Introduction
Greetings, readers! Are you fascinated by the intricate tapestry of Game of Thrones’ history? If so, then prepare to delve into the illustrious Targaryen family tree, a lineage marked by both glory and tragedy.
From their rise to power in Valyria to their eventual downfall in Westeros, the Targaryens played a pivotal role in shaping the Seven Kingdoms. Their bloodline is a veritable who’s who of iconic characters, with each generation leaving an indelible mark on the realm.
The Origins of the Targaryens
The Valyrians
The Targaryens trace their ancestry back to the ancient Freehold of Valyria, a civilization renowned for its advanced knowledge of magic and dragonlore. As dragonlords, the Targaryens possessed the ability to tame and ride the formidable beasts, granting them a significant advantage in war.
The Doom of Valyria
In the year 102 BC, a cataclysm known as the Doom of Valyria destroyed the freehold, sending shockwaves throughout the Known World. While many Valyrian families perished, the Targaryens managed to escape thanks to the foresight of Aenar Targaryen, who had led his kin to the island of Dragonstone several years earlier.
The Targaryen Kings
Aegon the Conqueror
Aeneas’ great-grandson, Aegon Targaryen, became the first Targaryen king of Westeros in 2 BC. With the help of his sisters-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys, Aegon conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms, establishing the Targaryen dynasty that would rule for nearly three centuries.
The Dance of the Dragons
One of the most pivotal events in Targaryen history was the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that erupted between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother, Aegon II. The conflict, which saw dragons fighting dragons, ultimately ended with the deaths of both contenders and the near extinction of the Targaryen dragons.
The Fall of the Targaryens
Robert’s Rebellion
The Targaryen dynasty came to an end in 283 AC during Robert’s Rebellion. Led by Robert Baratheon and aided by the Starks and Arryns, the rebels overthrew the "Mad King" Aerys II Targaryen, ending the Targaryen reign over Westeros.
The Mad King’s Children
Aerys II’s children, Rhaegar and Daenerys, both played significant roles in the Targaryen’s downfall. Rhaegar’s actions sparked Robert’s Rebellion, while Daenerys’ quest to reclaim her family’s throne ultimately led to her demise.
The Targaryen Family Tree in Focus
To provide a comprehensive overview of the Targaryen lineage, we present the following table:
| Name | Relation | Years of Reign | Significant Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I Targaryen | Conqueror | 2 BC – 37 AC | United six of the Seven Kingdoms |
| Aenys I Targaryen | Son of Aegon I | 37 AC – 42 AC | Ascendance of Maegor the Cruel |
| Maegor I Targaryen | Half-brother of Aenys I | 42 AC – 48 AC | Tyrannical rule |
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen | Grandson of Aenys I | 48 AC – 103 AC | "The Wise", longest-reigning Targaryen king |
| Viserys I Targaryen | Grandson of Jaehaerys I | 103 AC – 129 AC | Preceded the Dance of the Dragons |
| Rhaenyra Targaryen | Daughter of Viserys I | 129 AC – 131 AC | Died during the Dance of the Dragons |
| Aegon II Targaryen | Half-brother of Rhaenyra | 131 AC – 131 AC | Died during the Dance of the Dragons |
| Aegon III Targaryen | Son of Rhaenyra | 131 AC – 157 AC | "The Dragonbane" |
| Daeron I Targaryen | Brother of Aegon III | 157 AC – 161 AC | Conquered Dorne |
| Baelor I Targaryen | Brother of Daeron I | 161 AC – 171 AC | "The Blessed" |
| Viserys II Targaryen | Brother of Baelor I | 171 AC – 172 AC | Died without producing an heir |
| Aegon IV Targaryen | Bastard son of Viserys II | 172 AC – 184 AC | "The Unworthy" |
| Daeron II Targaryen | Son of Aegon IV | 184 AC – 209 AC | "The Good" |
| Aerys I Targaryen | Son of Daeron II | 209 AC – 221 AC | Died at Summerhall |
| Jaehaerys II Targaryen | Son of Aerys I | 221 AC – 226 AC | Died prematurely |
| Aerys II Targaryen | Son of Jaehaerys II | 226 AC – 283 AC | "The Mad King" |
| Rhaegar Targaryen | Son of Aerys II | 283 AC | Crown prince, killed at the Battle of the Trident |
| Viserys Targaryen | Son of Aerys II | 283 AC – 298 AC | Died in exile |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Daughter of Aerys II | 298 AC – 305 AC | Queen of Meereen, died in Westeros |
Conclusion
The Targaryen family tree is a testament to the intricate tapestry of power, ambition, and tragedy that characterized the Seven Kingdoms. From their humble origins as dragonlords in Valyria to their eventual fall in Westeros, the Targaryens left an indelible mark on the realm. To delve deeper into the fascinating history of Westeros, be sure to check out our other articles on the Starks, Lannisters, and Baratheons.
FAQ about Targaryen Family Tree
Who was the founder of the Targaryen dynasty?
Aegon the Conqueror
How many Targaryen kings ruled Westeros?
17
Who was the last Targaryen king?
Aerys II "the Mad King"
Who was Daenerys Targaryen’s father?
Aerys II "the Mad King"
Who was Daenerys Targaryen’s mother?
Rhaella Targaryen
Who was Viserys Targaryen?
Daenerys’s older brother
Who was Jon Snow’s real parents?
Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark
Who was Aemon Targaryen?
Daenerys’s great-uncle
Who was Aegon the Blackfyre?
Daeron II’s bastard son
Who was Rhaenyra Targaryen?
Viserys I’s oldest child and heir
