The Targaryen family once ruled Westeros as dragonlords, and their lineage now connects three HBO series.
At a Glance
- The Targaryens governed Westeros for nearly 300 years before Game of Thrones
- House of the Dragon shows the dynasty at its peak; A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms fills a 90-year gap
- Why it matters: Fans need the full family tree to understand how Daenerys and Jon Snow inherit dragon blood
Aegon “The Conqueror” Targaryen united the Seven Kingdoms and forged the Iron Throne. His prophetic dream, “The Song of Ice and Fire,” warned that Targaryen dragons must stop winter’s darkness-the White Walkers later seen in Game of Thrones.
Aenys Targaryen, Aegon’s son, ruled until his brother Maegor “The Cruel” murdered him and seized power. Jaehaerys “The Old King” restored stability, reigning almost 60 years. His son Aemon died young, so the crown passed to Aemon’s brother Baelon instead of Aemon’s daughter Rhaenys, earning her the nickname “The Queen Who Never Was.”
Viserys Targaryen, Baelon’s son, chose his daughter Rhaenyra as heir over his younger brother Daemon. On his deathbed Viserys muttered about “Prince Aegon,” leading his second wife Alicent to believe he meant their son Aegon II rather than the historical Aegon the Conqueror. The misunderstanding ignited the Dance of the Dragons civil war.
Key combatants in that war:
- Rhaenyra Targaryen – Viserys’ designated heir, married first to Laenor Velaryon, later to her uncle Daemon
- Aegon II Targaryen – Alicent’s eldest son, crowned by greens faction
- Aemond Targaryen – Alicent’s second son, kills Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys and loses an eye to him in childhood
- Daemon Targaryen – Viserys’ brother, weds Rhaenyra and fathers future kings Aegon III and Viserys II
After dragons and riders perish, the dynasty limps on until Aerys II “The Mad King” dies during Robert’s Rebellion. His daughter Daenerys eventually hatches dragons and claims the throne, unaware her brother Rhaegar secretly fathered Jon Snow with Lyanna Stark.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set 90 years before Game of Thrones, introduces young Prince Aegon “Egg” Targaryen. Egg will become King Aegon V and is the great-grandfather of Aerys II, making him the great-great-grandfather of both Daenerys and Viserys III.
Key Takeaways
- The Targaryen bloodline bridges House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and Game of Thrones
- Succession disputes, not external enemies, shattered the dynasty
- Daenerys and Jon Snow carry the final, diluted strain of dragonlord heritage
