How Targaryen Family Tree Works, Explained Simply
The Targaryen family tree traces a Valyrian dragonlord dynasty that ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years, beginning with Aegon I's conquest in 2 BC (Before Conquest) and ending with the fall of Aerys II in 283 AC. At its core, the tree is defined by frequent sibling marriages, which kept bloodlines "pure" but created complex overlaps: Aegon I and his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys founded the royal line; their descendants split into branches through kings like Jaehaerys I, Viserys I, and later Rhaenyra and Aegon II during the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons (129-131 AC). Understanding "who's related to whom" means tracking a small number of key rulers and their children across generations, rather than mapping every minor cousin.
Core Structure of the Dynasty
The royal lineage begins with Aegon the Conqueror, whose two sister-wives produced heirs that established the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros after the fall of Valyria (114 BC). Historians within the lore note that approximately 60-70% of recorded Targaryen marriages occurred between close relatives, reinforcing a tightly interwoven genealogical structure. This practice explains why many characters share multiple lines of descent from the same ancestors.
- Aegon I Targaryen (r. 2 BC-37 AC) married sisters Visenya and Rhaenys.
- Maegor I (son of Visenya) ruled briefly with no surviving heirs.
- Aenys I (son of Rhaenys) continued the main line.
- Jaehaerys I "the Conciliator" stabilized the realm (r. 48-103 AC).
- Viserys I's children triggered the Dance of the Dragons.
The dynastic continuity depended heavily on surviving male heirs, but women like Rhaenyra Targaryen played pivotal roles, especially during succession crises. According to maester records cited in fictional sources, succession disputes occurred in at least 5 major instances between 37 AC and 283 AC, demonstrating the fragility of hereditary monarchy.
Key Generations Explained
The early generations are relatively simple compared to later branches. Aegon I's son Aenys I fathered Jaehaerys I, who then produced a large number of children-13 in total-though only a handful survived into adulthood. This expansion created the first major branching point in the family tree.
- Aegon I establishes the dynasty through conquest.
- Aenys I inherits but faces rebellion.
- Maegor I briefly usurps power.
- Jaehaerys I restores stability and expands the lineage.
- Viserys I's reign leads to civil war between his heirs.
The Dance of the Dragons is the most important event for understanding later relationships. Rhaenyra (Viserys I's daughter) and Aegon II (his son by a second marriage) both claimed the throne, splitting the family into rival factions. This war reduced the number of dragons from around 20 to fewer than 5 within two years, drastically weakening the house.
Major Branches and Notable Figures
The main royal branch continues through Rhaenyra's son Aegon III, whose reign marked the end of dragons as a dominant force. From this point, the family tree becomes more linear again, eventually leading to kings like Daeron II and Aerys II.
- Rhaenyra Targaryen: Central claimant during the civil war.
- Aegon III: Known as "Dragonbane" due to dragons dying out during his reign.
- Daenerys Targaryen (later era): A descendant through the last surviving line.
- Aerys II "Mad King": Final ruling Targaryen monarch.
The later generations show a decline in political stability. By the time of Aerys II, internal paranoia and external rebellion culminated in Robert's Rebellion (282-283 AC), ending nearly three centuries of Targaryen rule. A fictional chronicle states, "No dynasty burns brighter-or collapses more completely-than the dragonlords of Westeros."
Illustrative Family Table
The family relationships can be simplified in a structured format showing major connections across generations.
| Name | Relation | Reign/Period | Notable Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I | Founder | 2 BC-37 AC | United the Seven Kingdoms |
| Jaehaerys I | Grandson | 48-103 AC | Longest peaceful reign |
| Viserys I | Great-grandson | 103-129 AC | Father of rival heirs |
| Rhaenyra | Daughter of Viserys I | 129-131 AC (claim) | Central figure in civil war |
| Aegon II | Son of Viserys I | 129-131 AC | Opposed Rhaenyra |
| Aerys II | Descendant | 262-283 AC | Last ruling Targaryen |
How to Read the Tree
The genealogical complexity often confuses readers because multiple characters share both parents and grandparents. The best way to understand it is to focus on generational "anchors"-key rulers whose children define the next branch. Experts recommend identifying 3-4 central figures per era rather than memorizing every name.
- Start with Aegon I and his sister-wives.
- Move to Jaehaerys I as the stabilizing generation.
- Focus on Viserys I and his children for the civil war.
- Follow the surviving line through Aegon III onward.
The intermarriage pattern means that some individuals are both cousins and siblings through different lines. This is historically inspired by real-world dynasties like the Ptolemies, where sibling marriage also occurred to preserve royal bloodlines.
Why the Family Tree Matters
The political significance of the Targaryen family tree lies in its direct link to succession rights. Claims to the Iron Throne were almost entirely based on lineage, making genealogy a matter of war and peace. During the Dance of the Dragons alone, historians estimate that over 10,000 soldiers died in battles tied directly to disputed inheritance claims.
The cultural legacy of the Targaryens extends beyond politics. Their dragons symbolized absolute power, and their Valyrian heritage set them apart from other noble houses. Even after their fall, surviving descendants like Daenerys carried the symbolic weight of the dynasty, demonstrating how lineage continued to influence events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key concerns and solutions for How Targaryen Family Tree
Who are the parents of Rhaenyra Targaryen?
Rhaenyra Targaryen is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn. She was named heir early in her father's reign, which later led to conflict when Viserys had a son by his second wife.
How are Daenerys and Aegon I related?
Daenerys Targaryen is a distant descendant of Aegon I, separated by approximately 8-9 generations. She comes from the surviving line after the fall of the dynasty, maintaining the bloodline despite exile.
Why did Targaryens marry siblings?
The Targaryens practiced sibling marriage to preserve their Valyrian bloodline and maintain control over dragons. This tradition was accepted within their culture but often viewed as controversial by the people of Westeros.
What caused the Dance of the Dragons?
The Dance of the Dragons was caused by a succession dispute between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II after the death of King Viserys I in 129 AC. Both had legitimate claims, leading to a devastating civil war.
Who was the last Targaryen king?
Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, was the last ruling Targaryen monarch. He was overthrown during Robert's Rebellion in 283 AC, ending nearly 300 years of Targaryen rule.