The Targaryen family tree traces the Valyrian dragonlords who conquered Westeros, from Aegon I to Daenerys. It is a complex lineage of incestuous marriages, civil wars, and dragons, central to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
Origins and Valyrian Heritage
The Targaryens originated in the Valyrian Freehold, a powerful civilization on the continent of Essos. They were one of many dragonriding noble families, but they were not the most powerful. According to The World of Ice & Fire, the Targaryens fled Valyria twelve years before the Doom, a catastrophic volcanic event that destroyed the Freehold and most dragons. They settled on Dragonstone, a small island off the coast of Westeros, and remained there for over a century before Aegon’s Conquest.
Key Figures and Generations
The family tree is vast, but several figures are essential to understanding the main storylines.
- Aegon I (Aegon the Conqueror): With his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, he conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms and forged the Iron Throne. He is the founder of the dynasty.
- Jaehaerys I (the Old King): The fourth Targaryen king, known for a long, peaceful reign and legal reforms. His reign is often seen as the dynasty’s peak.
- Viserys I: His death triggers the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war between his daughter Rhaenyra and his son Aegon II over the succession.
- Daeron II: A later king who brought Dorne into the realm through marriage, not conquest.
- Aerys II (the Mad King): His tyranny leads to Robert’s Rebellion, which ends the Targaryen dynasty.
- Rhaegar: Aerys’s eldest son, whose abduction (or elopement) with Lyanna Stark sparks the rebellion. He dies at the Battle of the Trident.
- Viserys III: The Beggar King, who sells his sister Daenerys to Khal Drogo for an army.
- Daenerys Targaryen: The last known Targaryen in the main series, who hatches dragons and attempts to reclaim the Iron Throne.
The Dance of the Dragons: A Family Split
The Dance of the Dragons (c. 129–131 AC) is a pivotal event in the family tree. Viserys I named his daughter Rhaenyra as heir, but after his death, his son Aegon II was crowned by the Greens (the faction supporting him). Rhaenyra, supported by the Blacks, fought back. The war causes the deaths of many dragons and several Targaryens, including Rhaenyra, her sons, and Aegon II himself. The succession is eventually settled on Aegon III, Rhaenyra’s son, but the dynasty is permanently weakened.
Marriage and Incest
Targaryens practiced incestuous marriage to keep their bloodline pure, following Valyrian tradition. They married siblings, cousins, and sometimes uncles to nieces. This practice is often cited as a cause of their eventual madness, as seen in Aerys II. However, not all Targaryens married within the family; some married into other houses, like Daeron II marrying Myriah Martell, which brought Dorne into the realm.
The Fall of the Dynasty
The dynasty ends with Robert’s Rebellion. Aerys II’s cruelty, especially the murder of Rickard and Brandon Stark, leads to a revolt. Rhaegar is killed by Robert Baratheon. Aerys is killed by Jaime Lannister. Viserys and Daenerys flee to Essos. The Targaryen line is considered extinct until Daenerys returns in the main series.
Bastard Lines and Claims
Several Targaryen bastards exist, though they do not carry the Targaryen name. The most notable are the Blackfyres, a line descended from Daemon Blackfyre, a legitimized bastard of Aegon IV. They stage several rebellions. In the main series, Jon Snow is revealed to be the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, making him a Targaryen bastard (though he may be legitimized by Rhaegar’s marriage). His claim is a major plot point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current Targaryens at the start of Game of Thrones?
At the start of the series, only Viserys and Daenerys Targaryen are alive, living in exile in Essos. Jon Snow is alive but unaware of his true parentage. Aemon Targaryen, an old maester at the Wall, is also a Targaryen but has taken vows.
How many dragons did the Targaryens have?
At the height of their power, the Targaryens had many dragons. Aegon I had three. During the Dance, there were around twenty dragons. By the time of the main series, dragons are believed extinct until Daenerys hatches three.
Why did the Targaryens marry siblings?
They followed Valyrian tradition to keep their bloodline pure and to maintain control of dragons, which were believed to be linked to blood purity. This practice was also a way to avoid sharing power with other noble houses.
Who was the last Targaryen king?
Aerys II, the Mad King, was the last Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. He was killed by Jaime Lannister during the Sack of King’s Landing.
Is Jon Snow a Targaryen?
Yes, in the books and show, Jon Snow is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. His true name is Aegon Targaryen, and he has a claim to the throne, though he does not press it.
Related
- Roman Gods of the Sky: The Full List
- Roman Gods of Spring: Deities and Festivals
- Who Stole Her Father’s Household Gods?
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