Accession of Viserys I
A king chosen by the lords of the realm, yet whose reign would ultimately shatter it.
The Accession of Viserys I Targaryen follows the Great Council at Harrenhal. In 101 AC King Jaehaerys I, having outlived his sons, convened the council to select an heir; the lords of the Seven Kingdoms chose Prince Viserys, the king's eldest male descendant, over his older cousin Princess Rhaenys, the king's eldest descendant. Viserys ascended the throne in 103 AC following Jaehaerys' death.
Quick Facts
- Monarch
- Viserys I Targaryen
- Predecessor
- Jaehaerys I Targaryen
- Primary conflict
- The Claim of Rhaenyra vs. Alicent
Lore & Background
Viserys was the firstborn son of Jaehaerys's second son Baelon Targaryen and his sister-wife Alyssa. Rhaenys, the only child of Jaehaerys's late heir apparent and oldest son Aemon, was passed over because of her sex, and her husband Lord Corlys Velaryon was enraged that she was denied despite her claim. Daemon Targaryen supported his brother's claim at the council, intending to be declared Viserys' heir.
Reader's Guide
Known as a warm, kind and decent man, Viserys became the fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms. Nine years into his reign, after the deaths of Queen Aemma Arryn and their infant son Baelon, he named his daughter Rhaenyra his heir, a choice that broke a century tradition of only naming male heirs and set the stage for the Dance of the Dragons.
More in Seasons & Arcs
Elsewhere in House of the Dragon
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