Home of the Dragon is sort of right here, and there is already an thrilling solid of characters to maintain observe of with very comparable but difficult-to-spell names.
The sequence relies on Hearth & Blood, the primary of George R.R. Martin’s two volumes that cowl the historical past of the Targaryens and their wild dragonriding methods. These books happen a whole lot of years earlier than what occurs on Sport of Thrones, based on HBO. Because the curtains elevate on HotD, Westeros is a comparatively peaceable place, however civil warfare within the Targaryen household is brewing. Later referred to as “The Dance of the Dragons,” the warfare issues who might be ascending the Iron Throne and, as soon as once more, gender is on the coronary heart of the difficulty.
Beneath are all the principle Targaryens and Hightowers within the sequence who’re key gamers within the battle. (Consider them as Daenerys’ distant aunts and uncles when you’re confused in regards to the connection.) Some particulars are primarily based on what is thought to occur throughout the books, so there could possibly be some deviation within the sequence, but it surely’s fairly shut.
King Viserys Targaryen
Viserys succeeded King Jaehaerys Targaryen, his grandfather, when he was chosen by the Lords of Westeros for the Iron Throne. When he ascended the throne, he adopted a protracted and affluent rule by Jaehaerys and principally simply tried to carry issues down. Whereas he’s a good dude, he isn’t essentially an thrilling or charismatic chief and a few dangerous emotions have remained within the kingdom ever since he was named inheritor over his cousin, Rhaenys. And when his daughter Rhaenyra turned eight years previous, he named her inheritor, inflicting points inside his personal reign. Viserys took place 9 generations earlier than the well-known Daenerys Targaryen.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra is the first-born youngster of Viserys and his first spouse Aemma Arryn. As such, she has a reputable declare to the throne, however the age-old subject of her being a lady raises its ugly head. Her uncle and the youthful brother to King Viserys, Daemon, is the presumed inheritor. However Rhaenyra is a dragonrider and this can be a world the place dragons have undoubtedly not gone extinct.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys was additionally as soon as in line for the throne in addition to a dragonrider, however she was finally handed over by the Nice Council for her cousin, Viserys. Sure, it is as a result of she was a lady. (There is a theme right here.) She went on to marry Lord Corlys Velaryon. She does have a cool nickname, although: “The Queen Who By no means Was.” Actually rubs it in.
Prince Daemon Targaryen
Daemon is the youthful brother to King Viserys and his official inheritor to the throne. Whereas he’s well-known for being an ideal dragonrider and warrior, he has a little bit little bit of that alarming Targaryen tendency to stroll the sting of insanity. At any fee, not everyone seems to be thrilled by the thought of him being in cost after Viserys or his eagerness to take action—particularly when there is a direct youngster of the king in Rhaenyra. He’s Daenerys’ distant uncle and that would possibly clarify why her brother Rhaegar Targaryen ended up the best way he did.
Alicent Hightower
Alicent is the daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and the second spouse to Viserys. She is thought for being one of the vital engaging girls within the Seven Kingdoms. That is a giant deal as a result of there’s a variety of competitors. Alicent was raised within the Pink Hold, and she or he has an unimaginable political thoughts. That is at all times been one thing individuals near the Iron Throne have to survive. She’s additionally not in both Daemon or Rhaenyra’s nook on the subject of who she thinks ought to take the throne subsequent (regardless that she and Rhaenyra grew up as childhood greatest pals).
Otto Hightower
The extremely loyal Otto Hightower is the Hand of the King. As we have beforehand seen, loyal individuals have a tough time within the Seven Kingdoms, and Otto’s predominant opponent within the sequence is prone to be Daemon. Daemon will not be solely a menace to Rhaenyra, he is additionally a menace to his personal brother and Otto will do something to guard Viserys.