The 10 Most Shocking Twists In The House Of The Dragon Family Tree Explained For Season 2

The Targaryen family tree is a labyrinth of incest, power, and prophecy, making it the most critical map for navigating the brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. As of December 18, 2025, with the dramatic events of Season 2 freshly in mind, understanding the lineage of King Viserys I and the two warring factions—the Blacks and the Greens—is essential to grasping the succession crisis over the Iron Throne. This guide breaks down the core relationships and the most shocking connections that set the stage for the Targaryen's self-destruction, centuries before Daenerys Targaryen’s time.

The entire conflict revolves around a single point: King Viserys I Targaryen's decision to name his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his heir, despite the tradition of male primogeniture. This unprecedented choice created a schism in the royal house, pitting half-siblings against each other and igniting a brutal war that saw dragon riders clash in the skies above Westeros. The complex web of marriages, children, and dubious parentage is the foundation of the entire series.

The Central Figures of the Targaryen Family Tree

The Targaryen dynasty traces its roots back to the Valyrian Freehold in Essos, where they were one of the 40 ruling dragonlords. The family’s tradition of marrying brother to sister was a practice intended to keep the bloodline "pure" and maintain their unique connection to dragons. The lineage in House of the Dragon begins generations after Aegon the Conqueror, focusing on the immediate family of King Viserys I.

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• King Viserys I Targaryen: The fifth Targaryen king, known for his peaceful reign and disastrous succession planning. His first wife was Aemma Arryn, and his second was Alicent Hightower. His death is the catalyst for the war.
• Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: Viserys's only surviving child from his first marriage, named heir to the Iron Throne. She leads the faction known as the Blacks from Dragonstone. Her first husband was Laenor Velaryon, and her second was her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen.
• Queen Alicent Hightower: Viserys's second wife and Rhaenyra’s former childhood friend. She is the daughter of Otto Hightower and leads the faction known as the Greens from King's Landing.
• Prince Daemon Targaryen: Viserys's younger brother, a formidable dragon rider (Caraxes) and a cunning political player. He was married to Laena Velaryon and later to his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen.
• King Aegon II Targaryen: The eldest son of Viserys I and Alicent Hightower. He is crowned king by the Greens, challenging Rhaenyra's claim and sparking the civil war. He is married to his sister, Helaena.
• Prince Aemond Targaryen: The second son of Viserys and Alicent, a fierce warrior and dragon rider (Vhagar). He is notorious for killing Rhaenyra's son, Lucerys Velaryon, which effectively begins the bloodshed of the Dance of the Dragons.

The Two Branches: Blacks vs. Greens and Their Children

The family tree split into two bitter, opposing branches, each with children who were cousins and half-siblings to one another. The conflict was a heartbreaking example of a family tearing itself apart over power and the principle of succession.

The Blacks: Rhaenyra's Lineage (Dragonstone)

Rhaenyra’s claim is supported by her children, who are all dragon riders and key players in the war. Her first marriage to Laenor Velaryon produced three sons, but their parentage is a source of intense political controversy.

• Jacaerys Velaryon (Jace): Rhaenyra’s eldest son and heir (Vermax). He was sent to secure alliances in the North and the Vale.
• Lucerys Velaryon (Luke): Rhaenyra’s second son (Arrax). His death at the hands of Aemond Targaryen over Storm's End was the point of no return for the war.
• Joffrey Velaryon: Rhaenyra’s third son.

After Laenor’s death, Rhaenyra married her uncle, Daemon Targaryen, in a move that solidified their power and lineage:

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• Aegon "The Younger" Targaryen: The first son of Rhaenyra and Daemon. He would eventually become King Aegon III after the war.
• Viserys II Targaryen: The second son of Rhaenyra and Daemon, who would also later ascend to the Iron Throne.
• Visenya Targaryen: A daughter who died shortly after birth.

Daemon also had twin daughters with his first wife, Laena Velaryon, who are allied with Rhaenyra:

• Baela Targaryen: A fierce dragon rider (Moondancer), betrothed to Jacaerys Velaryon.
• Rhaena Targaryen: Baela’s twin sister.

The Greens: Alicent's Lineage (King's Landing)

The Greens' claim rests on the traditional view that a male heir (Aegon II) must succeed the king, regardless of the king's prior wishes. Their children represent the direct threat to Rhaenyra’s legitimacy.

• King Aegon II Targaryen: The reluctant king, married to his sister Helaena. He rides the dragon Sunfyre.
• Queen Helaena Targaryen: Aegon II’s sister-wife, known for her prophetic dreams. She rides Dreamfyre.
• Prince Aemond Targaryen: The primary military commander for the Greens, riding the colossal Vhagar.
• Prince Daeron Targaryen: The youngest son of Viserys and Alicent. He is often overlooked in the early stages but becomes a significant figure later in the war.

The 5 Most Shocking Connections and Twists

The Targaryen family tree is defined by its strategic and often controversial connections, which fuel the intense drama and political maneuvering of the series.

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1. The Incestuous Marriages: The most consistent shock is the tradition of marrying siblings. Aegon II is married to his sister Helaena, following the ancient custom established by Aegon the Conqueror, who married his own sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya, to keep the bloodline pure.
2. The Question of Paternity: Rhaenyra’s first three sons—Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey—are officially considered Velaryons, sons of Laenor Velaryon. However, their dark hair and strong features make it an open secret that their true father is Ser Harwin Strong, the Commander of the City Watch. This illegitimacy is a major political weapon used by the Greens.
3. Rhaenyra Marrying Her Uncle Daemon: After Laenor’s supposed death, Rhaenyra marries her uncle, Daemon Targaryen. This union was a powerful consolidation of the Targaryen bloodline and dragon power, as both were experienced dragon riders and politically ambitious.
4. Alicent and Rhaenyra's Relationship: The Queen and the Princess were once best friends in their youth, but their relationship devolved into bitter rivalry due to the manipulation of Otto Hightower and the pressure of the succession crisis. Their personal betrayal became the political foundation for the entire civil war.
5. The Velaryon Connection: The powerful House Velaryon, led by Corlys Velaryon ("The Sea Snake") and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen ("The Queen Who Never Was"), is allied with Rhaenyra (The Blacks). This is due to the marriage of their children (Laena and Laenor) into the main Targaryen line, solidifying the Blacks' naval and dragon power. Rhaenys, a cousin to Viserys, was initially passed over for the throne, giving her a personal stake in supporting Rhaenyra’s claim.

Understanding this intricate Targaryen lineage is key to appreciating the complex motivations and tragic inevitability of the Dance of the Dragons. Every marriage, birth, and death in this House of the Dragon family tree is a strategic move that pushes the realm closer to total war, a civil conflict that will ultimately cost the lives of many dragon riders and nearly extinguish the Targaryen dynasty.