The Targaryen family and their dragons are at the heart of the drama in House of the Dragon. As Season 2 unfolds, understanding the intricate web of relationships becomes crucial for fans trying to track who might ascend the Iron Throne, who will ride the dragons, and ultimately, who might become dragon fodder. With potential heirs falling and new dragon riders emerging, the stakes are higher than ever. Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), both claimants to the Iron Throne, have suffered devastating losses, intensifying the battle for succession. To truly grasp the complexities of the unfolding civil war – the Dance of the Dragons – a deep dive into the Rhaenyra Targaryen Family Tree is essential.
When House of the Dragon begins, King Viserys I Targaryen faces a succession crisis. Lacking a male heir, he must choose between his headstrong brother Daemon or his intelligent daughter Rhaenyra. Breaking centuries of tradition, Viserys names Rhaenyra his heir, setting the stage for future conflict. However, the subsequent marriage of Viserys to Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and the birth of their son, Aegon II, throws the established line of succession into turmoil. Rhaenyra herself builds her own family, further complicating the question of who will eventually rule Westeros.
The Dance of the Dragons: A Family Divided
The question of succession ignites the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war where loyalties are tested and family ties are shattered. As Westeros descends into chaos, everyone has a stake and an opinion on who should rightfully claim the Iron Throne. Navigating the sea of blonde Targaryens can be challenging, but understanding their lineage is key to following the intricate plot. The Targaryen family tree, while complex due to generations of intermarriage, is surprisingly compact.
Here’s a breakdown of the key figures in the Targaryen family tree, focusing on Rhaenyra’s ancestry and descendants, as it stands after Season 2 of House of the Dragon.
HOTD Family Tree Finale
Daenys Targaryen: The Dreamer
The story begins with Daenys Targaryen, known as Daenys the Dreamer. Her prophetic vision of Valyria’s destruction prompted her father, Aenar Targaryen, to relocate their family to Dragonstone, escaping the Doom. This pivotal decision ensured the Targaryens’ survival and positioned them as the last dragon riders in the world. Daenys’ foresight is the bedrock upon which the Targaryen dynasty is built.
Aegon I Targaryen: The Conqueror
Aegon Targaryen, later known as Aegon the Conqueror, forged the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Alongside his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya, Aegon used his dragons to unite a fractured continent under Targaryen rule. The Targaryen tradition of intermarriage, intended to maintain bloodline purity, began with Aegon and his sisters. This practice, while ensuring Targaryen dominance, also carried inherent risks, as highlighted by Cersei Lannister’s observation about the unpredictable nature of Targaryen offspring. Aegon’s sons, Aenys and Maegor, exemplified this duality.
Aenys I Targaryen
Aenys Targaryen, despite his somewhat unfortunate name (pronounced “Ennis”), proved to be a benevolent ruler, inheriting the throne after Aegon. He married Alyssa Velaryon, connecting the Targaryens to the other Valyrian house that survived the Doom. Although the Velaryons were not dragon riders, their alliance with the Targaryens cemented their prominent position in Westerosi politics. Aenys’ reign was tragically cut short by his brother, Maegor “The Cruel.”
Jaehaerys I Targaryen: The Wise King
Maegor’s brutal reign lasted only six years, ending with his mysterious death upon the Iron Throne. His successor was Aenys’ son, Jaehaerys I Targaryen, who ushered in a golden age for Westeros. Jaehaerys, known as “The Old King,” married his sister Alyssane. Despite the incestuous nature of the union, it was reportedly a love match. Their reign was characterized by peace and prosperity, marked by infrastructure development and stability, a stark contrast to the dragon-fueled conquests of earlier Targaryen kings. Jaehaerys and Alyssane had thirteen children, though only a few are central to the unfolding succession crisis.
Aemon Targaryen
Aemon Targaryen, Jaehaerys’ eldest son to reach adulthood, married Jocelyn Baratheon. While Jocelyn was not a Targaryen, she was Aemon’s aunt, continuing the trend of close-kin marriages. Aemon predeceased his father, leaving behind his daughter, Rhaenys Targaryen, and clearing the path for his younger brother Baelon to become heir.
Baelon Targaryen
Baelon Targaryen, Jaehaerys’ second son, married his sister and had two sons: Viserys and Daemon Targaryen. Baelon’s untimely death from illness (“burst belly”) before his father further complicated the succession. With both of Jaehaerys’ sons deceased, the question of the heir became critical.
Rhaenys Targaryen: The Queen That Never Was
Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon in House of the Dragon
Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), daughter of Jaehaerys’ eldest son Aemon, had the strongest claim to the throne by primogeniture. However, Westerosi patriarchy favored male inheritance. To avoid conflict, Jaehaerys convened a Great Council to decide the succession. Despite Rhaenys’ claim, the council chose Baelon’s eldest son, Viserys, deeming a male heir preferable to a female one. Rhaenys became known as “The Queen Who Never Was.” In House of the Dragon, Rhaenys experiences further tragedy with the deaths of her children and her husband’s injury. Despite these hardships, she initially seeks peace with Rhaenyra but ultimately meets a fiery end at the Battle at Rook’s Rest.
Viserys I Targaryen
Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) married his cousin Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke), and their only surviving child was Rhaenyra Targaryen. Viserys’ desperate desire for a male heir led to the tragic death of Aemma during childbirth, along with their newborn son. Facing a succession crisis, Viserys controversially named Rhaenyra his heir. However, his subsequent marriage to Alicent Hightower and the birth of Aegon II reignited the succession debate. Viserys and Alicent had three more children: Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. Viserys’ death in House of the Dragon triggers the Dance of the Dragons, as a misunderstanding on his deathbed leads to Alicent crowning Aegon II, directly challenging Rhaenyra’s claim.
Daemon Targaryen
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), Viserys’ younger brother, is a formidable warrior with ambitions for the Iron Throne. Feared for his volatility, Daemon was initially married to Rhea Royce, a union he despised. After her death, he married Laena Velaryon, fathering Baela and Rhaena Targaryen before she died in childbirth. Finally, Daemon married his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen, with whom he had long held a complex relationship. Together, Rhaenyra and Daemon become central figures in the fight for the Iron Throne.
Corlys Velaryon: The Sea Snake
Steve Toussaint in the Game of Thrones prequel House of Dragon
Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), the legendary Sea Snake, married Rhaenys Targaryen in a rare love match. Their children, Laenor and Laena Velaryon, become significant players in the unfolding drama. Corlys’ ambition and naval power make House Velaryon a crucial ally in the Targaryen conflicts.
Alicent Hightower
Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower in House of the Dragon
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), daughter of Otto Hightower, began as Rhaenyra’s close companion but became Queen consort to Viserys I. Manipulated by her father, Alicent married Viserys after the death of Queen Aemma. She gave birth to Aegon II, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. Fueled by a belief that Rhaenyra poses a threat to her children, Alicent becomes Rhaenyra’s rival, championing Aegon II’s claim to the throne. Her actions, driven by fear and ambition, are pivotal in igniting the Dance of the Dragons.
Rhaenyra Targaryen: The Realm’s Delight
Emma D'Arcy in House of the Dragon
Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), initially named heir by her father Viserys, faces constant challenges to her claim. Despite her father’s decree, the realm struggles to accept a queen. To solidify her position, she marries Laenor Velaryon, a political alliance that produces her sons Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon. However, the paternity of these children is questioned. To further strengthen her claim and out of genuine affection, Rhaenyra marries her uncle Daemon Targaryen after faking Laenor’s death. Together, they have Aegon III and Viserys II, solidifying Rhaenyra Targaryen’s family tree and her determination to secure her birthright.
Laenor Velaryon
John MacMillan as Leanor Velaryon in House of the Dragon
Laenor Velaryon (John MacMillan) married Rhaenyra for political expediency. His homosexuality and open marriage arrangement with Rhaenyra lead to questions about the paternity of Rhaenyra’s children. Laenor eventually escapes his royal duties by faking his death, allowing him to pursue a life with his lover, Qarl Correy.
Laena Velaryon
Nanna Blondell as Laena Velaryon in House of the Dragon
Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) was initially proposed as a bride for Viserys I but later married Daemon Targaryen. She and Daemon had two daughters, Baela and Rhaena Targaryen. Laena’s tragic death by dragonfire, choosing to end her life rather than die in childbirth, profoundly impacts Daemon and their daughters.
Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon II Targaryen on House of the Dragon
Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), the firstborn son of Viserys and Alicent, becomes Rhaenyra’s primary rival for the Iron Throne. Initially indifferent to ruling, Aegon is propelled into the succession conflict by his mother, Alicent. His reign is marked by cruelty and instability. The death of his son Jaehaerys ignites further violence in the Dance of the Dragons. By the end of Season 2, Aegon’s position remains precarious.
Helaena Targaryen
Helaena Targaryen on House of the Dragon
Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban), Aegon II’s sister-wife, possesses prophetic dreams, a trait of some Targaryens. Married to Aegon II, she is the mother of Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. Helaena’s dragon, Dreamfyre, and her own reluctant involvement are drawn into the escalating conflict, despite her gentle nature.
Aemond Targaryen
Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen on House of the Dragon
Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), the younger brother of Aegon II, is a skilled warrior and dragon rider. His ambition and resentment fuel the conflict. Claiming Vhagar, the largest dragon in Westeros, Aemond becomes a formidable force for his mother’s faction. His accidental killing of Lucerys Velaryon in the Season 1 finale intensifies the Dance of the Dragons, driving Rhaenyra to vengeance. By Season 2’s end, Aemond effectively rules in Aegon’s stead, showcasing his growing power and ruthlessness.
Jacaerys Velaryon
jacaerys targaryen on house of the dragon
Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett), Rhaenyra’s eldest son and heir, is central to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s family tree. His parentage is questioned, but he is recognized as Laenor’s son. Jacaerys bonds with the dragon Vermax and is betrothed to Baela Targaryen, strengthening Rhaenyra’s alliances.
Lucerys Velaryon
Lucerys Targaryen on House of the Dragon
Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), Rhaenyra’s second son, also faces questions about his paternity. Betrothed to Rhaena Targaryen, Lucerys is destined to inherit Driftmark. His death at the hands of Aemond and Vhagar is a pivotal moment, triggering Rhaenyra’s full commitment to war.
Joffrey Velaryon
Emma D'Arcy and John MacMillan in House of the Dragon
Joffrey Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s youngest son, is still a child during the early stages of the Dance of the Dragons.
Baela Targaryen
Baela Targaryen and Rhaenys Targaryen on House of the Dragon
Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia), Daemon and Laena’s elder daughter, is a dragon rider betrothed to Jacaerys Velaryon, further uniting their houses.
Rhaena Targaryen
Lucerys Velaryon, Random Lady, Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen, Joffrey Velaryon, Rhaena Targaryen (l-r)
Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), Baela’s younger sister, is betrothed to Lucerys Velaryon. Despite her dragon egg not hatching, Rhaena’s determination to become a dragon rider remains a key aspect of her character arc.
Understanding the Rhaenyra Targaryen family tree is not just about names and relationships; it’s about grasping the motivations, alliances, and conflicts that drive the narrative of House of the Dragon. As the Dance of the Dragons intensifies, these family bonds will be tested to their limits, shaping the destiny of Westeros.
