- - Targaryen Family Tree: See How the Characters of “Game of Thrones”, “House of the Dragon” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Are Related

Skyler Trepel, Samantha StutsmanJanuary 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM

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Matt Smith, Harry Collett, Emma D'Arcy and Phoebe Campbell in Season 1 of 'House of the Dragon'. -

In Westeros, the Targaryen family once ruled as powerful dragonlords

By the time Game of Thrones rolls around, the Targaryens have been toppled and exiled, but Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) aims to restore power

In new prequel series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, multiple Targaryens are introduced

From fire-breathing dragons to iron-clad ambition, the Targaryen dynasty has long dominated the world of Westeros.

When Game of Thrones debuted in 2011, it quickly earned a reputation as one of television’s most ambitious and influential dramas. Among its sprawling cast of houses, the Targaryens loomed especially large — a once-exiled royal family that had ruled Westeros for nearly three centuries before the events of the series.

Audience fascination with the dragonlords didn’t fade when the original show wrapped in 2019. Instead, it paved the way for House of the Dragon, which rewinds the clock to explore the Targaryens at the height of their power. Both series draw from the rich mythology created by George R. R. Martin.

Targaryen family tree according to 'House of the Dragon' season 2 episode 7

Targaryen Family Tree from 'House of the Dragon'; Warner Bros. Discovery/Gloria Pantell for PEOPLE

The Targaryen era is set to expand once again with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, premiering Jan. 18. Adapted from Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the new series unfolds in the years between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones.

Here's everything to know about the Targaryen family tree in House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — and how they relate to their descendants in Game of Thrones.

Warning: Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms spoilers ahead!

Aegon “The Conqueror” Targaryen

Aegon “The Conqueror” Targaryen plays an important role in the history of Westeros, having united the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon was the first Targaryen to sit atop the Iron Throne, which began a centuries-long Targaryen dynasty that saw the dragon-riding family in power.

Aegon is also known for his dream, “The Song of Ice and Fire,” which was his premonition of darkness rising on the winter winds that would destroy the world of men and would need to be conquered by the fire of Targaryen dragons. That "darkness" ended up being the White Walkers in Game of Thrones.

Aenys Targaryen

Aenys Targaryen was the son of Aegon and the second king of the Seven Kingdoms until he was murdered by his brother, Aegon’s second son, Maegor “The Cruel” Targaryen, who took the throne. Aenys was known as a kind leader and married Alyssa Velaryon, creating a strong bond between the Targaryen and Velaryon families — two of the only families with dragons.

Jaehaerys “The Old King” Targaryen

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Michael Carter as Jaehaerys “The Old King” Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Six years after taking the Iron Throne, Maegor died and Aenys' son Jaehaerys Targaryen (Michael Carter) took the throne. Jaehaerys reigned over the Seven Kingdoms for nearly 60 years during a time of peace and prosperity at the peak of the Targaryen dynasty.

Aemon Targaryen

After many of Jaehaerys’ 13 children died, Aemon Targaryen was the first of his children to survive into adulthood and would have been Jaehaerys’ heir, had Aemon not died before him. Aemon married his aunt, Jocelyn Baratheon, and gave birth to a daughter, Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), who frequently appeared in House of the Dragon until her death in season 2.

Baelon Targaryen

Baelon Targaryen is the son of Jaehaerys, brother of Aemon — with whom he was very close — uncle of Rhaenys and father of Viserys Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen. Baelon — nicknamed Baelon the Brave — was named heir instead of Rhaenys after Aemon died, but Baelon died before Jaehaerys.

Rhaenys Targaryen

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Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Rhaenys is the granddaughter of Jaehaerys, daughter of Aemon and first cousin of Viserys. After being passed over as queen twice — first in favor of her uncle, Baelon, and then in favor of Viserys — because she was a woman during a time where women had not yet sat on the Iron Throne, she is known as “The Queen Who Never Was.”

Rhaenys gained some power by marrying Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Touissant): Master of Driftmark, Lord of the Tides and head of House Velaryon. They shared two children: son Laenor (John Macmillan) and daughter Laena (Nanna Blondell). When she learned of the plan for Aegon II to usurp Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) claim to the throne, she interrupted Aegon’s coronation by breaking up through the floor with her dragon Melys.

Rhaenys served as a valuable member of Rhaenyra’s council, even going to stop Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) from taking Rook’s Rest for King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) so Rhaenyra could stay back.

This would prove to be her last defiant act as she and Melys valiantly fought against an ambush from Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and his dragon Vhagar before being killed.

Viserys Targaryen

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Paddy Considine as Viserys Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Viserys (Paddy Considine) is the grandson of Jaehaerys, son of Baelon, brother of Daemon, first cousin of Rhaenys and father of Rhaenyra, Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena (Phia Saban) and Daeron. Viserys lead during a time of relative peace and prosperity for the Targaryens.

When he decided to name his oldest child Rhaenyra (whom he shared with his first wife Aemma) the heir to the Iron Throne — despite the fact that it was always kings who ruled during this time — many questioned him. Even as he had male children with his second wife, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), he believed Rhaenyra would make the best monarch, which many in the realm contested.

As Viserys aged, he told Rhaenyra of Aegon’s Song of Ice and Fire. However, he believed he was continuing to discuss the story with Rhaenyra on another night when he was actually talking to Alicent. Alicent mistakenly believed Viserys was talking about their son Aegon II, saying Aegon II should be on the throne after Viserys dies, which lead to the Dance of the Dragons civil war.

Daemon Targaryen

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Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Daemon (Matt Smith) is the brother of Viserys, uncle — and later husband — to Rhaenyra and father of Aegon III Targaryen, Viserys II Targaryen and Visenya Targaryen. He welcomed daughters Baela Velaryon (Bethany Antonia) and Rhaena Velaryon (Phoebe Campbell) with his first wife Laena. Daemon is one of the most clever, cunning and conniving characters in House of the Dragon, who always seems to have the upper hand.

However, his brother Viserys named Rhaenyra heir to the throne, while Daemon felt it should have been him because he was a man. Daemon is bitter over this, but supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne and develops a close relationship with her that eventually leads to marriage.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

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Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Rhaenyra — portrayed by Milly Alcock during her teenage years and D'Arcy as an adult — is the main character in House of the Dragon. After the death of Viserys’ wife and Rhaenyra’s mother Aemma during childbirth, Rhaenyra is named heir to the throne during a time where no woman had been named heir before.

Rhaenyra is a noble heir, but also enjoys breaking out of the boundaries she feels confined by as a teenager, especially when her father attempts to arrange a marriage. She eventually marries Laenor — who is only attracted to men — with the agreement that it will be an open marriage.

Rhaenyra had three children during her marriage to Laenor — Jacaerys (Harry Collett), Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) and Joffrey (Oscar Eskinazi) — though their father is strongly believed to be Ser Harwin Strong). She later married her uncle Daemon, whom she had three children with: Aegon III, Viserys II and Visenya. After Alicent’s misunderstanding — which leads to Aegon II claiming the throne — Rhaenyra prepares for war and gathers allies to fight for her rightful claim to the throne.

Even on the brink of war, Rhaenyra has an eye on peace as she risks being killed by wearing a disguise to King’s Landing to confront Alicent — her former best friend — where Rhaenyra leads Alicent to conclude Viserys was talking about Aegon the Conqueror and not her son Aegon II. When Alicent realizes this, but says it is too late, Rhaenyra understands she must prepare for an all-out war as she desires the throne for the good of the realm.

Aegon II Targaryen

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Tom Glynn-Carney as Aegon II Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Aegon II is the eldest son of Viserys and Alicent, brother to Aemond, Daeron and Helaena — who he is later forced to marry — and father to Jaehaerys II Targaryen and Jaehaera Targaryen. Aegon II is rebellious, careless and somewhat nihilistic.

When he initially finds out that it is believed Viserys wants him to inherit the throne, he is discovered hiding as he does not want the responsibility. Nonetheless, he is made king and often found eschewing his royal duties in favor of visiting brothels or hanging out with those who work for him.

He is also relentless in punishing those who cross him and attempts to prove himself while also being bored of his responsibilities. The Dance of the Dragons is based on his claim to the throne from the words Alicent believed she heard Viserys say, against Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne based on Viserys’ lifelong decision.

Helaena Targaryen

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Phia Saban as Helaena Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Helaena is the daughter of Viserys and Alicent, brother of Aemond, Daeron and Aegon II — whom she is forced to marry — and mother to Jaehaerys II and Jaehaera. She is a kind and caring mother focused on the well-being of her children ensuring that they learn.

Helaena is also a victim of tragedy as she watches her son Jaehaerys be murdered and catches her mother in bed with Ser Criston Cole, who should have been on watch.

Jaehaerys II Targaryen

Jaehaerys II is the son of Aegon II and Helaena, grandson of Viserys and brother of Jaehaera. In House of the Dragon’s season 2 premiere, Aegon II brought him to a meeting where Jaehaerys II was mischievous and bored.

Later on, Jaehaerys II is murdered in the episode’s climax. In exchange for Aemond killing Rhaenyra's son Lucerys, Rhaenyra wants a son for a son, but when the killers Daemon sends can’t find Aemond, they take Jahaerys II’s head instead, even though he is just an infant.

Jaehaera Targaryen

Jaehaera is the brother of Jaehaerys II, son of Aegon II and Helaena, and granddaughter of Viserys. She is seen playing with her brother before Aegon II takes him away in the second season premiere of House of the Dragon.

She is in the room when her infant brother is murdered and is nearly killed herself when the killers can’t figure out whether she or her twin brother is a boy. Helaena is forced to point out that Jaehaerys II is the heir as Jaehaera lives.

Aemond Targaryen

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Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Aemond is the son of Viserys and Alicent as well as the brother of Helaena, Aegon II and Daeron. As a child, Aemond is rebellious, an outcast and does not get along well with Rhaenyra’s children, who are of a similar age.

During a childhood fight, Aemond had his eye cut out by Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys and stole her family’s ferocious, powerful red dragon Vhagar. As an adult, Aemond is vicious, tactical and easily identifiable by wearing an eye patch over a blue glass ball where his eye used to be.

As the Dance of the Dragons Targaryen civil war unfolds at the end of House of the Dragon’s first season, Aemond and Lucerys meet again while trying to secure alliances. Aemond requests that Lucerys take out his own eye in exchange for what he did to Aemond when they were kids.

When Lucerys refuses, Aemond chases Lucerys on his dragon, seemingly meaning to injure him rather than kill him, but his dragon, Vhagar, delivers a fatal blow to Rhaenyra’s son. This ends up being just one of Aemond’s defining moments, which further provokes war.

Daeron Targaryen

Daeron Targaryen is the son of Viserys and Alicent as well as the brother of Aegon II, Helaena and Aemond. Daeron has not yet appeared in House of the Dragon but is mentioned in the second season’s sixth episode when Alicent asks her brother Gwayne (Freddie Fox) how Daeron is doing in Oldtown.

“He’s stalwart, clever, as adept with his lute as he is with his sword and a feature in the fancies of many a young lady, I’ll wager. He’s kind,” Gwayne tells Alicent.

Jacaerys Velaryon

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Harry Collett as Jacaerys Velaryon in 'House of the Dragon'.

Jacaerys is Rhaenyra’s eldest son and allegedly the son of Laenor, although it is heavily implied that he is the son of Ser Harwin Strong. His brothers are Lucerys and Joffrey Velaryon and he is the grandson of Viserys.

He demonstrates qualities of leadership on Rhaenyra’s council and in gaining alliances with his determined, protective and tactical nature. He is also named as Rhaenyra’s heir to the throne and is often by her side to learn from her when she is around, which includes her telling him about Aegon’s dream.

Lucerys Velaryon

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Elliot Grihault as Lucerys Velaryon in 'House of the Dragon'.

Lucerys is Rhaenyra’s second son with Laenor, although it is also heavily implied he is Ser Harwin’s son. His brothers are Jacaerys and Joffrey Velaryon and he is Viserys’ grandson.

Lucerys was younger than Jacaerys and slightly more timid, but still wanted to help gather alliances for Rhaenyra. Lucerys cut out Aemond’s eye during a fight when they were kids in which Aemond mocked Lucerys for being born out of wedlock.

They unexpectedly met again years later when Lucerys attempted to secure alliances for Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne while Aemond attempted to secure alliances for Aegon II’s claim. After a fight with their dragons, Lucerys was killed by Aemond and his dragon Vhagar, which serves as a key moment in escalating the Dance of the Dragons Targaryen civil war.

Joffrey Velaryon

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Oscar Eskinazi as Joffrey Velaryon in 'House of the Dragon'.

Joffrey is Rhaenyra’s youngest alleged son with Laenor, although it is also heavily implied he is Ser Harwin’s son. Joffrey is seen being introduced to Viserys by Rhaenyra and Laenor during episode 6 of House of the Dragon’s first season, as Viserys says he will make a fine knight one day.

Baela Targaryen

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Bethany Antonia as Baela Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Baela is the daughter of Laena Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen and the sister of Rhaena Targaryen. She is engaged to her step-brother Jacaerys and is known as a brave dragonrider on her dragon, Moonrider.

Rhaena Targaryen

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Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'.

Rhaena Targaryen is the daughter of Laena Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen and sister of Baela. Rhaena is initially engaged to Lucerys until he is killed by Aemond and Vhagar — the dragon Aemond stole — which was initially intended for Rhaena.

Rhaena is sent to Pentos with Rhaenyra’s sons, Joffrey, Viserys II and Aegon III to stay safe as the war escalates, but not without being given four dragon eggs by Rhaenyra. It was confirmed by the episode’s director in which Rhaena was given the eggs, that those eggs went on to belong to Daenerys in Game of Thrones.

Aegon III Targaryen

Aegon III is the first son of Rhaenyra and Daemon, named after Aegon the Conqueror. Aegon III eventually goes on to become king in the Song of Ice and Fire books.

Viserys II Targaryen

Viserys II is the second son of Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, named after Rhaenyra’s father and Daemon’s brother Viserys. Viserys II also goes on to become king in the Song of Ice and Fire books.

Visenya Targaryen

Visenya is the still-born daughter of Rhaenyra and Daemon, named after Aegon the Conqueror’s sister-wife, who helped usher in the Targaryen dynasty.

Aegon "Egg" Targaryen

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Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.'

Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) is the nickname of Aegon Targaryen, a young prince traveling incognito as the squire to Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Though he hides his royal identity, Egg’s sharp mind and strong moral compass help shape him into the compassionate ruler he will one day become as King Aegon V Targaryen.

Aerion Targaryen

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Finn Bennett in Season 1 of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'.

Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), also known as Aerion Brightflame, is a volatile and cruel Targaryen prince infamous for his arrogance and violent behavior. He is Egg’s older brother.

Maekar Targaryen

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Sam Spruell in Season 1 of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'.

Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) is a stern, battle-hardened Targaryen prince who later becomes King Maekar I Targaryen. He is Egg’s father and a strict, duty-driven ruler whose reign is marked by conflict and tragedy within his own family.

Baelor Targaryen

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Bertie Carvel in Season 1 of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms'.

Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) — often called Baelor Breakspear — is a noble and widely respected Targaryen prince known for his honor, leadership and skill in battle. He is Egg’s uncle.

Daeron Targaryen

Daeron Targaryen, otherwise known as Daeron the Drunkard, is a bookish and melancholy Targaryen prince known for his prophetic dreams. He is Egg’s uncle and a tragic figure in the novellas.

How are the Targaryens in House of the Dragon related to the characters in Game of Thrones?

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Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen and Kit Harington as Jon Snow in 'Game of Thrones'.

Once the Dance of the Dragons civil war ended, the Targaryens continued to rule for nearly 200 years until King Aerys II — also known as “The Mad King” — was killed by “The Kingslayer” Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau). Robert Baratheon took the throne during Robert’s Rebellion, and Aerys’ daughter Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) began building up herself and her dragons for a rise to power from afar.

Daenerys’ brother Rhaegar secretly married Ned Stark’s sister Lyanna Stark and gave birth to Jon Snow (Kit Harington), making Jon Daenerys’ nephew. Lyanna told Ned that he must swear not to tell anyone and say that he fathered Jon out of wedlock to protect his identity.

How are the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms related to the characters in Game of Thrones?

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Peter Claffey as Dunk and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.'

The Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are direct ancestors of the characters seen in Game of Thrones, placing the story about 90 years before the original series.

Egg, whose real name is Aegon Targaryen, eventually becomes King Aegon V and is the great-grandfather of Aerys II Targaryen (the Mad King), making him the great-great-grandfather of Daenerys Targaryen and Viserys III Targaryen (Harry Lloyd).

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