Why Did Vhagar Abandon Aemond in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3

‘House of the Dragon‘ Season 3 has presented fans with a captivating mystery that goes beyond mere battle tactics or shifting alliances. This enigma revolves around a dragon that appears to have deserted her own rider.

Aemond Targaryen has long been defined by his connection with Vhagar, but recent episodes have seen the two separated in an unexpected manner, prompting the internet to speculate on the reasons behind this separation.

The confusion began after Aemond seized Harrenhal on Vhagar, swiftly defeating the guards, including Simon Strong and his family, though this victory came at a significant cost—he was stabbed in his blind eye during the skirmish.

Shortly after, Aemond and Vhagar fled Harrenhal upon learning that Rhaenyra had taken King’s Landing, a fact confirmed by Alys Rivers. In episode four, Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower arrive at Harrenhal searching for Aemond, only to find the castle deserted.

They eventually locate Alys Rivers, who informs them that Aemond is long gone. However, many viewers are skeptical of her claims.

Most fan theories point to Alys as the reason behind the disappearance. The prevailing theory suggests that Alys is being deceptive, as the last time viewers saw Aemond, he was collapsing at her feet with a knife wound, indicating she may be hiding him within the castle while Vhagar remains on the Isle of Faces.

The mention of the Isle of Faces is significant, as an earlier scene established Alys’s connection with the Green Men residing there. This suggests she may have more control over the situation and Vhagar’s location than she is admitting.

The fallout from their disappearance is particularly felt in Tumbleton, where Ormund Hightower had based his entire strategy on Vhagar’s arrival. He reportedly marched fifteen thousand soldiers into the city to buy time for Aemond, knowing that Rhaenyra could not use dragonfire without endangering her own subjects. This plan quickly unravels once news spreads that the dragon is missing.

Adding to the strangeness is the fact that Aemond and Vhagar have been absent for two full episodes, and the journey from Harrenhal to King’s Landing should not take that long, implying Aemond must have taken a detour.

So, what explains Vhagar’s sudden disappearance during wartime? The most plausible explanation is that Alys somehow persuaded Aemond to command Vhagar to leave him temporarily, though he cannot recall giving such an order due to her manipulation.

It’s noteworthy that Alys never directly answers Aemond when he asks if he is her prisoner, a non-response that has fueled much online speculation regarding her true motives.

Fans are aware from Daemon’s interactions with Alys in Season 2 that she possesses the ability to manipulate even the most cunning Targaryen men. Whether she is genuinely a witch or simply adept at exploiting vulnerable men remains uncertain. It may even benefit her for superstitious characters to believe she is a witch, regardless of the truth.

Meanwhile, Vhagar has not been idle. Reports from episode five indicate that the dragon has been wreaking havoc and burning parts of the Riverlands while both Aemond and Rhaenyra’s forces struggle to find her.

The separation occurs at a critical juncture for Aemond as a character. The absence of Vhagar undermines his power base, forcing him to confront his identity without his dragon as a constant ally and navigate the war, his family, and his ambitions in a more exposed manner.

This vulnerability aligns with Ewan Mitchell’s description of the relationship between Aemond and Vhagar. Mitchell has confirmed that Aemond relies on Vhagar and appreciates having her as a backup, making her sudden absence all the more impactful.

It also reframes ‘House of the Dragon’ as more than just a conflict of armies for Aemond. His entire identity has been built around being the man who claimed the largest living dragon, and watching that advantage slip away, even temporarily, alters how threatening and fragile he appears as the season progresses.

Whether Vhagar’s disappearance is the result of Alys’ machinations, some instinctual behavior from the dragon, or other unseen factors at play in Harrenhal, this mystery has become one of the most discussed elements of the season. What do you think truly caused Vhagar to abandon Aemond at such a critical moment for House Targaryen?