House Targaryen is one of the most legendary dynasties in Westeros, known for its dragonlords, kings, and conquerors. Originally from Old Valyria, the Targaryens became the ruling family of the Seven Kingdoms after Aegon the Conqueror united Westeros under his rule. Their legacy includes powerful rulers, civil wars like the Dance of the Dragons, and a deep connection to dragons.
Let’s explore the Targaryen family tree, tracing their lineage from Old Valyria to the last known descendant, Daenerys Targaryen.
Origins: House Targaryen of Old Valyria
The Targaryens were one of the dragonlord families of Valyria, a mighty empire that ruled much of Essos. Before the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens fled to Dragonstone, a volcanic island off the coast of Westeros. This decision saved them from the catastrophic destruction that wiped out Valyria.
Key Ancestors
- Aenar Targaryen – The first Targaryen to settle on Dragonstone, escaping the Doom of Valyria.
- Daenys "The Dreamer" Targaryen – Aenar’s daughter, who foresaw Valyria’s destruction.
The Targaryen Kings of Westeros
Aegon I Targaryen – The Conqueror
- The first Targaryen king of Westeros.
- United the Seven Kingdoms with his dragons, Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar.
- Ruled alongside his sisters Rhaenys and Visenya.
The Line of Targaryen Kings (Post-Conquest)
- Aegon I Targaryen (The Conqueror) – Founder of the dynasty.
- Aenys I Targaryen – Son of Aegon, faced many rebellions.
- Maegor I Targaryen (Maegor the Cruel) – Took the throne by force and ruled with terror.
- Jaehaerys I Targaryen (The Conciliator) – Longest-reigning king, brought peace and prosperity.
- Viserys I Targaryen – His death led to the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
The Dance of the Dragons: A Civil War
The Targaryen dynasty was nearly destroyed by a brutal civil war between Princess Rhaenyra and her half-brother Aegon II, both claiming the Iron Throne. The war resulted in:
- The deaths of many Targaryens and their dragons.
- The weakening of Targaryen rule, making them vulnerable in the future.
Key Figures in the Dance of the Dragons
- Rhaenyra Targaryen – The rightful heir, supported by the Blacks.
- Aegon II Targaryen – Seized the throne, supported by the Greens.
- Daemon Targaryen – Rhaenyra’s husband and strongest military leader.
The Mad King and the Fall of House Targaryen
The Later Kings of House Targaryen
- Aegon IV (The Unworthy) – Fathered many illegitimate children, leading to the Blackfyre Rebellion.
- Daeron II Targaryen – United Westeros through diplomacy.
- Aegon V Targaryen (Egg from Dunk & Egg stories) – Tried to improve the lives of common people.
Aerys II Targaryen (The Mad King)
- The last Targaryen king of Westeros.
- Became increasingly paranoid and violent.
- Overthrown by Robert’s Rebellion after he ordered the execution of Rickard and Brandon Stark.
The Last Targaryens: Daenerys & Jon Snow
After Robert’s Rebellion, most Targaryens were killed. However, a few survived:
1. Viserys III Targaryen
- Elder brother of Daenerys.
- Obsessed with reclaiming the throne but was killed by Khal Drogo.
2. Daenerys Targaryen (The Mother of Dragons)
- Last confirmed Targaryen in Westeros.
- Raised in exile and later brought dragons back to life.
- Attempted to reclaim the Iron Throne but was ultimately killed by Jon Snow.
3. Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen VI)
- Secretly the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark.
- Raised as a Stark but is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne.
- Chose exile after killing Daenerys.
Targaryen Family Tree (Key Generations)
Generation 1: Aenar Targaryen
- Settled on Dragonstone after escaping the Doom of Valyria.
Generation 2: Aegon the Conqueror & His Sisters
- Aegon I Targaryen (Married Visenya & Rhaenys Targaryen)
Generation 3-4: Targaryen Kings
- Maegor the Cruel (Died without an heir)
- Jaehaerys I (The Conciliator) → Had many children, setting up future kings.
Generation 5-7: The Dance of the Dragons Era
- Viserys I Targaryen (Father of Rhaenyra & Aegon II)
- Daemon Targaryen (Brother of Viserys I, married Rhaenyra)
- Aegon III (Son of Rhaenyra, survivor of the Dance)
Generation 8-10: Pre-Mad King Era
- Aegon IV (The Unworthy) → Started the Blackfyre rebellion.
- Aegon V (Egg from Dunk & Egg stories)
Generation 11: The Mad King & His Children
- Aerys II (The Mad King) → Killed in Robert’s Rebellion.
- Rhaegar Targaryen → Killed by Robert Baratheon.
- Viserys & Daenerys Targaryen → Fled to Essos.
Generation 12: The Last Targaryens
- Daenerys Targaryen → Mother of Dragons, killed by Jon Snow.
- Jon Snow (Aegon VI Targaryen) → The true heir to the Iron Throne.
Why Create Your Own Family Tree?
The Targaryen family tree shows how understanding your heritage helps you connect with your past. You can now create your own family tree, just like House Targaryen, using the Family Root App.
✅ Discover your ancestry
✅ Share your family history
✅ Connect with relatives
✅ Preserve your legacy for future generations