House Targaryen

[FP1997]

Targaryen House Sigil

House Targaryen is one of the most famous families in Westeros. The Targaryen dynasty has left an enduring mark on the history of the Seven Kingdoms. Famous for their dragons, silver hair and purple eyes, the Targaryen’s have a lineage that stretches back thousands of years. Their story is one of conquest, betrayal and tragedy. Culminating in the War of the Five Kings and the fall of their dynasty. However, with the upcoming release of House of the Dragon Series 2, a new chapter in their saga is set to be unveiled.

Origins

The origins of House Targaryen can be traced back to Old Valyria, an ancient civilization known for its mastery of dragon riding and sorcery. The Targaryen’s were one of the 40 noble families of Valyria and they possessed some of the most powerful dragons in existence. However their fortunes changed when the Doom of Valyria struck, annihilating their homeland and leaving them as one of the few surviving dragon lord families.

Led by Aenar Targaryen, the family fled Valyria and settled on the island of Dragonstone in the Narrow Sea. From there they would begin their conquest of Westeros, spurred on by the dreams of Aenar's daughter – Daenys the Dreamer, who foresaw the destruction of Valyria. It was Daenys who convinced her father to leave Valyria and seek refuge in the west, ultimately saving House Targaryen from annihilation.

Conquest of Westeros

The Targaryens bided their time on Dragonstone, patiently waiting for the right moment to strike. That moment came with the death of the last Dragon King of Westeros - Harren the Black, who had built the imposing fortress of Harrenhal. Aegon the Conqueror along with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, unleashed their dragons upon the Seven Kingdoms in what would become known as the War of Conquest.

Riding their fearsome dragons Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes the Targaryens swiftly conquered six of the Seven Kingdoms uniting them under Aegon's rule. Only Dorne resisted their advances choosing to submit peacefully to Targaryen rule several years later through a marriage alliance.

The Targaryen Dynasty

With the Seven Kingdoms under their control, the Targaryens established their dynasty ruling from the Iron Throne in the capital city of King's Landing. Over the centuries they faced numerous challenges to their rule. Including rebellions, civil wars & external threats. However through the power of their dragons and strategic marriages, they managed to maintain their grip on power.

Notable Targaryen monarchs include Jaehaerys the Conciliator, who brought an era of peace and prosperity to the realm, and Aegon the Unlikely, who rose to the throne against all odds. However it was during the reign of Aerys II, also known as the Mad King that House Targaryen's fortunes took a drastic turn for the worse.

The Fall of House Targaryen

The reign of Aerys II was marked by paranoia, cruelty, and instability. His obsession with wildfire and his penchant for burning his enemies alive earned him the moniker of the Mad King. His downfall came during Robert's Rebellion, a civil war sparked by his actions against House Stark and House Baratheon.

Led by Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark and Jon Arryn, the rebellion culminated in the sacking of King's Landing and the death of Aerys II at the hands of Jaime Lannister, a member of his own Kingsguard. With the Targaryen dynasty in tatters, Robert Baratheon claimed the Iron Throne, establishing House Baratheon as the new ruling dynasty of Westeros.

The Exile and Return

The Targaryens who survived the rebellion were forced into exile, scattered across the Free Cities and beyond. Among them were Viserys and Daenerys, the last surviving children of Aerys II and his queen, Rhaella. For years they lived in obscurity, dreaming of reclaiming their birthright and restoring House Targaryen to its former glory.

Their chance came with the rise of Daenerys, who hatched three dragon eggs gifted to her as wedding presents (during the events in Game of Thrones). With her dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, she embarked on a journey across Essos. Gathering supporters and freeing slaves along the way, she eventually set her sights on Westeros and was determined to reclaim the Iron Throne.

House of the Dragon: A New Chapter

House of the Dragon, the upcoming television series set in the world of Game of Thrones, promises to delve deeper into the history of House Targaryen. Based on George R.R. Martin's book "Fire & Blood" the series will explore the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, a conflict between rival factions of the family for control of the Iron Throne.

Led by Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II, the Dance of the Dragons tore the realm apart, resulting in widespread death and destruction. The series will showcase the political intrigue, dragon battles, and tragic betrayals that defined this tumultuous period in Westerosi history.