The Targaryen family tree is one of the most intricate and fascinating aspects of Game of Thrones and its prequel, House of the Dragon. Spanning centuries of Westeros' history, the Targaryens are a dynasty that ruled through fire and blood—literally, thanks to their dragons and penchant for internal conflict. To help you navigate this fiery family tree, let's break it down into digestible parts, making the complex history a bit easier to follow.
The Targaryen saga begins with Aegon I, known as Aegon the Conqueror, who united Westeros under his rule around 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Alongside his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, Aegon used his dragons to subdue the Seven Kingdoms, establishing the Iron Throne as the seat of power in Westeros. This act set the stage for the Targaryen dynasty, which would rule for nearly 300 years.
One of the most confusing aspects of the Targaryen family is their fondness for recycling names. There are multiple Aegons, Rhaenyras, and even Viseryses throughout their history, each with their own dramatic stories. Aegon II, for instance, was involved in the bloody civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, where he fought against his half-sister Rhaenyra for control of the Iron Throne. This conflict was not just a family feud but a full-blown civil war that pitted dragon against dragon, leading to massive devastation.
Rhaenyra, often called "The Realm's Delight," was the daughter of King Viserys I. Despite being named his heir, her claim was challenged by her younger half-brother Aegon II, leading to the infamous Dance of the Dragons. This brutal war saw many Targaryens and their dragons fall, leaving the dynasty weakened and the realm in chaos.
Fast forward a few generations, and we meet Aegon IV, known as "Aegon the Unworthy." He was notorious for his debauchery and cruelty. On his deathbed, he legitimized all his bastards, which included Daemon Blackfyre. This decision sowed the seeds for the Blackfyre Rebellions, a series of uprisings where these legitimized bastards (the Blackfyres) challenged the Targaryens for the throne. These rebellions further weakened the Targaryen hold on Westeros.
The last Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne before Game of Thrones begins was Aerys II, better known as the Mad King. His descent into madness led to the uprising known as Robert’s Rebellion, which ultimately ended with Aerys being killed by Jaime Lannister, one of his own Kingsguard. This rebellion led to the Targaryens being ousted from power, with the surviving members of the family, Viserys and Daenerys, fleeing into exile.
By the time Game of Thrones begins, Daenerys Targaryen, the last surviving child of the Mad King, is living in exile. Over the course of the series, she rises from nothing to become a powerful leader, determined to reclaim the Iron Throne. However, the show's final twist reveals that Jon Snow, believed to be the illegitimate son of Ned Stark, is actually Aegon Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him the rightful heir to the throne.
The Targaryen family tree is a tale of power, betrayal, and ambition. Their history is marked by dragons, war, and a never-ending struggle for the Iron Throne. Understanding the key figures in this family tree, from Aegon the Conqueror to Daenerys and Jon Snow, gives us deeper insight into the world of Westeros and the motivations driving its most iconic characters.
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