House Targaryen is one of the most important and influential houses in Game of Thrones. They were a Valyrian noble family that ruled the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros for nearly 300 years until they were overthrown in Robert’s Rebellion.
The Targaryens are known for their distinctive features, including their silver hair and purple eyes, resulting from their Valyrian heritage. Also, they were famous for their ability to tame and ride dragons, which they used to conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms.
Who are the Targaryens in Game of Thrones?
Aegon Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, was the first Targaryen king of Westeros. He conquered the Seven Kingdoms with the help of his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, and their dragons. He’s one of the most important figures in the Targaryen bloodline.
And now be ready to learn more about the Aegon Targaryen family tree.
The Targaryens continued to rule the Seven Kingdoms until the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen, who Robert Baratheon eventually overthrew in a rebellion.
Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Daenerys Stormborn, is one of the last surviving members of House Targaryen, and she becomes a significant player in the Game of Thrones as she attempts to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Other notable Targaryens include Jon Snow, who is revealed to be the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, and Maester Aemon, who served as a wise advisor to many Targaryen kings and was one of the few Targaryens to survive the fall of their dynasty.
The Targaryens’ history in old Valyria
House Targaryen was one of the many noble families of the Valyrian Freehold. This powerful empire spanned much of the known world before its collapse in the Doom of Valyria.
Were the Targaryen Valyrian rulers
The Targaryens were known for their skill in dragonriding and affinity for magic, which they believed resulted from their Valyrian heritage. They were not one of the most powerful or influential houses in Valyria. Still, they were respected for their skills as dragonlords.
According to legend, Daenys the Dreamer, daughter of Lord Aenar Targaryen, had a prophetic dream about the impending destruction of Valyria. In response, Lord Aenar moved his family and their five dragons to the island of Dragonstone in the Narrow Sea, where they established a new home and became the ruling house of the island.
The Targaryen language of Valyrian
Old Valyrian is an ancient language spoken by the Valyrian Freehold. This civilization thrived in the Eastern continent of Essos before its destruction in the Doom of Valyria. The Targaryens, originally from Valyria, brought Old Valyrian to Westeros and continued to speak it in their new homeland.
In the time of the events of Game of Thrones, Old Valyrian is primarily spoken by the Targaryens and scholars and historians who study the language and its history. However, it is not a commonly spoken language in Westeros, as it has largely been supplanted by the Common Tongue, which most people speak in the Seven Kingdoms.
Outside of Westeros, there are a few cities in Essos where Old Valyrian is still spoken to to some extent. These include the Free City of Volantis, founded by the Valyrian Freehold and maintains many of its cultural traditions, and the cities of Lys, Myr, and Tyrosh, which Valyrian colonists also settled.
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In addition to Old Valyrian, several related dialects and languages were spoken by the Valyrian Freehold, including High Valyrian, which was the official language of the Freehold and the language in which many of its most important texts were written. High Valyrian is a more refined and formal version of the language. It was considered the language of the elite and the educated.
Old Valyrian is a fascinating and complex language with a rich history and cultural significance. While it is no longer widely spoken in Westeros or Essos, its legacy lives on through the Targaryens and their influence on Westerosi culture and history.
The Targaryen family line before the conquest
The Targaryens ruled Dragonstone for almost a century before they attempted to conquer the Seven Kingdoms. During this time, they maintained their traditions of dragon riding and magic. They intermarried with other Valyrian families to keep their bloodlines pure.
Aegon Targaryen, the first Targaryen king of Westeros, was born and raised on Dragonstone. He spent many years preparing for his conquest of the Seven Kingdoms.
Targaryen Lineage after the conquest
The Targaryens were able to conquer the Seven Kingdoms with the help of their dragons, which gave them a significant military advantage. They also used their knowledge of magic and Valyrian steel weapons to solidify their rule.
Over time, the Targaryens became more assimilated into Westerosi culture. However, they still maintained Valyrian traditions, such as marrying within their family to keep their bloodlines pure.
The Targaryens and the kings after the conquest of Westeros
Aegon the Conqueror was the first Targaryen king of Westeros. He was aided in his conquest by his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, who also rode dragons. Visenya was known for her sword skill and stern demeanor, while Rhaenys was known for her beauty and kindness.
Before the conquest, the Seven Kingdoms were independent regions ruled by different kings or lords. The kingdoms were: the Kingdom of the North, the Kingdom of the Iron Islands, the Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale, the Kingdom of the Rock, the Kingdom of the Reach, the Kingdom of the Stormlands, and the Kingdom of Dorne.

Aegon I Targaryen
Aegon and his sisters began their conquest by burning Harrenhal, the largest and most impressive castle in Westeros, which King Harren Hoare of the Iron Islands ruled. Aegon rode his dragon, Balerion, the Black Dread, to destroy the castle and kill King Harren and his sons.
Aegon then marched south and won a major battle at the Field of Fire, where he used his dragons to burn the armies of the Reach and the Westerlands. This victory helped to solidify his rule over most of the southern kingdoms.
Aegon then turned his attention to the north, where he faced resistance from King Torrhen Stark of the North. Torrhen ultimately submitted to Aegon, earning him the nickname “the King Who Knelt.”
Aegon granted lands and titles to his supporters and allowed them to continue ruling their regions, but he maintained overall control through his dragon and his seat of power on the Iron Throne in King’s Landing.
The Conquest of the Seven Kingdoms was a major event in Westerosi history. It began the Targaryen dynasty’s rule over the Seven Kingdoms.
King’s Landing
Before the Targaryen conquest, King’s Landing did not exist. The site where the city would be built was initially called the Aegonfort. It was a simple castle that Aegon Targaryen built on the Еastern coast of Westeros to serve as his base of operations during the Conquest.
After the conquest was complete, Aegon decided to make the Aegonfort the permanent seat of the Targaryen dynasty’s power in Westeros. He renamed the castle the Red Keep and began construction on a new city that would surround it, which he named King’s Landing in honor of himself.
King’s Landing was strategically located at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, which made it an important port and trading hub. Aegon saw the potential for the city to become a significant center of commerce and culture in Westeros.
The Red Keep is the most essential structure in King’s Landing, serving as the seat of the Targaryen dynasty’s power and the location of the Iron Throne. The castle was designed to be both beautiful and formidable, with high walls, thick gates, and a moat filled with sharks.
Over time, King’s Landing grew to become the largest and most populous city in Westeros, with a population that exceeded half a million people by the time of the War of the Five Kings.
Targaryen Family Tree
House Targaryen has a lengthy family tree spanning three centuries of kings, along with multiple princes and princesses, and with several other members before the conquest.
Aenar Targaryen, also known as Aenar the Exile, was the Valyrian Freehold’s last ruler before its destruction in the Doom of Valyria. He fled the city with his family and several loyal followers. He sailed to Dragonstone, an island fortress off the coast of Westeros. Aenar’s descendants ruled Dragonstone for several generations and became known as the Targaryens of Dragonstone. They continued to practice their Valyrian traditions and customs. They maintained their dragon-riding abilities through the use of their dragons.
Aegon Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, was the first Targaryen ruler of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. He launched a massive invasion of Westeros with his two sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya. He used their dragons to conquer six of the seven independent kingdoms.
Aegon was married to both of his sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya, and had children with both of them. His primary wife was his sister Rhaenys, with whom he had one son, Aenys I Targaryen.
Aenys I Targaryen succeeded his father Aegon as King of the Seven Kingdoms but faced significant challenges to his rule due to his perceived weakness and his attempts to reform the Faith of the Seven. He had two sons, Aegon and Viserys.
Aegon Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Uncrowned, was Aenys I Targaryen’s elder son and was named his heir. However, he was deposed and killed by his half-brother Maegor the Cruel, who seized the throne after Aenys I died.
Maegor I Targaryen, also known as Maegor the Cruel, was the second son of Aenys I Targaryen and seized the throne from his nephew Aegon. He ruled through a reign of terror, executing his enemies and building the massive fortress known as the Red Keep.
Jaehaerys I Targaryen succeeded his uncle Maegor as King of the Seven Kingdoms and began a period of peace and prosperity known as the Golden Age of the Targaryen dynasty. He married his sister Alysanne and had many children, including his successor Viserys I Targaryen.
Viserys I Targaryen ruled after Jaehaerys I and had four children: Rhaenyra, Aegon II, Aemond, and Helaena. His reign was marked by the beginning of the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II Targaryen both claimed the Iron Throne after their father Viserys I died, leading to a bloody civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra was ultimately declared the rightful heir but was killed by her own half-brother Aegon II before she could be crowned.
Aegon III Targaryen succeeded his father, Aegon II, and became known as Aegon the Dragonbane, as he ordered the death of all remaining dragons in Westeros. He had two children, Daeron I and Baelor I.
Daeron I Targaryen succeeded his father, Aegon III, and launched a failed invasion of Dorne, which led to his death. He had no children and was succeeded by his brother.
Baelor I Targaryen succeeded his brother Daeron I and became known as Baelor the Blessed due to his deep piety and religious devotion. He had no children and was succeeded by his nephew Viserys II Targaryen.
Viserys II Targaryen ruled for only a short time before he died and was succeeded by his son Aegon IV Targaryen.
Aegon IV Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Unworthy, was a profoundly unpopular ruler known for his cruelty and excesses. He legitimized his numerous bastards on his deathbed, leading to an unstable period known as the Blackfyre Rebellions.
Daeron II Targaryen succeeded his father Aegon IV and faced several challenges to his rule, including multiple Blackfyre rebellions and a failed invasion of Dorne. He had several children, including his successor Aerys I Targaryen.
Aerys I Targaryen succeeded his father, Daeron II, and faced continued threats from the Blackfyre pretenders to the throne. He had no children and was succeeded by his brother Maekar I Targaryen.
Maekar I Targaryen succeeded his brother Aerys I and was known for his military prowess and attempts to strengthen the Targaryen dynasty. He had several children, including his successor Aegon V Targaryen.
Aegon V Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Unlikely, was a younger son of Maekar I and was not expected to become king. However, he was chosen as the successor to his childless brother Aerys I. He launched several significant reforms during his reign. He had several children, including Jaehaerys II Targaryen.
Jaehaerys II Targaryen succeeded his father Aegon V and ruled for a short time before his death. He had two children, Aerys II Targaryen, and Rhaella Targaryen.

Aerys II Targaryen
Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King, became known for his paranoia and cruelty during his long reign. He was ultimately deposed and killed during Robert’s Rebellion, which led to the end of the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros.
Rhaella Targaryen was Aerys II’s sister and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen’s wife. She died giving birth to her son, who was named Aegon Targaryen. Aegon was smuggled out of the country by his uncle Viserys and was raised in exile until he returned to Westeros as a major player in the events of the A Song of Ice and Fire series.
The Targaryens in Game of Thrones
The original Game of Thrones series revolves seriously around the exiled Viserys and Daenerys. As the show progresses, Jon Snow, the bastard son of lord Ned Stark is revealed to be one. He is the illegitimate son of lady Lyanna Stark, Ned’s sister, and prince Rhaegar Targaryen.
Targaryens in the show
In the show Game of Thrones, House Targaryen is initially represented by Viserys Targaryen and his younger sister Daenerys Targaryen, who are both in exile in Essos. Viserys arranged a marriage for Daenerys to Khal Drogo of the Dothraki, hoping to use Drogo’s army to retake the Iron Throne from the Baratheons. However, Viserys is killed by Khal Drogo before his plan can come to fruition.
Daenerys

Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys eventually becomes a powerful leader in her own right, earning the loyalty of the Dothraki and other allies as she builds her army to take back the Iron Throne. She also gains the loyalty of several key advisors, including Jorah Mormont, Tyrion Lannister, and Missandei.
Later in the show, it is revealed that Daenerys is not the last surviving Targaryen after all, as her nephew Aegon Targaryen (also known as Jon Snow) is revealed to be alive and well. Jon eventually becomes romantically involved with Daenerys, but the revelation of his true identity creates conflict between them.
Daenerys becomes the first dragon rider in centuries after hatching three dragon eggs. The dragons are instrumental in her military campaigns and play a vital role in the show’s final battles.
Jon Snow

Jon Snow
Jon Snow is one of the main characters in Game of Thrones, initially presented as the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark. It is later revealed that his true parents are Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him a member of House Targaryen and a legitimate heir to the Iron Throne.
Rhaegar was the older brother of Daenerys Targaryen. He was married to Elia Martell, but he and Lyanna Stark fell in love and ran away together. This sparked a rebellion led by Robert Baratheon, ultimately leading to House Targaryen’s fall and Robert’s rise as the new king. Lyanna died giving birth to Jon. Eddard Stark claimed him as his illegitimate son to protect him from Robert’s wrath and raised him at Winterfell.
Jon grows up as a member of House Stark but always feels like an outsider due to his illegitimate status. After joining the Night’s Watch, he rises through the ranks to become Lord Commander. Still, he is eventually betrayed and killed by his own men. However, he is resurrected by the priestess Melisandre. He plays a crucial role in the battles against the White Walkers and the final fight for the Iron Throne.
Throughout the series, Jon’s Targaryen lineage is hinted at and eventually confirmed by Samwell Tarly and Bran Stark. While Jon initially struggles with his identity and the revelation of his true parents, he ultimately embraces his Targaryen heritage. He joins forces with Daenerys to try to take back the Iron Throne from Cersei Lannister. The revelation of his true identity also creates conflict between him and Daenerys, as she sees him as a threat to her own claim to the Iron Throne.
Young Griff

Young Griff
In the books, Aegon Targaryen (also known as “Young Griff”) is introduced as the supposedly deceased son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell. However, it is later revealed that he was smuggled out of Westeros as an infant by Varys and raised in secret.
Aegon is presented as a potential claimant to the Iron Throne, as some believe him to be the true heir to House Targaryen, ahead of Daenerys and Jon Snow. He is also said to have the support of the Golden Company, a powerful mercenary army with a long-standing tradition of supporting Targaryen claimants.
Aegon invades Westeros with the Golden Company and a small fleet, landing in the Stormlands and quickly gaining support from several houses that are disillusioned with the current rulers of the Seven Kingdoms. He is accompanied by several powerful advisors, including Jon Connington (a former Hand of the King under Rhaegar). He proves to be a charismatic and capable leader.
Aegon’s invasion creates a new dynamic in the War of the Five Kings. Several houses switch their allegiance to him instead of supporting the Lannisters or the Starks. However, his ultimate success remains uncertain, as he faces several formidable opponents, including the Lannisters, the Tyrells, and the remaining members of House Stark.
Who is the last Targaryen in the books?
In the books, the last Targaryen alive is Daenerys Targaryen, who is still alive at the end of the most recent book, “A Dance with Dragons.” While Aegon Targaryen (also known as “Young Griff”) appears in the books and claims to be a surviving Targaryen, his true identity and claim to the throne, remain a matter of debate among readers.
The last Targaryen is initially believed to be Daenerys in the TV series. Still, it is later revealed that Jon Snow is also a Targaryen, the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark.
In conclusion
As the saying goes, whenever a new Targaryen is born, the gods toss the coin in the air, and the world holds its breath to see how it will land. The Targaryens have a remarkable family tree full of glorious heroes and insane villains, just rulers and mad kings.
The Targaryens in Game of Thrones are both protagonists and antagonists, as the history of their house sees them on any side of the conflict. Still, this crazy dynamic makes them well-beloved by viewers and readers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays Young Griff in the show?
Aegon’s storyline is not featured in the TV series, so his invasion of Westeros is not depicted onscreen.
Are the Targaryens immune to fire?
Common speculation is that the Targaryens are immune to fire. There are no documented instances in the books. However, Daenerys walks out of the fire that hatches her three dragons at Vaes Dothrak unscratched. It is plausible, yet unconfirmed.
Who is the last surviving Targaryen in Game of Thrones?
Apparently, it is Jon Snow, the illegitimate son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. He has the birth name of Aegon Targaryen. At the end of the original series, he is seen venturing outside the Wall with Ghost and a handful of wildling companions.