The Targaryen dynasty, the blood of the dragon, is a lineage that has left an indelible mark on the Seven Kingdoms in the epic saga of ‘Game of Thrones’. Their history is as rich as the Valyrian steel they wield, and their family tree is as twisted as the dragon’s tails that symbolize their house.
The Targaryens are one of the most important families on Game of Thrones — but also one of the most confusing.
Fortunately, you now have an absolutely awesome visual aid to help sort it all out, thanks to fan artist Maryon B., a freelance artist and video game developer.
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She posted her impressive hand-drawn family tree on DeviantArt. It shows everyone from the first Targs to come to Westeros right on down to our very own Daenerys.
At the root of this family tree, we find Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys. Aegon, with his sisters, united the Seven Kingdoms and established the Iron Throne. Their dragons, Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes, were as much a part of their rule as their political acumen.
From Aegon sprouted a lineage of kings and queens, each leaving their mark on Westeros in their unique way. His son, Aenys I, was a gentle soul, unlike his half-brother and successor, Maegor the Cruel. Maegor’s rule was a reign of terror, a stark contrast to the reign of his nephew, Jaehaerys I, known as the Conciliator, who brought peace and prosperity to the realm.
The Targaryen lineage is not without its share of madness and tragedy. The Mad King, Aerys II, is a prime example, whose paranoia and cruelty led to Robert’s Rebellion and the near extinction of the Targaryen line. His children, Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys, each carried the weight of their father’s legacy in their own way.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Rhaegar, the last prince, is a figure shrouded in mystery and tragedy. His abduction of Lyanna Stark ignited the spark of Robert’s Rebellion. His children, Aegon and Rhaenys, were brutally murdered during the sack of King’s Landing, and his secret son, Jon Snow, lived his life in the North, unaware of his royal blood.
Viserys, the beggar king, lived in the shadow of his family’s past glory, his desperation for power leading to his downfall. And then, there’s Daenerys, the Mother of Dragons. Her journey from a meek girl sold into marriage to a queen with three dragons is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Targaryens.
See a full sized version here.
The goal of this tree is not just to be super useful, but also to give some visual variety to a family whose members are often described as very similar.
“I actually started the Tree out of spite because all their descriptions (and fan representations) make them look the same — beautiful, silver-haired and purple eyes,” Maryon explained to Vox.
She certainly succeeded at that. Check out her unique take on the Targs we know and love the best.
Now we just need one of these trees for every other family in Westeros!
Game of Thrones airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
