Who are the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

by

HBO’s popular fantasy series has returned with “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” a new prequel that plunges audiences back into the medieval world of Westeros.

This new story features Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall, played by Peter Claffey, and his apprentice, Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell. They’re competing in the Ashford tourney, a famous jousting competition first described in George R.R. Martin’s story, The Hedge Knight.

Taking place around 90 years before the story of Game of Thrones, this series shows a different time in Westeros. The Targaryen family still holds power, and the kingdom is mostly at peace, but the dragons that once made them so feared are gone.

After the brutal Dance of the Dragons war and the recent Blackfyre uprising, the Great House has seen a lot of hardship, and it’s clear some members are still affected.

Who is currently sitting on the Iron Throne among the Targaryens, and which ones are competing in the tournament?

Here is everything you need to know about the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Who are the key Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

As a huge fan of the Targaryen dynasty, I’m really excited about ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’! It focuses on several members of House Targaryen traveling to Ashford for a big event. It’s set during the reign of King Daeron II Targaryen – people called him Daeron the Good – and we also get to see his wife, Queen Myriah Martell, which is a fascinating look at that period in Westerosi history.

Thirteen years after the first Blackfyre Rebellion ended, the realm is still affected by the war. Old grudges and divided loyalties continue to cause problems, especially within the often-contentious royal family.

Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen

Prince Baelor Targaryen, also known as “Breakspear,” is the eldest son of King Daeron II and Queen Myriah Martell. He is currently the heir to the throne and also acts as the King’s chief advisor, known as the Hand of the King.

Baelor is considered one of the most honorable, wise, and respected Targaryens of his time. He’s not only a skilled warrior and capable leader, but these qualities also make him a strong candidate to rule the Iron Throne.

As a lifelong fan of the stories, I always loved learning about Baelor – he really made a name for himself when he was only seventeen! He won the tourney against Ser Daemon Blackfyre, and that’s how he got the nickname “Breakspear.” It’s such a cool bit of lore!

He was a key leader during the first Blackfyre Rebellion, commanding troops from Dorne and the Stormlands. He pushed Daemon’s rebel army towards the defensive line held by his brother, Prince Maekar.

Baelor married Jena Dondarrion, and the couple had the following children:

  • Prince Valarr Targaryen
  • Prince Matarys Targaryen

Prince Baelor came to the Ashford tournament with his son, Valarr, and his brother Maekar, bringing Maekar’s son Aerion, nicknamed “Brightflame,” along with him.

In the novella The Hedge Knight, Prince Valarr is one of five knights competing for Lady Ashford in the tourney.

Prince Maekar Targaryen

Prince Maekar Targaryen, played by Sam Spruell, is the fourth son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell. He is also the Prince of Summerhall, a Targaryen castle situated in the Stormlands.

Unlike his charming older brother, Maekar is serious, quick to frustration, and tends to be critical. He’s a much better leader on the battlefield than he is at politics.

During the first Blackfyre Rebellion, he was a key leader, commanding the frontline shield wall that cornered the rebel army while his brother’s forces advanced. Their victory in the pivotal battle became the subject of the famous song, ‘The Hammer and the Anvil,’ where he was celebrated as the hammer and his brother, Maekar, as the anvil.

Maekar married Lady Dyanna Dayne, and together they had the following six children:

  • Prince Daeron Targaryen
  • Prince Aerion Targaryen
  • Prince Aemon Targaryen
  • Prince Daella Targaryen
  • Prince Aegon Targaryen
  • Princess Rhae Targaryen

In the story The Hedge Knight, Prince Maekar goes to the Ashford tournament to see his two oldest sons, Daeron and Aerion, compete in the joust.

Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen

Prince Aerion Targaryen, nicknamed “Brightflame” and played by Finn Bennett, is the second son of Prince Maekar and Dyanna Dayne. He possesses some of the more problematic characteristics often seen in members of the Targaryen family.

He calls himself Aerion Brightflame, convinced he’s a dragon trapped in a human body, but most people know him as Aerion the Monstrous – a cruel and sadistic man suffering from the Targaryen family’s history of mental instability.

Aerion is a hot-headed, aggressive, and boastful man who causes trouble at the tournament in Ashford. Though the royal family mainly wants to showcase Prince Valarr’s skills as a strong competitor, Aerion and his brother are also given the opportunity to compete.

Aerion isn’t concerned with honor or self-control; he actively looks for chances to give in to his more destructive desires.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs weekly on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

You can watch all seasons of Game of Thrones (1-8) and the first two seasons of House of the Dragon on Sky and NOW. Learn how to subscribe to Sky TV to start watching.

Authors

Nicola AustinFreelance Writer

Nicola Austin is a freelance journalist with a passion for science fiction, fantasy, and animation. She’s written for many publications, including Empire, Digital Spy, and SciFiNow, covering TV and film. And she firmly believes that The Mummy is a classic 90s film!

Read More

2026-01-26 07:35