Baela Targaryen’s role in the Dance of the Dragons explained

The Targaryen royal family in House of the Dragon is widespread. While we saw the members of the family at the start of the season, we met many of the newer members towards the end.

This included the children of the original members of the Targaryen family. Among these is Baela Targaryen, one of the twin daughters of Prince Daemon Targaryen.

Though Baela did not play a major part in Season 1, she will play a part in some pivotal events in the Dance of the Dragons. This article will explain everything we need to know about Baela Targaryen.

Read More: Getting Ready For House of The Dragon : Meet The Dragons – Part 4

Who is Baela Targaryen?

Credit: HBO

Lady Baela Targaryen was the daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She was Rhaena Targaryen’s older twin sister. In House of the Dragon, Shani Smethurst portrays her as a child and Bethany Antonia as an adult.

Appearance and Personality

In Fire and Blood

Baela Targaryen has fine features, silver-white hair, and purple eyes, typical of her Valyrian lineage. As a child, she was small and sickly but grew into a tall, lean, and quick woman. She kept her hair cropped short to avoid it getting in her face while riding her dragon.

Baela was wild and fearless, known for being bold, quick-tempered, and having a boyish demeanor rather than ladylike. She enjoyed dancing, hawking, and dragon-riding, often wrestling with squires. Her personality closely mirrored that of her father, Prince Daemon Targaryen, renowned for his daring and provocations.

In House of the Dragon

Baela is portrayed as a young woman with dark skin and silvery-white hair, which she inherited from her mother, Laena Velaryon. This adaptation reflects a change introduced by showrunner Ryan Condal, who chose to depict the Velaryons as dark-skinned to visually differentiate them from the white-skinned, silver-haired Targaryens.

This decision gave the Velaryons a unique visual identity. Baela is depicted as a courageous dragonrider and is named after her paternal grandfather, Baelon Targaryen.

Family and Relationships

Baela Targaryen was the daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She had a twin sister, Rhaena Targaryen, and was betrothed to her cousin, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, though they never married due to his death.

Baela eventually married Lord Alyn Velaryon. Her lineage included her grandfather, Prince Baelon Targaryen, her namesake, and Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, her maternal grandfather.

Fun Facts

– Baela bonded with the dragon Moondancer, who, like Baela, was small and fast but fierce in battle.
– In the books, she had a pet monkey, showcasing her affinity for unique and adventurous companions.
– In the books, Baela often brought odd companions from the city back to the court, insisting they be given roles in the castle.

Read More: Getting Ready For House of The Dragon : Meet The Dragons – Part 2

Baela Targaryen in Fire and Blood

Credit: The World of Fire & Blood 2023 Calendar

Allegiance

Baela was aligned with the Blacks, the faction that supported Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne during the Dance of the Dragons. She fought bravely in the civil war despite her young age and the relatively small size of her dragon, Moondancer.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Baela insisted on joining the war alongside her betrothed, Jacaerys Velaryon. She played a significant role during the fall of Dragonstone when she bravely engaged in a dragon fight against King Aegon II and his dragon, Sunfyre. Though Moondancer died, Baela survived and was taken captive by the Greens.

Imprisonment and Release

After Sunfyre’s death, Baela was imprisoned in Dragonstone. Aegon II ordered her execution but changed his mind when reminded of her Velaryon lineage. He demanded Alyn Velaryon’s loyalty, threatening Baela’s life. Corlys Velaryon later secured Baela’s release by pledging loyalty to Queen Alicent. She was eventually rescued after Aegon was poisoned.

After the Dance of the Dragons

After King Aegon II’s death, Lord Cregan Stark sat on the Iron Throne, judging those guilty of crimes during the war. He condemned Baela’s rescuers, but she defended them with a sword, prompting Stark to spare their lives. Baela later fled to Driftmark, marrying her cousin, Lord Alyn Velaryon.

Read More: Getting Ready For House of The Dragon : Meet The Dragons – Part 6

Baela Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Season 1

In 126 AC, Baela and her family reside in Pentos as guests of Prince Reggio Haratis. Unlike her younger sister, Baela has a dragon and is favored by her father. Following her mother’s death, she attends the funeral at High Tide, where her grandparents warmly welcome her.

After young Aemond claims Vhagar following Laena Velaryon’s funeral, Baela confronts him, accusing him of stealing her mother’s dragon. She fights alongside Rhaena, with Jacaerys and Lucerys joining in. During the chaos, Lucerys slashes Aemond’s eye. By 132 AC, she has become her grandmother’s ward on Driftmark.

Season 2

Baela joins the war efforts early, stepping up in the field after Rhaenys’ death. While patrolling the skies above the Crownlands on Moondancer, she spots a group of knights led by Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower. She commands Moondancer to pursue them but retreats when they take cover in a dense forest.

Later, Baela emotionally supports Prince Jacaerys, who confides in her about feeling trapped on Dragonstone. She helps devise a plan that leads to an alliance with House Frey.

When visiting her grieving grandfather, Corlys Velaryon, Baela consoles him and reminds him of their family’s legacy. Corlys offers her Driftmark and the chance to become his heir, but Baela refuses, stating she is “fire and blood” and that Driftmark must pass to “salt and sea.”

Read More: It appears George R. R. Martin had hinted at Jon Snow’s real name in the books years ago!

Quotes

“I am a dragonrider, like my mother, my father, and you. The Greens reach to usurp our queen’s throne, and they must be answered with fire and blood.”

Quick Answers

1. Who is Baela Targaryen?

Baela Targaryen was the daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon, known for her fearless personality and bond with her dragon, Moondancer.

2. What is Baela’s role in the Dance of the Dragons?

Baela fought in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. She played a pivotal role during the fall of Dragonstone, engaging in a fierce battle with King Aegon II and his dragon, Sunfyre.

3. What happened to Baela after the Dance of the Dragons?

After the war, Baela lived as a beloved court member under King Aegon III and married Lord Alyn Velaryon, continuing to influence the royal family.

4. Does Baela appear in House of the Dragon?

Yes, Baela appears in the series as a supporting character, portrayed by Shani Smethurst (young) and Bethany Antonia (adult).

5. How is Baela portrayed in the show compared to the books?

In Fire and Blood, Baela Targaryen has light skin, silver-white hair, purple eyes, and a bold personality. In House of the Dragon, she is depicted as a courageous dragonrider with dark skin and silvery-white hair, reflecting her Velaryon heritage, as the show alters the appearance of the Velaryons.

6. Who was Baela betrothed to?

Baela was betrothed to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, though they did not marry due to his death. She later married Lord Alyn Velaryon.

Read More: Bethany Antonia explains why Baela Targaryen turned down Driftmark

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