Every Targaryen Death in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon & AKOTSK, Ranked

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Throughout the entire Game of Thrones universe – including House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – the Targaryen family is a central focus, though by the end of the main series, only one member remains. The HBO shows chart the Targaryen family’s decline, beginning with the civil war depicted in House of the Dragon and culminating in Daenerys’ brief time on the throne. This story is filled with the deaths of many important Targaryen characters – and with House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms still airing, there are likely more to come.

So far, the stories we’ve seen consistently show Westeros as a harsh and dangerous world where death is always a threat. Characters meet their end in all sorts of ways, from shockingly violent scenes to surprisingly ordinary ones. When it comes to the Targaryen family, the most impactful deaths are those that are noble and heroic…while the least satisfying are either easily forgotten or feel strangely unsatisfying, or both. Warning: Spoilers ahead for Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

12) Queen Aemma Arryn

House of the Dragon

Queen Aemma’s death in Game of Thrones is arguably the least impactful of all the Targaryens who died. While her death during childbirth aligns with the original books, the show adds a disturbing detail: a forced C-section performed by her husband. Although the scene is shocking, it unfortunately reinforces criticisms of the series’ portrayal of violence against women. It’s a difficult scene to watch, but not because we’re invested in Aemma’s fate – we barely know her, so the emotional impact comes solely from the grim subject matter. Ultimately, the scene doesn’t quite succeed in its intended effect.

11) Laena Velaryon

House of the Dragon

Laena Targaryen also dies during childbirth in House of the Dragon, but her death is different from Aemma’s – she chooses how it happens. Facing a difficult delivery, she asks her dragon to burn her, which is a shocking and memorable end. However, because we don’t see much of Laena’s life before this moment, her death doesn’t feel as impactful as others.

10) Maester Aemon Targaryen

Game of Thrones

Maester Aemon’s death in Game of Thrones isn’t flashy, but dying peacefully of old age is rare in Westeros. While it’s often overshadowed by the show’s more dramatic finales, Aemon truly earned a quiet rest after a long life. I’d actually consider his death more impactful than some of the smaller deaths in House of the Dragon because we’d come to know and care about his character, making it a genuinely touching farewell. In the brutal world George R.R. Martin created, a peaceful end is a remarkable thing, and Aemon deserved it.

9) Jaehaerys Targaryen

House of the Dragon

Many characters in Game of Thrones don’t live long lives, and Jaehaerys Targaryen’s death comes particularly early – tragically, he’s killed in a conflict he didn’t cause. The “Blood and Cheese” scene in House of the Dragon, where assassins sent by Daemon Targaryen kill Princess Helaena’s son, is devastating. While some, including George R.R. Martin, have criticized how this event differs from the original story in Fire & Blood – especially the removal of Helaena’s agency – it remains a heartbreaking moment. Because we don’t know Jaehaerys as well as other characters, and considering the changes made to the story, this ranks lower on the list despite its tragic nature.

8) The Dragonseeds Rhaenyra Recruited

House of the Dragon

Any complete list of Targaryen deaths needs to include the Dragonseeds Rhaenyra tries to enlist in the second season of House of the Dragon. While we don’t know exactly who dies, these deaths are a key turning point in the Dance of the Dragons and contribute to one of the show’s strongest episodes. The attempt to bond the Dragonseeds with dragons is chaotic and pushes Rhaenyra towards more ruthless behavior, filled with action, tension, and consequences. However, these deaths lack a strong emotional core.

7) Lucerys Velaryon

House of the Dragon

Lucerys Velaryon, another young character with Targaryen heritage, has one of the most striking deaths seen in House of the Dragon so far. Rhaenyra’s son is killed at the end of the first season when he encounters Aemond Targaryen and his dragon, Vhagar, at Storm’s End. Aemond pursues Lucerys, and the resulting clash is devastating. The scene is brilliantly filmed – the image of Vhagar’s shadow engulfing Arrax is particularly memorable – and it significantly escalates the central conflict of the show. While some viewers have criticized changes from the original book, such as Aemond’s behavior, and it may not be as impactful as major deaths in Game of Thrones, Lucerys’ death is still a powerful and unforgettable moment.

6) Viserys I Targaryen

House of the Dragon

Many deaths in House of the Dragon would have been more impactful with more character development, but this isn’t the case with King Viserys. Throughout the first season, we get to know and appreciate Viserys, making his final moments particularly heartbreaking. Although his illness is apparent, he fights bravely and manages to ignite a civil war with his dying words – a feat few in the Game of Thrones universe achieve. This alone makes his death memorable, and it also sets in motion the tragic fall of House Targaryen, adding to its devastating impact. While not visually spectacular, Viserys’s death is undeniably significant.

5) Daenerys Targaryen

Game of Thrones

Deaths in Game of Thrones generally have a bigger impact than those in House of the Dragon, likely because viewers were more invested in the original series’ characters. Daenerys Targaryen was one of the most fascinating characters throughout Game of Thrones’ eight seasons, so her sudden descent into madness and subsequent death were quite controversial. While Emilia Clarke’s performance was powerful and the scene was emotionally affecting, the rushed nature of Daenerys’s turn and death prevent it from being considered one of the most impactful moments. It felt a little forced, but the act of Jon killing Daenerys did connect to the show’s themes of honor and duty, and it ultimately fulfilled the goal of ending the cycle of power. However, it doesn’t quite reach the same level of emotional resonance as some of the other major deaths.

4) Jon Snow

Game of Thrones

By the end of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow – whose true name is Aegon – is the last surviving Targaryen. Though he does die – or at least appears to – in Season 5 when he’s betrayed and stabbed by members of the Night’s Watch. This shocking moment is typical of the show’s dark and unpredictable nature, and it left viewers reeling. Like many of the series’ biggest deaths, it was both surprising and heartbreaking. While it was a powerful scene, the fact that Jon returns diminishes its long-term impact, which is probably for the best, but does lessen the effect overall.

3) Viserys III Targaryen

Game of Thrones

Viserys Targaryen’s death is one of the most shocking and memorable in the entire series. After threatening his sister, Daenerys, and the Dothraki, he demanded a golden crown. Khal Drogo granted his wish in a brutal way – by pouring molten gold over his head. It’s a fitting and uniquely horrifying end, especially in the dangerous world of Westeros. This scene not only establishes the show’s willingness to kill off characters unexpectedly, but it’s also crucial to the plot. Viserys’s death allows Daenerys to pursue the Iron Throne, and her lack of reaction hints at the ruthless ruler she would eventually become. Though not a likable character, Viserys certainly meets an unforgettable end.

2) Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

Only two character deaths have had a bigger impact than Viserys’, and both are heroic, making them particularly moving. The most recent of these is Baelor Targaryen’s death in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. He’s struck with a mace during Dunk’s Trial of Seven, but remarkably, he remains standing and talking even after the blow. It’s only when his helmet is removed that the severity of his injury becomes clear, creating a shocking and unexpected moment. Baelor dies while trying to help Dunk, cementing his reputation as a truly honorable man and making his death all the more tragic and memorable. Only one Targaryen death, however, is considered even more impactful.

1) Rhaenys Targaryen

House of the Dragon

Rhaenys Targaryen is a standout character in House of the Dragon, so her death in Season 2 was particularly impactful. She faced Aemond and his dragon, Vhagar, bravely in the Battle at Rook’s Rest, going down as the strong dragonrider she was. It was a truly epic and heartbreaking scene, especially because she died alongside her dragon while protecting Rhaenyra’s supporters. Though tragic, she fulfilled her duty with a heroic end – something many characters in Game of Thrones never experienced.

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2026-02-20 06:12