The Targaryens are one of the most influential and fascinating families in Game of Thrones and its prequel series, House of the Dragon. They are the descendants of the dragonlords of Valyria. This powerful civilization ruled over most of the continent of Essos until it was destroyed by a mysterious cataclysm known as the Doom. The Targaryens survived the Doom by fleeing to the island of Dragonstone, where they lived for centuries until they decided to conquer the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros with their dragons. In this article, we will explore the Targaryen family tree, from the ancient ancestors to the modern descendants, and highlight some of the most notable members and events.

Targaryen Family Tree

Targaryen Family Tree traces their lineage back to the Valyrian Freehold, a vast empire that spanned most of Essos and was renowned for its magic, culture, and technology. The Valyrians were the only people who could tame and ride dragons, which gave them an edge over their enemies and rivals. The Targaryens were one of the forty noble families of Valyria, known as the dragonlords, who each possessed their dragons and lands.

The first Targaryen we know by name is Aenar Targaryen, also known as Aenar the Exile. He was the head of House Targaryen in the century before the Doom. He had a daughter named Daenys, who was gifted with prophetic dreams. She foresaw the destruction of Valyria and convinced her father to move their family and their five dragons to Dragonstone, an island in the Narrow Sea that was the westernmost outpost of the Valyrian empire. Aenar and Daenys were mocked by the other dragonlords for their decision, but they were proven right when the Doom struck Valyria and wiped out most of the dragonlords and their dragons.

The Targaryens remained on Dragonstone for over a hundred years, isolated from the rest of the world. They occasionally intermarried with the local lords of the Narrow Sea, such as the Velaryons and the Celtigars, who were of Valyrian descent. They also watched the events in Westeros, where the Seven Kingdoms were constantly at war.

The Conquerors of the Targaryens

The Targaryens decided to conquer Westeros in 2 BC (Before Conquest), when Aegon Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, was the head of House Targaryen. He was married to his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, who were his co-rulers and Dragonriders. Aegon had a vision of a unified realm under his rule, and he set out to make it a reality with his three dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes.

Aegon and his sisters launched their invasion from Dragonstone, landing on the eastern coast of Westeros, where they built a wooden fort that would later become the Red Keep. They then proceeded to conquer six of the Seven Kingdoms, using their dragons to overwhelm their enemies and forge alliances. The only kingdom that resisted them was Dorne, which used guerrilla tactics and hid behind the mountains. Aegon eventually gave up on Dorne and declared himself the King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. He established his capital at King's Landing, and created the Iron Throne from the swords of his defeated foes. Aegon and his sisters ruled Westeros for over 30 years, until they died of natural causes.