As a historian with decades spent delving into the annals of Westeros, I must say that the lives of these Targaryen children and their allies are as dramatic as any tale spun by Maester Luwin himself. The tapestry of their stories is so intricately woven with betrayal, loss, and hope that it would make even a Lannister blush.
Warning: Spoilers for character deaths through Season 2 of House of the Dragon.
As a fervent fan, I can’t help but marvel at how House of the Dragon has unfurled its wings in its second season, immersing us in the tumultuous Targaryen Civil War between the Blacks and the Greens. Initially, five pivotal figures were at the heart of this epic tale, but as the narrative bloomed, it broadened the tapestry of the Targaryen family lineage considerably.
To truly follow the Targaryen saga, it’s crucial to comprehend the historical events that sparked their internal conflicts. King Jaehaerys I (played by Michael Carter) had numerous offspring, but Aemon and Baelon held significant importance because they passed away while Jaehaerys was still reigning, before a clear line of succession was set in stone. Consequently, the king faced a challenging decision between Rhaenys (Eve Best), Aemon’s eldest daughter, and Viserys (Paddy Considine), Baelon’s eldest son. Given his preference for male rule, the monarch chose Viserys as his heir over his older female relative. This choice had long-lasting consequences, significantly shaping the destiny of Westeros’ most influential family, a storyline introduced in the show’s opening episode.
Such a house warrants a detailed breakdown of all its members.
The Targaryen Family Tree
Viserys Targaryen I
Viserys I, also known as Viserys the First, was selected by his grandfather, King Jaehaerys I, instead of his cousin Rhaenys, to become king. He wed Aemma Arryn and together they had a daughter called Rhaenyra. Being a compassionate and generous monarch, he desired a male heir to inherit the Iron Throne. Unfortunately, Aemma endured multiple miscarriages and stillbirths throughout their union, and informed him that she was unable to conceive again.
In the pilot episode, she tragically passes away while giving birth, a procedure known as a c-section, which wasn’t common during that era. This left Viserys with no male heir, leading many to believe his brother, Daemon, would be in line for the throne. However, defying centuries of tradition, Viserys declared his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his successor. He later married Alicent Hightower and together they had four children, three of whom were boys. This sibling birth order eventually fueled the internal conflict that led to the Targaryen civil war.
Aemma Arryn and Baelon Targaryen
In simpler terms, Aemma and Baelon are Viserys I’s wife and son respectively, also being Rhaenyra’s mother and brother. Tragically, they both passed away on the same day, with Baelon being born prematurely during a difficult childbirth for Aemma, an event that was particularly poignant in the series. Known as “the King for a Day,” Baelon was delivered from his mother’s womb. Despite Aemma’s passing, Viserys continued to harbor deep affection for her, even after he remarried Alicent Hightower shortly thereafter.
Daemon Targaryen
Viserys’ younger brother, who once held the position of City Watch commander, is referred to as a daemon. This daemon possesses great power, has a tendency towards deceit, and often displays cruel behavior. He was previously married to Rhea Royce from the Vale, but the two had grown apart. Their marriage was later annulled, and he then wed Laena, daughter of Rhaenys and Corlys. Together they had two daughters, Baela and Rhaena, before she tragically passed away.
Subsequently, he wed his niece, Rhaenyra, and together they had three offspring, though only two made it past infancy. For a long time, he was viewed as a villain, but in House of the Dragon, his character fluctuates between good and evil. By the end of Season 2, he becomes aware of both the White Walkers and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). With determination, he pledges allegiance to Rhaenyra in front of the army he had gathered at Harrenhal.
Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon
As a passionate cinephile, I’m captivated by the tale of Rhaenys, often referred to as the “Queen Never-to-Be.” Born as the eldest granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I, she was destined for royalty, yet fate had other plans. In a surprising twist, her claim to the throne was bypassed in favor of her younger cousin, Viserys. However, her story didn’t end there. Her union with Corlys, fondly known as the “Sea Snake,” bound two formidable houses, Targaryen and Velaryon. This alliance resulted in the birth of two remarkable offspring: Laena and Laenor. In an intriguing turn of events, each of these children found their destinies intertwined with Daemon and Rhaenyra, through matrimony.
Initially, Rhaenys and Rhaenyra harbored a hint of animosity at the onset of the civil war. However, as the conflict unfolded, Rhaenys came to admire Rhaenyra, standing by her side against Aemond and his dragon Vhagar, ultimately perishing with her faithful dragon, Meleys. Following her demise, Corlys was appointed as Hand of the Queen, but he found it challenging to adapt to his new circumstances without her.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra is the child born to King Viserys I and Queen Aemma, who was declared the heir to the Iron Throne since her parents failed to produce a male successor. However, her half-brother Aegon II, son of Viserys and Alicent, seized the throne upon their father’s demise, triggering the Targaryen civil war. Initially, she wed Leanor, the son of Rhaenys and Corlys, and had three offspring; however, it was actually Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) who was the true father of these children. After Leanor’s passing, she married Daemon and went on to bear three more children, only two of whom made it past infancy.
In the third season of ‘Game of Thrones’, the destiny of Rhaenyra, a direct ancestor of Daenerys and Jon Snow, was brought up when Joffrey (played by Jack Gleeson) spoke about it with Margaery (portrayed by Natalie Dormer). Unlike many rulers preceding her, Rhaenyra aspired to put an end to the senseless war without the excessive bloodshed that her half-brothers appeared to relish. To achieve this, she summoned Targaryen bastards to Dragonstone and even managed to gain support from three more individuals by presenting them with her riderless dragons.
Otto and Alicent Hightower
In the world of House of the Dragon, Otto and Alicent, who aren’t natural-born Targaryens, have significantly influenced the family dynamics. Initially friends with Rhaenyra during her childhood, their bond weakened following the death of Aemma. Upon the instructions of her father, Alicent moved closer to the king and eventually wed him, becoming his queen. Their union produced four children: Aegon II, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron.
As Alicent lay dying, she misinterpreted Viserys’ last utterances, thinking he had altered his choice for an heir when in reality he spoke of Aegon the Conqueror. This misunderstanding led her son to seize the throne. During the reign of King Viserys I, Otto faithfully served as his Hand before being banished by Aegon I after Jaehaerys II’s assassination. The outcome of Otto’s story is yet to be revealed.
Laena and Laenor Velaryon
In the first season of the show, both Laena and Laenor, children of Rhaenys and Corlys, met their untimely ends. Laena passed away during labor and chose a noble, yet tragic, end by commanding her dragon, Vhagar, to incinerate her, an act that left Daemon in shock. On the other hand, while Laenor didn’t truly die in Season 1, his death was simulated through a duel to bolster Rhaenyra’s claim and subsequently Jace’s claim. This clever staging of his death allowed Daemon to assume the role of prince consort, while at the same time providing Laenor with the freedom he always desired.
Aegon Targaryen II
The firstborn son of Viserys I and Alicent, Aegon II is known as the “Usurper” because of how he claimed the Iron Throne in the wake of his father’s death. Not known for being smart or particularly strategic, he rules more like a child than a true king. He’s married to his younger sister, Helaena, and the two share a son and a daughter, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Grief-stricken by Jaehaerys’ death in the second season, he drunkenly flies into battle with Sunfyre. He fights Rhaenys and Meleys rather unsuccessfully before his brother Aemond attacks with Vhagar, burning him in the crossfire. Badly burned with his dragon dead, Aegon II faces further peril at the hands of his brother, who now serves as regent to the Kingdom.
Helaena Targaryen
The only daughter of Viserys I and Alicent, Helaena is known for her odd and peculiar personality. Having voiced interesting premonitions that appear to be nothing of importance in the moment, her ability to foresee what’s to come is never fully explained. By far the kindest person on the side of the Greens, she wishes to have no part in the unjust killing of anyone. Arguably stronger than most would give her credit for, she witnessed the horrifying death of her only son, Jaehaerys, and was forced to parade the streets of King’s Landing with his body. Although a dragon rider, she refuses to ride into battle, which deeply upsets her brother, Aemond. Unwavered by his threats, she reveals to him that she saw exactly what he did to Aegon II in an effort to steal the Iron Throne.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond is known for his harsh, unkind, and impulsive nature. Currently, he holds the position of regent in the kingdom while his brother Aegon II recuperates from battle injuries. As a young boy, he deceitfully asserted ownership over Vhagar, the dragon that originally belonged to Laena. Logically, it should have gone to Rhaena; but, amidst everyone’s mourning and Vhagar’s own distress, Aemond seized the opportunity and unjustly took control of her.
In Season 1, his attack on Luke and Arrax instigated the Targaryen civil war by bringing dragons into the conflict and igniting a chain of events that culminated in “a son for a son,” resulting in his nephew Jaehaerys’ demise. Later in Season 2, he engaged in a deadly battle with Rhaenys and Meleys, which ended in their deaths. He almost eliminated his brother Aegon II before being challenged by Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Now that Rhaenyra has acquired three additional dragons in her bid for the Iron Throne, Aemond is confronted with uncertainty and apprehension for the first time.
Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon
Jace, the eldest child of Rhaenyra and Laenor, is often seen as Rhaenyra’s successor due to being presented as a legitimate son. However, in truth, he is the bastard son of Ser Harwin Strong. His brothers, Luke and Joffery, share the same fate. Struggling with this reality daily, Jace remains steadfastly loyal to his mother’s cause but disagrees with her policy that allows Taragaryen bastards to ride dragons. He voices his concerns because he feels it undermines the authenticity and sanctity of Taragaryen traditions. Despite voicing his dissent, he stands firm in support of his mother as queen.
Lucerys “Luke” and Joffrey Velaryon
In the finale of Season 1, Luke, along with his dragon Arrax, perished at the claws of Vhagar, an event that significantly altered Rhaenyra’s pursuit for harmony with the Greens. With Luke’s passing, Joffrey inherited Driftmark as the eldest surviving son. Post the attempted assassination on Rhaenyra at Dragonstone, both Joffrey and his younger brothers were escorted to the Eyrie under Rhaena’s protection for their safety.
Baela and Rhaena Targaryen
Baela and Rhaena are Daemon and Laena’s daughters. Baela is promised to marry Jace, while Rhaena was originally betrothed to Luke who later died. Baela lives with Jace at Dragonstone, supporting Rhaenyra in her struggle against the Greens. After Rhaenyra was attacked, Rhaena was sent to the Eyrie along with Joffrey, Aegon, Viserys, and four unhatched dragon eggs to safeguard House Targaryen. It’s been confirmed that three of these eggs are the same ones owned by Daenerys in “Game of Thrones”. Unlike her sister, Rhaena does not have a dragon. However, it’s hinted in the Season 2 finale of the show that she might claim the wild dragon living in the Eyrie.
Aegon “The Younger,” Viserys, and Visenya Targaryen
In a turn of events, Aegon “The Younger,” Viserys, and Visenya are offspring born to Rhaenyra and Daemon. After an attempt on Rhaenyra’s life, Aegon, Viserys, and their older brother Joffrey, along with their half-sibling/cousin Rhaena, were taken to the Eyrie for safekeeping. Unfortunately, Rhaenyra’s only daughter and youngest child, Visenya, did not survive infancy as she was stillborn.
Daeron, Jaehaerys, and Jaehaera Targaryen
Daeron, belonging to the Greens and being the youngest child born to Alicent and King Viserys, has spent his years apprenticing under Lord Ormund Hightower in Oldtown. On the other hand, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera are the offspring of Aegon II and Helaena. It is whispered that Daemon, seeking vengeance for Luke’s death, had commanded the execution of Jaehaerys if Aemond could not be located. He reasoned that a “son for a son” would serve as an appropriate retaliation.
Addam of Hull, Hugh Hammer, and Ulf the White
Addam (Clinton Liberty), Hugh (Kieran Bew), and Ulf (Tom Bennett) are all children born out of wedlock to dragon riders who have taken up the dragons Seasmoke, Vermithor, and Silverwing in support of Rhaenyra’s cause. Addam is believed to be the illegitimate son of Lord Corlys with a mother possibly connected to the Targaryen lineage. There are rumors that Hugh’s mother may be Saera Targaryen, making him the grandson of King Jaehaerys I. It is also said that Ulf is the illegitimate son of Baelon the Brave, which means he is half-brother to both Viserys and Daemon unofficially.
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2024-09-01 00:38