The dragons have returned to our screens, and with them, the intricate and often fiery saga of House Targaryen. Season 2 of HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” the prequel series to the monumental “Game of Thrones,” has ignited Westeros once more, drawing millions back into a world of political intrigue, dragon warfare, and the captivating, if sometimes volatile, Targaryen dynasty. While viewership numbers may be adjusting from the initial fervor of the Season 1 premiere and the peak of “Game of Thrones,” the allure of dragon lore and Targaryen ambition remains undiminished.
For devotees of George R.R. Martin’s rich fantasy universe, the Targaryens are central to the history of Westeros. These dragon-riding conquerors established a dynasty that reigned for centuries, their silver hair and legendary dragons becoming symbols of power and sometimes, terror. From Aegon the Conqueror’s unification of the Seven Kingdoms to the tumultuous Dance of Dragons, and even the whispers of Targaryen blood in “Game of Thrones,” their legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Westerosi history.
“House of the Dragon” plunges us into the Dance of Dragons, a brutal civil war sparked by a contested succession after the death of King Viserys Targaryen. Factions arose – the blacks, led by Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, and the greens, backing Aegon II Targaryen and Alicent Hightower – tearing the family and the realm apart. This conflict, set nearly 200 years before “Game of Thrones,” decimated the Targaryen dragons and foreshadowed the dynasty’s eventual decline.
By the time “Game of Thrones” unfolds, the Targaryens are a fractured memory, nearly extinguished by Robert Baratheon’s rebellion. Daenerys Targaryen’s quest to reclaim the Iron Throne and the shocking revelation of Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage kept the dragon flame flickering. In the current Westeros landscape, Jon Snow, or Aegon Targaryen, stands as the last known Targaryen, his fate uncertain but his bloodline undeniably significant.
Jaehaerys I Targaryen
Born: 34 AC
Died: 103 AC
Nickname: The Old King
Dragon: Vermithor
Family: Grandson of King Aegon the Conqueror, son of King Aenys, nephew of King Maegor, husband and brother of Queen Alysanne, grandfather of King Viserys
Played by: Michael Carter
Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the fourth Targaryen king, is remembered as the longest-reigning monarch, ruling for an impressive 55 years. He appears in the opening scene of “House of the Dragon,” making the pivotal decision that sets the stage for the Dance of Dragons. By choosing Viserys as his heir over Rhaenys, he inadvertently ignited the succession crisis that would engulf his family in war.
Viserys I Targaryen
King Viserys I Targaryen contemplating the Targaryen succession in House of the Dragon
Born: 77 AC
Died: 129 AC
Nickname: Viserys the Peaceful
Dragon: Balerion
Family: Cousin and husband to Queen Aemma, husband to Queen Alicent, brother to Daemon, cousin to Rhaenys, father to Rhaenyra, Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron
Played by: Paddy Considine
King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign in “House of the Dragon” Season 1 was marked by relative peace, yet overshadowed by the looming question of succession. As the fifth Targaryen king, his desire for a male heir and his subsequent choices led directly to the Dance of Dragons. His refusal to name Daemon or Rhaenyra as his heir, his marriage to Alicent Hightower after Queen Aemma’s tragic death, and the birth of Aegon II created deep divisions. On his deathbed, his prophecy about “Aegon” and the Song of Ice and Fire, misinterpreted by Alicent, further fueled the conflict, ultimately placing Aegon II on the Iron Throne and igniting civil war against Rhaenyra’s claim.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Born: 74 AC
Died: 129 AC
Nickname: The Queen Who Never Was
Dragon: Meleys
Family: Cousin to King Viserys, wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon, mother of Laena and Laenor Velaryon, aunt of Rhaenyra
Played by: Eve Best
Rhaenys Targaryen, known as “The Queen Who Never Was,” was twice denied the Iron Throne. First by her grandfather Jaehaerys in favor of her uncle Baelon, and then again for her cousin Viserys. Despite this, she married Lord Corlys Velaryon, wielding considerable influence and naval power. Though outwardly loyal, she harbored resentment towards Viserys. During the Dance of Dragons, she firmly supported Rhaenyra’s claim. Her tragic death in Season 2 of “House of the Dragon,” at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, marked a significant loss for the blacks when she and Meleys fell to Aemond Targaryen and Vhagar.
Daemon Targaryen
Prince Daemon Targaryen, the Rogue Prince, portrayed in House of the Dragon
Born: 81 AC
Nickname: The Rogue Prince
Dragon: Caraxes
Family: Brother of King Viserys, husband of Laena Velaryon, father of Rhaena, Baela, Aegon III, and Viserys II, uncle and husband to Rhaenyra
Played by: Matt Smith
Daemon Targaryen, the “Rogue Prince,” was a formidable warrior and a volatile force within the Targaryen dynasty. Brother to Viserys, he was passed over for the throne, leading him to seek glory and power elsewhere, including conquering the Stepstones. Upon his return, he married his niece Rhaenyra, becoming a key leader of the black faction. His personal life was as turbulent as his political ambitions. Prior to Rhaenyra, he was married to Rhea Royce (whose death was shrouded in mystery) and Laena Velaryon (mother of Rhaena and Baela). Daemon’s cunning and ruthlessness made him both a dangerous adversary and a powerful ally in the Dance of Dragons, exemplified by his strategic capture of Harrenhal for Rhaenyra in Season 2.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, in House of the Dragon
Born: 97 AC
Nickname: The Realm’s Delight, The Whore of Dragonstone, The Pretender, King Meagor With Teats
Dragon: Syrax
Family: Daughter of King Viserys and Queen Aemma, stepdaughter of Queen Alicent, wife of Laenor Velaryon, lover of Criston Cole and Harwin Strong, niece and wife to Daemon, half-sister to Aegon II, Aemond, and Heleana, mother of Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon III, and Viserys II
Played by: Emma D’Arcy and Milly Alcock (younger)
Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys I’s firstborn, was initially named heir to the Iron Throne, a decision complicated by the birth of her half-brother Aegon II. This succession dispute became the central conflict of the Dance of Dragons, with Rhaenyra leading the black faction to claim her birthright. The legitimacy of her three eldest sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, was questioned due to their appearance, fueling rumors of Harwin Strong being their father. Her marriage to Laenor Velaryon was politically motivated, and her subsequent union with Daemon produced Aegon III and Viserys II. From Dragonstone, Rhaenyra commanded her forces, battling for the crown she believed was rightfully hers.
Aegon II Targaryen
Born: 107 AC
Nickname: Aegon the Elder, Aegon the Usurper
Dragon: Sunfyre
Family: Son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, brother of Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron, half-brother of Rhaenyra, uncle to Jacaerys and Lucerys, father of Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor
Played by: Tom Glynn-Carney and Ty Tennant (younger)
Aegon II Targaryen ascended to the Iron Throne after Viserys’ death, becoming the sixth Targaryen king and directly challenging Rhaenyra’s claim. Named after Aegon the Conqueror, his reign was immediately contested, plunging Westeros into civil war. His marriage to his sister Helaena produced three children: Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor. Aegon II’s rule was marked by brutality and conflict. He suffered severe burns from dragonfire during the Battle of Rook’s Rest, a battle where his brother Aemond inadvertently caused him harm.
Aemond Targaryen
Prince Aemond Targaryen, the One-Eye, featured in House of the Dragon
Born: 110 AC
Nickname: Aemond One-Eye, Aemond the Kinslayer
Dragon: Vhagar
Family: Son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, brother of King Aegon II, Helaena, and Daeron, half-brother of Rhaenyra, uncle to Jacaerys and Lucerys
Played by: Ewan Mitchell and Leo Ashton (younger)
Aemond Targaryen, known as “Aemond One-Eye” after losing an eye in a childhood brawl with his nephews, was a fierce and ambitious prince. He claimed Vhagar, the oldest and largest dragon, solidifying his power. His rivalry with Rhaenyra’s sons escalated tragically when Vhagar killed Lucerys and Arrax above Storm’s End, a pivotal moment igniting the Dance of Dragons. Aemond also played a crucial role in the Battle of Rook’s Rest, where he and Vhagar killed Rhaenys and Meleys. He later became Prince Regent after severely burning Aegon II in battle, demonstrating his ruthless pursuit of power.
Helaena Targaryen
Born: 109 AC
Dragon: Dreamfyre
Family: Daughter of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, sister and wife to Aegon II, sister to Aemond and Daeron, mother of Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor
Played by: Phia Saban and Evie Allen (younger)
Helaena Targaryen, the only daughter of Viserys and Alicent, was known for her prophetic utterances. Her seemingly nonsensical phrases often foreshadowed future events, such as Aemond’s eye injury and Rhaenys’ dramatic dragon-fueled entrance at Aegon’s coronation. Married to her brother Aegon II, she bore him three children: Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor. Her children become tragic figures in the Dance of Dragons, particularly Jaehaerys, whose death marks a brutal turn in the war.
Jaehaerys, Jaehaera, and Maelor Targaryen
The children of Helaena and Aegon II Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Born: 123 AC and 127 AC
Died: 129 AC (Jaehaerys)
Family: Children of Aegon II and Helaena Targaryen
Jaehaerys and Jaehaera were twins, briefly seen in Season 1, with Maelor being their younger brother. Jaehaerys’s gruesome murder in Season 2 by Blood and Cheese, orchestrated by Daemon as revenge for Lucerys’ death, highlights the escalating brutality of the Dance of Dragons and the personal tragedies inflicted upon the Targaryen family.
Jacaerys Velaryon
Born: 114 AC
Nickname: Jace
Dragon: Vermax
Family: Son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon or Harwin Strong, brother of Lucerys and Joffrey, nephew to King Aegon II and Aemond
Played by: Harry Collett and Leo Hart (younger)
Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s eldest son, faced constant whispers about his true parentage, with many suspecting Ser Harwin Strong. Aemond’s taunts about him and his brothers being “strong boys” ignited the childhood fight where Aemond lost his eye. Loyal to his mother, Jacaerys fought for the black faction and was betrothed to his cousin Baela. During the Dance of Dragons, he played a key role in rallying support for Rhaenyra’s cause.
Lucerys Velaryon
Prince Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax in House of the Dragon
Born: 115 AC
Died: 129 AC
Nickname: Luke
Dragon: Arrax
Family: Son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon or Harwin Strong, brother of Jacaerys and Joffrey, nephew to King Aegon II and Aemond
Played by: Elliot Grihault and Harvey Sadler (younger)
Lucerys Velaryon, tasked with securing Lord Borros Baratheon’s allegiance for Rhaenyra, tragically encountered Aemond at Storm’s End. Unable to match Aemond’s marriage proposal to Borros’ daughters, Lucerys was pursued by Aemond on dragonback. The ensuing aerial confrontation led to the devastating death of Lucerys and his dragon Arrax at the claws of Vhagar, marking a bloody escalation of the Dance of Dragons and a personal loss for Rhaenyra that fuels her vengeance.
Joffrey Velaryon
Born: 126 AC
Nickname: Joff
Family: Son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon or Harwin Strong, brother of Jacaerys and Lucerys, nephew to King Aegon II and Aemond
Joffrey Velaryon, the youngest of Rhaenyra’s disputed sons, shares a name with a future, infamous king, though they are unrelated. To ensure his safety during the Dance of Dragons, Joffrey was sent to Essos, removed from the immediate dangers of the Westerosi civil war.
Aegon III and Viserys II Targaryen
Young princes Aegon III and Viserys II Targaryen in House of the Dragon
Born: 120 AC and 122 AC
Nicknames: Aegon the Younger
Family: Children of Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen
Aegon III and Viserys II, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s sons, are young in Season 1 of “House of the Dragon” but are destined for significant roles. They also had a stillborn sister, Visenya. Rhaenyra named Aegon in honor of Aegon the Conqueror, and also as a pointed statement towards her half-brother Aegon II. Viserys was named for her father. Like Joffrey, they were sent to Essos for safety during the Dance of Dragons, ensuring the Targaryen line would continue despite the raging war.
Rhaena and Baela Targaryen
Born: 116 AC
Dragon: Moondancer (Baela)
Nickname: Dragon Twins
Family: Daughters of Daemon and Laena Velaryon, cousins of Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron
Played by: Phoebe Campbell and Eva Ossei-Gerning (younger), Bethany Antonia and Shani Smethurst (younger)
Rhaena and Baela Targaryen, Daemon’s daughters with Laena Velaryon, are known as the “Dragon Twins.” Betrothed to their cousins Jacaerys and Lucerys, these unions were intended to solidify the alliance between House Targaryen and House Velaryon. While Rhaena was sent to Essos with Rhaenyra’s younger sons for protection, Baela remained in Westeros, actively participating in the war effort, demonstrating the differing paths taken by Daemon’s daughters during the Dance of Dragons.
Maester Aemon
Maester Aemon Targaryen of the Night's Watch in Game of Thrones
Born: 198 AC
Died: 300 AC
Nickname: Aemon Targaryen
Family: Son of King Maekar I and Dyanna Dayne, brother of King Aegon V, great-great uncle of Daenerys, great-great-great uncle of Jon Snow
Played by: Peter Vaughan
Maester Aemon, a figure of wisdom and integrity in “Game of Thrones,” concealed his Targaryen lineage after joining the Night’s Watch. Forgotten by most of Westeros, he was offered the Iron Throne after his father King Maekar I died but declined, allowing his younger brother Aegon V (Egg) to rule. At Castle Black, he became a mentor to Jon Snow and played a crucial role in Jon’s election as Lord Commander, unknowingly guiding a future Targaryen heir.
Three-Eyed Raven
Born: Unknown
Died: 303 AC
Nickname: Brynden Rivers, Bloodraven
Family: Legitimized bastard son of King Aegon IV and Melissa Blackwood
Played by: Max van Sydow and Struan Rodger (previously)
The Three-Eyed Raven, a mystical figure in “Game of Thrones,” is theorized to be Brynden Rivers, also known as Bloodraven, a legitimized bastard of King Aegon IV. Sent to the Night’s Watch, he disappeared beyond the Wall and became the greenseer Bran Stark encounters. He trained Bran in greensight before his death at the hands of the Night King, linking the Targaryen bloodline to ancient and magical Westerosi history.
Aerys II Targaryen
King Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King, as depicted in Game of Thrones
Born: 244 AC
Died: 283 AC
Nickname: The Mad King, King Scab
Family: Son of King Jaehaerys II and Queen Shaera, Father of Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys, husband and brother of Queen Rhaella, grandfather of Jon Snow
Played by: David Rintoul
Aerys II Targaryen, the “Mad King,” played a pivotal role in the events leading to “Game of Thrones,” though he only appears in flashbacks. His reign descended into madness, fueled by incest and paranoia. His obsession with dragonfire, erratic behavior, and abuse of his sister-wife Rhaella alienated his court and kingdom. Robert’s Rebellion, sparked by Rhaegar’s actions, ultimately led to Aerys’ overthrow and death at the hands of Jaime Lannister, ending the Targaryen dynasty’s direct rule on the Iron Throne.
Rhaegar Targaryen
Born: 259 AC
Died: 283 AC
Nickname: Silver Dragon, Dragon Prince, Last Dragon
Family: Son of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, brother of Daenerys and Viserys, husband of Elia Martell and Lyanna Stark, father of Jon Snow
Played by: Wilf Scolding
Rhaegar Targaryen, the Dragon Prince, was a figure of legend even before “Game of Thrones.” Married to Elia Martell, his actions ignited Robert’s Rebellion when he became infatuated with Lyanna Stark. While initially believed to have kidnapped and raped Lyanna, the series revealed a secret marriage and their son, Aegon Targaryen, secretly raised as Jon Snow. Rhaegar’s death at the Battle of the Trident marked a turning point, leading to the Targaryen downfall and setting the stage for the power struggles in “Game of Thrones.”
Viserys III Targaryen
Viserys Targaryen, the Beggar King, in Game of Thrones Season 1
Born: 276 AC
Died: 298 AC
Nickname: Beggar King
Family: Son of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, brother of Rhaegar and Daenerys, uncle of Jon Snow
Played by: Harry Lloyd
Viserys III Targaryen, the “Beggar King,” was the older brother of Daenerys. After the Targaryen fall, he and Daenerys were exiled to Essos. Obsessed with reclaiming the Iron Throne, Viserys arranged Daenerys’ marriage to Khal Drogo to gain a Dothraki army. His arrogance and cruelty ultimately led to his gruesome death by molten gold at Drogo’s hand, extinguishing one branch of the Targaryen line but inadvertently paving the way for Daenerys’ rise.
Daenerys Targaryen
Born: 282 AC
Died: 305 AC
Nicknames: Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, Dany
Dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, Viserion
Family: Daughter of King Aerys II and Queen Rhaella, sister of Rhaegar and Viserys, wife of Khal Drogo, aunt and lover of Jon Snow
Played by: Emilia Clarke
Daenerys Targaryen, the “Mother of Dragons,” became a central figure in “Game of Thrones.” Starting as a pawn in Viserys’ schemes, she rose to power, hatching dragons and building an army in Essos. Her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne led her to Westeros, where she allied with Jon Snow. Despite her victories, her descent into madness after the Battle of King’s Landing resulted in the city’s destruction and her assassination by Jon Snow, a tragic end for a queen who sought to break chains but ultimately became a tyrant in the eyes of many.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow, secretly Aegon Targaryen, in Game of Thrones
Born: 283 AC
Nicknames: Aegon Targaryen, the White Wolf, the King in the North, the Prince That Was Promised
Family: Son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, nephew and lover of Daenerys, bastard son of Eddard Stark, half-brother to Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran, and Rickon Stark
Played by: Kit Harington
Jon Snow, secretly Aegon Targaryen, is revealed as the true heir to the Iron Throne in “Game of Thrones.” Raised as Eddard Stark’s bastard son to protect him from Robert Baratheon, Jon joined the Night’s Watch, becoming Lord Commander and later King in the North. Resurrected after death, he played a crucial role in defeating the Night King. His relationship with Daenerys became both an alliance and a tragic love affair, culminating in him killing her to prevent further tyranny. Exiled to the Night’s Watch at the series’ end, Jon’s Targaryen heritage remains a complex and unresolved element of Westeros’ future.
