Summary
House Targaryen first made their live-action bow inGame of Thrones, with Daenerys Targaryen and her brother Viserys. That series ended with the fall of the once mighty house of Westeros. It was not until the secondA Song of Ice and Fireseries,House of the Dragon, that fans got a better look at the history of the white-haired family was better explored.
House of the Dragonhas a lot of characters, not as many asGame of Thrones, but still a lot. So, to prepare for season 2 of the hit HBO series, here is every member of House Targaryen that is known so far in the TV show.
16King Viserys I Targaryen
Former King Of The Seven Kingdoms
Remembered as Viserys the Peaceful, the Targaryen, this king was the man in charge at the start of Season 1 ofHouse of the Dragon. He claimed the throne from his grandfather, Jaehaerys I Targaryen, after the death of his father, Prince Baelon, left the succession in question. Viserys’s first cousin, Rhaenys, was the only child of Jaehaerys’s first son, but with no succession laws in place for the new Targaryen dynasty, it was deemed that Viserys would command the Iron Throne.
Paddy Considine played the sickly leader inHouse of the Dragon, whose fate was made a cruel one after his death from a long illness, leaving who takes control of the Iron Throne going into Season 2 into question.
15Princess/Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
First Born Of Viserys And Claimed Queen Of The Seven Kingdoms
The first child of Viserys and his first wife, Emma Arryn, who died giving birth to the then Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. After her father’s death, she was named as his air. Despite this, the crown went to her younger half-brother, King Aegon II Targaryen.
The character was played both by Millie Alcock in her younger years and then by Emma D’Arcy. She styles herself Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm and is betrothed to her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen.
14Prince Daemon Targaryen
Brother Of Viserys, Uncle And Royal Consort Of Rhaenyra
The problematic Daemon Targaryen is the younger brother of Viserys and is married to his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen, thus he claims himself to be the royal consort of the Seven Kingdoms.
A renowned warrior, Daemon was the complete opposite of his King brother, fierce, unpredictable and brave, sharinga great similarity to Jamie Lannisterin his prime. As played by Matt Smith in the HBO series, Daemon is set to make a real impact in the second series as he looks to make himself part ruler of Westeros and beyond.
13Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Older Cousin Of Viserys, The Queen Who Never Was
Dubbed ‘The Queen Who Never Was,’ in different circumstances, Rhaenys would have ruled the Seven Kingdoms, but the throne instead went to her younger cousin Viserys.
She married Lord Corlys Velaryon who is known as the Sea Snake and the head of House Velaryon. They had two children, Laenor and Laena Velaryon, the latter who married and spawned two children with relative Daemon. They do like to keep it in the family. Eve Best portrays her in the series, with season 2 slated for a June 2024 release, Rhaenys will certainly be in the middle of some fantasy family drama.
12Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Eldest Son & Heir Of Laenor Velaryon & Rhaenyra Targaryen, But The Biological Son Of Harwin Strong
Nicknamed Jace, he is the firstborn son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the legal son of Laenor Velaryon, who are second cousins. However, Leanor is not the biological father of Jace, who goes to Harwin Strong, the former Commander of City Watch under King Viserys.
Under the claim of Queen Rhaenyra,Jace is first in line to the Iron Throne. Harry Collett plays the character in the series. As a threat to the throne claimed by Ageon II, Jace is a target in the future going into the series' sophomore season.
11Prince Lucerys Valeryon
Second Son Of Laenor Velaryon & Rhaenyra Targaryen, But The Biological Son Of Harwin Strong
The second child of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and (legally) Laenor Velaryon, he is also the legitimate son of Harwing Strong, making him a full brother to Jace. Upon his legal father’s presumed death, he faked his death to be given the freedom he desired and strengthened Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, strengthening the title of heir to Driftmark
However, Luke’s ending is not a nice one as he was sent as a messenger to Storm’s End but met Aemond, the middle child of Viserys and Alicent Hightower, who lost an eye to Luke in a fight when they were younger. Wanting revenge for this act, Aemond pursued Luke on his dragon but lost control of the ancient Vhagar, and the larger dragon devoured Luke on his dragon whole. This act was important as it removed any doubt about Rhaeyra going to war over the throne.
10Prince Joffrey Velaryon
Third Son Of Laenor Velaryon & Rhaenyra Targaryen, But The Biological Son Of Harwin Strong
The third child of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Harwing Strong, following his brother’s death he was named as heir to Driftmark. Legally the child of Laenor Valeryeon he was named after his father’s deceased companion and lover, Ser Joffery Lonmouth.
Joffery did not do much in the series,unlike his namesake from Game of Thrones; season 2 ofHouse of the Dragonhas a lot in store as the war for the Iron Throne rages on.
9Aegon Targaryen, Viserys Targaryen & Visenya Targaryen
Children Of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen & Dameon Targaryen
After their marriage, Rhaenyra and Daemon strengthened their claim to the throne by having children. First came Aegon, who was named after Aegon the Conqueror, the first king of the Targaryen dynasty, and not after his Uncle. Then came Viserys, named after his grandfather.
Due to the stress caused by the death of her father, King Viserys and the crowning of her half-brother Aegon II as king, against her father’s wishes. Rhaenyra went into premature labor and Visenya, their third child together, did not make it.
8Prince/King Aegon II Targaryen
The First Son Of Viserys Targaryen & Alicent Hightower & The King Of The Seven Kingdoms
After the death of his father, Viserys, the crown went to his firstborn son, Aegon II, despite his wishes that his firstborn child, Rhaenyra, to be Queen. This causes a war within the family over who should be the rightful ruler of Westeros.
Aegon is shown throughout the series to be a heavy drinker, lazy and refuses to accept his responsibility as a Prince, and then a King. This causes a drift between him and his mother, as he feels no matter what he does his mother will never be proud of him. Perhaps this inner conflict will be further explored in the second season due to air in June.
7Prince Aemond Targaryen
The Second Son Of Viserys Targaryen & Alicent Hightower
Fierce, hostile, and determined, Aemond is the second son of Viserys and his second wife Alicent Hightower. At the time of his birth, he was second in line to the throne, which is something he envies in his brother as he sees himself to be a better fit for the crown.
Aemond had a long-standing vendetta over his two nephews, Luke and Jace after he lost his eye in a fight when they were younger. This culminatedin the death of Lukeafter losing control of his dragon in a chace, squashing any doubts of war in his half-sister.
