House of the Dragon: an explainer of the Targaryen family tree

The familial drama of the Targaryens returns with the premiere of the second season of House of the Dragon, the acclaimed prequel to Game of Thrones. This HBO spin-off is based on George R.R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood, which focuses on the origins of House Targaryen, a dynasty that ruled for three centuries and to which Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons or Khaleesi in Game of Thrones, belongs.

House of the Dragon is set approximately in the middle of the Targaryen family tree, situated roughly halfway between Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of Westeros and the death of Daenerys Targaryen, the latter marking the end of Game of Thrones.

What is the Targaryen family tree?

House of the Dragon begins with the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, which commenced after that of his grandfather, Jaehaerys, in 103 AC (After the Conquest).

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT

In the first episode of the series, Viserys loses his wife and his firstborn son during childbirth. Consequently, he chooses his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, over his younger brother, Daemon, as the next heir to the throne.

The episode culminates in a conversation between Rhaenyra and her father, Viserys, where he apologizes for not considering her as the legitimate heir solely because she is a woman. He also reveals a secret to her: the significance of her presence when the prophecy of the coming winter approaches. Ultimately, all the houses pledge their loyalty to Rhaenyra under the Iron Throne. However, throughout the season, the narrative takes a dramatic turn.

Following the death of King Viserys Targaryen, a struggle for the Iron Throne erupts between Rhaenyra and her half-brother, Aegon II. Rhaenyra is supported by her uncle and husband Daemon, Rhaenys Targaryen, and Corlys Velaryon. Meanwhile, Aegon is backed by his mother Alicent, his brother Aemond, and his grandfather Otto Hightower. The first season ends with the death of Luke Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s son, who is killed by his dragon, Arrax, while being pursued by his uncle Aemond. This event is a turning point for Rhaenyra, as she braces for the imminent civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Here is the Targaryen family tree to help you better understand the upcoming episodes of House of the Dragon.

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The relationship with Daenerys Targaryen

Regarding Game of Thrones, Daenerys is connected to both Rhaenyra and Daemon through their second son, Viserys II. This makes Daenerys, as well as Jon Snow, direct descendants of Prince Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen. Now you know!