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 being 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 has focused (so far) on the years leading up to it, full of messy marriages, deaths, and court intrigue. Episode six comes after a major time jump, and now a new generation of Targaryens is mixing into the drama, too. In episode seven, uncle married niece, nephews fought their uncle, and cousins became step-siblings.
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.
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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
Sign up for HBO Max now to watch “House of the Dragon.”