Sophia Michaels
Content warning: The following story contains spoilers for “House of the Dragon.”
If you’ve spent any time at all as a fan of the “Game of Thrones” universe, you know just how tangled the character webs and family trees can get. That’s especially the case when it comes to the Targaryens, the twisted, intermarried royal family of dragon riders whose history is explored in the prequel series, “House of the Dragon.”
If you’re wondering whether Daenerys, Jon Snow, or the Mad King will ever be in “House of the Dragon,” the answer is no. Based on George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood,” the spinoff series takes place centuries before the events that transpire in “Game of Thrones.” It will eventually recount an era of civil war among the Targaryens over a disputed succession to the Iron Throne, though season one was mostly focused on the years leading up to it, full of messy marriages, deaths, and court intrigue. Midway through the first season, a major time jump added a new generation of Targaryens to the drama, and the final episodes of the season introduced viewers to Targaryen children who’ll deal with the consequences of their parents’ and grandparents’ actions for their whole lives, shaping Westeros in the process.
To help you keep track of who’s who amid all the incestuous connections, we’re breaking down the most important Targaryens to know about. From the main characters like Rhaenyra, Daemon, and Viserys to a refresher on how the Targaryen dynasty plays into “Game of Thrones” centuries later, keep this handy to help keep track of all the major players.
Targaryen Family Tree
Here’s a depiction of the entire Targaryen family tree according to the books (the “Game of Thrones” TV series makes slight changes), starting with Aegon the Conqueror and going all the way down the line to Jon Snow. (NOTE: Targaryens who did not survive to adulthood have been omitted from the tree.)
Image Source: HBO, Helen Sloan, Ollie Upton and Photo Illustration: Ava Cruz
