Everything we know about Queen Visenya Targaryen

Visenya Targaryen played a key role in shaping the Seven Kingdoms. As sister-wife to Aegon the Conqueror, she helped establish the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. Her legacy influenced events in both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin details her story in his book Fire and Blood, which is the foundation for the HBO series.

Quick details

Who was Visenya Targaryen?

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Visenya Targaryen was the eldest child of Lord Aerion Targaryen and Lady Valaena Velaryon. She was born on Dragonstone alongside her siblings, Aegon and Rhaenys. Visenya grew up to be a skilled warrior and dragonrider. She bonded with the dragon Vhagar and wielded the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister.

Following Valyrian custom, Visenya married her brother Aegon. However, Aegon also married their younger sister, Rhaenys. Visenya played a crucial role in Aegon’s Conquest of Westeros, helping to establish the Targaryen dynasty as rulers of the Seven Kingdoms.

Quick facts

1. Visenya was a skilled warrior and trained in arms from a young age. (Books)
2. She rode the dragon Vhagar, one of the largest dragons in Westeros. (Books and Show)
3. Visenya wielded the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. (Books)
4. She was responsible for the creation of the Kingsguard. (Books)
5. Visenya conquered the Vale of Arryn without bloodshed. (Books)
6. She was known for her stern and unforgiving nature. (Books)
7. Visenya gave birth to Maegor the Cruel, who later became king. (Books and Show)
8. She was said to dabble in dark magic and study poisons. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

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Visenya’s legacy in season 1

In House of the Dragon, Visenya Targaryen’s legacy looms large over the events of the show. While she does not appear directly, her influence is felt through the characters’ actions and decisions. In the first season, Queen Aemma mentions that Princess Rhaenyra hopes to name her unborn sibling Visenya.

Rhaenyra’s desire to name her child after Visenya suggests admiration for her ancestor’s strength and power. The series also features Vhagar, Visenya’s former dragon, now ridden by Laena Velaryon. Vhagar’s presence constantly reminds us of Visenya’s role in the Targaryen conquest. The show depicts Vhagar as one of the largest and most formidable dragons, reflecting Visenya’s own reputation as a fearsome warrior queen.

Visenya’s influence in season 2

Season 2 of House of the Dragon continues to showcase Visenya’s enduring influence on the Targaryen dynasty. Rhaenyra is seen reading a book about Aegon’s Conquest and the First Dornish War, which prominently features Visenya. This scene highlights how Visenya’s actions continue to shape the education and worldview of later Targaryen generations.

The series also explores the legacy of Dark Sister, Visenya’s Valyrian steel sword. By this time, the sword has passed to Daemon Targaryen, emphasizing the continued importance of Visenya’s martial legacy. The ongoing conflicts in the show often draw parallels to the conquest era, with characters referencing Visenya’s strategies and decisions. This demonstrates how her actions continue to serve as a blueprint for Targaryen rule and conquest centuries after her death.

Read More: 10 Things We Want From Game of Thrones Prequel ‘House of The Dragon’

In Fire and Blood

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Visenya and the Conquest of Westeros

Visenya Targaryen played a crucial role in Aegon’s Conquest of Westeros. She rode her dragon Vhagar alongside Aegon and Rhaenys as they began their campaign from Dragonstone. Visenya’s first major victory came when she attacked House Stokeworth’s castle in the Crownlands. She set the castle’s roofs ablaze with dragonfire, quickly subduing the lord and his house.

This swift and decisive action established Visenya as a formidable warrior in her own right. After Aegon’s victory at Duskendale, Visenya claimed the town’s riches, significantly increasing House Targaryen’s wealth. This demonstrated her strategic thinking and understanding of the importance of resources in warfare. Visenya also participated in Aegon’s coronation, placing a circlet of Valyrian steel on his head. This act symbolized her role not just as a conqueror, but as a key figure in establishing the new Targaryen dynasty.

The conquest of the Vale

Visenya’s most notable achievement during the conquest was her bloodless subjugation of the Vale of Arryn. The Vale’s natural defenses made it nearly impregnable, but Visenya bypassed these obstacles by flying Vhagar directly to the Eyrie. Instead of using force, she offered young Lord Ronnel Arryn a ride on her dragon. This clever tactic showcased Visenya’s diplomatic skills and understanding of human nature.

By appealing to the boy’s sense of wonder, she achieved through guile what might have cost thousands of lives in battle. Lady Sharra Arryn, recognizing the futility of resistance against a dragon, surrendered the Vale to Targaryen rule. This bloodless conquest became one of the most celebrated stories of Aegon’s Conquest, highlighting Visenya’s ability to use both strength and cunning to achieve her goals.

Visenya in the Field of Fire

The Field of Fire marked a turning point in Aegon’s Conquest, and Visenya played a significant role in this decisive battle. Alongside Aegon and Rhaenys, Visenya faced the combined forces of King Mern IX Gardener of Highgarden and King Loren I Lannister of Casterly Rock. This battle was the only instance during the conquest where all three Targaryen dragons were deployed simultaneously.

Visenya, atop Vhagar, rained fire upon the opposing armies alongside her siblings. Despite taking an arrow to the shoulder during the battle, Visenya continued to fight. Her resilience and determination in the face of injury further cemented her reputation as a warrior queen. The devastating power of the three dragons turned the tide of battle, resulting in a decisive victory for the Targaryens. This battle effectively ended resistance to Targaryen rule in the southern kingdoms of Westeros.

Creation of the Kingsguard

One of Visenya’s lasting contributions to the Seven Kingdoms was the creation of the Kingsguard. Following an incident where she easily breached Aegon’s defenses to prove a point about his vulnerability, Visenya convinced Aegon of the need for a personal bodyguard. She took charge of selecting the first seven knights of the Kingsguard, choosing them for their skill and loyalty rather than their noble birth.

Visenya modeled the Kingsguard’s vows after those of the Night’s Watch, emphasizing lifelong service and celibacy. This institution would go on to play a significant role in Westerosi history, protecting kings and becoming a symbol of honor and duty. The creation of the Kingsguard demonstrated Visenya’s foresight and her commitment to ensuring the stability and security of the Targaryen dynasty.

Visenya’s later years and legacy

In her later years, Visenya’s influence remained strong, particularly during the reign of her son Maegor the Cruel. She supported Maegor’s claim to the throne over that of Aegon’s son Aenys, leading to a period of conflict within the Targaryen dynasty. Visenya’s actions during this time were controversial, with some accusing her of using dark magic to ensure Maegor’s reign.

She died in 44 AC, leaving behind a complex legacy. Visenya’s creation of the Kingsguard and her role in the conquest ensured her place in Westerosi history. Her dragon, Vhagar, outlived her and continued to play a significant role in Targaryen history. The Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister, originally wielded by Visenya, became an important Targaryen heirloom. Visenya’s life and actions continued to influence Targaryen rule and Westerosi politics long after her death.

Read More: House of The Dragon wows viewers with a brief look at Vhagar at the European Premiere

Quotes

“It wasn’t just Aegon riding his dragon, it was Rhaenys and Visenya, too… Rhaenys rode Meraxes, Visenya rode Vhagar… Visenya Targaryen was a great warrior. She had a Valyrian steel sword she called ‘Dark Sister’.” – Arya Stark

“Your guards are slow and lazy. I could have killed you as easily as I cut you. You require better protection.” – Visenya to Aegon, after cutting his cheek with Dark Sister

Quick answers

Who was Visenya Targaryen?

Visenya Targaryen was the sister and wife of Aegon the Conqueror. She was a dragonrider and warrior who played a key role in the Targaryen conquest of Westeros.

What dragon did Visenya ride?

Visenya rode the dragon Vhagar, one of the largest and most powerful dragons in Westerosi history.

What was Visenya’s role in the conquest of Westeros?

Visenya fought alongside Aegon and Rhaenys in many battles. She conquered the Vale of Arryn without bloodshed and participated in the Field of Fire.

Did Visenya have any children?

Yes, Visenya had one son, Maegor, who later became known as Maegor the Cruel.

What was Visenya’s relationship with Aegon and Rhaenys?

Visenya was married to Aegon alongside her younger sister Rhaenys. This followed Valyrian customs of polygamy.

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