Who is Joffrey Velaryon in House of the Dragon?

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Quick Details

Who was Joffrey Velaryon?

Credits: HBO

Joffrey Velaryon was the youngest son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, though his true father was Ser Harwin Strong.  He grew up during the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war that divided the realm.

Born into House Velaryon, Joffrey was raised alongside his brothers Jacaerys and Lucerys. His upbringing centered on loyalty to his mother’s claim to the Iron Throne.

Joffrey’s early years were marked by political tensions. Despite his youth, he played a role in the events that shaped the war’s outcome.

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Quick Facts

Show

• Joffrey is introduced briefly in House of the Dragon Season 1 and appears in Season 2.
• He is depicted as the youngest of Rhaenyra’s sons with Laenor Velaryon, though his true father is Ser Harwin Strong.
• He is present during significant moments, such as Rhaenyra’s coronation and Lucerys Velaryon’s funeral.
• He throws Lucerys’ toy horse into the pyre as a farewell during the funeral.
• Rhaenyra sends him to the Eyrie for safety after an assassination attempt on her life.

Books

• Joffrey Velaryon was born in 123 AC and died in 130 AC during the Dance of the Dragons.
• He was named after Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, a knight and companion of Laenor Velaryon.
• His dragon was Tyraxes, though he was forbidden from riding him into battle due to his age.
• He died during the Storming of the Dragonpit while attempting to ride Syrax, Rhaenyra’s dragon.
• His last words were reportedly, “Mother, forgive me,” after falling to his death in Flea Bottom.

In the show

Credits: HBO

House of the Dragon Season 1

After Joffrey’s birth, Queen Alicent Hightower summons Rhaenyra to see the baby. Alicent notices his brown hair, similar to his brothers but unlike his supposed father, Laenor Velaryon. She subtly insults Laenor, suggesting he “keep trying.” Joffrey is later relocated to Dragonstone with Rhaenyra’s court.

In 132 AC, Joffrey listens to his older brother reciting High Valyrian under Maester Gerardys’ guidance. His mother’s handmaid, Elinda Massey, keeps him entertained with a book. When Daemon arrives, Elinda takes Joffrey out of the chamber.

Joffrey attends the coronation of Rhaenyra during the funeral of his half-sister. Alongside his brothers, he kneels as Rhaenyra is declared Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.

House of the Dragon Season 2

At the funeral of his brother Lucerys Velaryon, Joffrey is held by his eldest brother Jacaerys. He throws Lucerys’ toy horse into the funeral pyre as a final farewell.

Following an attempted assassination on Rhaenyra, she sends Joffrey to the Eyrie for his safety. This decision removes him from the escalating conflicts of the Dance of the Dragons.

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In the books

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Appearance and Early Life

Joffrey Velaryon, like his brothers Jacaerys and Lucerys, had brown hair, brown eyes, and a pug nose. These features led to widespread rumors at court suggesting Ser Harwin Strong was their true father. Joffrey was named after Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, a knight and companion favored by Laenor Velaryon.

At three years old, Joffrey witnessed his half-uncle, Prince Aemond Targaryen, attempt to claim Vhagar. During the ensuing altercation, Aemond slapped Joffrey, prompting his older brothers to intervene. The fight resulted in Aemond losing an eye. This incident deepened the animosity between the Blacks and Greens.

The Dance of the Dragons

Joffrey was eleven years old at the start of the Dance of the Dragons. He eagerly sought to ride his dragon, Tyraxes, and aid his mother, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. However, due to his youth, Rhaenyra forbade his participation. His elder brother Jacaerys arranged Joffrey’s betrothal to a daughter of Lord Desmond Manderly to secure White Harbor’s support.

After Lucerys’ death at Shipbreaker Bay, Joffrey swore vengeance against Prince Aemond and Lord Borros Baratheon. Only his grandparents, Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, restrained him from taking immediate action. Joffrey was later sent to Gulltown to defend the Vale of Arryn alongside Rhaena Targaryen. Grand Maester Munkun noted this was likely Jacaerys’ attempt to keep Joffrey away from active combat.

The Tragic Fall

Joffrey became the Prince of Dragonstone after Jacaerys’ death at the Battle of the Gullet. Following the fall of King’s Landing, Rhaenyra summoned Joffrey back to the city, planning a grand celebration for his formal installation as her heir. Eager to prove himself, Joffrey vowed to defend the Red Keep should an attack occur.

During the Storming of the Dragonpit, Joffrey pleaded with Rhaenyra to let him ride to protect his dragon, Tyraxes. When she refused, Joffrey disobeyed, mounting Syrax instead, despite having never ridden her. The dragon, unaccustomed to his command, twisted mid-air, throwing Joffrey off. He fell to Flea Bottom, breaking his back and suffering severe injuries.

Joffrey’s Final Moments

Legend claims a candlemaker’s daughter named Robin comforted Joffrey as he lay dying. Joffrey’s last words were reportedly, “Mother, forgive me,” though there is debate about whether he referred to Rhaenyra or the Mother Above. His body was mutilated by rioters before knights managed to recover his remains. His younger half-brother, Aegon the Younger, succeeded him as Rhaenyra’s heir.

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Quotes

“I want to fight for you, Mother, as my brothers did. Let me prove that I am as brave as they were.”

—Joffrey to Rhaenyra Targaryen in Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Who is Joffrey Velaryon?

Joffrey Velaryon is the youngest son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, though Ser Harwin Strong is his biological father. He appears briefly in House of the Dragon and plays a more detailed role in George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood as a young prince eager to support his mother during the Dance of the Dragons.

How did Joffrey Velaryon die?

• Books: Joffrey died during the Storming of the Dragonpit when he attempted to ride Syrax, his mother’s dragon. He was thrown mid-air and fell into Flea Bottom, succumbing to his injuries.
• Show: His death has not yet been depicted in House of the Dragon.

What role does Joffrey Velaryon play in the Dance of the Dragons?

• Books: Joffrey is largely kept away from the fighting due to his age. However, he swears vengeance after Lucerys’ death and is later named Prince of Dragonstone after Jacaerys’ death.
• Show: His role remains minor so far, but his character may develop further in future seasons.

Why was Joffrey Velaryon sent to the Eyrie?

• Show: In House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra sends Joffrey to the Eyrie following an assassination attempt on her, ensuring his safety amidst escalating conflicts.

What is Joffrey Velaryon’s dragon?

• Books: Joffrey’s dragon was Tyraxes. He also attempted to ride Syrax during the Storming of the Dragonpit, which led to his death.
• Show: Tyraxes has not yet been featured in House of the Dragon.