The Targaryen family, with their silver hair and violet eyes, holds a central place in the history of Westeros, particularly as depicted in "House of the Dragon." This article delves into the intricate Targaryen family tree, tracing their lineage from Aegon the Conqueror to the events of "House of the Dragon," explaining key relationships, succession disputes, and the significance of their dragon-riding heritage. Understanding the Targaryen family history is crucial for grasping the political machinations and power struggles that define the series.
The Origins: Aegon the Conqueror and the Conquest of Westeros
The Targaryen dynasty began with Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror. He, along with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, sailed from Dragonstone and launched a successful invasion of Westeros approximately 300 years before the events of "Game of Thrones." Armed with dragons, the Targaryens subjugated six of the Seven Kingdoms, with Dorne eventually joining through marriage.
Aegon's conquest established the Targaryens as the ruling house of Westeros, seated on the Iron Throne. He married both his sisters, a common practice among Targaryens to keep the bloodline pure and maintain control over their dragons. Visenya was known for her strength and her dragon, Vhagar, while Rhaenys was known for her beauty and her dragon, Meraxes. Aegon himself rode Balerion the Black Dread, the largest and most fearsome dragon.
The Targaryen dynasty’s legitimacy stemmed from their dragons. These magnificent creatures were symbols of their power and authority, allowing them to maintain their dominance over Westeros for centuries. Without dragons, the Targaryens were just another noble house.
The Early Targaryen Kings: Consolidating Power
Following Aegon's reign, a succession of Targaryen kings ruled Westeros, each contributing to the dynasty's legacy. Aenys I, Aegon’s eldest son, faced numerous rebellions and challenges to his rule. Maegor the Cruel, Aenys's brother, succeeded him and was known for his tyrannical reign and brutal suppression of dissent.
King Jaehaerys I, known as "the Conciliator" or "the Wise," brought peace and prosperity to the realm, ruling for nearly 60 years. His reign is often considered the golden age of the Targaryen dynasty. He established laws, built roads, and fostered a period of stability that allowed the kingdom to flourish. He was married to his sister, Alysanne Targaryen, and their marriage was a strong and loving one, further solidifying the Targaryen practice of sibling marriage to maintain the bloodline.
Jaehaerys I's long reign was followed by a succession crisis. With no clear heir, the Great Council of 101 AC was convened to choose his successor. This council played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Targaryen dynasty.
The Great Council of 101 AC and the Succession of Viserys I
The Great Council of 101 AC was held at Harrenhal to determine the heir to King Jaehaerys I. The two main contenders were Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Jaehaerys's eldest grandchild through his eldest son, Aemon, and Prince Viserys Targaryen, Jaehaerys's grandson through his third son, Baelon. Despite Rhaenys being the elder claimant, the council overwhelmingly voted in favor of Viserys, establishing a precedent against female inheritance.
"The Great Council set a dangerous precedent," says historian Eliana Westerling, "by prioritizing male heirs over female claimants, despite established primogeniture." This decision would later have profound consequences, setting the stage for the Dance of the Dragons.
Viserys I's reign was marked by peace and prosperity, but the issue of succession loomed large. His first wife, Aemma Arryn, died in childbirth after finally bearing him a daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Seeds of the Dance of the Dragons
With no male heir, Viserys I named his daughter, Rhaenyra Targaryen, as his heir, breaking with the established tradition of male succession. He made the lords of Westeros swear fealty to her, solidifying her position as the heir to the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra was a dragonrider and a skilled politician, well-prepared to rule.
However, Viserys later remarried to Alicent Hightower, who bore him several sons, including Aegon II. This created a conflict, as many believed that Aegon II, as a male heir, should be the rightful successor to the Iron Throne. Alicent and her faction, known as the "greens," began to plot to place Aegon on the throne upon Viserys's death.
The seeds of the Dance of the Dragons were sown, with Rhaenyra and her supporters, known as the "blacks," preparing to defend her claim to the throne. This internal conflict would tear the Targaryen dynasty apart and weaken their hold on Westeros.
The Dance of the Dragons: A Targaryen Civil War
Upon the death of Viserys I, the realm was plunged into a brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The Greens, led by Alicent Hightower, crowned Aegon II as king, while the Blacks, loyal to Rhaenyra, proclaimed her as the rightful queen.
The Dance of the Dragons was a devastating conflict, marked by dragon battles, political betrayals, and immense loss of life. Key figures on both sides included Rhaenyra's husband, Daemon Targaryen, a skilled warrior and dragonrider, and Aegon II's brother, Aemond Targaryen, who rode the largest dragon in Westeros, Vhagar.
The war decimated the Targaryen dragon population, leading to their eventual extinction. The conflict also weakened the Targaryen dynasty, making them vulnerable to future challenges.
Aftermath of the Dance and the Subsequent Targaryen Kings
The Dance of the Dragons ended with the death of both Rhaenyra and Aegon II. Rhaenyra's son, Aegon III, eventually ascended the Iron Throne, but the Targaryen dynasty was forever changed. The dragons were gone, and the Targaryens' power was diminished.
Subsequent Targaryen kings faced numerous challenges, including rebellions, political intrigues, and the slow decline of their power. The line continued, with notable kings such as Daeron II, who brought Dorne into the realm through marriage, and Aegon V, known as "Egg," who attempted to reform the realm and improve the lives of the common people.
The Mad King and the End of Targaryen Rule
The reign of Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, marked the end of Targaryen rule. Aerys descended into madness, becoming increasingly paranoid and cruel. His erratic behavior and tyrannical actions alienated the lords of Westeros, leading to Robert's Rebellion.
Robert Baratheon, along with Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn, led a rebellion against Aerys, overthrowing the Targaryen dynasty. Aerys was killed by his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, during the Sack of King's Landing.
With the death of Aerys, the Targaryen dynasty came to an end, and Robert Baratheon became the new king of Westeros. However, two Targaryen children, Viserys and Daenerys, escaped to Essos, carrying the hope of restoring their family to power.
In conclusion, the Targaryen family tree is a complex and fascinating tapestry of power, ambition, and tragedy. From Aegon the Conqueror to the events of "House of the Dragon," their story is one of dragons, wars, and the struggle for the Iron Throne. Understanding their lineage is essential for appreciating the rich history and political dynamics of Westeros.
