Targaryen Dynasty

House Targaryen is one of the great noble houses in George R. R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire” and the Game of Thrones series set in Westeros. Of Valyrian origin, the Targaryens conquered Westeros under the leadership of Aegon I. They are the house known for their mastery of dragons. Their banner features a three-headed red dragon on a black field. Their motto is “Fire and Blood” (Fire and Blood). Their seat is Dragonstone (Dragon Rock).

Origins

The Targaryens descend from the Valyrian civilization. Valyria was a powerful empire on the continent of Essos, known for its dominion over dragons. The Targaryen family settled on Dragonstone Island before the Doom of Valyria (approximately 100 years ago). This decision saved them from the catastrophe and made them the only surviving Valyrian house.

Aegon’s Conquest

Aegon I Targaryen, along with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, conquered the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. They achieved overwhelming military superiority through their dragons Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. With Aegon’s conquest, House Targaryen became the first royal family of the newly established Seven Kingdoms and took their seat on the Iron Throne.

The Age of Dragons

The Targaryens ruled Westeros for approximately three centuries. During this period, many Targaryen kings ascended the throne. Some eras were marked by peace and stability, while others saw civil wars. The internal conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons (war) significantly weakened the house. This period also resulted in the near-extinction of dragons (none).

Iron Throne

The Mad King and the Fall of the House

Aerys II, the last Targaryen monarch, was known as the Mad King during his reign (people). His erratic rule and deteriorating mental health led to growing unrest among the people. Following a rebellion led by Robert Baratheon, Aerys was killed by Jaime Lannister, the capital fell, and House Targaryen lost the throne. Aerys’s children, Viserys and Daenerys, were forced into exile in Essos (to escape).

Exile and Daenerys Targaryen

The surviving Targaryen members lived in exile, with Daenerys Targaryen emerging as the house’s hope for the future. The hatching of three dragons from long-frozen eggs marked the beginning of the house’s revival. Over time, Daenerys gathered substantial support and launched a campaign (movement) to reclaim Westeros.

Daenerys Targaryenn

List of Targaryen Kings

1. Aegon I Targaryen (Aegon the Conqueror)
2. Aenys I Targaryen
3. Maegor I Targaryen
4. Jaehaerys I Targaryen
5. Viserys I Targaryen
6. Rhaenyra Targaryen
7. Aegon II Targaryen
8. Aegon III Targaryen
9. Daeron I Targaryen
10. Baelor I Targaryen
11. Viserys II Targaryen
12. Aegon IV Targaryen
13. Daeron II Targaryen
14. Aerys I Targaryen
15. Maekar I Targaryen
16. Aegon V Targaryen
17. Jaehaerys II Targaryen
18. Aerys II Targaryen (the Mad King)

Dragonstone (Dragonrock)

Dragonstone is a historic and strategically significant castle located on the eastern coast of Westeros in George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe. This castle, intrinsically linked to dragons, was the first settlement of House Targaryen in Westeros after their flight from Valyria. The castle sits on Dragonstone Island and commands one of the narrow important passages leading into the Dar Sea.

Dragonstone