Targaryen Family Line: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Westeros' Most Notorious House

The Targaryen family line is one of the most fascinating and complex bloodlines in the lore of Westeros, filled with tales of power, tragedy, and the struggle for dominance. This article will delve deep into the history, key figures, and legacy of House Targaryen, providing readers with a thorough understanding of their significance in the world of "Game of Thrones" and "A Song of Ice and Fire." With a lineage that boasts dragons, kings, and queens, the Targaryens have left an indelible mark on the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

In the following sections, we will explore the origins of the Targaryen family, their rise to power, notable members, and the eventual downfall that led to their near extinction. Additionally, we will highlight their cultural impact and provide insights into their enduring legacy in contemporary fantasy literature and media.

Whether you are a die-hard fan of George R.R. Martin's works or a newcomer to the saga, this comprehensive guide to the Targaryen family line will enrich your understanding of one of the most iconic and complex families in fantasy history.

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Table of Contents

• 1. Origins of the Targaryen Family
• 2. Rise to Power
• 3. Notable Members of the Targaryen Family
• 4. The Targaryen Civil War: Dance of the Dragons
• 5. The Downfall of House Targaryen
• 6. The Legacy of the Targaryens
• 7. Cultural Impact of House Targaryen
• 8. Conclusion

1. Origins of the Targaryen Family

The story of House Targaryen begins in the ancient city of Valyria, where they were one of the last noble houses to survive the Doom of Valyria. The Targaryens were a family of dragonlords, known for their connection to dragons and their ability to tame these majestic creatures. Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, is credited with uniting the Seven Kingdoms under one rule, establishing the Iron Throne.

1.1 The Doom of Valyria

The catastrophic event known as the Doom of Valyria led to the downfall of the Valyrian Freehold, a powerful empire that dominated much of Essos. The Targaryens, having settled on the island of Dragonstone before the Doom, were one of the few families to survive this catastrophe. This pivotal moment allowed them to emerge as the last dragonlords of Westeros.

1.2 Aegon the Conqueror

Aegon I Targaryen, with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, began the conquest of Westeros in 2 AC (After Aegon's Conquest). Using the power of their dragons, they swiftly defeated rival kings and united the realm, laying the groundwork for the Targaryen dynasty. His establishment of the Iron Throne marked the beginning of a new era.

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2. Rise to Power

After Aegon's conquest, the Targaryens solidified their power through strategic alliances, marriages, and the establishment of a feudal system that allowed them to maintain control over the Seven Kingdoms. The Targaryens ruled from the Red Keep in King's Landing, where they built a legacy that would last for nearly 300 years.

2.1 The Targaryen Dynasty

The Targaryen dynasty is marked by a series of notable rulers, each contributing to the family’s legacy. Some of the most significant Targaryen kings include:

• Aegon II Targaryen
• Aegon III Targaryen
• Maegor the Cruel
• Viserys I Targaryen
• Aegon V Targaryen

2.2 The Role of Dragons

The Targaryens' ability to control dragons was a crucial factor in their rise to power. Dragons served as both a symbol of their might and a tool of warfare. The fear and awe inspired by these creatures helped the Targaryens maintain their dominance over the Seven Kingdoms.

3. Notable Members of the Targaryen Family

Throughout their history, the Targaryens produced many notable figures, each with their own unique contributions and controversies. Below is a brief overview of some key members of the Targaryen family line.

Name	Title	Reign	Notable Achievements
Aegon I Targaryen	King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and First Men	2 AC - 37 AC	Conquered Westeros, established the Iron Throne
Daenerys Targaryen	Queen of Meereen	305 AC - 305 AC	Last surviving Targaryen, sought to reclaim the Iron Throne
Aerys II Targaryen	King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and First Men	262 AC - 283 AC	Known as the Mad King, his reign led to Robert's Rebellion

4. The Targaryen Civil War: Dance of the Dragons

One of the most significant events in Targaryen history was the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which took place between 129 AC and 131 AC. This conflict arose from a dispute over succession, leading to a brutal struggle for the Iron Throne between rival factions of the Targaryen family.

4.1 Causes of the Civil War

The Dance of the Dragons was primarily fueled by a disagreement over the rightful heir to the throne. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II both claimed the Iron Throne, leading to a bloody war that would see the death of many Targaryens and their dragons.

4.2 Consequences of the War

The civil war had devastating consequences for House Targaryen, leading to the near extinction of their dragons and significantly weakening their familial line. The conflict left lasting scars on the Targaryen legacy and set the stage for future challenges.

5. The Downfall of House Targaryen

The eventual downfall of House Targaryen can be traced back to a series of events, including political missteps, rebellion, and the decline of their dragons. The most significant turning point was Robert's Rebellion, which resulted in the overthrow of the Targaryen dynasty.

5.1 Robert's Rebellion

Robert's Rebellion was sparked by the kidnapping of Lyanna Stark by Prince Rhaegar Targaryen. This event united several noble houses against the Targaryens, leading to a brutal war that ended with the death of King Aerys II Targaryen and the ascension of Robert Baratheon to the Iron Throne.

5.2 The Aftermath

Following Robert's Rebellion, the remaining Targaryens were forced into exile. Daenerys and her brother Viserys, the last surviving members of the family, fled to Essos, where they lived in relative obscurity until the events of "Game of Thrones."

6. The Legacy of the Targaryens

The legacy of House Targaryen extends far beyond their reign over Westeros. Their story is one of ambition, tragedy, and the eternal struggle for power. Even in exile, Daenerys Targaryen became a symbol of resilience, ultimately seeking to reclaim her family's throne.

6.1 Cultural Significance

The Targaryens have become cultural icons, representing themes of power, ambition, and the consequences of tyranny. Their story has resonated with fans of "Game of Thrones" and "A Song of Ice and Fire

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