The Targaryen family is among the most influential dynasties in the history of Westeros, rooted in Valyria and defined by dragonlords, exiles, and reclaimed thrones. This guide explains who every Targaryen is, tracing lineage from the ancient dragonlords to the survivors in the wake of the Dance of the Dragons and the fall of King's Landing. It clarifies distinctions between noble lines, bastardy, and cadet branches, and how each member shapes the broader tapestry of power. Expect a structured breakdown of houses, bloodlines, and veritable roles grounded in canon history rather than speculation.
House Targaryen Before the Conquest
Before Aegon I Targaryen crowned himself king, House Targaryen existed as one of the forty dragonlord families in Valyria. The family survived the Doom by relocating to Dragonstone, where they remained for a century before launching their conquest. Important figures in this period include Aenar Targaryen, who led his family to Dragonstone, and his descendants who would later become the first Targaryen rulers. This pre-conquest phase established the bloodline that would define the Seven Kingdoms for centuries.
House of the Dragon and the Dance of the Dragons
Viserys I and the Succession Crisis
Viserys I Targaryen sought to secure the future by naming his daughter Rhaenyra as heir, a decision that fractured the realm. His move to produce a male heir with Alicent Hightower led to the birth of Aegon II, igniting a succession war after Viserys’s death. The conflict saw cities burned, dragons unleashed, and families divided, culminating in the near-extinction of the dragons and the consolidation of power by rival claimants who all carried Targaryen blood.
Key Figures During the Dance
- Rhaenyra Targaryen: Claimant and rider of Syrax, mother of the future lineage through her sons.
- Aegon II Targaryen: Rival claimant and rider of Sunfyre, whose reign deepened the conflict.
- Daemon Targaryen: Prince-consort to Rhaenyra and rider of Caraxes, known for his ambition and martial prowess.
- Baela and Rhaena Targaryen: Daughters of Daemon and Rhaenyra, whose marriages shaped post-war alliances.
Targaryen Bloodlines and Cadet Branches
After the Dance, Targaryen influence persisted through defined bloodlines and cadet branches. While the main line continued with Aegon III onwards, other branches emerged, often through younger sons or marriages into other noble houses. Distinctions between direct heirs and collateral lines became important for claims and legitimacy. Bastardy further complicated genealogies, though some branches sought legitimacy through formal recognitions and strategic marriages.
Notable Cadet Lines and Their Legacies
- House Velaryon: A pre-existing sea lord family that merged with Targaryen blood through marriage, notably through Rhaenys Targaryen.
- House Celtigar: Provided influential advisors and dragonriders, maintaining a presence at court.
- House Staunton: Associated with the Kingsguard and court politics during the decline of Targaryen power.
Targaryens of the Show and Book Timeline
Across the television adaptation and source material, the number of named Targaryens varies, but the essential lineage remains consistent. Key figures such as Aegon, Rhaenys, and Viserys appear with slight dramatizations, while others are condensed or omitted. A table of notable Targaryens and their primary roles helps clarify identities, eras, and contributions across timelines.
Comparison Table of Notable Targaryens
| Name | Era | Known Dragon(s) | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I Targaryen | Conquest | Balerion | First king, unified six kingdoms | Historical canon |
| Rhaenyra Targaryen | Dance of the Dragons | Syrax | Heir apparent, contested claim | Historical canon |
| Aegon II Targaryen | Dance of the Dragons | Sunfyre | Rival king, died after conflict | Historical canon |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Series finale | Drogon | Breaker of chains, claimant to throne | Canonical adaptation |
| Viserys Targaryen | Series early | None | Claimant, brother to the dragon queen | Canonical adaptation |
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen | Good King’s reign | None | Long peace and council reforms | Historical canon |
Decline, Exile, and Remaining Blood
Following Robert’s Rebellion, the Targaryen dynasty collapsed in a single generation, yet its blood did not vanish. Exiles carried the name into Essos, where queens and would-be conquerors plotted their return. Bastardy and diluted lines complicated claims, yet some Targaryens reentered the narrative through dragons and prophecy. The legacy persisted not only in direct heirs but also in houses that held Targaryen blood through marriage, further spreading a diluted but significant lineage across continents.
Legacy and Modern Relevance
Even after the destruction of the Great Sept and the fall of the Iron Throne, the name Targaryen remains a symbol of contested legitimacy and dragonlord heritage. Modern claimants, whether in Essos or Westeros, continue to invoke the name to bolster authority. The family’s influence persists through surviving descendants, interwoven into the fabric of noble houses, and echoes through history as a cautionary tale of power, dragons, and the dangers of absolute rule.
Quick Reference: Core Targaryen Lineages
- House Targaryen of Dragonstone: Founders and dragonlords who conquered and ruled Westeros.
- The Greens and the Blacks: Rival branches during the Dance of the Dragons, shaping post-war succession.
- Cadet branches (Velaryon, Celtigar, Staunton): Extended family with historical impact at court and in war.
- Exiled line: Descendants who fled to Essos and remained a threat for decades after the rebellion.
- Post-Dance survivors: Limited direct heirs, influencing politics through marriage and legend.