Dive into the Dynasty: King Aerys II Targaryen's Family Tree
Hello, history buffs and Game of Thrones enthusiasts! Today, we're going to explore the fascinating family tree of King Aerys II Targaryen, often referred to as "The Mad King" in George R.R. Martin's epic series. So, grab your dragon glass and let's dive into the Targaryen dynasty together, shall we? Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and king aerys ii targaryen family tree.
The Targaryen Legacy: A Brief Introduction
Before we zoom in on King Aerys II, let's take a step back and appreciate the Targaryen legacy. This powerful family, with their silver-gold hair and purple eyes, hailed from Valyria, the ancient land of dragons. After the Doom of Valyria, they crossed the Narrow Sea and conquered Westeros, founding the Seven Kingdoms and a dynasty that would rule for nearly three centuries.
Meet King Aerys II: The Mad King
Now, let's talk about our main man, King Aerys II Targaryen. Born in 262 AC, Aerys was the eldest son of King Maekar I and his wife, Queen Alyssa. He was a promising young prince, known for his charm and intelligence. But as they say, power corrupts, and Aerys's reign, which lasted from 283 AC to 284 AC, ended in madness and tyranny.
The Targaryen Connections: Unraveling the Family Tree
Aerys II's family tree is a complex web of royal marriages, sibling unions, and political alliances. Let's break it down into manageable branches, shall we?
The Parents: Maekar I & Alyssa
Aerys's parents, Maekar I and Alyssa, were siblings themselves, a common practice among the incestuous Targaryens. Maekar ascended to the throne after his brother, Daeron II, died without a living heir. Alyssa, Maekar's sister-wife, bore him three children: Aerys, Daeron, and Rhae.
The Siblings: Daeron & Rhae
Aerys had two younger siblings. Daeron, the middle child, was a skilled warrior and a favorite of their father. Rhae, the youngest, was known for her beauty and kindness. Both met untimely deaths: Daeron at the hands of the Kingsguard during a tourney, and Rhae during childbirth.
The Spouse: Rhaella Targaryen
Aerys married his sister, Rhaella, in 276 AC. This union produced five children: Rhaegar, Viserys, Daenerys, Aegon, and Jaehaerys. Despite their incestuous marriage, Aerys and Rhaella were reportedly deeply in love, at least in the beginning.
The Heirs: Rhaegar, Viserys, & Daenerys
Rhaegar, the eldest, was a knight, a poet, and a dragonrider. He was married to Elia Martell but fell in love with Lyanna Stark, a union that sparked Robert's Rebellion. Viserys, the second son, was exiled to Essos after Aerys's death and later became the king of the exiled Targaryens. Daenerys, the youngest, was born during a great storm and was believed to be the "Princess Promised" by the followers of the Lord of Light.
The Downfall of House Targaryen
Aerys II's reign was marked by paranoia, cruelty, and madness. He burned his own son, Rhaegar, and his family at the Tower of Joy, ordering the deaths of thousands more in King's Landing. His madness culminated in his own death at the hands of Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer, marking the end of the Targaryen dynasty and the beginning of Robert's Rebellion.
The Targaryen Legacy: A Phoenix Rises
Despite their fall from power, the Targaryens left an indelible mark on Westeros. Their dragons, their silver-gold hair, and their purple eyes live on in the stories of the Seven Kingdoms. And with Daenerys Stormborn, the last Targaryen, making her claim for the Iron Throne, it seems that the Targaryen dynasty may rise again, like a phoenix from the ashes.
Well, guys, that's a wrap on King Aerys II Targaryen's family tree. From incestuous marriages to dragonriders and mad kings, the Targaryen dynasty is a wild ride through Westeros's history. Until next time, keep your dragons close and your enemies closer!