House of the Dragon: Targaryen Family Tree Explained

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Highlights

The Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon explained.
Major characters from Season 1 and 2 covered.
Backgrounds and connections between key Targaryens detailed.

The Targaryen Family Tree: Who’s Who in House of the Dragon?

As House of the Dragon season 2 unfolds, the Targaryen civil war is intensifying. The Targaryen family tree can be confusing with similar names and appearances, but don’t worry—we’re here to clarify the key players from seasons 1 and 2. Be mindful of light spoilers for both seasons.

Key Targaryen Characters in House of the Dragon

Jaehaerys Targaryen

Portrayed by: Michael Carter

Background: The eldest Targaryen we see, Jaehaerys appears in a season 1 flashback. He ruled Westeros for 55 years, known for his peaceful reign, and died of old age. His grandsons Viserys and Rhaenys were candidates to succeed him.

Rhaenys Targaryen

Portrayed by: Eve Best

Background: Known as the Queen Who Never Was, Rhaenys was passed over for the throne despite being older than Viserys. Married to Lord Corlys Velaryon, she has two children, Laenor and Laena.

Viserys I Targaryen

Portrayed by: Paddy Considine

Background: The king of Westeros at the start, Viserys is Rhaenyra’s father and Daemon’s brother. His reign leads to the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Daemon Targaryen

Portrayed by: Matt Smith

Background: Viserys’ younger brother, Daemon initially assumes he’ll be the heir before Rhaenyra is chosen. He eventually marries Rhaenyra after the death of his first wife, Laena Velaryon.

Aemma Arryn

Portrayed by: Sian Brooke

Background: Viserys’ first wife and Rhaenyra’s mother. She dies in childbirth, attempting to give Viserys a son.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Portrayed by: Milly Alcock (young), Emma D’Arcy (older)

Background: Viserys and Aemma’s daughter, Rhaenyra is named heir to the Iron Throne. She has three children with Laenor Velaryon and later marries Daemon, having more children.

Alicent Hightower

Portrayed by: Olivia Cooke

Background: Viserys’ second wife, Alicent is the daughter of Otto Hightower, Hand of the King. She has three children with Viserys: Aegon, Aemond, and Helaena.

Rhaenyra’s Children – Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon

Background: Although Velaryon by name, these children are implied to be fathered by Harwin Strong. Lucerys’ death at the hands of his cousin Aemond is a pivotal event.

Daemon’s Children – Baela and Rhaena Targaryen

Background: Daemon’s children with Laena Velaryon. Baela is betrothed to Jacaerys, and Rhaena was betrothed to Lucerys.

Rhaenyra and Daemon’s Children – Aegon, Viserys, and Visenya Targaryen

Background: Rhaenyra and Daemon’s children. Their daughter Visenya is stillborn.

Notable Ancestral Figures

Aegon the Conqueror

Background: The founder of the Targaryen dynasty, he united the Seven Kingdoms. His legacy and prophecy, the ‘Song of Ice and Fire,’ are central to the Targaryen narrative.