Every Targaryen Explained in 22 Minutes

Summary

This script delves into the rich history of House Targaryen, detailing the rise and fall of the dragon-riding dynasty in Westeros. From the visionary Daenys the Dreamer to the tragic end of Daenerys Stormborn, it covers key figures, pivotal events, and the internal conflicts that shaped the Targaryen legacy. The narrative explores the reigns of various Targaryen kings, their strategic marriages, and the rebellions that challenged their rule, culminating in the Mad King's downfall and Jon Snow's uncertain future as the last Targaryen.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Daenys Targaryen, known as the 'Dreamer,' received a vision of Valyria's destruction and her family survived the Doom by relocating to Dragon Stone.
• 🐉 Daenys and her brother Gon ruled Dragon Stone, and their lineage continued through their children Aegon and Elena, who also married and had offspring.
• 👑 Aegon the Conqueror, a descendant of Daenys, was the first to unite the Seven Kingdoms under one rule, establishing the Targaryen dynasty with the Iron Throne.
• 🏰 Aegon I chose King's Landing as his seat of power, creating the small council and allowing regions to retain their customs, marking a peaceful reign.
• ⚔️ Meor Targaryen, known as 'Meor the Cruel,' was infamous for his violent rule, including killing his nephew and multiple wives, leading to a cursed bloodline.
• 👶 Jaehaerys I, 'the Wise,' restored stability after Meor's reign, pardoning former enemies and focusing on governance rather than conquest.
• 🦇 Viserys I, 'the Peaceful,' continued the Targaryen legacy with a reign marked by prosperity and the construction of the Red Keep.
• 🤴 Aegon IV, known as 'the Unworthy,' was a corrupt ruler with numerous bastards, leading to the Blackfire Rebellions that plagued his successors.
• 🛡️ Aegon II, 'the Good,' worked to correct his father's mistakes, uniting Dorne with the Seven Kingdoms and treating his siblings honorably.
• 👻 Aerys II, the 'Mad King,' was the last Targaryen ruler, whose descent into madness led to Robert's Rebellion and the end of the Targaryen dynasty.
• 🐲 Daenerys Targaryen's quest to reclaim the Iron Throne for her family involved raising armies and hatching the last living dragons, culminating in her tragic end.

Q & A

Who was Daenys Targaryen, also known as Daenerys the Dreamer?

Daenys Targaryen, known as Daenerys the Dreamer, was the daughter of Anar, a noble man from the Valyrian Freehold. She had a vision of the destruction of Valyria by fire, which led her family to move to Dragon Stone with five dragons, ensuring their survival when the Doom of Valyria occurred.

What significant event did Daenerys Targaryen predict that affected her family's fate?

Daenerys Targaryen predicted the Doom of Valyria, a catastrophic event that led to the destruction of the Valyrian Freehold. Her prediction prompted her family to relocate to Dragon Stone, which allowed them to survive the disaster.

Who was Aegon Targaryen the First, and what is he known for?

Aegon Targaryen the First, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, was the son of Arion Targaryen and Daenerys's great-great-great-grandson. He is known for his conquest of Westeros, uniting the Seven Kingdoms under his rule and establishing the Targaryen dynasty.

How did Aegon the Conqueror choose to mark the beginning of his reign?

Aegon the Conqueror chose to mark the beginning of his reign from the day he was anointed by the High Septon in Oldtown, declaring himself the king of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, as well as the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and the Protector of the Realm.

What was the significance of the Iron Throne in Targaryen history?

The Iron Throne was a symbol of Targaryen power and rule in Westeros. Aegon the Conqueror had it forged from the swords of his defeated enemies, signifying the unification of the Seven Kingdoms under his rule.

Who was Meor Targaryen the First, and what was his legacy?

Meor Targaryen the First, also known as Meor the Cruel, was the third Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. He was known for his military accomplishments and brutal rule, which included the execution of many and the construction of the Red Keep.

What was the Blackfire Rebellion, and what impact did it have on Westeros?

The Blackfire Rebellion was a series of conflicts initiated by Damon Blackfire, a bastard son of Aegon IV, who claimed the Iron Throne. The rebellions, which occurred over five generations, caused significant instability and strife in Westeros.

How did Daenerys Targaryen's dragons come to be, and what role did they play in her conquest?

Daenerys Targaryen's dragons hatched from eggs given to her as wedding gifts. They played a crucial role in her conquest of Westeros by providing her with a formidable military force and symbolizing her Targaryen heritage.

What was the fate of the Targaryen bloodline at the end of the script?

At the end of the script, Jon Snow, who is revealed to be a Targaryen, is the last surviving member of the bloodline. The fate of the Targaryen bloodline depends on whether Jon Snow has a child in the future.

What was the role of Rhaegar Targaryen in the events leading to Robert's Rebellion?

Rhaegar Targaryer, the firstborn son of the Mad King, played a significant role in the events leading to Robert's Rebellion. His secret marriage to Lyanna Stark and the subsequent disappearance with her led to a series of events that resulted in the rebellion and the fall of the Targaryen dynasty.

How did Daenerys Targaryen's character evolve throughout the script?

Daenerys Targaryen's character evolved from a timid and obedient young woman to a confident and determined leader. After the death of her brother and husband, she became the last hope for the Targaryen claim to the Iron Throne and sought to reclaim it with her dragons and an army.