The family tree of Targaryen centers on the Dragonblood dynasty that ruled the Seven Kingdoms for nearly three centuries. This overview identifies major members from Aegon I to his later descendants, explains core relationships including marriage, sibling, and parent-child links, and clarifies contested or ambiguous lines. It highlights key succession events such as the Dance of the Dragons and the fate of the last Targaryen heirs. Where canon is clear, figures are listed with birth order, titles, and fates; where uncertain, competing traditions are noted. Use this guide as a durable reference for main house branches and their historical impact.
House Targaryen Core Line
The core Targaryen line begins with Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters, who forged the Iron Throne. Their bloodline produced kings whose reigns shaped Westerosi history. This section presents the primary succession from Aegon I onward, focusing on verified monarchs and their direct heirs. It excludes speculative branches and concentrates on attested rulers recognized in official histories and canonical sources. This lineage remained central until civil war and extinction closed the main royal succession.
Succession Overview
Succession followed traditional inheritance patterns with occasional elective interventions by the Great Council. Significant breaks occurred with regicide, madness, and rebellion. Below is a simplified table of key monarchs, their reign periods, heirs, and pivotal succession details.
| Name | Reign | Heir | Key Succession Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I Targaryen | 1–37 AC | Visenya, Aenys I | Anointed by sister-wives; established dynastic rule |
| Aenys I Targaryen | 37–42 AC | Maegor I | Peaceful succession contested by Maegor’s claim |
| Maegor I Targaryen | 42–48 AC | Jaehaerys I | Seized throne amid rebellion; end of unbroken direct succession |
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen | 48–103 AC | Baelon Targaryen | Long reign; peaceful transition followed Baelon’s sudden death |
| Viserys I Targaryen | 103–129 AC | Jaehaerys II | Designated daughter as heir, triggering succession crisis |
| Aegon II Targaryen | 129–131 AC | End of main line in male succession | Civil war; disputed claim and death without legitimate heirs |
Major Branches and Kin Groups
Beyond the core monarchy, several kin groups influenced politics. The Velaryons and Celtigars married into the house, creating allied lines. The branch descended from Aegon II’s sisters and other collateral lines remained relevant during the Dance and beyond. This section organizes notable branches by known descent, clarifying where links are confirmed versus inferred.
Notable Cadet Branches
- Targaryens of the Dragonrider line: direct descendants through Aegon I’s siblings.
- Targaryens of Harrenhal: cadets holding the castle and title; influential in the Riverlands.
- Velaryon-Targaryen hybrids: offspring of marriages that blended both houses.
- Dragonsbane branch (legendary): figures claimed in later centuries but poorly attested.
Key Relationships and Marriage Patterns
Targaryen practices emphasized keeping bloodlines pure, often marrying sibling to sibling or close cousin to cousin. These unions shaped the family tree by reinforcing direct inheritance but also concentrated recessive traits. Alliances with other houses, notably Velaryon and Baratheon, expanded influence and provided alternate succession paths. Understanding these ties clarifies seemingly complex genealogies.
Consanguinity Summary
Patterns of sibling marriage and first-cousin unions produced generations where ancestry loops back on itself. While complicating the tree, these marriages helped retain control of dragonblood and claims during periods of instability.
Canonical Sources and Uncertain Links
Primary sources include the histories of maesters, royal decrees, and limited inscriptions. Variations exist in oral and written traditions, especially for minor cadets and marriages obscured by civil strife. This section notes where records conflict and which lineages enjoy broader acceptance.
Source Reliability at a Glance
| Source Type | Coverage | Reliability Level |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Maester chronicles | Core royal line and major events | High |
| Septons and septry records | Marriages, bastardy, local branches | Moderate |
| Regional histories | Cadet houses and landed lines | Variable |
| Ballads and oral tradition | Legendary figures and contested claims | Low to moderate |
The Dance of the Dragons and Its Aftermath
The Dance of the Dragons fractured the family tree through civil war, resulting in contested kingship and the loss of many heirs. It produced rival branches, unclear successions, and eventual consolidation under a new cadet line. The conflict remains pivotal when mapping the broader relationship network.