Exploring the Intricate Targaryen Family Tree: A Complete Guide

...

If you are a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, then surely you are familiar with the Targaryen Family. But do you really know the full extent of their family tree?

From the Mad King to Daenerys, the Targaryens have a long and complex lineage that has left its mark on the Seven Kingdoms. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at their line of succession, the marriages that produced both greatness and madness, and the significant events that shaped this royal house.

Discover the secrets behind Rhaegar’s love affair with Lyanna Stark, the rebellion that brought down the Targaryen dynasty, and the eventual restoration of their power in the form of Daenerys and her dragons. Learn about the siblings, cousins, and ancestors that make up this fascinating family and uncover the connections they have with other noble houses such as the Baratheons, Starks, and Lannisters.

So come and delve into the intricate Targaryen family tree and gain a deeper understanding of one of the most legendary families in Westeros. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide is sure to captivate and intrigue you until the very end.


The Targaryen Family Tree: An Introduction

In the fictional world of Westeros, the Targaryen family is one of the most storied and celebrated lineages. Their ancestors hailed from the Valyrian Freehold before it was destroyed by The Doom. Following an exodus to Dragonstone, Aegon I conquered the Seven Kingdoms using his dragons and became the first king of the Targaryen dynasty.

Subsequent generations saw periods of both glory and turmoil. From the reign of Daeron II to the Mad King, the Targaryens ruled with an iron fist. However, their hold on power was eventually undone by rebellion and Jon Snow became the first not of their blood to sit on the Iron Throne in many years.

The Line of Succession

The Targaryens had a complex system of inheritance that placed great importance on bloodlines and family ties. Viserys Targaryen was the next in line for the Iron Throne after the death of his father, Aerys II. However, following his untimely death, many saw his sister, Daenerys, as the rightful heir to the throne.

She eventually attained the position of Queen, thanks in no small part to her powerful dragons and her charisma as a leader. The story of the Targaryens and their legacy is closely tied to the concept of “blood right”, which posits that those of royal lineage are entitled to rule over commoners.

Marriages and Alliances

Many of the Targaryens’ marriages were arranged as a way to form strategic alliances with other noble houses. Rhaegar Targaryen’s union with Elia Martell produced two children, while his secret love affair with Lyanna Stark ultimately led to the birth of Jon Snow.

It is worth noting that Targaryens have frequently married close relatives in order to keep their bloodlines “pure.” While this has often been seen as a questionable practice, it bears mention that it was not uncommon among other noble families in Westeros during the Targaryen era.

The Fall of the Targaryens

The Targaryens ruled for nearly 300 years before their downfall. Aerys II, also known as the Mad King, became increasingly paranoid and volatile over time, leading to his eventual overthrow in a rebellion led by Robert Baratheon.

The remnants of House Targaryen were forced into hiding, with Viserys and Daenerys living in exile across the Narrow Sea. However, Daenerys would eventually return to Westeros with her dragons and a newfound army, looking to reclaim the throne she believed was rightfully hers.

Restoration and Resurgence

The rebirth of House Targaryen came in the form of Daenerys and her three dragons. Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion helped her build an army and conquer territories in both Westeros and Essos. She formed alliances with a number of key players, including Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow.

While her reign would ultimately come to a controversial end, it’s worth exploring how Daenerys’ restoration of Targaryen power impacted the Seven Kingdoms and the larger story of Game of Thrones as a whole.

The Targaryen Family Tree: Siblings, Cousins, and Ancestors

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Targaryen family tree is the sheer number of characters and connections that make it up. From extraordinary siblings like Viserys and Daenerys to cousins who played critical roles in the Targaryen dynasty (such as Aegon V, who reigned for 26 years), there are countless individuals who have played a part in shaping this legendary family.

Just as Game of Thrones has given us a complex web of familial ties across many different houses, so too has the Targaryen name carried with it a rich tapestry of characters and relationships that continue to intrigue fans all over the world.

The Baratheons

One key connection between the Targaryens and other noble houses can be found in their relationship with the Baratheons. Robert Baratheon was the leader of the rebellion that brought down Aerys II, while his children went on to become crucial figures in Westerosi politics.

However, there is also a hidden Targaryen link in the Baratheon line. The infamous “Baratheon bastard,” Gendry, is actually the unacknowledged son of King Robert. In a nod to the complex relationships between various noble houses, he is also one-quarter Targaryen thanks to his grandmother, Rhaelle, who was a daughter of Aegon V.

The Starks

As mentioned earlier, Lyanna Stark was integral to the Targaryen family tree thanks to her affair with Rhaegar. Her son, Jon Snow (who would later go by the name Aegon Targaryen), played a pivotal role in the eventual downfall of Daenerys.

However, there are many other connections between the Starks and the Targaryens. For example, Catelyn Stark’s mother was a member of House Blackwood, which has a long-standing feud with the Targaryens dating back to before the War of the Five Kings.

The Lannisters

The Targaryens’ relationship with the Lannisters is complicated, to say the least. When Aerys II ruled, Tywin Lannister served as his Hand of the King, in theory his chief advisor and enforcer. However, their alliance was ultimately undone by Aerys’ paranoia and his ill-fated decision to name Jaime Lannister to the Kingsguard.

This choice not only stripped Tywin of his best warrior and heir but also set in motion a chain of events that would change the course of Westerosi history forever.

Conclusion

From their origins in Valyria to their eventual downfall and ultimate resurgence under Daenerys, the Targaryen family tree has provided countless hours of entertainment for Game of Thrones fans all over the world. With its rich tapestry of marriages, alliances, and betrayals, it’s no wonder that this legendary house has remained a fixture of Westerosi lore for many generations.

As we continue to explore the stories and characters that make up this complex universe, let us never forget the role that the Targaryens have played in shaping our favorite world of ice and fire.

Targaryen Family Tree House Baratheon House Stark House Lannister
Aegon I
... Robert Baratheon Lyanna Stark Tywin Lannister

This table is just a small sample of the many ways in which the Targaryen family tree intersects with the histories and legacies of other noble houses. As we delve deeper into the stories of Westeros, let us continue to explore these complex relationships, alliances, and rivalries in all their glory.


Thank you for exploring the intricate Targaryen family tree with us! We hope that you found our complete guide informative and helpful in understanding the complex web of relationships within this prominent Westerosi dynasty.

As fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its corresponding television adaptation, Game of Thrones, we know how important it is to have a solid understanding of the Targaryen family tree. From the Mad King Aerys II to Daenerys Stormborn, the lineage of House Targaryen plays a significant role in the overall plot of the story.

We encourage you to continue delving into the world of Westeros and exploring the rich histories and lineages of the various noble houses. Keep an eye out for updates and new content on our blog, as we continue to explore the fascinating world that Martin has created.


Exploring the Intricate Targaryen Family Tree: A Complete Guide is undoubtedly a topic of interest for fans of the popular Game of Thrones series. Below are some of the most common questions that people ask:

  • What is the Targaryen family tree?
  • Who are the most important members of the Targaryen family?
  • How are the Targaryens related to other families in Westeros?
  • What is the history of the Targaryen family?
  • What are the most notable events involving the Targaryen family?

Answers:

  1. The Targaryen family tree is a complex and intricate web of relationships between various members of the Targaryen house. It includes several generations of rulers, kings, queens, princes, and princesses.
  2. Some of the most important members of the Targaryen family include Aegon I, Daenerys Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen, and Aemon Targaryen.
  3. The Targaryens are closely related to several other families in Westeros, including the Starks, the Baratheons, and the Lannisters. They have also formed alliances and intermarried with other noble houses throughout their history.
  4. The Targaryen family has a rich and complex history, dating back thousands of years to their ancestral homeland of Valyria. They fled Valyria before its destruction and settled on the island of Dragonstone, where they ruled as kings and queens for centuries before conquering the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
  5. Some of the most notable events involving the Targaryen family include the War of the Usurper, in which Robert Baratheon overthrew the last Targaryen king, Aerys II; the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war between two factions of the Targaryen family; and the conquest of Westeros by Aegon I, which established the Targaryen dynasty in the Seven Kingdoms.