300 Years Before Game Of Thrones: The Targaryen Dynasty Revealed

Uncover the Epic Journey of House Targaryen and Their Rise to Power in Westeros

Long before the feuds and battles depicted in "Game of Thrones," the Targaryen dynasty established their reign in Westeros. With a rich history spanning over three centuries, this ancient house holds the key to many of the secrets and legends that shaped the Seven Kingdoms. From the legacy of the powerful dragons to their illustrious rulers, here is everything you need to know about the Targaryen dynasty.

Origins and Arrival in Westeros

The Targaryens are of Valyrian descent, hailing from the once-great city of Valyria. Known for their silver-gold hair and purple eyes, the Valyrians possessed an ancient bloodline that granted them the ability to bond and ride dragons.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

by George R. R. Martin(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	95490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	801 pages

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Their journey to Westeros began when the Doom of Valyria, a cataclysmic event that destroyed their homeland, prompted the Targaryens to seek refuge. Led by Aegon the Conqueror, together with his two sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, they embarked on a conquest like no other.

The Conquest and the Reign of Aegon the Conqueror

Aegon the Conqueror, also known as Aegon I, arrived in Westeros with his sister-wives and a formidable force of dragons. Their conquest began with the landing at Dragonstone, an island stronghold strategically positioned in Blackwater Bay. From there, they initiated their campaign, aiming to unite the Seven Kingdoms under their rule.

The Wars of Conquest unfolded with Aegon's dragons striking fear into the hearts of his enemies. Field after field, castle after castle, the Targaryens emerged victorious, laying the foundation of their dynasty. Their unparalleled military might, combined with wise political decisions, gained the respect and submission of several powerful houses.

King's Landing became the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and Aegon forged the Iron Throne with the swords of his fallen foes. This symbol of power and authority would remain the seat of the Targaryen rule for centuries to come.

Dragonlords and the Unity of Westeros

The reign of the Targaryens brought a new era to Westeros - an era of dragons, magic, and political alliances. They continued to consolidate their power, bringing the remaining kingdoms under their control through diplomacy and, when required, the awe-inspiring might of their dragons.

The Targaryens were not merely conquerors; they were Dragonlords. The dragons of House Targaryen were awe-inspiring creatures, with unparalleled destructive power at their command. These creatures were symbolic of the Targaryens' supremacy and solidified their rule as they flew across the skies of Westeros.

It was during the reign of Aegon the Conqueror's successors that the Iron Throne truly became the symbol of absolute power. From Aegon's sons to the reign of his great-grandson, Aerys II, more commonly known as the Mad King, the Targaryens faced challenges, betrayals, and rebellion, as well as periods of prosperity and relative stability.

The Dance of Dragons: A Family Divided

While the Targaryen dynasty was often seen as a united front against external threats, internal conflicts brewed within the family. The Dance of Dragons, a devastating civil war that unfolded during the reign of Aegon II and Rhaenyra, his half-sister, epitomized the division within the Targaryen family.

The conflict ensued over an inheritance dispute, pitting dragon against dragon, brother against sister. Dragons blazed across the sky, and Westeros shuddered as the Targaryens tore themselves apart. The Dance of Dragons left deep scars and reshaped the course of events for the Targaryens for generations to come.

Legacy and End of the Dynasty

Despite internal strife and external challenges, the Targaryen dynasty left an indelible mark on the history of Westeros. From their unmatched connection to dragons to their innovations, such as the creation of the King's Guard, they shaped the Seven Kingdoms in both subtle and profound ways.

However, all great dynasties eventually come to an end. The Targaryen dynasty met its fate during Robert's Rebellion, fueled by the Mad King's descent into madness. The final Targaryen ruler to sit on the Iron Throne, King Aerys II, perished, along with many of his family during the infamous Sack of King's Landing.

Yet, their legacy would live on through the remnants of House Targaryen. The surviving members of the family, including the exiled Prince Viserys and his sister Daenerys, sought to reclaim their birthright and restore the Targaryens to power. Their journey, recounted in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, inspired the world-famous television show, "Game of Thrones."

The Targaryens: An Unforgettable Dynasty

As we delve into the history and dramatic story of the Targaryens, it becomes evident why their dynasty has captivated audiences around the world. From their mythical dragons to their internal power struggles, the Targaryens left an indelible mark on the Seven Kingdoms.

The epic tale of House Targaryen, spanning over 300 years, showcases the complexities of power, the cost of ambition, and the destructive forces that can tear apart even the mightiest of families.

Whether you are a passionate "Game of Thrones" fan or simply interested in exploring the intricate tapestry of Westerosi history, the Targaryens offer an enticing journey that will leave you enraptured, wanting more.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

by George R. R. Martin(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	95490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	801 pages

FREE

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The history of the Targaryens comes to life in this masterly work, the inspiration for HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon
“The thrill of Fire & Blood is the thrill of all Martin’s fantasy work: familiar myths debunked, the whole trope table flipped.”—Entertainment Weekly

Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire & Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.

What really happened during the Dance of the Dragons? Why was it so deadly to visit Valyria after the Doom? What were Maegor the Cruel’s worst crimes? What was it like in Westeros when dragons ruled the skies? These are but a few of the questions answered in this essential chronicle, as related by a learned maester of the Citadel and featuring more than eighty black-and-white illustrations by artist Doug Wheatley. Readers have glimpsed small parts of this narrative in such volumes as The World of Ice & Fire, but now, for the first time, the full tapestry of Targaryen history is revealed.

With all the scope and grandeur of Gibbon’s The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,Fire & Blood is the first volume of the definitive two-part history of the Targaryens, giving readers a whole new appreciation for the dynamic, often bloody, and always fascinating history of Westeros.

Praise for Fire & Blood

“A masterpiece of popular historical fiction.” —The Sunday Times

“The saga is a rich and dark one, full of both the title’s promised elements. . . . It’s hard not to thrill to the descriptions of dragons engaging in airborne combat, or the dilemma of whether defeated rulers should ‘bend the knee,’ ‘take the black’ and join the Night’s Watch, or simply meet an inventive and horrible end.”—The Guardian