Who are Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors? A complete guide to the Targaryen lineage in Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen, known as the Mother of Dragons, is one of the central characters in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels and the Game of Thrones television series. Her quest to reclaim the Iron Throne serves as an integral part of the narrative in the show. Her determination to do so is deeply rooted in the legacy of House Targaryen, whose founder, Aegon the Conqueror, first ruled Westeros.

The Targaryen family has a long and storied history, and are the central characters in HBO’s House of the Dragon. Martin has written multiple books covering the history of this family of dragonlords from Old Valyria, including the acclaimed book Fire and Blood. The Family Tree will give an overview of Daenerys’ place in the long line of dragonriding conquerors.  This article will also explore every relation of Daenerys, showing how she is connected to other famous members of House Targaryen, and important characters from Game of Thrones.

Read More: House Targaryen family tree: Exploring the key House of the Dragon & Game of Thrones characters

Daenerys Targaryen’s Family Tree on Game of Thrones explained

At the start of Game of Thrones, Daenerys and Viserys were the last known Targaryens. They descended from Aegon the Conqueror, who united Westeros with his sister-wives, Rhaenys and Visenya. Daenerys later became the first person in centuries to hatch dragons, reviving her family’s lost legacy.

Daenerys was born during a violent storm on Dragonstone, earning her the title “Stormborn.” Her mother, Queen Rhaella, gave birth shortly after fleeing Robert Baratheon’s forces during Robert’s Rebellion. Daenerys’s father, niece, and nephew were killed during the Sack of King’s Landing. Her mother died soon after her birth.

Orphaned as a baby, Daenerys fled to the Free Cities with her brother, Viserys, and loyal retainers like Ser Willem Darry. The siblings lived in exile, relying on others for shelter. The people who sheltered them were still loyal to House Targaryen, despite the misrule of their father, ‘The Mad King,” Aerys II, and the alleged crimes of his son, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

Daenerys is the third Targaryen to bear her name. The first was a daughter of King Jaehaerys I, and the second married into House Martell, uniting Dorne with the realm. Despite her lineage, Daenerys calls herself “Daenerys Stormborn” instead of “Daenerys II” when claiming the Targaryen throne.

Important characters from Game of Thrones who are related to Daenerys Targaryen

Maester Aemon

Credits: HBO

Actor: Peter Vaughan

Maester Aemon of the Night’s Watch is the oldest Targaryen in Game of Thrones. He does not bring his heritage and his ancestry to the limelight often. Rather, he protects Jon Snow in the Night’s Watch and votes for him to be the Commander. He mentors young Snow and encourages him to pave a path for himself. Aemon does not sit on the throne out of his own volition and lets his brother Aegon V rule Westeros.

Aerys II Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: David Rintoul

Aerys II ruled for many years before succumbing to madness and paranoia that gave him the name the Mad King. He brought an end to the mighty Targaryen dynasty’s rule over Westeros. Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark joined forces to rebel and overthrow him as the ruler. He is seen in Game of Thrones in a brief flashback episode. His fascination with Dragonfire can be understood better after we get to know that Aegon the Conqueror foresaw the end of the world of men. Since there were no dragons by the time Aerys sat on the throne, he had to use fire to defeat the White Walkers had they attacked Westeros. The Mad King becomes a cautionary tale for the Lannisters to rally people against Daenerys.

Also Read: 10 most shocking Game of Thrones moments that broke the internet

Rhaegar Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: Wilf Scolding

Son of the Mad King, Rhaegar Targaryen is the brother of Daenerys and Viserys III. He is initially portrayed as similar to the Mad King in his lust and ambition. However, we later realize he is in fact a mild-mannered man who falls in love with Lyanna Stark. The two elope to be married in secret and give birth to their son Aegon Targaryen who lives under Eddard Stark’s protection as Jon Snow.

Viserys III Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Actor: Harry Lloyd

As seen in the first few episodes of Game of Thrones, Viserys III is a petty and vindictive man who cannot stand to see anyone favoring his sister over him. He belittles Daenerys and pawns her off to marry the Dothraki in an effort to gain their favor and their army to sack Westeros. His ambitions become the end of him as Daenerys manages to harmonize with the Dothraki and Drogo kills Viserys III.

Aegon Targaryen (Jon Snow)

Credits: HBO

Actor: Kit Harington
Dragon: Rhaegal

Though he lives most of his life believing he is the bastard son of Eddard Stark, he learns he is actually the legitimate son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. This makes him the nephew of Daenerys Targaryen. When this fact comes to light, people learn he is the true heir to the throne, not Daenerys. However, Aegon, or Jon Snow is beloved by all and has the correct temperament to rule Westeros with a clear mind and a firm hand. Jon rides the dragon Rhaegal, which Daenerys named after her brother and Jon’s father, Rhaegar Targaryen.

How are Jon Snow and Daenerys related?

Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen are aunt and nephew. Jon, born Aegon Targaryen, is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’s older brother. This familial connection ties them both to House Targaryen and its legacy.

Who are Daenerys’ parents?

Daenerys Targaryen’s parents are King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the Mad King, and Queen Rhaella Targaryen. Both were members of the Targaryen dynasty and siblings, continuing their family’s tradition of maintaining a pure bloodline.

How is Rhaegar Targaryen related to Daenerys?

Rhaegar Targaryen is Daenerys’s older brother. He was the Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne before his death during Robert’s Rebellion. Rhaegar’s actions and choices heavily influenced Daenerys’s life and the fate of their family.

How are Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen related to Daenerys?

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen are Daenerys’s distant ancestors. Both played key roles in the Targaryen dynasty’s history during the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Their bloodline connects directly to Daenerys through the generations.

Who played Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones?

Emilia Clarke portrayed Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones. Her performance earned critical acclaim and became one of the series most iconic roles.

Why did Daenerys run to Essos?

Daenerys fled to Essos with her brother Viserys to escape Robert Baratheon’s wrath after Robert’s Rebellion. The rebellion led to the fall of House Targaryen, forcing her family into exile to avoid execution.

Why is Daenerys called Stormborn?

Daenerys earned the title Stormborn because she was born during a severe storm on Dragonstone. The storm destroyed much of the island’s fleet, marking her birth with chaos and destruction.

Is Daenerys the Prince that was Promised?

The prophecy of The Prince That Was Promised is ambiguous. While some believe Daenerys fulfills aspects of it through her dragons and battles, the series never confirms her as the chosen one. Her role aligns with parts of the prophecy but leaves its full interpretation open to debate.