that one andrew cody scene in 4x08

ROWAN ROBINSON AS RED

Aerion wasn’t a coward like Joffrey who ran back to the Red Keep when the Battle of Blackwater was literally at the walls. Aerion actually knew how to joust, he cheated but he knew how to joust and use a sword too. Aerion knew how to fight as well, he spent time with the Second Sons in Lys and fought in the Third Blackfyre Rebellion alongside his father and brother. Aerion bullied Egg a lot like how Joffrey did to his siblings too, but Aerion could actually fight people and mean it. Not just the wars he fought in but he was the one who wanted a Trial of Seven towards Dunk and stood on it.

All Ramsay and Joffrey do is pick on weaker people to terrorize whether it’s their own siblings, local villagers or someone in their castle who they just can’t stand. Aerion is an actual warrior.

All we have that’s similar to Ramsay is him being brutal and sadistic, especially book!Ramsay who was a serial rapist and killer. Aerion threatening to make Egg a girl by holding a knife at his private area and drowning the boy’s pet cat are signs he was dangerous. Ramsay’s crimes especially with flaying people (even though it was said to already have been outlawed) are sort of an “open secret” but with Aerion being a prince who is basically untouchable and nicknamed “the monstrous” is different.

Aerion can openly cheat and stab Ser Hardyng’s horse right in front of his uncle, he can break Tanselle’s fingers and demand Dunk’s head. It’s a crime for any lowborn person to touch a noble, but Aerion after Baelor’s death and Aerys I’s death, he’s now in line to the throne and a crown prince and essentially has free reign to do whatever he wants with the kingdom’s army on his side

As for the “Targaryen madness” stuff and people comparing him to Maegor, Viserys III and Aerys II it’s not possible at all. All three mentioned had various mental health issues due to injuries and trauma. Maegor who lost his father, survived the Trial of Seven with a concussion and fell into a coma, Aerys II who was captured in Dorne and became paranoid and his son Viserys III who was in exile with his mother who later died in childbirth with his little sister, leaving both kids to fend for themselves.

Aerion wasn’t a traumatized prince and he never suffered any injuries. Before the Ashford Tourney the only traumatic thing that could‘ve effected Aerion was his mother Lady Dyanna dying, but he’s never talked about her or most likely didn’t seem to care about anyone for that matter. Even if his mother’s death did impact him it wasn’t an excuse to hurt to people especially his little brother.

Aerion was just evil. Some people are born evil and will just be evil and that’s the truth.

jiara + folklore.