the actor in his script? It's very unlikely that that's the reason he smiled, he smiled because Jon Snow said that Aemon did not understand his circumanstances.

[@willbeard4835]

"What is duty against the feeling of a newborn son in your arms?" Whoever wrote that had flames coming out of their pencils

[@perseuswong6864]

2:01 The way Aemon is laughing at Snow's declaration that Ned Stark is his father. R + L = J

[@jstone98]

+Perseus Wong I would *never* have noticed that. Lovely touch! Thanks for pointing it out.

[@ManoVeneza]

how the hell would Aemon know Jon's true parentage?

[@ManoVeneza]

+Elvin Khudiyev I know, I just wanted to see where that guy got this idea from

[@jaykitch8485]

+Elvin Khudiyev Rhaegar wrote to Aemon allot. So he would know about Jon.

[@robervalhaha]

Nope... Jon says that no one knows what he's feeling... Aemon laughs at him because he knows exactly what is like to know that the people you care about are getting slaughtered and you can't even try to help them... In other words... Do you really think you are the only one that faced hard choices? you really know nothing Jon Snow...

[@King_Mac80]

"Who are you?" "I'm your great uncle you fool!"

[@Akatosh86]

they understand each other. they must be relatives ;)

[@TheMagicRat933]

What you did there. I see it.

[@MedZerrak]

R+L=J reference

[@TheMagicRat933]

***** R+L=J is a very widely believed, very likely true, very spoilery, but not yet confirmed theory among readers of the ASoIaF series. Are sure you want to know, or would rather figure it out for yourself? You want to know? Alright. Jon Snow is not Ned Stark's son. Rather he is the son of Ned's sister Lyanna and the late Targaryen Crown Prince Rhaegar. Hence !R!haegar + !L!yanna = !J!on. This obviously has some pretty serious implications, but one of the less serious ones is that Aemon is actually Jon's great-granduncle (or great-great-granduncle in the bookverse)

[@Akatosh86]

and Howland Reed is the only person alive in Westeros who can either confirm or deny that, unless he has told all of that to his kids (unlikely) or someone finds out about that magically (likely, but personally I would like to see Howland Reed and his version)

[@MedZerrak]

me too ,

[@AlexanderYamada]

Love that brief, singular moment when his calm, dignified composure falters at mentioning the murdered children. Powerful.

[@M4levolence]

One of the most aweomse scenes i've seen from season 1 to 5 ... >3 love Aemon

[@eshw23]

yup, watching the scene gain after all the season's makes this make so much more sense, amazing

[@sonofcy]

+M4levolence Peter Vaughan is a classical actor of the old school. Out of all the British actors in GoT, he's the most experienced. In my opinion - having heard him play the role of Denethor - they could not have made a better choice for this part. The casting for this show has been excellent.

[@Gerbs1913]

Spoilers: Aemon is essentially the only character in the show that dies of natural causes.

[@levongevorgyan6789]

Ain't that the sad truth.

[@hlary8320]

The Chairman at the age of 102 in medieval times now aint that inpressive

[@Gerbs1913]

Jude Maxwell Hell yeah it is lol. Especially considering the realm he's in.

[@MrKisameHoshigaki]

The Chairman Not quite. Hoster Tully died from old age too, so natural causes, no foul play. He was not as old as Aemon though.

[@Gerbs1913]

MrKisameHoshigaki I mean he's one of the few to survive for so long that was also a big part of the show.

[@HelyneMay]

This is one of my favorite scenes from GoT. I loved the scenes with Aemon in the books, and never imagined the TV character could embody him better than my imagination. Casting has been masterful for GoT many times, and none so much as when they cast Peter Vaughn as Aemon Targaryen. My condolences to his family. We shall not see his like again.

[@anamaliablack9348]

This scene even after so many years breaks my heart . Master Amon died not knowing that Rhaegar’s son was in front of him … the true heir of the Iron Throne ..

[@elisahiichan3147]

You can't say he was the true heir. The Baratheon has disposed the Targaryen dynasty so stannis is the true king and Shireen is the heir. In order for the Targaryen to take the throne back, they need to fight and kill each Baratheon including Gendry to dispose the Baratheon's dynasty

[@splaar]

@@elisahiichan3147 Robert was chosen explicitly because he had closer familial ties to the Targaryens than any other high lord in the seven kingdoms, as Aegon V's great grandson. The Targaryens still very much had a rightful claim to the throne, at least according to the maesters who chose Robert to be king

[@saatvikkalra6061]

@@splaar well yeah but that shit was just formality Robert took the throne through right of conquest just as aegon the Conqueror did

[@3nnik]

@@splaar the baratherons are a bastard house of the targaryens right?

[@splaar]

@@3nnik Yes, but that's not what they were going by when Robert was chosen to succeed Aerys II. They were going by his much more recent lineage, as his grandmother was the daughter of Aegon V, and aunt by blood to the Mad King. If they had to go back to the conquest to prove Robert's legitimacy, first, it wouldn't because like you said, Baratheon was originally a bastard line and second, some other family would be able to claim legitimacy from some marriage that was more recent than the conquest.

[@ATC43]

OMG probably the heaviest foreshadowing i've seen in a show this long. We had no idea Aemon was speaking in riddles about what Ned discovered at The Tower of Joy. I thought he was talking about his decision to leave Winterfell and go to King's Landing. But its all just a big play on Jon's origins. Amazing, amazing work. Right under our noses from the first season.

[@boredlawyer3382]

Yes, I just realized that when I watched this scene again today. The irony is so thick here -- he is talking about Eddard and his great-nephew's son.

[@nykia31]

I go back and watch season 1..and just SMH at every scene where Ned has this triggered look on his face, every time Robert talks about Leanna and killing Targaryen's. It was always there. Terrific story telling.

[@danielsilecchia1894]

How could aemon have known about Lyanna having Jon though

[@alenaregi9085]

@@danielsilecchia1894 because Maesters know everything Sam and Gilly were able to figure out that Rhaegar anulled his marriage which was done by another maester who kept record of it I'm most certain he knew.

[@thehumanrunner]

I love the look on Aemons face at 2:30 when he talks about the children, so much emotional anger.

[@TheThundercow]

What really breaks my heart in this scene is Aemon's regret. He wished he had ridden when the Targaryens were overthrown but by then it was already too late. He wasn't scolding Jon into keeping his honour, he was making sure Jon understood the stakes so he could make his own decision. Would he choose his honour and live the rest of his life in regret? Or would he choose his family and forever be an oathbreaker?

[@paulbodisco2929]

This is, I think, the most beautiful scene in the series - and magnificently acted and written. The first time I saw it, I cried. I’m a pretty hard man, and well read - but this is extraordinary.