House Targaryen is one of the most iconic noble families in Game of Thrones, defined by dragonlords, exile, and a relentless claim to the Iron Throne. This guide explains who the Targaryens were, how they rose and fell across centuries, and how their legacy drives the story of Westeros. We explore their ancestral home, heraldry, signature traits, and each major member who shapes the show and books.
The House Targaryen Overview in Game of Thrones
Before the events of Game of Thrones, House Targaryen ruled the Seven Kingdoms for nearly three centuries from Dragonstone. They are Valyrian in origin, one of the forty dragonlord families that survived the Doom. A century before Aegon’s Conquest, they fled Valyria for the western stronghold and preserved their bloodline and dragons. Their sigil is a red three-headed dragon on black, and their words are Fire and Blood. As protagonists and antagonists, Targaryens shape politics, war, and prophecy throughout the saga.
Core Identity and Traits
- Ancestral Valyrian lineage preserved through a century-long exile.
- Signature dragons: Balerion, Meraxes, Vhagar, and later Drogon, Rhaegal, Viserion.
- Notable traits: silver-gold hair, lilac eyes, resistance to fire (but not immunity).
- House words: Fire and Blood; sigil: three-headed dragon.
Key Targaryen Members in Game of Thrones
The main Targaryens featured on screen include Aerys II, Elia, Rhaegar, Viserys, Daenerys, and Jon Snow (revealed as Aegon Targaryen). Their relationships and decisions drive much of the conflict and resolution in the series. This section profiles the most influential members and distinguishes show versus book status where relevant.
Notable Bloodline and Heir Status
Multiple characters inherit Targaryen blood, whether through legitimate descent, bastardy claims, or hidden parentage. The family tree spans generations and continents, influencing claims, marriages, and succession struggles across Westeros.
| Character | Relationship to Known Lineage | Canonical Status | Role in Narrative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerys II Targaryen | Last ruling king, father of Rhaegar and Viserys | Confirmed | Cause of rebellion and exile |
| Rhaegar Targaryen | Eldest son of Aerys, secretly married Elia | Confirmed | Legitimacy disputes and prophecy links |
| Viserys Targaryen | Younger son of Aerys, would-be conqueror | Confirmed | Driver of early Daenerys storyline |
| Elia Martell | Wife of Rhaegar, mother of Aegon and Rhaenys | Confirmed | Symbol of loss and vengeance |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Youngest child of Aerys, Mother of Dragons | Confirmed | Central protagonist and claimant |
| Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen) | Son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark | Varies by medium | Key claimant and stabilizing ally |
The Doom of Valyria and Survival
Roughly 100 years before the events of the series, Valyria was shattered by a cataclysm known as the Doom. House Targaryen survived because they were away trading in the eastern waters with their dragons. This catastrophe reshaped the balance of power, turning Dragonstone from a periphery outpost into a crucial base for what would become the future conquest and legacy.
Exile and Consolidation on Dragonstone
After the Doom, the Targaryens became the sole surviving dragonlords. They fortified Dragonstone, maintained their bloodline through careful marriage strategies, and waited for the right moment to return to the mainland. Their patience ended with Aegon’s Conquest, which united six of the Seven Kingdoms under a new dynasty.
Aegon’s Conquest and Legacy in Game of Thrones
Aegon I Targaryen and his sisters rode dragons to conquer much of Westeros, establishing a dynasty that would rule for nearly three centuries. Landmarks like the Field of Fire and the construction of King’s Landing cemented the family’s influence. The legacy of this era echoes in modern claims, dragon rebirth, and the fragile unity of the realm.
Dragons, Dragons, and More Dragons
Dragons are the cornerstone of Targaryen power. From the original trio of mountable dragons to the rebirth of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, these creatures define the family’s identity. Their lifecycle mirrors the family’s fortunes: periods of ascendance, near extinction, and dramatic resurgence.
Targaryen Governance and Cultural Influence
Targaryen rule introduced distinct legal and cultural norms, including the tradition of the Small Council, limitations on noble authority, and a unique approach to justice. Their influence extends beyond politics into religion, economics, and urban planning, with King’s Landing standing as a testament to their ambition.
Symbols, Lineage, and Cultural Memory
- Sigil: red dragon on black, representing fire and blood.
- Words: Fire and Blood, reflecting their heritage and temperament.
- Valyrian features and ancestral pride.
- Prominent in both mainland Westeros and Essos politics.
FAQ
Reader questions
Are all Targaryens immune to fire?
No. While they are more resistant due to their Valyrian ancestry, they are not immune. Daenerys emerges unscathed because of specific circumstances, not an inherent blanket immunity for all descendants.
How many Targaryens survive by the end of the story?
By the conclusion of the main narrative, only a handful of named Targaryens remain with confirmed lineage. The focus shifts to legacy, succession debates, and the future of their house rather than a large surviving family.
Which Targaryens had dragons in the show?
Viserys, Daenerys, and their dragons Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion are central. Historically, many Targaryen dragonlords rode these iconic creatures across centuries.
Is Jon Snow a trueborn Targaryen?
Legitimately yes, as the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. His birthright is a pivotal element in claim disputes and succession arcs in both the series and source material.