Viserys I Targaryen

[FP1997]

King Viserys I Targaryen in House of the Dragon

• Status: Former (deceased) King of the Andals, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.

• Traits: Benevolent, loyal, proud.

• Famous quote: “A Targaryen must be seated on the Iron Throne.” 

• Family: Born to Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen; Brother of Daemon Targaryen; Husband to Alicent Hightower (after late wife Aemma Arryn); Father to Rhaenyra Targaryen and Baelon Targaryen (deceased), also Father to Aegon II Targaryen, Helaena Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen and Daeron Targaryen (all born to Alicent Hightower.

Chosen to be leader of the Seven Kingdoms and ruler of Westeros, King Viserys I allowed a period of peace and prosperity in the land, following the long and stable reign that came before him. Viserys I was chosen over his cousin, Rhaenys Targaryen, to be ruler, a decision that would cause some conflict.

After his first child, Rhaenyra Targaryen, was born, Viserys hoped for a son. His wife, Aemma Arryn, fell pregnant and after a traumatic birth, passed along with their son, Baelon. Upon this tragedy, Viserys began preparing his daughter to rule and to sit upon the Iron Throne after his death, even informing her of the prophecy passed down through Kings – Aegon I predicted a threat that would bring darkness and see Kingdoms fragmented. Whomever sat on the Iron Throne must pass down the prophecy to the next ruler, to prepare them for the forthcoming.

Viserys’ decision to appoint his daughter as his successor would be a decision that would spark conflict within Westeros as it broke the tradition of having a male successor. However, Viserys had much faith in his daughters’ capabilities and defended his decision, and his daughter, against all who disagreed.

Alliance with the Hightowers

Having named Otto Hightower as his Hand, his relationship with the Hightowers was one of trust; Viserys considered Otto a friend. This close relationship between the families was only strengthened by his daughter, Rhaenyra’s, close relationship with Otto’s daughter, Alicent Hightower.

Upon the death of Viserys’ wife, he received much comfort from Alicent Hightower; she made many discreet visits to him to help him cope with his grief. These regular visits meant that when it was time to choose a new wife, Alicent was Viserys’ first choice. This decision came after the Velaryon family offered Laena Velaryon as a second wife for the King, an alliance which would unite two strong families, but was ultimately decided against by the King.

King Viserys’ marriage to Alicent caused both his, and his new wife’s relationship with Rhaenyra to weaken. The alliance created a split among the families, one that would continue and feed the Dance of the Dragons.

As his relationship with his daughter became fragile, Otto Hightower attempted to further solidify the Hightower’s influence on the throne by ensuring rumours of the Princess Rhaenyra’s inappropriate behaviour made it’s way to the King. This was a feat that would find him banished by King Viserys as he refused to hear slander about his first-born.

Viserys’ relationship with Alicent would also see conflict after their children were born. Alicent saw a different future for their first-born son Aegon II than the one being presented to him. This view clashed with the plan Viserys had laid out for his daughter Rhaenyra, who he wanted to sit upon the Iron Throne to rule.

Dance of the Dragons

Viserys’ health took a steep decline with an illness similar to leprosy. While the King received treatment, he and his court knew that his life would not last much longer. In light of this, Viserys attempted to reunite his family and rid them of the conflict and tension that plagued them. Despite the King’s efforts, Rhaenyra and Alicent could not overcome their differences.

In his final days, and in a confused state Viserys mumbled about Aegon, words that would be interpreted by Alicent to mean that the King wanted Aegon II to be King. Upon his death, the court crowned their son Aegon as King, as Alicent had wanted. This would be the beginning of the war between houses, the Dance of the Dragons.

Who plays Viserys I Targaryen?

• Viserys is portrayed by Paddy Considine, an English actor, director and screenwriter. He has featured in many films such as Hot Fuzz, The World’s End and Dead Man’s Shoes. His role in House of the Dragon was the first to be publicly announced, and his performance was said to impress George R.R Martin himself.