Which Son Did Blood and Cheese Kill?
The hitmen Blood and Cheese were contracted to kill one of Aegon II Targaryen’s sons as retribution for the death of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son, Lucerys Velaryon. In the end, they murdered Jaehaerys Targaryen, the eldest son and heir to the Iron Throne.
A Feast of Vengeance: The Context of Blood and Cheese
The events known as Blood and Cheese are one of the most brutal and shocking moments in the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war chronicled in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. The catalyst for this horrific act was the death of Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son, who was ambushed and killed by Aemond Targaryen riding Vhagar. Rhaenyra, enraged and grief-stricken, sought revenge.
The Contract: An Eye for an Eye
Rhaenyra tasked Daemon Targaryen, her husband and uncle, with finding a way to retaliate against Aegon II Targaryen for the murder of her son. Daemon, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, hatched a plan that would send shockwaves throughout King’s Landing. He contacted Mysaria, a former lover and spymaster, who identified two individuals willing to carry out the gruesome deed: Blood, a former Gold Cloak, and Cheese, a ratcatcher.
Breaking into the Red Keep
Blood and Cheese infiltrated the Red Keep with the aid of Mysaria’s contacts. Cheese, with his knowledge of the castle’s hidden passages, was instrumental in bypassing the usual security measures. They lay in wait in the chambers of Queen Helaena Targaryen, Aegon II’s wife and sister. The goal was simple: to kill one of her sons.
The Terrible Choice
When Helaena entered the room with her three children – Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor – Blood and Cheese revealed themselves. They forced Helaena to choose which of her sons would die. This was a deliberate act of cruelty, designed to inflict maximum emotional pain on Aegon II. The torment this choice caused Helaena is a recurring theme in later accounts of the Dance.
Jaehaerys’ Fate
In a desperate attempt to save all her children, Helaena initially offered herself. However, Blood and Cheese refused, insisting that she choose one of her sons. Overwhelmed with fear, she named Maelor, the youngest. However, Blood and Cheese disregarded her choice and instead murdered Jaehaerys, the heir to the Iron Throne. The act demonstrated their allegiance to Daemon and their commitment to inflicting maximum damage on Aegon’s line.
The Aftermath and its Consequences
The murder of Jaehaerys had profound consequences. It fueled the cycle of violence that characterized the Dance of the Dragons. Aegon II, already ruthless, became even more vengeful and cruel. The common people, already suffering from the war, were horrified by the brutality of the act. The death of the heir also created uncertainty about the succession, further destabilizing the realm.
The Impact on the Targaryen Dynasty
Blood and Cheese had a lasting impact on the Targaryen dynasty. It highlighted the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive nature of civil war. The event became a symbol of the horrors of the Dance of the Dragons, a reminder of the depths to which the Targaryens could sink in their pursuit of power.
The Narrative Significance
The story of Blood and Cheese serves as a cautionary tale within the broader narrative of Fire & Blood. It underscores the themes of revenge, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of war. It also provides a stark contrast to the ideals of chivalry and honor that were often professed by the characters in the story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Was the choice Helaena made actually honored?
No, the choice Helaena made to name her youngest son Maelor was not honored. Blood and Cheese deliberately murdered Jaehaerys, the eldest son and heir, to maximize the impact of their act and sow discord within the Targaryen family. This demonstrates their disregard for Helaena’s feelings and their commitment to inflicting the most pain possible on Aegon II.
Why did Daemon choose such a brutal method of revenge?
Daemon Targaryen was known for his ruthlessness and impulsivity. He believed in an “eye for an eye” and saw the murder of Lucerys as a personal affront. He likely chose this method to send a message to Aegon II: that his actions would have devastating consequences, and that no one, not even his children, were safe.
What happened to Blood and Cheese after the murder?
Blood and Cheese managed to escape the Red Keep initially. However, their freedom was short-lived. Blood was eventually captured and executed, while Cheese managed to disappear.
Did Aegon II retaliate for the death of his son?
Yes, Aegon II retaliated with extreme brutality. He ordered the execution of anyone suspected of involvement in the plot, including Mysaria, who was brutally tortured and killed. This act of revenge further escalated the violence of the Dance of the Dragons.
What was Helaena’s mental state after the death of Jaehaerys?
Helaena was deeply traumatized by the death of her son. She became withdrawn and mentally unstable, suffering from depression and paranoia. The trauma of the event significantly impacted her ability to function and contributed to the overall tragedy of the Dance.
Was Jaehaerys considered a strong candidate to become king?
Jaehaerys was the eldest son of Aegon II and thus the heir to the Iron Throne. As such, he was considered a strong candidate to become king. His death created a succession crisis, which further fueled the conflict of the Dance.
How did the common people react to Blood and Cheese?
The common people were horrified by the brutality of Blood and Cheese. The murder of a child shocked the populace and contributed to the growing unrest and discontent with the Targaryen rulers. This event turned public opinion even further against Aegon II.
Is there any historical basis for the story of Blood and Cheese?
George R.R. Martin draws inspiration from real historical events and figures. Some historians have drawn parallels between Blood and Cheese and other historical assassinations or acts of revenge. The overall setting of the Dance of the Dragons shares similarities with England’s The Anarchy, a period of civil war and succession crisis.
How does the story of Blood and Cheese relate to the themes of Fire & Blood?
The story highlights the themes of revenge, betrayal, and the destructive consequences of war. It also serves as a commentary on the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals. It is a crucial event that highlights the moral ambiguities of the Dance of the Dragons.
Did the murder of Jaehaerys ultimately benefit Rhaenyra’s cause?
While the act satisfied Rhaenyra’s desire for revenge in the short term, it ultimately damaged her cause in the long run. The brutality of the act alienated many potential supporters and reinforced the perception that the Targaryens were a cruel and ruthless dynasty.
Are Blood and Cheese the only lowborn assassins in the series?
No, there are other lowborn assassins featured in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. However, Blood and Cheese are particularly notable due to the shocking nature of their crime and the profound impact it had on the Targaryen dynasty.
What made the Red Keep so vulnerable to infiltration?
The Red Keep, despite its imposing appearance, had hidden passages and vulnerabilities that were exploited by Cheese, a ratcatcher with intimate knowledge of the castle’s underbelly. Additionally, Mysaria’s network of spies within the Red Keep provided critical intelligence and facilitated their entry. These factors contributed to the Red Keep’s surprising susceptibility to infiltration.