Targaryen Family Tree: The Dragons of Valyria
A Legacy of Fire and Blood: Introduction
Greetings, readers! Prepare to delve into the legendary lineage of House Targaryen, a dynasty whose profound connection to dragons shaped the destiny of Westeros. For generations, the Targaryens soared through the skies on the backs of their magnificent beasts, their reign punctuated by epic battles and unparalleled power.
Since the days of Aegon the Conqueror, the Targaryen family tree has intertwined with the fate of dragons, forging an unbreakable bond that would forever alter the political and mythical landscape of the Seven Kingdoms. From the fierce Balerion the Black Dread to the enigmatic Vhagar, the dragons of the Targaryens became symbols of their authority and the indomitable spirit that defined their rule.
The Birth of the Dragonlords: Aemon the Dragonknight and the Dance of the Dragons
Aemon the Dragonknight: The Legendary Dragonrider
Aemon the Dragonknight was a legendary figure in Targaryen history, renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and unwavering loyalty to King Viserys I Targaryen. His bond with the dragon Caraxes, known as the "Blood Wyrm," was unbreakable, and together they soared through the skies, their presence synonymous with peace and stability.
Aemon played a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war that tore the realm apart. Despite his deep loyalty to the royal family, he found himself forced to fight against his own kin to uphold his principles. His unwavering determination and noble spirit etched his name forever in the annals of Westerosi history.
The Dance of the Dragons: A Targaryen Civil War
The Dance of the Dragons was a tumultuous period marked by betrayal and bloodshed, as two rival factions within House Targaryen clashed for supremacy of the Seven Kingdoms. On one side was King Aegon II Targaryen, supported by the Greens, while Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, backed by the Blacks, laid claim to the throne.
The conflict saw the Targaryens turning against each other, with dragons battling dragons in a dance of fire and destruction. The war ravaged the realm, leaving behind a legacy of broken alliances and shattered dreams. Ultimately, the Greens emerged victorious, but their victory came at a great cost, forever dividing the Targaryen family and weakening their once-unassailable hold on power.
Famous Targaryen Dragons: Balerion the Black Dread and Vhagar
Balerion the Black Dread: Aegon the Conqueror’s Mount
Balerion the Black Dread was the largest and most fearsome dragon ever known to inhabit Westeros. Aegon the Conqueror rode upon Balerion’s mighty back as he forged the Seven Kingdoms from disparate lands, his presence casting an ominous shadow over the battlefield.
With its massive size and insatiable hunger for destruction, Balerion was the embodiment of Targaryen power. Its mere presence sent shivers down the spines of enemies, who knew that where Balerion flew, death followed.
Vhagar: The Oldest and Wisest Dragon
Vhagar, the formidable ancient dragon, was bonded to Queen Visenya Targaryen, one of the three siblings who conquered Westeros. Known for its immense size and wisdom, Vhagar survived countless battles and witnessed the rise and fall of kings throughout the Targaryen reign.
Its rider, Queen Visenya, was a fierce and enigmatic figure, and together they instilled fear into the hearts of enemies. In later years, Vhagar became the mount of Aemond Targaryen, the younger brother of Aegon II, who used its immense power to devastating effect during the Dance of the Dragons.
Targaryen Dragons by Generation: A Detailed Table
| Generation | Dragon | Rider |
|---|---|---|
| Aegon the Conqueror’s Generation | Balerion the Black Dread | Aegon the Conqueror |
| Visenya Targaryen’s Generation | Vhagar | Visenya Targaryen |
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen’s Generation | Vermithor | Jaehaerys I Targaryen |
| Aemon the Dragonknight’s Generation | Caraxes | Aemond Targaryen |
| The Dance of the Dragons Generation | Sunfyre | Aegon II Targaryen |
| Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Generation | Syrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen |
Conclusion: The Legacy of Targaryen Dragons
The Targaryen family tree is inextricably intertwined with the history of dragons, their presence forever shaping the destiny of Westeros.** From the legendary Balerion the Black Dread to the enigmatic Vhagar, the dragons of House Targaryen became symbols of their power, ambition, and indomitable spirit.**
Though the Targaryen dynasty eventually fell, their legacy as the Dragonlords remains etched in the annals of history. The dragons they rode became synonymous with their reign, their fire and might forever woven into the tapestry of Westerosi lore.
If you enjoyed this comprehensive discussion about the Targaryen family tree and their dragons, be sure to check out our other articles exploring the rich tapestry of Game of Thrones:
- The Stark Family Tree: Direwolves and the North
- The Lannister Family Tree: Lions and the West
- The Baratheon Family Tree: Stags and the Stormlands
FAQ about Targaryen Family Tree Dragons
1. How many dragons did the Targaryens have?
Answer: The Targaryens had a total of 17 dragons that were named and mentioned in the books.
2. What was the name of the first Targaryen dragon?
Answer: Balerion the Black Dread.
3. Which Targaryen had the most dragons?
Answer: Aegon the Conqueror, who had three dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes.
4. What were the names of Daenerys’ dragons?
Answer: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion.
5. Did all Targaryens have dragons?
Answer: No. While many Targaryens throughout history had dragons, there were also periods when the family did not possess any dragons.
6. How were dragons bonded to Targaryens?
Answer: Dragons were often bonded to Targaryens through a ritual called "dragonriding," where a person of Targaryen blood would approach a dragon and attempt to ride it. If the dragon accepted, the bond would be forged.
7. What happened to most of the Targaryen dragons?
Answer: Many of the Targaryen dragons were killed in battles or died from old age. Others were lost or went missing.
8. Did any Targaryen dragons survive the Dance of the Dragons?
Answer: Only four Targaryen dragons survived the Dance of the Dragons: Sunfyre, Moondancer, Vermithor, and Silverwing.
9. What was the fate of Balerion the Black Dread?
Answer: Balerion died of old age in the Dragonpit at King’s Landing.
10. Are there any Targaryen dragons alive in the present timeline of the books?
Answer: No. All of the Targaryen dragons are considered extinct in the present timeline of the books.
