House Targaryen

Lore & Background

The family's power relies heavily on dragonriders: Daemon Targaryen rides Caraxes, known as the "Blood Wyrm"; Rhaenyra rides Syrax; and Corlys Velaryon's wife, Rhaenys, rides Meleys, the "Red Queen." Other key riders include Aemond One-Eye claiming Vhagar, the "Queen of All Dragons," and Aegon II bonding with Sunfyre. The succession crisis erupts when Alicent Hightower claims Viserys changed his successor with his dying breath to favor her son, Aegon II. This creates two factions: the Blacks supporting Rhaenyra, crowned queen by her supporters, and the Greens backing Aegon II, who is Viserys's firstborn son with Alicent.

In Their Own Story

The conflict ignites around the death of King Viserys I Targaryen. His daughter Rhaenyra, the "Realm's Delight" and heir apparent, is crowned queen by the Blacks after her step-mother Alicent usurps the throne for Aegon II. Daemon Targaryen, Viserys's younger brother and uncle to Rhaenyra, wields Dark Sister and leads the war effort alongside his nephews and nieces. The Greens, led by Otto Hightower and later Criston Cole, plot to place Aegon on the Iron Throne instead of Rhaenyra. As the war escalates, new dragonriders emerge from common stock: Hugh Hammer claims Vermithor, the "Bronze Fury," while Addam of Hull is chosen by Seasmoke. The series chronicles these events leading up to the decline of the house, featuring battles and betrayals involving characters like Larys Strong, the "Clubfoot," and the mysterious Alys Rivers.

Reader's Guide

To follow House Targaryen in this era, track the split between the Blacks and Greens. The Blacks support Rhaenyra Targaryen, the firstborn of Viserys I and Aemma Arryn, who is married to Daemon Targaryen. Their key allies include Corlys Velaryon, the "Sea Snake," and his wife Rhaenys. The Greens back Aegon II Targaryen, the son of Viserys and Alicent Hightower, whose supporters include Otto Hightower and Lord Commander Criston Cole. Dragon loyalty is crucial: Syrax backs Rhaenyra; Sunfyre supports Aegon II; Vhagar joins Aemond One-Eye. Watch for the rise of bastards like Jace Velaryon (Rhaenyra's heir) and Addam of Hull, who claim dragons amidst the chaos. The conflict spans from Viserys's death through the reign of Aegon II, with Rhaenyra eventually claiming the throne before the war consumes the dynasty.

Did You Know?

• The series begins about 100–102 years after the Seven Kingdoms were united by the Targaryen conquest and 153 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born.
• King Viserys I never rode Balerion; the last rider of the Black Dread was Aerea Targaryen (or possibly Prince Aemon or Jaehaerys I).
• Aemond Targaryen is nicknamed "One-Eye" after losing his left eye in a brawl with his nephews.
• The second season premiered on June 16, 2024, consisting of eight episodes, and was renewed for a third season, though no premiere date has been announced.
• House Targaryen's internal war is known as the "Dance of the Dragons," pitting the Blacks against the Greens.