Some members of House Targaryen are beloved for their great leadership, while others fascinate viewers because of their cruelty and descent into chaos. While Daenerys is by far the most famous character in the noble House, Game of Thrones’ spinoffs introduced other members who left their mark on Westeros’ long history. The famous saying, “Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin,” perfectly captures the unpredictable nature of this bloodline.
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Aegon II Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
From the time he was born, Aegon II was never interested in becoming the king of Westeros. Because of this, he spent most of his life chasing pleasure and ignoring his duty as a prince. When the Hightowers schemed to get him ont the Iron Throne, however, he was thrust into a battle he didn’t intend to take part in.
His reign was filled with fire and blood, and was only saved by the interference of the Hightowers. During House of the Dragon, Aegon II has had no urgency over his own life. Instead, he’s simply a pawn in the devastating fight for the Iron Throne.
14
Baela Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
Before Daemon and Rhaenyra were wed, he was married to Laena Velaryon, Rhaenys’ daughter. Baela, Daemon’s oldest child, proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Since Baela’s mother died when she was still young, she was raised by her formidable grandmother.
Later on in House of the Dragon, Baela becomes an integral part of the war effort after her betrothal to Rhaenyra’s oldest son. Although she doesn’t have a lot of screen time in the show, it’s clear to see that Baela is wise beyond her years, intelligent, and strong.
13
Helaena Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
Married to her brother, Aegon II, Helaena was initially withdrawn and preferred to live a quiet life with her children away from court politics. Whenever she was on the screen, her kindness always shone through, something which separated her from her family, whose ambitions were their main priority.
Oftentimes, she has been seen as the oddball who speaks to insects and is always muttering to herself, but it turns out that her cryptic mumblings have actually been prophecies of what is to come to her family in House of the Dragon and beyond. Given how kind she was, it feels like an injustice that she lost her child in a war that had nothing to do with her.
12
Rhaena Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
Via HBO
Like Aemond, Rhaena Targaryen had the unfortunate fate of not bonding with a dragon. Because of this, Daemon and Laena’s second daughter didn’t really have a place in the war. Still, like her mother, Rhaena was fierce and determined to be a warrior.
In the season finale of House of the Dragon season 2, it is hinted that she might have finally found her dragon and increased Rhaenyra’s chances of winning the war. However, it is still unclear about the role she will play and what her impact will be in the upcoming HOTD installment.
11
Aemond Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
When it comes to the Targaryens, it’s never easy to decipher if they will be kind or cruel. Aemond, however, proved that he was the latter. During his younger years, Aemond didn’t have a dragon and was often overlooked because of his status as a second son. When he eventually claimed the oldest and biggest dragon, Vhagar, his family began to look at him with respect.
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Since then, Aemond’s penchant for cruelty has been endless, and his cunningness is only second to his uncle Daemon’s. For a while, he wasn’t really a contender for the Iron Throne, but after watching his brother’s recklessness and dismissal of his position, Aemond began to believe he would be a better king. Although he is intelligent and a great fighter, Aemond’s impulsiveness has led him into a few sticky situations.
10
Maekar Targaryen
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
Maekar Targaryen possessed the warrior spirit that made his noble house great and feared by their enemies. That said, he had quite the temper and lacked the charm of his older brother, Baelor, in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 1. It is because of his actions during the Trial of Seven that changed the Seven Kingdoms and ushered in an era filled with war and instability.
Maeker, in a way, is who Daemon takes after the most. Although he was loyal to his family, he scarcely showed it, choosing instead to be a strict disciplinarian as opposed to a loving father and brother. Seeing as Maeker accidentally killed his brother, he spent the rest of his life regretting his actions, but even that didn’t alter the course of the Seven Kingdoms’ future.
9
Aegon Targaryen (Jon Snow)
Game Of Thrones
Jon Snow is undoubtedly one of the most beloved characters in Game of Thrones. His integrity, honor, and drive to do the right thing are what made him such a fan-favorite protagonist. While Jon is a Targaryen, he didn’t know that he was part of the infamous family until later on in the main show when it was revealed that he was Rhaeghar Targaryen and Lynanna Stark’s son.
For most of Game of Thrones, Jon dedicated his life to fighting the White Walkers. Even when he discovered that he was Aegon Targaryen, he did not set his eyes on the Iron Throne, despite being the rightful heir. Every choice he made was for the betterment of the people of Westeros, and that was what made him one of the show’s most endearing characters.
8
Aemon Targaryen
Game Of Thrones
When Jon became part of the Night Watch, viewers were introduced to the Maester of the Wall, Aemon Targaryen. Like Jon, the general audience wasn’t aware that Aemon was actually a Targaryen living a secret life. Before the events of Game of Thrones, Aemon had abdicated and let his brother Aegon V ascend to the Iron Throne.
He chose to live his life in service as the Night Watch’s Maester, instead of taking part in the battle for leadership. Aegon was kind and dedicated, and lacked the bloodthirsty ambition of his lineage. Although he wasn’t a contender for the top spot in the Seven Kingdoms, he was fondly remembered for his grace, wisdom, and intelligence.
7
Daemon Targaryen
House Of The Dragon
One of the most complex characters in House of the Dragon, Daemon was instantly shown to be as deadly as he was ruthless. The wielder of Dark Sister and rider of Caraxes coveted the Iron Throne, but never got a chance to rule. Early on in House of the Dragon, Daemon and Rhaenyra’s connection was undeniable, but when they married, he wasn’t what you would call a good husband.
While he still might love his family, Daemon still has a habit of letting his darkest impulses control him. His emotional instability and need to solve everything on his own often result in alienating his family and allies. It’s hard to decipher if Daemon is a hero or a flat-out villain because, while he does bad things, he supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne by the end of House of the Dragon season 2.
6
Aegon V Targaryen
A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms
One of the best characters in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Egg became Dunk’s squire after running away and hiding the fact that he was actually Aegon Targaryen. Even with that disguise, Egg’s nobility was revealed, especially after his speech and mannerisms fit those who came from noble houses.
Egg’s place in House Targaryen doesn’t seem very meaningful heading into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2. After all, he was the fourth son of a fourth son. However, in a surprising turn of events, he will go on to become king, where his intelligence and bravery will play a huge role during his reign, leading him to become one of the most notable leaders of Westeros.