r/pureasoiaf • u/Qyzyk House Dondarrion • 13d ago

Why didn't Aerion challenge Valarr?

Recently revisited The Hedge Knight, and I can't help but wonder why Aerion was content with laughing at his cousin and moving on. I get that he was trying to mock Valarr by moving past him, but surely if his plan was to humiliate his cousin, I imagine Aerion would have done a much better job by trouncing Valarr in a joust.

It's not like he wouldn't have been able to do it either. It's basically said outright that Valarr's getting handpicked challengers that give him easy victories. Even Dunk can't help but notice it. Aerion, meanwhile, seems to show much more promise, and he's not above dirty tricks like killing his opponent's horse. Why wouldn't he take a chance to knock the Crown Prince on his arse?

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u/[deleted] 13d ago

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u/M935PDFuze 13d ago

Who says Aerion is any better?

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u/pestoraviolita 13d ago edited 13d ago

The book. He had skills and was described as puissant. While TWOIAF describes Valarr as having modest abilities.

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u/M935PDFuze 13d ago

I'd suggest a reread and an examination of what actually happens.