Viserys I Targaryen

Lore & Background

Viserys I is a former dragonrider who was bonded to the legendary dragon Balerion, also known as 'The Black Dread'. He holds the distinction of being its last rider before the great beast's death. His succession was determined by a council of lords rather than strict primogeniture, following his grandfather Jaehaerys I. Viserys fathered two key figures in the coming conflict: Rhaenyra Targaryen, his heir apparent and firstborn with Aemma Arryn, and Aegon II Targaryen, his firstborn son with Alicent Hightower. The tension between these half-siblings, fueled by claims that Viserys changed his successor with his dying breath, directly leads to the civil war. His cousin Rhaenys Targaryen was once a candidate for the throne but was passed over due to her gender in favor of Viserys.

In Their Own Story

The narrative surrounding Viserys centers on the tragic split of the realm following his death. While he held the title of King of the Seven Kingdoms, his inability to prevent the rift between Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower defines his legacy. His daughter Rhaenyra was crowned queen by her supporters, the 'Blacks', after her step-mother Alicent usurped the throne for her own son Aegon II. The source notes that Viserys's death triggered a claim that he had altered his succession plans on his deathbed, a pivotal moment that ignited the conflict. Paddy Considine played this role in season 1 and appeared uncredited in season 2.

Reader's Guide

For those tracking the Targaryen lineage, Viserys I is the son of Baelon Targaryen and Alyssa Targaryen. He is the uncle and second husband of Rhaenyra Targaryen. His dragon, Balerion, was the last to be ridden by a Targaryen before its death. In the show's timeline, his reign precedes the Dance of the Dragons by about 100 years from the unification of the Seven Kingdoms. Key characters connected to him include Otto Hightower (his Hand), Rhaenyra (his daughter and heir), and Daemon Targaryen (his younger brother). The series portrays these events beginning nearly 200 years before the original *Game of Thrones* timeline.

Did You Know?

• Viserys I was bonded to Balerion, also known as 'The Black Dread', and was its last rider.
• He is the fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms in this timeline.
• His succession followed a council decision rather than automatic primogeniture, choosing him over his cousin Rhaenys due to gender.
• Paddy Considine portrayed Viserys in season 1 and made an uncredited appearance in season 2.
• He is the father of both Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II Targaryen, whose conflict sparked the Dance of the Dragons.