House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

As a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and the hit HBO show “Game of Thrones,” I’ve been eagerly anticipating the premiere of “House of the Dragon.” Having read up on the history of House Targaryen, I find myself particularly intrigued by the stories of the bastards who claim descent from this legendary dynasty.


Fans worldwide have been drawn back into the realm of Westeros with the start of House of the Dragon season 2.

An upcoming installment of the Game of Thrones prequel focuses on House Targaryen during the violent conflict known as the Dance of Dragons, as depicted in George RR Martin’s book “Fire and Blood.” This war is a significant part of the show’s source material.

The conflict during the Targaryen civil war can be divided into two factions: those who back King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and his greens supporters, and those who align with Queen Rhaenyra I Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and her blacks followers.

With so many Targaryens, you might be asking: what’s the family history?

Here is everything you need to know about the House Targaryen family tree.

The Targaryen family tree: Who are the key players in House of the Dragon?

The Dragon House introduces many well-known characters from House Targaryen and takes place several years before the primary storyline, during the rule of King Jaehaerys himself.

1) Nonetheless, he wasn’t the initial monarch ruling over several kingdoms within Westeros, or the earliest Targaryen ruler cited in the series.

King Aegon ‘The Conqueror’ Targaryen

1. Aegon the Conqueror marked the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros, as he successfully invaded and unified a large portion of the continent under the rule of the House of the Dragon.

For many years, House Targaryen resided on Dragonstone island, located off the coast of Westeros. However, it was Aegon who felt compelled to act upon a prophetic dream he had – this dream foretold the coming of The Prince Who Was Promised. As a result, Aegon embarked on a mission to conquer the Westeros continent and unite its people under the rule of his family.

Together with his two other wives, Visenya Targaryen and Rhaenys Targaryen, they set out to seize control of six out of the seven kingdoms in Westeros.

A significant portion of Aegon’s rule was dedicated to trying, yet failing, to conquer the Principality of Dorne. This endeavor ultimately resulted in the tragic loss of Queen Rhaenys.

eventually, a mysterious letter from Prince Nymor Martell of Dorne convinced King Aegon Targaryen to accept a truce.

Following this event, King Aegon devoted the rest of his time in power to strengthening his rule and training his son, Prince Aenys Targaryen, to share the throne with his queen, Lady Alyssa Velaryon.

1. After Aegon’s passing, his weak son became King Aenys I Targaryen under the regency of Queen Rhaenys, followed by Aegon’s ruthless son, who reigned as King Maegor I Targaryen (also known as Maegor the Cruel), under the guidance of Queen Visenya.

The fires and blood marked the end of both reigns until the arrival of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Aenys’ fourth child and third son, who later became the longest-reigning and most peace-loving monarch in House Targaryen’s history.

King Jaehaerys I Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

In the beginning of House of the Dragon, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (played by Michael Carter) convenes a council to address the issue of his successor.

1. Jaehaerys held the longest rule among all Targaryen kings, sitting on the throne for an impressive 55 years, earning him the nickname “The Elder King.”

1. He was the grandson of King Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, who eventually ruled over a significant portion of Westeros following his conquest with his two wife-sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys Targaryen.

After Aegon’s death, his son by Rhaenys became the monarch in the form of King Aenys I Targaryen.

1. Following his father, Aegon’s son by Visenya, King Maegor Targaryen (also known as Maegor the Cruel) assumed power upon Aenys’ demise. Tragically, he went on to rule tyrannically and eventually took the life of Aenys’ eldest son, Aegon.

After an enigmatic demise of Maegor, Aenys’ son Jaehaerys seized the throne following a revolt against his oppressive uncle, who he had overthrown.

King Jaehaerys wed his sister and queen, Alysanne Targaryen, and together they bore two sons that survived into maturity, in addition to having numerous daughters.

After the passing of his two sons, Prince Aemon Targaryen and Prince Baelon Targaryen, King Jaehaerys sought to resolve the impending succession dispute between Princess Rhaenys, Aemon’s daughter, and Prince Viserys, Baelon’s eldest son. This decision aimed to prevent a potential civil war.

One of the offspring of Jaehaerys and Alysanne were none other than Princess Saera Targaryen. Instead of fulfilling her royal responsibilities, she chose personal gratification as her path. Later in life, she even had a son out of wedlock, named Hugh Hammer.

The Noble Assembly convened, and the noblemen of Westeros made their decisions. They chose Viserys, the man among Rhaenys and Ser Laenor Velaryon, as their preference.

King Viserys I Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

In House of the Dragon, King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) is a distant ancestor of Daenerys.

When King Jaehaerys Targaryen’s sons passed away, Viserys, being the grandson, was among several candidates put forward for the throne succession.

1. In a meeting to determine who would take over, the lords of Westeros chose Viserys to reign following his grandfather’s rule.

As I watched the latest episode of this captivating series, I found myself reflecting on the complex dynamics of House Targaryen. You see, Prince Baelon Targaryen, the younger son of King Jaehaerys, was the father of three sons: Viserys, Daemon, and Aegon. Sadly, young Aegon didn’t live to see his first birthday.

In the show, Viserys is father to five kids: Rhaenyra, the princess, Aegon and Helaena, two more princesses, and the princes Aemond and Daeron.

In the final moments of the eighth episode, King Viserys passes away peacefully in his chambers, having been retired for the night by his second queen, Alicent.

In a twist of fate, the last words meant for Rhaenyra ended up being shared with Alicent, igniting in her an ambition to crown our oldest son, Aegon, as the ruler. (Movie buff version: As a cinephile, I’d say it goes something like this: The intended closing statement, destined for Rhaenyra, found its way to Alicent instead, stirring in her the passion to place our eldest son, Aegon, upon the throne.)

Queen Rhaenyra I Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy brilliantly bring to life Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the eldest daughter of King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and Queen Aemma Arryn (Saffron Hocking), and the only legitimate heir at the onset of the series.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d put it this way: Over time, His Grace King Viserys made the momentous decision to name me, Princess Rhaenys, as his rightful heir. In recognition of this choice, the noble lords of Westeros vowed to uphold this promise. Consequently, I proudly bear the esteemed title of Princess of Dragonstone.

Despite being close to her uncle Prince Daemon, she replaces him in the line of succession.

Rhaenyra is a dragonrider and her mount is the dragon Syrax.

Following her marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon, Rhaenyra goes on to give birth to three sons:

  • Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
  • Prince Lucerys Velaryon
  • Prince Joffrey Velaryon

1. Following the apparent death of her spouse Ser Laenor, Rhaenyra enters into marriage with her uncle, the Prince, named Daemon Targaryen.

As a devoted cinephile, let me share my take on the narrative: By the time we reach episode 8, this dynamic duo has already welcomed two little ones into their world. And here’s an exciting twist – Rhaenyra finds herself expecting another child, making three in total!

Their two children are:

  • Prince Aegon Targaryen (the younger)
  • Prince Viserys Targaryen

The elder one bears the name of Aegon the Conqueror and might be seen as a nod to Alicent’s eldest son, yet could also be interpreted as an insult. The younger child is named after Rhaenyra’s father and Daemon’s brother, who was King Viserys.

Following the death of Viserys, Rhaenyra’s half-brother Aegon is installed as King by the Greens.

1. Towards the end of the initial season, Daemon places the crown originally belonging to her father upon Rhaenyra’s head, making her a contested queen of the Seven Realms. (Note: I replaced “crowns” with “places the crown upon” for clarity and used “contested queen” instead of “ruler” to convey the idea that her claim might be challenged.)

At first, she tried to prevent a war from happening. But after the death of her son Lucerys, her resolve hardened, leading to the onset of war.

Queen Aemma Arryn

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

As a devoted cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: In the grand tapestry of my favorite show, I found myself as a ruler, basking in the tranquility and opulence of the realm. By my side during these peaceful times was Queen Aemma Arryn, brilliantly portrayed by Sian Brooke on screen.

To begin with, Prince Viserys in this series is left with just one legitimate offspring – a daughter known as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

After Queen Aemma’s tragic and unwilling death during a cesarean delivery, King Viserys ponders if it’s necessary for him to remarry and have more children who could claim the Iron Throne.

Queen Alicent Hightower

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

1. After the demise of Queen Aemma Arryn, King Viserys I Targaryen found solace in Lady Alicent Hightower, encouraged by her father, Ser Otto Hightower, who was the Hand of the King.

Following this decision, King Viserys went against advice to marry Lady Laena Velaryon and instead chose Lady Alicent Hightower as his bride.

Growing up in the Red Keep, Lady Alicent had developed a strong connection with the royal family, forming a special bond with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the king’s daughter.

Following the marriage, Queen Alicent gives birth to four children:

  • Prince Aegon Targaryen
  • Princess Helaena Targaryen
  • Prince Aemond Targaryen
  • Prince Daeron Targaryen

As the days passed, Alicent grew increasingly at odds with her former friend, Princess Rhaenyra, over moral disagreements and deceitful actions.

1. Following Viserys’ demise, Alicent grows certain that she is destined to bring unity among the Seven Kingdoms. Consequently, she takes action to secure the Iron Throne for her son, Aegon, and arranges his coronation.

As of her son’s ascension, Alicent is now Dowager Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

Alicent is portrayed in her younger years by Emily Carey and by Olivia Cooke as an adult.

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon 

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Jace, or otherwise known as Eldest Son Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, holds the position of second in line to the Iron Throne behind his mother, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Jacaerys is a dragonrider and his mount is the dragon Vermax.

By the finale of episode 8, Jacaerys finds himself engaged to his first cousin and sister-in-law, Baela Targaryen.

When Jacaerys’ mother assumed the position of Queen, he became a contender for the throne and held the title “Prince of Dragonstone.”

1. Leo Hart is the actor who plays the younger version of Prince Jaceary, whereas Harry Collet takes on the role in his youthful years. (Or)

Prince Lucerys Velaryon

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Prince Jacaerys’ younger brother is Prince Lucerys Velaryon, nicknamed “Luke”.

According to Grandfather Lord Corlys Velaryon’s hopes, it is intended that Lucerys will one day acquire Driftmark and hold the title of Lord of the Tides.

Lucerys is a dragonrider and his mount is the dragon Arrax.

1. By the finale of episode 8, Lucerys finds himself engaged to his first cousin, once removed, and also his stepsister, Lady Rhaena Targaryen.

In the final episode of the first season, Lyannis (an alternate name for Lucerys) is dispatched by his mother to Storm’s End for negotiations with Lord Borros Baratheon. However, Borros refuses and instead, Lyannis is pursued by his uncle Prince Aemond Targaryen in retaliation for an earlier eye-for-an-eye incident where Lyannis had removed one of Aemond’s eyes.

A confrontation between Arrax and Aemond’s dragon Vhagar results in Lucerys’ death.

In House of the Dragon, we see Harvey Sadler playing a young Prince Lucerys, while Elliot Grihault takes on the role when he’s older.

King Aegon II Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

King Aegon II Targaryen is the son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower.

After King Viserys married Lady Alicent Hightower for the second time, the realm was introduced to the monarch’s firstborn son, who went by the name of Prince Aegon.

I’ve noticed that the arrival of the new prince has sparked quite a debate amongst us: should Princess Rhaenyra continue to be the heir to the Iron Thrones, given that she now has a younger male sibling? It’s an intriguing question, and one that requires careful consideration.

Significantly, Prince Aegon is named after the conqueror himself, King Aegon I Targaryen.

Aegon is a dragonrider and his mount is the dragon Sunfyre.

Later on, Alicent comes to the conclusion that Aegon and his sister Princess Helaena should be married, resulting in them starting a family.

After King Viserys’ passing, the Green faction puts Aegon on the Iron Throne and holds a coronation ceremony for him in the Dragonpit of King’s Landing.

In the fourth episode of the second season, King Aegon sustains severe injuries, including deep burns and fractured bones. He then embarks on a long road to recovery.

Ty Tennant portrays Prince Aegon in adolescence before Tom Glynn-Carney portrays him as an adult.

Queen Helaena Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower have just one child, Princess Helaena Targaryen, who is their dear daughter.

Later in the first season, Helaena is married to her older brother Aegon.

In simpler terms, Aegon’s extra marital affairs make it unsettled and unhappy for the couple.

The pair have two children together in the series:

  • Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen
  • Princess Jaehaera Targaryen

1. After the passing of their father, Aegon ascends to the throne as King, with Helaena becoming his Queen.

Prince Jaehaerys is killed in front of her in the first episode of the second season.

The Princess is portrayed by Evie Allen as a young girl and by Phia Saban as an adult.

Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen is the second son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower.

In the seventh installment, I found myself witnessing an intriguing turn of events involving Prince Aemond. In a heated confrontation with his Velaryon kin, he suffered the loss of an eye after boldly seizing control of the formidable dragon, Vhagar, proclaiming it as his own mount.

At the end of the initial season, it was unfortunately Aemond who unwittingly caused the demise of his nephew, Prince Lucerys Velaryon.

During the second season, Aemond becomes deeply entangled in the civil conflict. Eventually, he seizes power over the Green faction after surreptitiously wounding his brother King Aegon II Targaryen severely and adopting the titles Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm.

Aemond also sidelines his mother Dowager Queen Alicent by dismissing her from the Small Council.

I’ve been captivated by House of the Dragon, and one thing that really strikes me is how skillfully the character of the Prince is brought to life. When we see him as a young boy, it’s Leo Ashton who breathes life into him. And when he grows up, it’s Ewan Mitchell who masterfully portrays the more mature version of the prince.

King Consort Daeron Targaryen

Prince Daeron Targaryen, being the third-born and youngest child, hails from the lineage of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower.

Although Daeron hasn’t appeared in the show up until now, George R.R. Martin has verified that this character remains alive and resides in Oldtown within the storyline.

In the intriguing world of “The Crown” or any other captivating series, I found myself eagerly anticipating the return of a beloved character, who unfortunately was missing from the initial installment due to scheduling conflicts. However, as I delved deeper into the engrossing storyline of the second season, this character’s presence was palpable through frequent mentions, most notably by his formidable mother, Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower. Her poignant dialogues filled in the blanks, allowing me to imagine the rich tapestry of emotions and intrigue that this character would have brought to the table had he been present. The anticipation grew stronger with each passing episode, leaving me on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting his eventual appearance.

1) Ryan Condal, the showrunner, hinted to Variety that Daeron will continue in the story: “He’s definitely around. Don’t worry! He’s the youngest son and is under the care of Hobert Hightower at Oldtown, soon to be under Ormond Hightower, who is Hobert’s nephew and future Lord of Oldtown.”

1. “To be frank, such events were quite common back then. Nowadays, with a six-year-old child, it’s customary to regularly video call them, check on their wellbeing, and exchange letters.”

1. “I can confirm his presence. It’s a truth. Whenever necessary, when his significance arises, I will bring him into the conversation.”

King Consort Daemon Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Matt Smith’s character, Daemon Targaryen, is the second-born son of Prince Baelon Targaryen. This makes him the grandson of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and younger brother to King Viserys I Targaryen.

Because King Viserys doesn’t have any sons, it is Prince Daemon who stands in line to inherit the Iron Throne. However, he is often referred to as the ‘Rebellious Prince’.

However, trouble arises as Prince Daemon’s behaviour sees King Viserys favour his own daughter Princess Rhaenyra as heir instead.

I serve as the mastermind behind King’s Landing’s City Watch, where I gave orders. We became known for our distinctive golden cloaks, which I initiated as our uniform.

Because of clashing goals, Prince Daemon faces intense opposition from Viserys’s chief advisor, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).

In the beginning of this captivating series, I found myself in an unhappy marriage to Lady Rhea Royce, a noblewoman residing in the Vale of Arryn. My union with her was devoid of love and children. Instead, my heart belonged to Mysaria, a charismatic prostitute whose company brought me immense joy.

In the continuation of the storyline, Daemon later wed Lady Laena Velaryon and had two daughters together. Following Laena’s passing, Daemon then married Rhaenyra and produced two sons as their offspring.

After the demise of King Viserys and the ascension of King Aegon II Targaryen, Daemon places the crown on his spouse Rhaenyra’s head, declaring her as the new queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and incites conflict with House Greens.

Upon Rhaenyra’s ascension, Daemon becomes her King Consort.

Daemon is a dragonrider and his mount is the dragon Caraxes.

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Eve Best portrays Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the child of the deceased Prince Aemon Targaryen, who was the eldest son of King Jaehaerys.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Game of Thrones lore, I find the story of the Queen Who Never Was both intriguing and tragic. It’s a tale that speaks to the unpredictability of fate and the complexities of power and succession.

As a die-hard movie buff, I must say, while the masses rooted for Princess Rhaenys and her kin to ascend the throne, an assembly of noblemen surprisingly opted for her cousin, Viserys, to claim the crown instead, breaking the traditional line of succession.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to be wedded to none other than the illustrious Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake himself, who commands both the Driftmark and the seas with equal aplomb, and is undeniably one of the cornerstones of House of the Dragon.

Rhaenys has two children with Lord Corlys:

  • Lady Laena Velaryon
  • Ser Laenor Velaryon

The Princess is named after the most beloved queen of King Aegon, Queen Rhaenys.

A dragonrider, Rhaenys’ mount is the dragon Meleys.

1. After the demise of her cousin Viserys, Rhaenys found herself temporarily imprisoned at the hands of the Hightowers and their allies. However, she was ultimately released by Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliott Titterson).

Rhaenys later disrupts the coronation of King Aegon II Targaryen by bursting from the depths of the Dragonpit and riding Meleys to freedom.

1. At the end of the first season, Rhaenys manages to convince her spouse, Lord Corlys, to support Rhaenyra’s right to rule as the Iron Throne heir. As a result, they both become part of Rhaenyra’s advisory group known as the Black Council.

Rhaenys volunteers to patrol the Gullet with Meleys to watch out for enemy ships.

Lord Corlys Velaryon

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Steve Toussaint portrays Lord Corlys Velaryon, dubbed ‘The Sea Snake’.

1. Lord Corlys hails as the Lord of the Tides, residing in his grand castle High Tide on Driftmark. This stronghold is the historical seat of House Velaryon, a lineage that shares roots with the mighty House Targaryen, tracing their origins back to Old Valyria.

Previously, he held the position of Master of Ships on the Small Council, serving both King Viserys and demonstrating a strong desire to further the interests of his family. He harbors resentment towards the Great Council of Harrenhal for overlooking Princess Rhaenys as a candidate for the Iron Throne.

Lord Corlys is the father of Lady Laena Velaryon and Ser Laenor Velaryon.

In the final episode of the first season, Corlys supports Rhaenyra’s bid for the Iron Throne by deploying the Velaryon fleet and commandeering the sea routes through the Stepstones – a region now under his jurisdiction.

Ser Laenor Velaryon

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Ser Laenor Velaryon is the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

The second child of the couple, Ser Laenor has an older sister in Lady Laena Velaryon.

1. Since Ser Laenor is the inheritor of Driftmark, its castle High Tide, and the title Lord of the Tides, he represents a fitting spouse candidate for Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Ser Laenor carries the blood of Old Valyria through both his Velaryon and Targaryen ancestry and he is also a dragonrider on his mount Seasmoke.

I assisted my father, Lord Corlys, and Prince Daemon in the conflict of the Stepstones. My combat skills on Seasmoke significantly influenced the battle’s outcome against our foe, the Crabfeeder.

1. Laenor Ser is openly gay, and he’s romantically involved with ‘The Knight of Kisses’, Sir Joffrey Lonmouth, portrayed by Solly McLeod in this context.

Later on, the Velaryon prince becomes the husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and would assume the role of her partner if she takes the Iron Throne.

However, various tragedies occur – including one twist involving Ser Laenor’s lover Ser Qarl Correy (Arty Froushan)

At the House of the Dragon production, Ser Laenor is depictied by three different actors: Matthew Carver plays him as a kid, Theo Nate portrays him as a young man, while John Macmillan takes on the role of the grown-up Ser Laenor.

Lady Laena Velaryon

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

1. Lady Laena Velaryon, born to Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, serves as their eldest child, with Ser Laenor Velaryon following behind her in birth order.

Although King Viserys initially viewed Laena as a possible bride for him, she eventually wed his younger brother, Prince Daemon instead.

As a result of this union, Laena went on to have two twin daughters:

  • Lady Baela Targaryen
  • Lady Rhaena Targaryen

As an ardent cinema enthusiast, I’d put it this way: My brother and mother are masterful dragonriders. And I, too, can claim that title. I mount none other than Vhagar, the colossal dragon that rules the skies in the Seven Kingdoms.

In the sixth episode, the character meets her end by commanding Vhagar to torch her, as her time had come during labor.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that in the captivating series “House of the Dragon,” the intriguing character of Laena is brought to life by three talented actresses. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Nova Foueillis-Mosé gracefully embody Laena as a young girl, Savannah Steyn beautifully capture her transformation into a young adult, and Nanna Blondell brilliantly portray her as an accomplished adult.

Lady Baela Targaryen and Lady Rhaena Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Princesses Baela and Rhaena Targaryen are identical sisters, born from the union between Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon.

The two girls were raised in Pentos with their parents, carrying the ancient Valyrian lineage of House Targaryen and House Velaryon within them.

A dragonrider, Lady Baela possesses the dragon mount Moondancer.

Lady Rhaena had hoped to get her mother’s dragon Vhagar but was supplanted by Prince Aemond.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve reached the climax of episode eight and am utterly captivated. The unexpected turn of events unfolds before my eyes as Baela and I find ourselves betrothed to our cousins-once-removed and step-brothers, Jacaerys and Lucerys respectively. This intriguing plot twist is sure to add depth and complexity to their relationships in the upcoming episodes.

Lady Baela Targaryen is depicted as a young girl in some portrayals by Shani Smethhurst and Bethany Antonia. Conversely, Eva Ossei Gerning represents her as a young girl, while Phoebe Campbell portrays her as an adult.

King Aerys II Targaryen (‘The Mad King’)

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

1. King Aerys II Targaryen, the last unchallenged ruler of the Seven Kingdoms from House Targaryen, is commonly referred to as “The Mad King.” His reign ended when he was overthrown by King Robert I Baratheon.

Aerys II is a direct descendant of King Viserys I Targaryen through his daughter Rhaenyra.

Aerys became Daenerys’s father when he married her mother, Queen Rhaella Targaryen. He is also the father of Crown Prince Rhaegar and Prince Viserys, who are Daenerys’s elder brothers.

The extreme madness and oppressive rule of Aerys led to uprisings among the powerful families, Baratheon, Stark, and Arryn, which were followed by additional rebellions.

Ultimately, the Targaryen dynasty lost all control and Aerys met his end at the hands of his personal guard, Ser Jaime Lannister, to prevent him from annihilating King’s Landing using wildfyre.

Following a series of events, Robert Baratheon ascended the throne as King of the Seven Kingdoms and entered into a marriage with Cersei Lannister, thereby forging an alliance with the influential House Lannister.

Queen Daenerys Targaryen

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

In simple terms, Daenerys isn’t expected to show up in “House of the Dragon” given that the story takes place around 172 years prior to her birth.

1) Since House of the Dragon focuses on her ancestors, we felt it was relevant to bring up Daenerys, as she is several generations removed from Viserys, with her brother also bearing the same name as an ancestor.

1. King Aerys II Targaryen, also infamously called “The Mad King,” was her father. His demise at the hands of Ser Jaime Lannister signified the fall of the Targaryen line as rulers on the Iron Throne.

As a devoted film buff, I’d put it this way: Daenerys and I share the same name with one of King Jaehaerys’s beloved daughters. In contrast, her esteemed brother Viserys carries the namesake of not just one, but two legendary kings, Viserys I and Viserys II.

Jon Snow/Prince Aegon Targaryen 

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

In the “Game of Thrones” TV show, it was uncovered that Jon Snow, who believed he was an illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark, actually had Targaryen ancestry.

1. It was proven that Jon was indeed the biological offspring of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna Stark. They secretly got married and had him, which makes him legitimate, giving him the name Aegon.

If this is true, then Jon’s name would be derived from Aegon the Conqueror and the following four kings who held that title.

However, the novels of A Song of Ice and Fire have yet to confirm the parentage of Jon Snow.

List of Targaryen monarchs in Westeros 

Warning: The following may contain spoilers about the future of House of the Dragon, given that they involve kings and queens from the Seven Kingdoms.

  • King Aegon I Targaryen
  • King Aenys I Targaryen
  • King Maegor I Targaryen
  • King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
  • King Viserys I Targaryen
  • King Aegon II Targaryen
  • Queen Rhaenyra I Targaryen (disputed)
  • King Aegon III Targaryen
  • King Daeron I Targaryen
  • King Baelor I Targaryen
  • King Viserys II Targaryen
  • King Aegon IV Targaryen
  • King Daeron II Targaryen
  • King Aerys I Targaryen
  • King Maekar I Targaryen
  • King Aegon V Targaryen
  • King Jaehaerys II Targaryen
  • King Aerys II Targaryen

1. Despite doubts about her legitimacy according to formal documents, Rhaenyra did hold sway over the Iron Throne for a certain period.

1. The reign of the Targaryen kings concluded when King Aerys II Targaryen and his oldest son, Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, both perished, allowing King Robert I Baratheon to seize the Iron Throne unlawfully.

Nevertheless, it was Aerys II’s youngest offspring who ascended the Iron Throne, with Viserys III Targaryen taking the title as king, followed by Daenerys I Targaryen ruling subsequently.

1. In the TV show Game of Thrones, the lineage of House Targaryen comes to a close when Daenerys and her younger nephew, Rhaegar’s son named Aegon (who was brought up as Jon Snow).

Bastards of House Targaryen

Hugh Hammer 

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

Hugh Hammer, who was once a blacksmith, asserts that he is the illegitimate offspring of Princess Saera Targaryen and, consequently, the grandson of King Jaehaerys II Targaryen in an unacknowledged lineage.

Hugh asserts ownership over the dragon Vermithor and functions as its rider, representing Team Black in the turbulent period known as the Dance of Dragons.

In the series, Hugh has a wife named Kat.

Ulf White

House Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained

1. A commoner from King’s Landing, Ulf White asserts that he is the illegitimate son born to Prince Baelon Targaryen. This would make him the half-brother of Kings Viserys I Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen, who currently holds the title of King Consort.

1. Ulf asserts ownership over the dragon Silverwing and functions as its rider, representing Team Black in the Dance of Dragons.

  • The real historical event behind HBO’s House of the Dragon
  • House of the Dragon planned to last three or four seasons
  • Meet the cast of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series
  • Where was House of the Dragon filmed?
  • What is Dark Sister in House of the Dragon?
  • Who is Mysaria in House of the Dragon and actress Sonoya Mizuno?
  • Who is the opening voiceover in House of the Dragon episode 1?
  • Your guide to the dragons of House of the Dragon
  • House of the Dragon cast have had “conversations” about season 2
  • Beyond the Dragon: House of the Dragon episode 1 review and reaction
  • House of the Dragon release schedule: When is episode 2 released?
  • What is Old Valyria, the Doom and High Valyrian in House of the Dragon?
  • Who is Ser Criston Cole and who is actor Fabien Frankel?
  • Who is Alicent Hightower? Olivia Cooke role explained
  • Who is Ser Otto Hightower? Rhys Ifans role explained
  • Game of Thrones books in order: A Song of Ice and Fire and more

Read More

2024-07-30 19:16