Targaryen Family Tree Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms

Okay, grab a flagon of mead, or maybe just a comforting mug of tea, because we’re about to untangle the most gloriously messy family tree in all of Westeros. I’m talking, of course, about the Targaryens—the dragon-riding, silver-haired, fire-obsessed royalty who, let’s be honest, peaked with a few dragons and then went a little… inbred. But before we get to the juicy bits like the Dance of the Dragons and a certain Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, we need a map. A family map, with lots of fire and sibling marriages.

The Granddaddy of All Drama: Aegon the Conqueror

Our story starts with Aegon the Conqueror and his two sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys. Yes, you read that right—sister-wives. The Targaryens had a thing for keeping the bloodline “pure,” which basically meant they were allergic to marrying anyone without silver hair. Aegon, riding Balerion the Black Dread (the biggest, baddest dragon ever), burned his way to a united Seven Kingdoms. Fun fact: he didn’t actually care about ruling; he just wanted a unified tax system and a throne made of swords. Classic conqueror goals.

From Aegon, we get a line of kings who are mostly remembered for two things: either they were magnificent or they were mad as a bag of cats. There’s no in-between. You had Maegor the Cruel, who built the Red Keep and probably killed a few architects to keep the secret. Then you had Jaehaerys the Conciliator, who was actually a decent king and built roads. See? Wild swing.

The Dance of the Dragons: A Family Feud with Fire

Fast-forward to the big drama: the Dance of the Dragons. This was a civil war between two Targaryen siblings—or, more accurately, between Rhaenyra (the firstborn, a woman) and her half-brother Aegon II (a man, because medieval sexism is a beast). Their father, King Viserys I, basically set Westeros on fire by naming Rhaenyra his heir... and then dying before anyone could argue. The result? Dragons fighting dragons, cities burning, and a family tree that looked like a plate of spaghetti after a blender incident.

Rhaenyra’s side had her sons, like the brave Jacaerys and the tragic Luke. Aegon II’s side had his brother Aemond, who lost an eye and gained a serious grudge. The war ended with both sides basically dead, and a new line of Targaryens taking over. It’s like the Oscars, but with more incest and fewer acceptance speeches.

The Mad King, the Prince, and the Knight You’ve Been Waiting For

Now we zoom to the end of the line: King Aerys II, aka “the Mad King.” This guy loved fire a little too much, thought he was a dragon, and had a habit of burning people alive. Not great. His son was the beloved Rhaegar Targaryen, the brooding prince who played a harp, was a fantastic warrior, and then very foolishly fell in love with Lyanna Stark. This is where the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms comes in—sort of.

You see, Rhaegar was not the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. That title is famously held by a man who wasn’t even a Targaryen: Ser Duncan the Tall, a hedge knight from Flea Bottom. But the spirit of that title—the idea of a knight with true honor, courage, and a bit of dumb luck—is the exact opposite of the Targaryen chaos. The Targaryens had dragons and fire; the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms had a big heart and a bigger sword. It’s like comparing a blowtorch to a comforting candle.

The Egg and the Knight: A Beautiful Friendship

Here’s the best part: a young Targaryen prince, Aegon V (later called “Egg”), actually befriended Ser Duncan the Tall. Egg disguised himself as a squire and wandered through Westeros with Dunk, learning about the common folk, getting into tavern brawls, and eating humble pie. This friendship shows that even a family of dragon-obsessed elites can produce someone who values kindness over fire and blood. Egg tried to reform the Targaryen dynasty, but, well… he had a tragic end with a dragon egg experiment. Still, the point stands: hope exists.

So the Targaryen family tree is a tangled mess of dragons, madness, sibling marriage, and the occasional good egg. From Aegon the Conqueror to Rhaenyra, to the Mad King, to Daenerys, it’s a saga of ambition, heartbreak, and a lot of questionable haircuts. But through it all, the dream of a true knight—someone like Duncan the Tall—reminds us that even in a world of fire and blood, a little honor and a good friend can light the way.

So next time you feel your own family drama is a bit much, remember: at least your aunt didn’t try to burn your city down with a dragon. And if you ever need a role model, don’t look at the throne. Look for the Knight of the Seven Kingdoms in your life—the person who says, “I’ll stand by you, even if we have to walk the whole way there.” That’s the real happy ending. Now go forth, and may your family tree be less explosive than a Targaryen barbecue! 🔥🦴