The Complicated Targaryen Family Tree From House of the Dragon Explained

TV Warner Media Buckle up, folks. by Jen McGuire Oct. 4, 2022

HBO’s House of the Dragon has brought us back to Westeros. This time around, the Targaryens rule the Seven Kingdoms — if they can keep their own family from imploding, that is. Here’s a look at who’s who in this complicated bunch.

Warner Media Note: Spoilers for Season 1 are ahead.

Warner Media King Viserys I Viserys Targaryen became king after he was chosen as heir over his cousin Princess Rhaenys . His parents were Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen, and his rule as king is troubled from the start.

Warner Media Queen Aemma The beloved first wife of King Viserys, Queen Aemma meets a tragic end. After suffering many miscarriages, she dies during an attempted C-section in childbirth. Aemma left behind one child, daughter Princess Rhaenyra.

Princess Rhaenyra

Warner Media As the only living child of King Viserys and Queen Aemma, Princess Rhaenyra is named heir to the throne, despite the fact that many Westerosi have made it clear they do not want a woman to rule. She has a long fight ahead of her.

Warner Media Rhaenyra has some famous descendants She is sixth great-grandmother to Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones and seventh great-grandmother to Jon Snow. Which means she’ll have an impact on Westeros long after she dies.

Warner Media Prince Daemon Younger brother to King Viserys, Prince Daemon is a complicated man. A dragon rider, a warrior, and a frequent rebel who wants to take the throne. Even if that means marrying his niece, Princess Rhaenyra, to get it.

Warner Media Queen Alicent Alicent Hightower is a childhood friend of Princess Rhaenyra who becomes Queen after marrying King Viserys in the wake of Queen Aemma’s death. Initially her life is ruled by others, but she takes over control of her destiny once she is a mother.

Prince Aegon

Warner Media Queen Alicent and King Viserys welcomed a son, Prince Aegon. His birth was expected to change the line of succession, but King Viserys kept Princess Rhaenyra as his heir. Which naturally causes problems in Westeros.

Warner Media Princess Helaena Princess Helaena is the only daughter of Queen Alicent and King Viserys, and while she has not been a major player in House of the Dragon just yet, we know that can all change in a heartbeat.

Warner Media Prince Aemond The second oldest child of King Viserys and Queen Alicent, Prince Aemond stands out as the only Targaryan to struggle claiming his dragon. He eventually claims his dragon ... but loses his eye. Which will certainly come into play later in life for him.

Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon

Warner Media Princess Rhaenyra welcomed three sons , Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, while married to husband Laenor Velaryon. That makes them Velaryons (although their parentage comes into question) but they will be Targaryens when Prince Jace ascends the throne after his mother.

The Targaryen family tree is about to change again now that Princess Rhaenyra married Prince Daemon. Keep watching House of the Dragon on HBO Max to find out who will win this particular game of thrones.

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