Game of Thrones: Season 0, Episode 36 - Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms (2017)

The animated special "Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms" begins with a narration that sets the stage for the history of Westeros, focusing on the Targaryen family and their conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. The story opens with the backdrop of the ancient history of Westeros, where the realm is divided into several kingdoms, each ruled by its own king. The narrative introduces the Targaryens, a family of dragonlords from the island of Dragonstone, who are the last remnants of the Valyrian Freehold.

The tale shifts to Aegon I Targaryen, known as Aegon the Conqueror, who, along with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, sets out to unite the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon, riding his dragon Balerion the Black Dread, launches a campaign against the kingdoms of Westeros. The first major battle occurs at the Field of Fire, where Aegon's dragons unleash devastation upon the combined forces of the Reach and the Stormlands. The sheer terror of the dragons leads to a swift victory for Aegon, solidifying his reputation as a formidable conqueror.

Following the Field of Fire, Aegon continues his campaign by turning his attention to the Kingdom of Dorne. The narrative details the challenges he faces, including the fierce resistance from the Dornish lords. Aegon's forces are met with guerrilla tactics, and the campaign in Dorne proves to be prolonged and difficult. However, Aegon's determination leads him to eventually secure a peace treaty with Dorne, allowing for the Targaryens to rule over the region without further bloodshed.

The story then transitions to the establishment of the Iron Throne, crafted from the swords of Aegon's defeated enemies. This moment symbolizes Aegon's unification of the Seven Kingdoms under one rule. The Iron Throne becomes a powerful symbol of Targaryen authority, and Aegon is crowned as the first king of the newly unified realm. The narrative emphasizes the significance of this moment, showcasing Aegon's ambition and the weight of his newfound power.

As the history unfolds, the focus shifts to the Targaryen lineage, particularly the reign of Aegon's descendants. The special highlights key figures such as Aenys I, who struggles to maintain control over the realm amidst challenges from rival houses. Aenys' reign is marked by internal strife and the growing discontent among the nobility, leading to a series of conflicts that threaten the stability of the Targaryen rule.

The narrative then introduces Maegor the Cruel, Aenys' half-brother, who seizes the throne after Aenys' death. Maegor's reign is characterized by brutality and fear, as he employs ruthless tactics to eliminate his enemies and consolidate power. The special depicts his violent confrontations with the Faith Militant and the resulting civil unrest, which culminates in the infamous "Dance of the Dragons," a civil war between rival factions of the Targaryen family.

The Dance of the Dragons is portrayed as a catastrophic conflict that leads to the deaths of many dragons and Targaryens alike. The special details the key battles and betrayals that occur during this tumultuous period, showcasing the internal divisions within House Targaryen. The emotional toll of the war is palpable, as family members turn against one another, driven by ambition and the desire for power.

As the war concludes, the narrative shifts to the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons, highlighting the decline of the Targaryen dynasty. The special illustrates how the once-mighty family is left weakened and vulnerable, setting the stage for future conflicts and the eventual downfall of their rule. The final scenes reflect on the legacy of the Targaryens, their dragons, and the impact of their reign on the history of Westeros, leaving viewers with a sense of the cyclical nature of power and conflict in the realm.

In the ending of "Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms," the narrative culminates in the aftermath of Aegon the Conqueror's successful unification of the Seven Kingdoms under his rule. The episode concludes with the establishment of the Iron Throne and the legacy of House Targaryen, highlighting the tensions and conflicts that arise from this newfound power.

As the story unfolds, we begin with Aegon Targaryen, a determined and ambitious young man, who, alongside his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, sets out to conquer Westeros. The trio rides their dragons, Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes, instilling fear and awe in the hearts of their enemies. Aegon's motivations are clear; he seeks to unite the fractured kingdoms and bring peace, but his methods are ruthless.

The first significant scene depicts Aegon's conquest of the Stormlands, where he faces King Argilac Durrandon. Aegon's forces, bolstered by the might of his dragons, overwhelm Argilac's army. The emotional weight of this battle is palpable as Aegon confronts Argilac, who fights valiantly but ultimately falls. Aegon's victory is bittersweet; he understands the cost of war and the bloodshed that accompanies his quest for unity.

Next, the narrative shifts to the Vale, where Aegon encounters the formidable House Arryn. The scene is tense, showcasing the political maneuvering and the strategic alliances that Aegon must navigate. The Arryns, initially resistant, are swayed by Aegon's vision of a united realm, leading to their eventual submission. This moment highlights Aegon's ability to blend force with diplomacy, revealing his complex character as both a conqueror and a leader.

As Aegon continues his campaign, the story delves into the conquest of the North, where he faces the stubborn resistance of House Stark. The emotional stakes rise as Aegon confronts the harsh realities of the North's unforgiving landscape and the fierce loyalty of the Starks. The battle is fierce, but Aegon's determination prevails, and he ultimately wins the allegiance of the North, albeit with a heavy heart, recognizing the sacrifices made.

The climax of the episode arrives with the establishment of the Iron Throne, a symbol of Aegon's hard-won victory. The throne, forged from the swords of his defeated enemies, represents both his triumph and the burden of leadership. Aegon's internal conflict is evident as he sits upon the throne, grappling with the weight of his decisions and the legacy he is creating.

In the final scenes, the narrative reflects on the future of the Targaryen dynasty. Aegon's vision of a united Westeros is both a promise and a warning, as the seeds of future conflicts are sown. The episode closes with a somber tone, emphasizing the cyclical nature of power and the inevitable strife that follows conquest.

The fates of the main characters are intertwined with the overarching themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the complexities of leadership. Aegon Targaryen emerges as a powerful ruler, but the emotional toll of his conquests leaves him haunted by the memories of those he has defeated. The legacy of House Targaryen is established, setting the stage for the conflicts that will arise in the future, as the Iron Throne becomes a coveted prize that will ignite further wars and betrayals in the Seven Kingdoms.

In "Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms," there is no post-credit scene. The special focuses on the rich history of Westeros, detailing the events leading up to the Targaryen conquest and the subsequent rebellions that shaped the realm. The narrative is presented through a series of animated sequences that illustrate key moments and characters, but it concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits. The emphasis remains on the historical storytelling rather than setting up future events or cliffhangers typical of post-credit scenes in other formats.

Aegon Targaryen, along with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, decided to invade Westeros after witnessing the constant conflicts among the Seven Kingdoms. The ambition to unite the realm under one rule, coupled with the desire to establish a legacy for the Targaryen family, fueled Aegon's determination. His dragons, Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes, provided him with the military advantage needed to conquer the divided kingdoms.

The Targaryens established their rule through a series of strategic battles and alliances. Aegon the Conqueror first defeated the Kingdom of the Stormlands, followed by the Kingdom of the Reach, and then the North. His use of dragons instilled fear and awe, leading many lords to bend the knee. The unification was solidified with the creation of the Iron Throne, symbolizing the Targaryen dominance over the realm.

House Stark, led by King Torrhen Stark, initially resisted Aegon's invasion. However, after witnessing the devastation wrought by Aegon's dragons and the futility of further resistance, Torrhen chose to surrender, earning the title 'King Who Knelt.' This decision was motivated by a desire to protect his people from destruction and to preserve the Stark legacy, ultimately leading to a long-standing alliance with the Targaryens.

Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, represents the decline of the Targaryen dynasty. His erratic behavior, paranoia, and cruelty alienated his allies and subjects, culminating in the rebellion led by Robert Baratheon. Aerys's reign is marked by the infamous 'Burn them all' command, which led to the execution of many, including members of House Stark, and ultimately resulted in his overthrow and the end of Targaryen rule in Westeros.

The War of the Five Kings significantly destabilized the Seven Kingdoms, as multiple claimants to the Iron Throne emerged, each backed by different houses. This civil war led to widespread chaos, destruction, and loss of life, fracturing alliances and igniting old rivalries. The power vacuum created by the conflict allowed for the rise of new factions and the eventual return of the Targaryens, showcasing the fragility of power in Westeros.

"Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms" contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

1. Violence and Warfare: The episode depicts battles and conflicts, showcasing the brutality of war, including animated scenes of combat and the consequences of violence.

2. Death and Destruction: There are representations of death, including the loss of characters and the impact of war on families and communities, which may be distressing.

3. Themes of Betrayal and Power Struggles: The narrative explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the ruthless pursuit of power, which may be complex and unsettling for younger audiences.

4. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience significant emotional distress, including grief, anger, and despair, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong feelings.

5. Political Intrigue: The intricate political maneuvering and the darker aspects of human nature may be difficult for younger viewers to fully comprehend.

These elements contribute to a mature tone that may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly children.