House Targaryen

Lore & Background

The succession crisis began when King Viserys I, a man known as "a warm, kind, and decent man," was succeeded by his daughter Rhaenyra. However, upon his death, his second wife Alicent Hightower and her father Otto Hightower claimed Viserys changed his successor with his dying breath to favor their son Aegon II. This led to the coronation of Aegon II by the "Greens," while Rhaenyra was crowned queen by her supporters, the "Blacks." The conflict involved formidable dragonriders: Rhaenyra bonded to Syrax, Daemon to Caraxes (the "Blood Wyrm"), and Aemond Targaryen claiming Vhagar (the "Queen of All Dragons"). Other key figures included Otto Hightower, who plotted to put his grandson on the Iron Throne, and Corlys Velaryon, the "Sea Snake," who served as Master of Ships before becoming Rhaenyra's Hand. The war also saw the rise of dragonriders from common stock, such as Hugh Hammer claiming Vermithor ("The Bronze Fury") and Addam of Hull being chosen by Seasmoke.

In Their Own Story

The tension in King's Landing escalated when Viserys I died, fracturing the court into two factions. Otto Hightower orchestrated Aegon II's ascension, replacing Rhaenyra as heir despite her status as the "Realm's Delight." Daemon Targaryen, known as the "Rogue Prince" for his unpredictable behavior, stood by his niece and wife Rhaenyra, wielding Dark Sister. The conflict drew in powerful allies like Corlys Velaryon and his wife Rhaenys, the "Queen Who Never Was," who was passed over for Viserys due to her gender. As the war intensified, new dragonriders emerged from the streets of King's Landing; Kieran Bew plays Hugh Hammer, a blacksmith claiming to be Saera Targaryen's son, who claimed Vermithor. Similarly, Clinton Liberty portrays Addam of Hull, Corlys's bastard son, who was chosen by Seasmoke. The struggle involved key turning points like the resignation of Harrold Westerling as Lord Commander and the replacement of Mellos with Orwyle as Grand Maester.

Reader's Guide

The history of House Targaryen in this era is defined by the "Dance of the Dragons," a war of succession that pitted Rhaenyra's faction against Aegon II's. Key figures include Viserys I, chosen by council to succeed Jaehaerys I; his brother Daemon, who wed Rhaenyra after being her uncle; and Alicent Hightower, whose son usurped the throne. The narrative tracks the decline of the dynasty through specific events: Aegon II's hedonism in the "Street of Silk," Aemond One-Eye losing his eye in a brawl before claiming Vhagar, and Rhaenyra's children Jace and Baela bonding with Vermax and Moondancer respectively. The conflict also highlights political maneuvering by Larys Strong, the "Clubfoot," who served as Master of Whisperers, and the rise of new dragons like Sheepstealer claimed by Phoebe Campbell's character Rhaena.

Did You Know?

• The series begins 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
• Viserys I was bonded to Balerion, also known as "The Black Dread," and was its last rider before the dragon's death.
• Aemond Targaryen is known as "Aemond One-Eye" after losing his left eye in a brawl with his nephews.
• Rhaenyra's supporters are called the "Blacks," while Aegon II's supporters are known as the "Greens."
• The second season premiered on June 16, 2024, and consisted of eight episodes.