Viserys I Targaryen

The last rider of Balerion, the Black Dread.

Paddy Considine portrays Viserys I Targaryen, the fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms in HBO's House of the Dragon. Described as a warm, kind, and decent man, he was chosen by a council of lords to succeed his grandfather, Jaehaerys I Targaryen. As the firstborn son of Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen (who were also siblings), Viserys represents a specific lineage within House Targaryen. His reign marks the period roughly 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, setting the stage for the devastating war of succession known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Quick Facts

House: Targaryen
Spouse: Aemma Arryn and Alicent Hightower

Lore & Background

Viserys I is a former dragonrider who was bonded to the legendary dragon Balerion, also known as 'The Black Dread'. He holds the distinction of being its last rider before the great beast's death. His succession was determined by a council of lords rather than strict primogeniture, following his grandfather Jaehaerys I. Viserys fathered two key figures in the coming conflict: Rhaenyra Targaryen, his heir apparent and firstborn with Aemma Arryn, and Aegon II Targaryen, his firstborn son with Alicent Hightower. The tension between these half-siblings, fueled by claims that Viserys changed his successor with his dying breath, directly leads to the civil war. His cousin Rhaenys Targaryen was once a candidate for the throne but was passed over due to her gender in favor of Viserys.

Reader's Guide

For those tracking the Targaryen lineage, Viserys I is the son of Baelon Targaryen and Alyssa Targaryen. He is the father of Rhaenyra Targaryen and the older brother of Daemon Targaryen. His dragon, Balerion, was the last to be ridden by a Targaryen before its death. In the show's timeline, his reign begins about 100 years after the unification of the Seven Kingdoms. Key characters connected to him include Otto Hightower (his Hand), Rhaenyra (his daughter and heir), and Daemon Targaryen (his younger brother). The series portrays these events beginning nearly 200 years before the original Game of Thrones timeline.

Did You Know?

His succession followed a council decision rather than automatic primogeniture, choosing him over his cousin Rhaenys due to gender.
Paddy Considine portrayed Viserys in season 1 and made an uncredited appearance in season 2.
He is the father of both Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II Targaryen, whose conflict sparked the Dance of the Dragons.