The new Game of Thrones prequel series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has been concealing a significant Easter egg that directly connects to the original show's beloved characters. While focusing on the adventures of Dunk and Egg, the series quietly references a young Aemon Targaryen, who would later become the wise Maester Aemon of Castle Black.
The Mysterious Third Son
During episode three of the prequel series, a crucial conversation between Ser Raymun Fossoway and Ser Dunk reveals details about the Targaryen family's younger generation. Raymun describes King Maekar's sons with dismissive commentary, stating: "Daeron's a sot. Aerion's just vain and cruel. The third's so useless, they were gonna ship him off to a citadel to make a maester of him."
This "third son" is none other than Aemon Targaryen, who would eventually become Maester Aemon in Game of Thrones. The reference occurs approximately 89 years before the events of the original series, showing Aemon as a young man being prepared for his future at the Citadel.
Aemon's Journey to the Night's Watch
According to the established lore from George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novels, Aemon Targaryen's path takes several dramatic turns. After joining the Order of Maesters and relinquishing his family name, he finds himself unexpectedly close to the Iron Throne following the deaths of his brothers Aerion and Daeron.
In a remarkable act of selflessness, Aemon refuses the crown, allowing his younger brother Aegon (Egg) to become king instead. To ensure his brother's reign remains unchallenged, Aemon voluntarily joins the Night's Watch, where he serves at Castle Black for decades. His Targaryen heritage eventually fades from common knowledge, remembered only by a select few.
Connection to Game of Thrones
Maester Aemon becomes a crucial character in the original Game of Thrones series, serving as mentor to Samwell Tarly and providing wisdom to Jon Snow. His advanced age—approximately 100 years old during the main series—makes him one of Westeros's oldest living inhabitants, yet his mind remains sharp and insightful.
The elderly maester shares a blood connection with several key characters, including being the great-uncle of Daenerys Targaryen and the great-great uncle of Jon Snow. His poignant final words in season five—"Egg, I dreamed I was old"—create a heartbreaking callback to his younger brother, whose nickname he originally bestowed.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Viewers have expressed deep appreciation for Aemon's character arc across both series. As one fan noted on social media: "Maester Aemon embodies wisdom, honour, and selflessness, true royalty without ever seeking power. Refusing the Iron Throne, he showed that being a leader isn't about titles, but about integrity and service."
While Aemon does not appear physically in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, his presence is felt through these subtle references and the knowledge of his eventual destiny. The prequel series thus enriches the understanding of his character, showing the early decisions that would define his remarkable life.
The Actor Behind the Maester
In Game of Thrones, Aemon Targaryen was portrayed by veteran English actor Peter Vaughan, best known for his role as Grouty in the classic sitcom Porridge. Vaughan brought gravitas and warmth to the character, creating one of the series's most memorable supporting roles.
Tragically, Vaughan's final performance before his death in December 2016 at age 93 was as Maester Aemon, leaving behind a powerful legacy in the fantasy series. His extensive career in British film, television, and stage productions culminated in this beloved character that continues to resonate with audiences.
The discovery of Aemon's reference in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms demonstrates the careful world-building connecting the Game of Thrones universe across different time periods. As the prequel continues to air on HBO and Sky Atlantic, viewers can appreciate these subtle connections that enrich both the new series and the original show's mythology.
