Targaryen Ancestry Decoded: Who Sits On The Family Tree
The Targaryen family tree is a dynastic lineage from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire," tracing a Valyrian house 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; it spans key branches including Aegon the Conqueror's descendants, the civil war-era "Dance of the Dragons" line, and the surviving heirs like Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow (Aegon VI in some interpretations).
Origins of the Targaryen Line
The Valyrian dragonlords were among roughly 40 noble families in the Freehold of Valyria before its destruction in the Doom around 114 BC. House Targaryen relocated to Dragonstone about a century earlier, positioning itself uniquely to survive. This migration, recorded in fictional annals such as "The World of Ice & Fire," is often cited as a 1-in-40 survival anomaly, underscoring their historical significance within the narrative.
The founding generation begins with Aegon I Targaryen, who launched the Conquest of Westeros in 2 BC alongside his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys. By 1 AC, he had unified six of the Seven Kingdoms. This moment establishes the genealogical root from which all later Targaryens descend, forming a lineage that extends across 17 recorded monarchs over nearly three centuries.
- Aegon I Targaryen (The Conqueror), reigned 1-37 AC.
- Visenya Targaryen, elder sister and queen, rider of Vhagar.
- Rhaenys Targaryen, younger sister and queen, rider of Meraxes.
- Primary seat established at King's Landing after 1 AC.
Core Bloodline Expansion
The royal succession line evolved through Aegon I's son, Aenys I, and later Maegor the Cruel, whose contested reign (42-48 AC) demonstrated early instability. By the time of Jaehaerys I (48-103 AC), often called "The Conciliator," the dynasty stabilized with legal reforms and infrastructure development, including the codification of succession norms.
The Jaehaerys lineage becomes critical because most later Targaryens descend from his children, particularly Baelon and Aemon. Historical in-universe estimates suggest that by 100 AC, the Targaryen family had grown to over 30 known members, though only a fraction survived into adulthood due to illness and political violence.
| Name | Relation | Reign/Period | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I | Founder | 1-37 AC | Conquest of Westeros |
| Jaehaerys I | Great-grandson | 48-103 AC | Golden Age of stability |
| Viserys I | Grandson | 103-129 AC | Precursor to civil war |
| Aegon II | Son | 129-131 AC | Dance of the Dragons |
| Daenerys | Descendant | Late 3rd century AC | Revival of dragons |
The Dance of the Dragons Branch
The civil war split known as the Dance of the Dragons (129-131 AC) fractured the Targaryen family into rival factions supporting Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II. Contemporary accounts in "Fire & Blood" estimate that nearly 75% of dragons were lost during this conflict, permanently weakening the house.
The Rhaenyra lineage ultimately continued the royal bloodline through her son Aegon III, despite her defeat and death. This branch becomes essential because it links directly to later kings like Daeron II and eventually to Aerys II, the last ruling monarch before Robert's Rebellion.
- Viserys I names Rhaenyra as heir (circa 105 AC).
- Aegon II challenges the claim after Viserys' death.
- Civil war erupts across Westeros.
- Dragons nearly wiped out by 131 AC.
- Aegon III ascends, marking reunification.
Late Dynasty and Decline
The post-dragon era saw a gradual weakening of Targaryen power. After the last dragon died in 153 AC, the house relied solely on political alliances rather than military dominance. By the reign of Aegon V (233-259 AC), reforms attempted to improve smallfolk conditions but alienated nobility.
The Mad King period under Aerys II (262-283 AC) marked the dynasty's collapse. Historical narratives describe escalating paranoia and brutality, culminating in Robert's Rebellion. By 283 AC, the Targaryens lost the Iron Throne after nearly 300 years of rule, leaving only Viserys and Daenerys in exile.
Surviving Heirs and Hidden Lines
The modern descendants include Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, whose true parentage-revealed as the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark-reconnects the Stark and Targaryen bloodlines. This revelation reshapes the family tree by introducing a dual-heritage claimant.
The Rhaegar branch is particularly important because it represents the last legitimate continuation of the royal line before the rebellion. His children, including Aegon (in some versions) and Jon Snow, symbolize the unresolved question of succession in Westeros lore.
- Daenerys Targaryen, last confirmed dragon rider.
- Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen), secret heir.
- Viserys Targaryen, exiled prince (deceased).
- Rhaegar Targaryen, pivotal figure in rebellion.
Key Patterns in the Family Tree
The intermarriage tradition within House Targaryen-often between siblings-was intended to preserve Valyrian blood purity. Genealogical analysis suggests that over 60% of Targaryen unions were intra-family, a practice that contributed both to their distinct identity and to recurring instability.
The dragon bond phenomenon also shaped the lineage, as only certain individuals could ride dragons. This selective trait created a hierarchy even within the family, where dragon riders held disproportionate influence over succession and warfare outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key concerns and solutions for Who Targaryen Family Tree
Who is the founder of the Targaryen family?
Aegon I Targaryen, known as Aegon the Conqueror, founded the dynasty by uniting most of Westeros in 1 AC.
How long did the Targaryens rule Westeros?
The Targaryens ruled for approximately 282 years, from Aegon I's coronation in 1 AC to the fall of Aerys II in 283 AC.
What caused the fall of the Targaryen dynasty?
Robert's Rebellion, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with Aerys II's rule, led to the سقوط of the dynasty in 283 AC.
Are there any living Targaryens?
Yes, Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow (revealed as Aegon Targaryen) are the most prominent surviving members in the narrative.
Why did Targaryens marry each other?
They practiced sibling and close-relative marriage to maintain Valyrian bloodlines and dragon-riding abilities.