Are Aegon Targaryen and Daenerys Siblings?
For those confused over the Targaryen family tree in the newly released 'House of the Dragon', you're not the only ones.
A multitude of additional characters have been introduced into the recent spin-off of the popular 'Game of Thrones ' series, and it has many people asking how these characters are related to the franchise. One name in particular which is mentioned repeatedly throughout both series is 'Aegon Targaryen'. But how is this character related to Daenerys herself?
Warning: Potential spoilers ahead!
Is Aegon Targaryen Daenerys' brother?
To answer the question simply… no. It was revealed later in the 'Game of Thrones' series that Jon Snow's real birth name was in fact Aegon; and that Ned Stark had hidden his true identity right from birth. Jon's real parents, Ned's sister Lyanna and Rhaegar Targaryen, is where he inherits his Targaryen roots. Rhaegar was actually Daenerys' older brother, making her and Jon aunt and nephew, but not brother and sister. Still incestuous, unfortunately.
His birth mother Lyanna whispered his name as he was born, possibly naming him after his deceased half-brother also called Aegon Targaryen. Talk about confusing.
Who are the other Aegon Targaryens?
If you thought that was the only convoluted thread, think again. There are actually many Aegons in the Targaryen family tree, beginning with a founder of the Iron Throne himself, 'Aegon the Conqueror'. The original Aegon Targaryen was the first to conquer Westeros and become the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. As the founder of the Targaryen dynasty, he is Daenerys' great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great-grandfather. Because of his legacy as a conqueror and ruler, many of the Targaryen heirs were named after him.
Anyone paying attention during the initial episode of 'House of the Dragon ' would have heard him mentioned in the final scenes. Aegon's statue is visible in the great hall, and as Viserys names his daughter Rhaenyra as his successor, he confides in her the secrets of Aegon's purpose for uniting the seven realms. A vision of a cold winter, and terrible darkness for the world of men; foreshadowing the events of 'Game of Thrones' and the name of the prophecy as 'The Song of Ice and Fire', another reference to the show's origin.
Who will become Aegon II Targaryen?
Fans of the 'House of the Dragon' series can look forward to seeing the next Aegon Targaryen to come along. Following the plot of the Targaryen line of succession, Aegon will become the next male heir of King Viserys and to the Iron Throne, creating tension and conflict between himself and Rhaenyra, who has been promised as ruler early into the season's run. We can be sure the show will continue to center on these characters throughout the rest of the series as they explore the events which will ultimately lead to a battle for succession. Who will become the next ruler of the Seven Kingdoms? Which Targaryen will next sit on the Iron Throne?