Power
Power is one of the most important themes in the book. One of the central conflicts of the story is the many attempts made by characters to gain, consolidate, and keep power. Aegon pursues the conquest of Westeros in order to have dominion over the realm. Aenys struggles to wield power effectively and his indecisiveness leads to rebellion. Maegor uses his power as king irresponsibly, killing members of his own family to keep the throne and then murdering numerous other people when he feels threatened or challenged. Jaehaerys is a respected ruler because he acts judiciously, never abusing his power for personal gain or vengeance. The Dance of the Dragons begins because of Aegon II and Rhaenyra’s conflicting claims to the throne. In these narratives, power is portrayed as something many of the characters want but few can manage effectively.
War
Directly connected to power, the theme of war is also prominent in the book. The Targaryens portrayed in the book frequently choose war as a means of settling disputes. Following the death of Rhaenys, Aegon goes to war in the region of Dorne for ten years. It is a costly conflict that nearly costs Aegon and his sister Visenya their lives. Following great attrition on both sides, the war ends when Aegon makes peace with one of the members of the Martell family, after receiving a letter. The Dance of Dragons begins over Aegon II and Rhaenyra's conflict over the throne. It results in both of their deaths as well as massive bloodshed and destruction of much of the realm. Martin shows how war is often unpredictable and can result in victories that are so costly that their value is ultimately questionable. Rhaenyra technically "wins" the Dance of Dragons, but at the end of the war she, along with her husband Daemon and sons Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, are all dead.
Succession
Succession is another major theme in the book. In each of the stories told, the Targaryens aspire to create a family dynasty that will maintain a stable hold on the throne. However, this aim is constantly troubled by issues related to succession and betrayal. Maegor refuses to accept Aenys's son's claim to throne, taking it for himself and killing him in combat. Similarly, Aegon II chooses to take the throne for himself, even though his father Viserys named Rhaenyra as his heir. Almost all of the family's problems result from in-fighting and backstabbing, as individual members' lust for power leads each of them to seek out the throne for themselves.
Revenge
Revenge is another important part of the book. During the Dance of Dragons, Aemond seeks retribution for the loss of his eye. As a result, he ends up killing his nephew near Storm's End. In response, Daemon sends the mercenaries Blood and Cheese to kill one of Helaena's children. They do so, leaving her broken and inconsolable. Daemon then also travels to engage Aemond in battle. The two do so over God's Eye, a lake in the riverlands. Both Daemon and Aemond die as their dragons kill each other and crash down to the ground. This cycle of revenge reveals how these attempts to get payback for past wrongs tend only to end in escalation and further bloodshed.
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is another key theme in the book. Various rulers are forced to broker peace after long periods of conflict. Following the turbulent rule of Maegor, Jaehaerys established peace in the realm by acting as a thoughtful and diplomatic ruler. In the aftermath of the Dance of Dragons, Aegon III and Cregan Stark are tasked with the challenge of putting the realm back together after such a bitter and vicious civil war. The book shows the difficulties of cleaning up the mess left behind by war and bloodshed.
Mercy
Mercy is also an important theme in the book. During his conquest of Westeros, Aegon frequently displays mercy to his enemies, bearing no grudges if they are willing to bend the knee to him. He doesn't even fight Torrhen Stark because he swears fealty to Aegon, in the hopes of avoiding heavy casualties. In contrast, his son Maegor takes every insult personally and grows increasingly violent and paranoid over the course of his reign. He never exercises mercy or restraint, eventually leading to his downfall and mysterious demise. Martin shows how Aegon's mercy earns him the respect of his subjects, while Maegor's lack of it only weakens his authority in the long run.
Loyalty
Loyalty is also a major theme in the book, as it is shown as a key component of running a kingdom. The rulers portrayed in the book rely on the support of trusted allies and advisors. Aegon receives key assistance from Visenya, Rhaenys, and Orys in his conquest and later establishes wardens of the various parts of Westeros. Jaehaerys turns to his wife Alysanne for council and forms many important alliances in an effort to unify the realm. Other characters, like Aegon II and Maegor, suffer as a result of their inability to trust others.
