As someone who has closely followed the tumultuous lives of these iconic Game of Thrones characters, I cannot help but be in awe of their complex journeys and the profound impact they have left on the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys Targaryen, born into royalty yet raised as an exile, endured unimaginable hardships before finally claiming her rightful place as Queen. Her journey from a meek and vulnerable girl to a fearsome and resilient leader is truly inspiring.
It’s time to return to Westeros, because “House of the Dragon” is back!
The second season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” prequel was released on June 16, 2024, attracting 7.8 million viewers. This is fewer than the 10 million viewers who watched the first season premiere in 2022, and significantly lower than the show’s all-time high of 19.3 million viewers during its 2019 finale.
As a devoted fan of dragons, wartime intrigue, and the cunning Targaryen dynasty, I can’t contain my excitement for “House of the Dragon.” The first season concluded with the Dance of Dragons, the brutal civil war among the dragon-riding Targaryens, starting to boil. In season 2, the conflicts escalate and the casualties mount dramatically. Just like in “Game of Thrones,” no beloved character is immune to danger in this captivating series.
In the realm of George R.R. Martin’s fantasy creation, Westeros, the Targaryens reigned supreme for most of its recorded history. This powerful dynasty, renowned for their dragon-riding abilities, subdued the Seven Kingdoms and occupied the Iron Throne for centuries. They were distinguished by their white hair, fiery tempers, and a unique tradition of preserving their lineage through incest. The beginning of their rule was marked by Aegon the Conqueror, who brought all of Westeros under Targaryen dominion for the first time. This era following Aegon’s reign came to be referred to as “AC,” an abbreviation for “After Conquest.”
As a devoted fan, I’d describe “House of the Dragon” as an enthralling prequel to “Game of Thrones,” taking us back 200 years to the turbulent era of the infamous Dance of the Dragons. This significant event brought about the tragic demise of many dragons in Westeros. The cause? A murky succession dilemma following the death of King Viserys Targaryen, whose rightful heir was a subject of intense dispute.
I’m just a humble follower of the intriguing world of Westeros, and let me tell you, the Targaryen lineage was on the brink of extinction before the storyline of “Game of Thrones” unfolded. The last remnants of this once powerful dynasty perished, leaving only whispers in the wind. Robert Baratheon’s rebellion marked a turning point, and for almost the entire series, Daenerys Targaryen, unbeknownst to many, had been working tirelessly in Essos to reclaim her family’s crown. But alas, in a dramatic twist that left fans of the novels nodding in approval, Jon Snow, the unexpected Targaryen heir, claimed the Iron Throne in the series finale. With Daenerys’ demise and Jon’s revelation, I can’t help but ponder: Who will carry on the legacy of House Targaryen now that only one remains?
Down below, EbMaster has provided a genealogy of all known Targaryens from “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” No future series developments are revealed in this family tree, but fans with an appetite for more can delve into the book “Fire & Blood.”
Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Born: In the year 34 After the Conquest
Died: The year 103 rolled around
Nickname: Known as the Elder Monarch
Dragon: Named Vermithor
Family Ties: Descendant of King Aegon the Conqueror, son of King Aenys, nephew of King Maegor, spouse and sibling of Queen Alysanne, and grandfather of King Viserys
Portrayed By: Michael Carter
Jaehaerys, the fourth Targaryen ruler over Westeros, held the longest reign at fifty-five years on the Iron Throne. He is the earliest monarch depicted in “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” In the initial scene of “House of the Dragon,” Jaehaerys selects his grandson Viserys instead of his granddaughter Rhaenys to be his successor, a choice that later ignites the infamous Dance of Dragons.
Viserys I Targaryen
As I sat down in the dimly lit cinema, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as the projector hummed to life. The story of Viserys Targaryen, a man born in 77 AC and taken from us far too soon in 129 AC, was about to unfold before my very eyes.
I’ve been utterly captivated by Viserys Targaryen’s storyline in “House of the Dragon” Season 1. As the fifth king of Westeros from House Targaryen, he reigned during a period of relative tranquility. However, the question of who would succeed him loomed large, ultimately leading to the devastating Dance of Dragons civil war. Unwilling to see his brother Daemon or daughter Rhaenyra claim the Iron Throne, Viserys sought a male heir desperately and wed Alicent Hightower following the demise of his first wife, Aemma Arryn. Unfortunately, Viserys succumbed to leprosy before securing a clear successor, leaving the decision to the black High Council. They ultimately chose his son, Aegon II, over Rhaenyra and her son, Aegon III. On his deathbed, Viserys shared with Alicent the prophecy of the Song of Ice and Fire, foretelling that “Aegon” would be Westeros’ savior. Regrettably, Alicent manipulated his words to secure her son’s position on the Iron Throne.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Born: Around 74 AD
Died: Around 129 AD
Nickname: The Uncrowned Queen
Dragon: Meleys
Family Ties: First cousin to King Viserys, spouse of Lord Corlys Velaryon, mother of Laena and Laenor Velaryon, and aunt of Rhaenyra
Portrayed by: Eve Best
Rhaenys, who had been overlooked twice by her grandfather, King Jaehaerys, for the throne of Westeros in favor of her uncle Baelon and then her cousin Viserys, earned the title “The Queen Who Never Was.” She wed Lord Corlys Velaryon, a wealthy magnate and formidable sea captain, to retain some influence but held a grudge against King Viserys. During the conflict known as the Dance of Dragons, Rhaenys allied herself with Rhaenyra in her bid for the Iron Throne. In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Rhaenys and Meleys perished at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, slain by Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar.
Daemon Targaryen
Born: Around 81 AD
Nickname: The Wayward Prince
Dragon: Caraxes
Background: Brother of King Viserys, married to Laena Velaryon, father of Rhaena, Baela, Aegon III and Viserys II, and both brother-in-law and husband to Rhaenyra
Actor portrayal: Matt Smith
Daemon was one of the strongest warriors in all of Westeros, deadly with his sword, Dark Sister, and incredibly unpredictable. As the younger brother to Viserys, he was passed over for the Iron Throne and embarked on a conquest of the Stepstones with the Velaryon fleet and his dragon. When he returned, he married his niece Rhaenyra and led their black council. Before Rhaenyra, he was first married to Rhea Royce, who mysteriously died after falling from her horse, and Laena Velaryon, who died in childbirth and with whom he shared daughters Rhaena and Baela. In addition to commanding King’s Landing’s City Watch, Daemon was also a fan of its brothels and took his lover Mysaria as his mistress of whispers. In Season 2 of “House of the Dragon,” he takes over the castle of Harrenhal for Rhaenyra’s greens.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Born: In the year 97 After the Conquest
Nicknames: The Joy of the Realm; The Scandalous One of Dragonstone; The False King; Meagor with Teats
Dragon: Syrax was her faithful companion
Background: Daughter of King Viserys and Queen Aemma, stepdaughter of Queen Alicent, wife of Laenor Velaryon, lover of Criston Cole and Harwin Strong, wife and niece to Daemon Targaryen, sister to Aegon II, Aemond and Rhaena
Family relations: She is also the mother of Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon III and Viserys II
Despite being the eldest child of King Viserys, Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne was complicated by the arrival of her half-brother Aegon II. When Viserys passed away, Aegon was declared king, leading to a power struggle between Rhaenyra and Aegon’s supporters, known as the greens, and Rhaenyra’s allies, the blacks. The paternity of Rhaenyra’s eldest children, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, was a topic of controversy. Some believed that Harwin Strong, rather than her husband Laenor Velaryon, was their father due to their shared dark hair and common birth. Rhaenyra later had two sons with Daemon, named Aegon III and Viserys II, and gave birth to a stillborn daughter. Currently, she governs the black council from Dragonstone.
Aegon II Targaryen
Born: Around 107 AD
Nicknames: Aegon the Elder, Aegon the Usurper
Dragon: Sunfyre
Background: Son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent. He has three siblings: Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. He also has a half-sister, Rhaenyra, and two nephews, Jacaerys and Lucerys. He is the father of Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor.
Portrayed by: Tom Glynn-Carney (as an adult) and Ty Tennant (as a younger character)
After the demise of his father Viserys, Aegon II assumed the role of the sixth Targaryen monarch in Westeros. Known as a descendant of Aegon the Conqueror, Aegon II was infamous for his lazy teenage years and rumored to have assaulted one of his mother’s handmaids. In spite of his half-sister Rhaenyra, he was chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. The two were deeply hostile towards each other during the conflict named “The Dance of Dragons.” Married to his sister Helaena, Aegon II fathered Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor. At the Battle of Rook’s Rest, he was deceived by his brother Aemond and left severely burnt after being attacked by Vhagar, his own dragon.
Aemond Targaryen
I was born in the year 110 After the Conquest, known to some as Aemond. I’ve earned a few nicknames: “One-Eye” and “Kinslayer.” My dragon is named Vhagar. I am the son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, making me the brother of Kings Aegon II and Daeron, as well as Helaena. I’m also the half-brother of Rhaenyra and an uncle to Jacaerys and Lucerys. In various productions, I have been portrayed by Ewan Mitchell and Leo Ashton when I was younger.
Aemond, younger and more ruthless than his older brother Aegon II, seized the opportunity to claim Vhagar, one of the oldest and largest dragons in Westeros, following the death of its previous rider, Laena Velaryon. However, his sneaky act was discovered by Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon, leading to a brawl where Lucerys inflicted a deep wound in Aemond’s eye. To conceal the injury, Aemond replaced the damaged eye with a sapphire and donned an eyepatch. Later, during their airborne encounter above Storm’s End, Vhagar avenged Aemond by annihilating Lucerys and his dragon Arrax. In the battle of Rook’s Rest, Aemond and Vhagar eliminated Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys. Moreover, Aemond caught his brother Aegon II off guard, severely injuring him, and assumed the role of prince regent.
Helaena Targaryen
Born: Around the year 109 After Common Era
Dragon: Named Dreamfyre
Background: She is the daughter of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, making her sister and wife to Aegon II, as well as a sister to Aemond and Daeron. She is also the mother of Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor.
Portrayed by: Phia Saban (adult) and Evie Allen (younger)
Helaena, unique child of Viserys and Alicent, had a peculiar way of speaking that seemed to hint at future events. She warned that Aemond would suffer the loss of an eye, and cryptically mentioned a “monster hidden below” before Rhaenys unexpectedly emerged from Dragonstone’s floor on her dragon during Aegon’s coronation. Helaena was wed to her brother Aegon and gave birth to three offspring: Jaehaerys (tragically slain by Blood and Cheese), Jaehaera, and Maelor.
Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Maelor Targaryen
Born: 123 AC and 127 AC
Died: 129 AC (Jaehaerys)
Family: Children of Aegon and Helaena
In the first season of “House of the Dragon,” we catch a glimpse of twins Jaehaerys and Jaehaera, and Maelor is their younger brother. However, in the second season’s premiere, Jaehaerys meets his demise at the hands of Blood and Cheese, who were acting on Daemon’s orders as retaliation for Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s son, being killed earlier.
Jacaerys Velaryon
Born: Around the year 114 After Common Era
Nickname: Called Jace
Dragon: Named Vermax
Background: Son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, or Harwin Strong. He has two brothers, Lucerys and Joffrey. Nephew to King Aegon II and Aemond.
Portrayed by: Harry Collett and Leo Hart (in younger roles)
In King’s Landing, there were rumors that Jacaerys and his brothers might not be Rhaenyra’s husband Laenor Velaryon’s sons, but rather Ser Harwin Strong’s. Aemond derided these suspicions by calling them “strong boys.” This led to a brawl, during which Lucerys wounded Aemond’s eye with his sword. Jacaerys supported his mother’s faction and was betrothed to his cousin Baela. As the Dance of Dragons unfolded, Jace rallied allies for his mother’s cause.
Lucerys Velaryon
Born: Around 115 After Common Year (AC)
Died: Around 129 After Common Year (AC)
Nickname: Luke
Dragon: Arrax
Background: Son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and either Laenor Velaryon or Harwin Strong. He is the brother of Jacaerys and Joffrey, and a nephew to King Aegon II and Aemond.
Portrayed by: Elliot Grihault and Harvey Sadler (in younger roles)
I was assigned the duty to soar upon my trusted dragon, Arrax, towards Storm’s End with the intention of seeking Lord Borros Baratheon’s allegiance for Rhaenyra during the ongoing Targaryen civil war. Alas, Aemond arrived before me and proposed a marriage alliance with one of Borros’ precious daughters. Unable to equal such an enticing offer, given my existing betrothal to my cherished cousin Rhaena, I found myself locked in an airborne confrontation against him on our respective dragons. Sadly, the merciless Vhagar, under Aemond’s command, proved to be a formidable adversary, leaving Arrax and myself defeated and lifeless in the skies above Storm’s End.
Joffrey Velaryon
Born: Around the year 126 after Common Era
Nickname: Joff is what he’s called
Background: He is the son, either of Rhaenyra Velaryon and Laenor or Harwin Strong. He has siblings named Jacaerys and Lucerys. Additionally, he is the nephew to Aegon II and Aemond who currently hold the throne.
Although this Joffrey bears the same name as a detested monarch from “Game of Thrones,” they are not connected. This individual is the third son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, or according to some, Harwin Strong. He gets sent to Essos during the Dance of Dragons.
Aegon III and Viserys II Targaryen
Born: 120 AC and 122 AC
Nicknames: Aegon the Younger
Family: Children of Rhaenyra and Daemon
In the initial season of “House of the Dragon,” Rhaenyra and Daemon’s children make brief appearances. However, they will assume more significant roles in upcoming episodes. They had a stillborn daughter named Visenya, an homage to Rhaenyra’s powerful ancestor, Aegon the Conqueror’s sister-wife. Rhaenyra named her eldest son Aegon, after the first Targaryen monarch, as well as a subtle jab at her half-brother, King Aegon II. Her second son was christened with the name of her father and Daemon’s brother, Viserys. These two siblings were exiled to Essos during the Dance of Dragons conflict.
Rhaena and Baela Targaryen
In my movie reviewer persona, I’d say:
I’m in awe of the intricate family dynamics in this tale. Daemon, played by an brilliant actor, has twin daughters, Rhaena and Baela, with his second spouse, Laena Velaryon. To reinforce the alliance between their houses, the girls are betrothed to their cousins, Jacaerys and Lucerys, respectively. In a bid to ensure their safety amidst the brewing chaos, Rhaenyra, Daemon’s first-born, sends her kids off to Essos under Rhaena’s care. Meanwhile, Baela stays put in Westeros, lending a hand in the ongoing war effort.
Maester Aemon
Born: Around 198 AD
Passed away: Around 300 AD
Nickname: Aemon Targaryen
Background: Son of King Maekar I and Dyanna Dayne, older brother of King Aegon V, great-great uncle of Daenerys Targaryen and great-great-great uncle of Jon Snow.
Portrayed by: Peter Vaughan.
Maester Aemon concealed his Targaryen lineage upon joining the Night’s Watch, growing so ancient that most people in Westeros failed to recall his royal background. He declined assuming the Iron Throne following his father, King Maekar I’s demise. Instead, his younger brother Aegon V, who had journeyed with hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall as depicted in “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” was crowned king. At Castle Black, Aemon trained Jon Snow and cast the deciding vote in electing him as the 998th Master of the Night’s Watch before succumbing to old age.
Three-Eyed Raven
Born: The year of his birth is unknown to us
Died: In the year 303 After Common Era
Nicknames: Known as Brynden Rivers and Bloodraven
Family Background: He is the acknowledged illegitimate son of King Aegon IV and Melissa Blackwood
Portrayed by: Max von Sydow and Struan Rodger (previously)
King Aegon IV had numerous illegitimate children with various wives. On his deathbed, he granted them all legitimacy, sparking the First Blackfyre Rebellion as his offspring battled for the right to sit on the Iron Throne. Brynden was subsequently dispatched to join the Night’s Watch, and it is believed that the Three-Eyed Raven, whom Bran Stark encounters in visions and meets beyond the Wall in “Game of Thrones,” could be none other than Brynden himself, now assuming a new identity. He passes on the enigmatic ability of greensight to Bran but ultimately falls victim to the Night King’s grasp.
Aerys II Targaryen
Born: A.D. 244 (Anno Domini)
Passed away: A.D. 283
Nicknames: Known as “The Mad King” and “King Scab”
Background: Born to King Jaehaerys II and Queen Shaera, he became father to Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys. He was also the husband and brother of Queen Rhaella, and the grandfather of Jon Snow.
Portrayed on screen by: David Rintoul.
Although Aerys Targaryen, infamously known as the Mad King, had a significant part in “Game of Thrones,” his presence was mainly limited to flashbacks depicting his tumultuous rule over Westeros. His sanity was shattered by centuries of incest and paranoia, leading him to develop an unusual obsession with dragonfire. He neglected personal grooming, refusing to cut his hair or fingernails. Aerys also mistreated his sister-wife Rhaella. He chose Tywin Lannister as his Hand of the King, but their bond eventually deteriorated. Tywin’s son Jaime was named the youngest-ever member of the Kingsguard. Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and their allies united to overthrow Aerys during Robert’s Rebellion. Betrayed by Tywin, the rebels stormed King’s Landing. In a dramatic turn of events, Jaime fatally wounded Aerys in the back, earning him the infamous nickname “The Kingslayer.” With Aerys’ demise, the Targaryen dynasty came to an end and was succeeded by Robert’s reign.
Rhaegar Targaryen
I was born in the year 259 After Common Era (AC). I passed away in the year 283 AC. Some called me the Silver Dragon, the Dragon Prince, or simply the Last Dragon. I was the son of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, with Daenerys and Viserys being my siblings. In time, I became a husband to Elia Martell and later to Lyanna Stark. I left behind a legacy as the father of Jon Snow. Wilf Scolding brought me to life on the silver screen.
Towards the end of the Targaryen dynasty, Rhaegar was born without any older siblings capable of marriage. Instead, he chose Elia Martell from Dorne as his bride, resulting in one daughter named Rhaenys, who sadly perished during Robert’s Rebellion. Rhaegar ignited Robert’s Rebellion by courting Lyanna Stark at Harrenhal’s tourney, which infuriated her intended husband, Robert Baratheon. This led to a rebellion against the Targaryens, fueled by rumors that Rhaegar had kidnapped and violated Lyanna at the Tower of Joy in Dorne, where she supposedly died. However, it was later revealed in the penultimate season of “Game of Thrones” that Rhaegar and Lyanna were deeply in love, secretly married, and she gave birth to a son named Aegon Targaryen, more famously known as Jon Snow. After Rhaegar’s death at the Battle of the Trident, Eddard was the only one aware of Jon’s true lineage and vowed to raise him as his bastard son.
Viserys III Targaryen
Born: Around the year 276 After Common Era (ACE)
Passed Away: Somewhere around 298 ACE
Nickname: Known as the “Beggar King”
Background: Son of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, with siblings Rhaegar and Daenerys, and an uncle to Jon Snow
Portrayed by: Harry Lloyd in adaptations.
Following the demise of King Aerys II, Rhaella, and Rhaegar during Robert’s Rebellion, Viserys and Daenerys were dispatched to Braavos for safety. They subsequently traveled through the Free Cities of Essos, and eventually, Viserys arranged a marriage between Daenerys and Khal Drogo, the leader of the Dothraki horsemen. However, Viserys’ anger, bitterness, and intense desire for the crown led him to make an adversary out of Drogo. Tragically, Drogo retaliated by pouring molten gold over Viserys’ head.
Daenerys Targaryen
Born: In the year 282 After Common Era
Died: The year 305 After Common Era
Nicknames: Daenerys Targaryen, the first in her lineage, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Shieldmaiden of the Seven Kingdoms, Mother of Dragons, Ruler of the Great Grass Sea, the Unscathed, Breaker of Chains
Dragons: Viserion, Rhaegal, Drogon
Family: Daughter of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, Sister of Rhaegar and Daenerys, Married to Khal Drogo, Aunt and Love Interest of Jon Snow
Portrayed on Screen by: Emilia Clarke
Following Viserys’ demise, Daenerys gradually amassed formidable allies such as Tyrion Lannister, Lord Varys, Jorah Mormont, an army of Dothraki, Unsullied, Greyjoy ships, and her three dragon offspring. With this formidable coalition, she aimed to reclaim the Iron Throne. Eventually, Daenerys joined forces with Jon Snow, the ruler of the North, unbeknownst to both of them that they were long-lost family. Together, they prepared to face Queen Cersei Lannister. However, after securing victory in the Battle of King’s Landing, an inexplicable Targaryen rage overtook Daenerys, prompting her to give the command for Drogon to incinerate the city and its inhabitants. Amidst the ashes, a dismayed and distraught Jon killed Daenerys, just as Drogon destroyed the Iron Throne.
Jon Snow
Born: In the year 283 After Common Era
Nicknames: Known as Aegon Targaryen, the White Wolf, the King in the North, and the Prince That Was Promised
Family Background: Son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark; he is also the nephew and lover of Daenerys, a bastard son of Eddard Stark, and half-brother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon Stark
Portrayed by: Kit Harington in the series.
Jon Stark, long believed to be Eddard Stark’s bastard son, was in fact the illegitimate child of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. This revelation made him the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. To shield him from harm, Lyanna asked Eddard to keep Jon’s true parentage a secret. As an adult, Jon became a member of the Night’s Watch and was eventually promoted to Lord Commander. Tragically, he was murdered during a rebellion and miraculously brought back to life by Melisandre the Red Priestess. After retaking Winterfell from House Bolton, Jon was hailed as King in the North. He later allied with Daenerys Targaryen to defeat the Night King and his horde of white walkers. However, following Daenerys’ destructive invasion of King’s Landing, Jon was forced to betray her and end her life. In the series finale of “Game of Thrones,” Jon was banished back to the Night’s Watch and led the free folk north of the Wall.
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2024-07-17 00:06