Who is Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon?

If Daenerys carried the torch for empowered female leaders in Game of Thrones, it was her sixth great-grandmother Rhaenyra Targaryen who paved the path for her. In House of the Dragon, Rhaenrya’s story takes center stage. No female has ever sat on the Iron Throne. The Queen Who Never Was fought valiantly, but to no avail. However, Rhaenyra’s ambitions remain unstoppable. While we have to wait to see her fate vis-a-vis the throne in the upcoming seasons, let’s take a deeper look at her character in retrospect.

Also Read: House of the Dragon deleted scene shows Rhaenyra accusing Alicent of seducing Viserys

Who is Rhaenyra Targaryen?

Credits: HBO

Rhaenyra Targaryen is the daughter of King Viserys I and Queen Aemma Arryn. While all the couple’s other children were either stillborn or died shortly after birth, Rhaenyra remains the only child alive. With a fierce personality and a stable temperament, she is the rightful heir to the throne of the Seven Kingdoms.

However, the winds change when Viserys marries her best friend Alicent Hightower, and conceives male heirs. This strains the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent as the latter lets power and ambition get to her head. On becoming Queen, Alicent forgets her friendship and only focuses on getting her kids on the throne.

With a firm personality and a born leader, Rhaenyra is the epitome of empowerment. She doesn’t trust very easily and keeps her wits about her. Even when the Small Council plots to replace her as the heir to the throne, she handles the situation with grace.

Also Read: Alicent and Rhaenyra might have a reunion in House of the Dragon Season 2 finale

Rhaenyra Targaryen’s dragon companion

Credits: HBO

From the very first episode, we are introduced to Rhaenyra’s cherished companion, Syrax. The two share a strong bond as they confidently venture into fights and negotiations alike. The she-dragon appears similar to her strong-willed rider. They don’t shy away from challenges and remain unwavering in the face of adversity. Armed with great speed and strength, the dragon helped the princess learn how to become a dragon rider.

Rhaenyra Targaryen’s relationships and marriages

Credits: HBO

Since childhood, Rhaenyra never felt connected to her lady-like duties. She desired to be a warrior and defend her land in battles. Rhaenyra, being the daughter of a king, knew her role in building alliances and marrying for the kingdom. First, she was married to Laenor Velaryon, in an attempt to bring the two families together.

While the couple got along fine, they could not consummate their marriage since Laenor is gay. Rhaenyra maintained relations with a knight Ser Harwin Strong to have kids. Jacaerys Velaryon, Lucerys Velaryon, and Joffrey Velaryon are born to Strong to Rhaenyra.

We later see Laenor run away with his lover while Rhaenyra and Daemon get married. Although nephew and uncle in reality, the duo form a close relationship over the years. Similar in drive and ambition, Rhaenyra and Daemon are attracted to each other even when the former is a teen.

The two get married in an attempt to fortify their love and to join forces in attaining the throne for themselves. The couple has twin children Aegon Targaryen and Viserys Targaryen, while daughter Visenya Targaryen is stillborn.

Rhaenyra’s official titles

Credits: HBO

In a bid to claim the throne, Rhaenyra adopts titles Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lady of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. This sounds familiar since Daenerys learns from her sixth great-grandmother and takes on similar titles.

The world of Westeros has not been kind to women who aspire to rule the kingdom. The upcoming Dance of the Dragons will witness Rhaenyra and Alicent go toe to toe to claim the Iron Throne.

Also Read: A deleted House of the Dragon scene shows Rhaenyra bonding with baby Aegon