House Targaryen Family Tree - A Comprehensive Genealogy Guide

Introduction

If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, then you're probably already familiar with the intricate web of noble families and genealogy that make up the series. One of the most captivating legacies in this world is that of House Targaryen, a family that ruled over the Seven Kingdoms for 300 years. In this article, we'll be taking a comprehensive look at the Targaryen family tree - from their origins in Old Valyria to their reign over Westeros and their eventual downfall. Whether you're a fan of the show or the books, this guide is sure to provide you with some fascinating insights into one of the richest and most fascinating houses that Westeros has ever known.

Origins

The Targaryens are one of the oldest and most powerful families in Westeros, with a bloodline that dates back to the days of Old Valyria. The Valyrians were a civilization of dragonlords who ruled over a vast empire, using their powerful beasts to subjugate other peoples and carve out new territories. According to legend, the Targaryens were one of the noble families who ruled over Valyria before its destruction in a fiery cataclysm. When the volcano known as the Fourteen Fires erupted, the Targaryens fled aboard their dragons, eventually landing on the shores of Dragonstone, a small island off the coast of Westeros.

Table: Common Targaryen names and their Valyrian root meanings

The Reign of the Dragons

After settling on Dragonstone, the Targaryens began to build their power and influence throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Their dragons - the most fearsome creatures in the world - helped them to enforce their rule and put down any rebellions. The Targaryens were known for their strength, cunning, and ambition, and they quickly became one of the most powerful families in Westeros. They forged alliances with other noble houses, married into powerful families, and used their dragons to conquer new territories.

Aegon the Conqueror

The most famous Targaryen ruler was undoubtedly Aegon the Conqueror, who invaded Westeros with his two sisters and three dragons. Aegon unleashed his dragons on the armies of the Seven Kingdoms, burning castles and cities and forcing the rulers of the lesser kingdoms to surrender. In the end, only Dorne remained free from Targaryen rule. Aegon then united the Seven Kingdoms under his own rule, becoming the first Targaryen king of Westeros.

The Other Targaryen Kings

After Aegon's conquest, the Targaryens continued to rule over Westeros for the next 300 years. They faced numerous challenges, including rebellions, civil wars, and external threats, but they managed to maintain their grip on the throne through a combination of military might, political savvy, and clever alliances. Some of the most notable Targaryen kings include:

• Maegor the Cruel, who was known for his brutal tactics and draconian rule
• Aegon II, who waged a bitter war against his half-sister Rhaenyra for control of the Iron Throne
• Aerys II, the Mad King, whose reign was marked by paranoia and cruelty

The Downfall of the Targaryens

Despite their long and illustrious reign, the Targaryens eventually fell from power. The seeds of their downfall were sown during the reign of Aerys II, whose madness and erratic behavior alienated many of his most loyal supporters. When Aerys demanded that Lord Eddard Stark - one of his closest allies - be executed, it sparked a rebellion that would eventually lead to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.

Robert's Rebellion

The rebellion was led by Robert Baratheon, a powerful lord who had been betrothed to Aerys' daughter Rhaegar. Rhaegar, however, had fallen in love with Lyanna Stark, Eddard's sister, and the two had eloped. This sparked a chain of events that led to a bloody civil war that lasted for several years. In the end, Robert emerged victorious, and Aerys, along with many other members of the Targaryen family, were killed. The only surviving Targaryens were Viserys and Daenerys, who were forced to flee across the Narrow Sea to escape Robert's wrath.

The Return of the Dragon

In the years that followed Robert's Rebellion, the Targaryens were largely seen as a spent force. Viserys and Daenerys wandered from place to place, eking out a meager existence, while their supporters plotted in secret to bring them back to power. It wasn't until Daenerys hatched three dragon eggs - the first dragons to be seen in Westeros in over a century - that the Targaryens began to reassert themselves. With her dragons at her side, Daenerys began to conquer new territories and build an army that she hoped would one day help her reclaim the Iron Throne.

The Legacy of the Targaryens

The legacy of the Targaryens can be felt throughout the world of Game of Thrones. Their dragons, their ambition, and their tragic downfall have all played key roles in shaping the story. But perhaps the most enduring legacy of the Targaryens is their bloodline, which has made them some of the most fascinating characters in the series. From the fiery and ruthless Aegon the Conqueror to the tragic and misunderstood Daenerys, the Targaryens are forever engraved into our memories. And with the upcoming spinoff series House of the Dragon promising to dive even deeper into their history, it looks like the legacy of this ancient family will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Conclusion

The world of Game of Thrones is full of memorable families and intricate genealogy, but few are as captivating as House Targaryen. Their rise to power, their long and eventful reign, and their eventual downfall have all left an indelible mark on the history of Westeros. Whether you're a fan of the books or the TV show, there's no denying the appeal of this fascinating family. We hope that our guide to the Targaryen family tree has helped to shed some light on their complex history and enduring legacy.

Thank you for reading our comprehensive guide to the House Targaryen family tree. We hope that this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between members of the Targaryen dynasty.

Through exploring the various marriages, births, and deaths of the Targaryen family, we have gained insight into their legacy within the world of Westeros. From the conquest of the Seven Kingdoms to the rise and fall of individual rulers, the Targaryens have left an indelible mark on the history of the realm.

As fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, we are constantly fascinated by the minutiae of the world created by George R.R. Martin. We believe that understanding the family trees and histories of the various houses is key to fully experiencing the depth of the story. We hope that our guide has been helpful in illuminating one of the most important families in the series.

Are you curious about the House Targaryen family tree? We've got you covered with a comprehensive genealogy guide!

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Targaryen family tree:

1. Who are the most notable members of House Targaryen?

   Some of the most well-known Targaryens include Aegon the Conqueror, Daenerys Targaryen, and Jon Snow (who is revealed to be a Targaryen in the later seasons of Game of Thrones).

2. How many kings and queens did House Targaryen have?

   House Targaryen had a total of 17 rulers, including both kings and queens.

3. What is the order of succession for House Targaryen?

   Traditionally, House Targaryen followed male-preference primogeniture, which means that male heirs were given priority over female heirs. However, in recent years, Daenerys Targaryen challenged this tradition by declaring herself queen and citing her claim through her father's line.

4. Who were the parents of Daenerys Targaryen?

   Daenerys' parents were Aerys II Targaryen (also known as the Mad King) and his sister-wife, Rhaella Targaryen.

5. What happened to House Targaryen?

   House Targaryen was overthrown during Robert's Rebellion, which was led by several noble houses who were unhappy with the Targaryen's rule. The last Targaryen king, Aerys II, was killed by Jaime Lannister (who was a member of his own Kingsguard) and most of his family members were either killed or forced into exile.