The season seven finale of Game of Thrones delivered a bombshell to fans: Jon Snow, the brooding hero, is not a Stark bastard but Aegon Targaryen, rightful heir to the Iron Throne. This revelation, coupled with his romantic entanglement with Daenerys Targaryen, his aunt, throws the complex Targaryen family tree into sharp relief. Understanding this intricate web of relationships is crucial to grasping the full scope of Westeros’ history and Jon Snow’s destiny.
To truly navigate this lineage, a visual guide is invaluable. Enter Maryon B., a talented fan artist who has meticulously crafted a stunning and comprehensive Targaryen family tree. This artwork not only clarifies Jon Snow’s position but also illuminates the saga of the dynasty that ruled Westeros for centuries.
Jon Snow’s Targaryen Heritage: Untangling the Threads
The reveal of Jon Snow’s true parentage – Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark – confirmed the long-standing fan theory “R + L = J.” His birth name, Aegon Targaryen, adds another layer of complexity, especially for book readers familiar with another Aegon Targaryen, Rhaegar’s son with Elia Martell. This prior Aegon, tragically murdered as a child, was mentioned in the show, creating potential confusion.
Lyanna Stark naming her son Aegon was no accident. The name carries immense weight in Targaryen history, most notably associated with Aegon the Conqueror, the founder of the dynasty. This choice underscores the significance of Jon’s birth and his potential role in Westeros’ future.
To visualize this intricate family history and Jon Snow’s place within it, consider the detailed family tree created by DeviantArt user Maryon B. Her artwork provides a clear and beautiful representation of the Targaryen lineage.
A complete Targaryen family tree illustration by artist Maryon B., showcasing the vast and complex lineage of House Targaryen, including Jon Snow’s connection.
Maryon, a French artist and Game of Thrones enthusiast, embarked on this ambitious project to visually distinguish the Targaryens beyond their stereotypical silver hair and purple eyes. Her detailed work highlights the individual stories and complex relationships within this powerful house.
Aegon the Conqueror and the Legacy of a Name
The name Aegon resonates deeply within Targaryen history. Aegon I Targaryen, the Conqueror, united the Seven Kingdoms, establishing Targaryen rule for generations. Several kings followed, bearing the name Aegon, including Aegon V, known as “Egg” from the Dunk and Egg novellas, a wise ruler who brought stability to the realm.
However, the Targaryen line also includes figures like the Mad King, Aerys II, Daenerys’s father, whose reign ended in chaos and rebellion. Aerys’s son, Rhaegar, Jon Snow’s father, inadvertently triggered Robert’s Rebellion through his actions involving Lyanna Stark.
Rhaegar Targaryen’s immediate family, highlighting the complexities of his marriages and the omission of Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen) from this segment of the Targaryen family tree.
Rhaegar’s secret marriage to Lyanna Stark, after annulling his marriage to Elia Martell, and the subsequent birth of Jon Snow, occurred amidst the backdrop of Robert’s Rebellion. Robert Baratheon’s rage, fueled by the perceived kidnapping of Lyanna, led to war and the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty. The name Aegon, therefore, is intertwined with both immense power and tragic conflict. Jon Snow, bearing this name, inherits a legacy filled with both glory and destruction.
Delving Deeper: Exploring the Targaryen Dynasty Beyond Jon Snow
The Targaryen family tree extends far beyond Jon Snow and the familiar figures from Game of Thrones. Spanning 16 generations and encompassing over 100 characters, it is a rich tapestry of fictional history.
Consider Rhaenys Targaryen, “The Queen Who Never Was,” a dragon rider denied the throne in favor of her brother. Her story, and countless others, illustrates the intricate power dynamics and personal dramas within the Targaryen lineage.
Portrait of Rhaenys Targaryen, known as “The Queen Who Never Was,” an example of the many compelling figures within the extensive Targaryen family tree.
Alyssa Velaryon, who married into the Targaryen dynasty, and the tumultuous reign of Maegor the Cruel, further exemplify the complex narratives embedded within this family history. The Targaryen tree is filled with tales of ambition, dragon riding, and internecine conflict.
The family of King Aenys I Targaryen, illustrating the branching nature of the Targaryen family tree and the high mortality rate among its members.
The Blackfyre Rebellions, stemming from King Aegon IV’s legitimization of his bastards, represent another significant branch and source of conflict within the Targaryen lineage. These rebellions plagued Westeros for generations, further complicating the family’s history.
House Blackfyre branch of the Targaryen family, descendants of Daemon Blackfyre, highlighting the conflicts and divisions within the Targaryen dynasty.
Maryon’s art captures the essence of these diverse characters and storylines, making the Targaryen family tree accessible and engaging for fans. Her dedication to detail and character differentiation reveals the depth and richness of George R.R. Martin’s creation.
Why the Targaryen Family Tree Matters for Fans
Understanding the Targaryen family tree is more than just trivia for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. It provides crucial context for the events of the series and the motivations of its characters. Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage is not merely a plot twist; it’s a pivotal element that redefines his identity and destiny.
By visualizing the Targaryen lineage, fans can appreciate the historical weight behind Jon Snow’s claim to the throne and the intricate web of political and familial relationships that shape Westeros. Maryon B.’s family tree serves as an invaluable tool for navigating this complex history and deepening one’s appreciation for the Game of Thrones universe. Explore her DeviantArt page to delve further into the Targaryen dynasty and discover more fascinating details within this epic saga.
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