If there’s one thing Game of Thrones fans can attest to, it’s that George R. R. Martin has an incredible talent for worldbuilding. It’s why his much-loved but still unfinished book series spans a whopping five tomes to date, with a further two to be published before it’s completed.
It’s not only the original series either. There are numerous spin-off novels too – primarily prequels – that have fleshed out his universe and introduced us to even more of its complex characters. Many of these have been from the fictional world’s ruling dynasty: the suprahuman Targaryens.
In this article, we look at four of the most unforgettable Targaryens of all time.
Jaehaerys I (also known as Jaehaerys the Wise)
Jaehaerys the Wise is a name TV viewers may be unfamiliar with, but he actually makes an appearance at the very beginning of House of the Dragon. As this infographic from ExpressVPN shows, he was the grandfather of both Rhaenys and Viserys Targaryen and great-grandfather to Rhaenyra Targaryen (aka the Black Queen).
Jaehaerys earns a place on this list because of his incredibly long and peaceful reign, during which he brought 55 years of prosperity to his people. He also granted a great deal of land to the Night’s Watch during his tenure. Game of Thrones fans will understand how important that would become centuries later, during the war against the Second Long Night.
Aegon I (aka Aegon the Conqueror)
Based on the real-life historical figure William the Conqueror, Aegon brought about the birth of Westeros by uniting the many great houses under his banner. Warrior, king, and conqueror, he nonetheless had a diplomatic bent, allowing those who swore fealty to live peacefully in his newly created kingdom.
Aegon is also responsible for founding the Targaryen royal dynasty, which would rule for a further 300 years after his death. Without him, we wouldn’t have any of the other Targaryen characters we know and love – or any story at all, really.
Daenerys Stormborn
There’s not a Game of Thrones fan out there who doesn’t know this name. Daenerys was the last scion of House Targaryen (besides her illegitimate nephew Jon Snow). She was the warrior queen who brought dragons back into the A Song of Ice and Fire universe, arguably saving Westeros from the coming of the Second Long Night.
While many were unhappy with her end in the television series, Daenerys remains much loved throughout the Game of Thrones universe. Hers was a true story of triumph over adversity, which saw her go from neglected sister to child bride, Khaleesi, and eventually queen. Fierce but caring, loyal, and compassionate, we’ll continue to hold out hope that she has a better end in the books than the TV show.
Aemond One-Eye
Aemond is a character who came to the fore during the final episodes of House of the Dragon. Wearing a lavish sapphire in place of his missing eye, he was a pivotal character during the Dance of the Dragons, which is soon to be played out on our screens.
A skilled warrior and dragonrider, Aemond is nonetheless cruel, reckless, and heedless of the consequences of his actions. Named a kinslayer after the brutal death of Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax, shown in the final episode of House of the Dragon, he eventually met his own grisly end high in the sky. As villains go, he’s unforgettable.
Tell us, which Targaryen is your favorite of all time? Did they make this list, or would you like to see them added?