The Targaryen dynasty, also known as House Targaryen, was a noble house of Valyrian descent that ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years. The Targaryens were the last known family of dragonlords, originating from the city of Valyria on the continent of Essos. Their rise to power in Westeros began with Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters, who united the Seven Kingdoms under a single rule.
In 2 BC, Aegon I Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, began his campaign to conquer Westeros. With the aid of his dragons, Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes, Aegon and his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, subdued six of the Seven Kingdoms, sparing only Dorne from their dominion.
Aegon established the Iron Throne in the newly built capital city of King's Landing. The Targaryen rule was marked by the construction of the Red Keep, the establishment of the Kingsguard, and the formulation of many traditions and laws that shaped the future of the realm.
The Targaryen dynasty produced several notable rulers. Aegon's immediate successors, such as Maegor the Cruel and Jaehaerys the Conciliator, each left distinct legacies. Maegor's reign was marked by cruelty and the suppression of rebellion, while Jaehaerys' long and peaceful reign saw the codification of laws and the strengthening of infrastructure.
Dragons played a central role in the Targaryen rule, serving as both weapons of war and symbols of power. However, over time, the dragons dwindled in number and size until they eventually died out, which weakened the Targaryen hold on the throne.
The Dance of the Dragons was a brutal civil war between rival Targaryen factions. The conflict arose over the succession of the Iron Throne following the death of King Viserys I. His children, Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II, each claimed the throne, leading to a war that devastated the realm and resulted in the deaths of many dragons and Targaryens.
The war ended with Aegon II's death and the ascension of Rhaenyra's son, Aegon III, known as the Dragonbane, whose reign marked the beginning of the end for the dragons.
The Blackfyre Rebellions were a series of uprisings initiated by the illegitimate descendants of Aegon IV Targaryen. Aegon IV legitimized all his bastards on his deathbed, leading to the emergence of House Blackfyre, which challenged the Targaryen rule over several generations.
These rebellions caused significant turmoil and bloodshed in the realm, weakening the Targaryen hold on the Iron Throne and sowing discord among the noble houses of Westeros.
The decline of the Targaryen dynasty culminated in the reign of Aerys II, known as the Mad King. His erratic behavior and tyranny alienated many of the noble houses, leading to Robert's Rebellion. The rebellion, led by Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, Jon Arryn, and others, ultimately overthrew the Targaryen dynasty.
Aerys II was killed by Jaime Lannister, a member of his Kingsguard, during the sack of King's Landing. His surviving children, Viserys and Daenerys, fled into exile across the Narrow Sea, marking the end of Targaryen rule in Westeros.
Despite their fall from power, the legacy of the Targaryens endures in the history and culture of Westeros. Their reign saw the unification of the Seven Kingdoms, the establishment of King's Landing as the capital, and the enduring symbol of the Iron Throne.
The Targaryens are remembered for their dragons, their complex and often tragic family history, and their lasting impact on the realm. Daenerys Targaryen's quest to reclaim the Iron Throne continues the Targaryen story, highlighting their enduring allure and the powerful legacy they left behind.