The 10 Most Powerful Targaryens In History

Summary

• House of the Dragon
  delves into the powerful Targaryen family history during the Dance of the Dragons civil war.
• Powerful Targaryens like Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, and Aemond showcase leadership, combat skills, and dragonriding prowess.
• Characters like Viserys, Daenerys, and Aegon I highlight the influence and power of the Targaryen dynasty throughout history.

House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, introduced viewers to many powerful members of the Targaryen family, fleshing out the history of the most influential dynasty in the history of Westeros. Based on the novel Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, House of the Dragon chronicles the events of the bloody civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The show features many powerful Targaryens who were the stuff of legend by the time Game of Thrones started, though there are still many more in the most infamous dynasty in Westeros who were even greater than the likes of Daemon, Rhaenyra, and King Viserys I.

Even during Game of Thrones it was clear that the Targaryen family had ruled for so many centuries for a reason. Even Daenerys, the last living Targaryen with aspirations to claim the Iron Throne, showed that she had abilities beyond most mortals due to her family name. As such, there have been many powerful Targaryens in Westeros, both among those who sat on the Iron Throne and those who didn’t, with the most powerful also being perhaps the single most influential figure in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

15 Rhaenyra Targaryen

A Ruler Worth Fighting For

The plot of House of the Dragon focuses on the Targaryen civil war between two key factions, the Greens and the Blacks, following the death of King Viserys I. The show introduced many powerful Targaryens from Westeros’ history prior to Game of Thrones, with perhaps the most central being Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). While Rhaenyra wasn’t the most powerful Targaryen to live in her lifetime, the fact that her disputing the right of her half-brother, Aegon II, to ascend the Iron Throne plunged the Seven Kingdoms into a civil war speaks volumes.

Even though having a Queen on the throne was seen by many of her father’s peers as a controversial choice, many still rallied behind Rhaenyra and put their reputations (and lives) on the line to ensure she became the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. She’s shown to be a competent dragonrider, though Rhaenyra’s true strength comes in her abilities as a tactician, politician, and leader, which is why she stands out as one of the most powerful Targaryens in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones.

14 Rhaenys Targaryen

The Queen Who Never Was

While the Targaryen dynasty is defined by the fact they ruled over Westeros for centuries, many of the most powerful never actually sat upon the Iron Throne. However, for none is the fact they never became a monarch so integral to their legacy as Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), who historically became known as the Queen Who Never Was. The wife of Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenys was an incredibly competent dragonrider, and rode Meleys (known as the Red Queen), who was one of the fastest dragons living him at the time.

The fact that Meleys could have been the dragon of Daemon Targaryen but instead chose Rhaenys also speaks volumes for how powerful the Targaryen princess truly was. Rhaenys was also an essential leader for the Blacks during the Dance of the Dragons. Like Rhaenyra, Rhanenys is also considered one of the most powerful Targaryens for her political skills and abilities as a leader as well as combat abilities, though she’s also clearly the better suited to the battlefield of the two princesses.

13 Aemond Targaryen

The One-Eyed Master Swordsman

Brash, impulsive, and forever living with a chip on his shoulder, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) has showed time and time again throughout House of the Dragon that he’s one of the most dangerous living Targaryens. While he never sat upon the Iron Throne himself, Aemond did operate as both the Prince Regent and Protector of the Realm during the reign of Aegon II, and was considered by many to be a much more competent ruler for the Seven Kingdoms during wartime.

However, unlike Rhaenys and Rhaenyra, Aemond is considered among the most powerful Targaryens for his skills on the battlefield above all else. ‘Aemond One-Eye’ was renowned during his lifetime for his skills with a blade, though it’s his abilities as a dragonrider that truly made him stand out. He rode Vhagar, the ‘Queen of All Dragons’, one of the largest dragons in House of the Dragon and the same mount chosen by the legendary Visenya Targaryen during the conquest of Aegon I.

12 King Viserys I

A King Who Kept Chaos At Bay

King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) is the king ruling over Westeros during the start of House of the Dragon, and it’s his death that acts as the catalyst for the brutal Targaryen civil war. The Viserys seen in HotD isn’t the character in his prime, so the show sometimes betrays just how powerful he actually was. There are two key pieces of evidence that demonstrate this. The first is that, upon his death, it became clear just how many in Westeros wanted to sit on the Iron Throne themselves. The fact that they wouldn’t dare make a challenge for it when Viserys lived speaks volumes for his abilities as a ruler.

The second evidence that Viserys is one of the most powerful Targaryens who ever lived is that he was chosen as a rider by Balerion the Black Dread, the most fearsome dragon ever to exist in the history of Westeros. The ancient dragon Balerion was the mount of Aegon the Conqueror, and the fact he chose Viserys as his final rider shows how strong the beast perceived the future Targaryen monarch to be. While Viserys may not have been the most widely known Targaryen when it came to successes on the battlefield, he was one of the greatest monarchs ever produced by the dynasty.

11 Daenerys Targaryen

The Mother Of Dragons

Unless there are more books of TV shows set after Game of Thrones that introduce a new member of the family, Daenerys was the last Targaryen to ever make a claim for the Iron Throne. However, despite existing centuries after most of the historically legendary members of her family, Daenerys ensured that the Targaryen name didn’t go out with a whimper. She is easily counted among the most powerful Targaryens, and her activities throughout Game of Thrones more than prove this.

After building up her base of power from almost nothing and bringing in groups of renowned warriors like the Dothraki to her fold, Daenerys came incredibly close to conquering Westeros — even with the detour created by heading north to defend against the White Walkers. She was bonded with not one, but three dragons simultaneously, which is an impressive feat even by the standards of the Targaryens of the past. While House of the Dragon introduced viewers to many more Targaryens, Daenerys still stands out as an incredibly powerful member of her family despite her also being the last of her line and existing long after their golden age.

10 Rhaegar Targaryen

The Tragic Prince and His Prophetic Dream

Rhaegar Targaryen was another of his dynasty who, like Daenerys, lived many decades after the events of House of the Dragon and wasn’t present during the golden age of his family. However, this doesn’t change the fact that he could still be regarded as one of the most powerful Targaryens, and likely would have achieved great things were it not for the other events unfolding across the Seven Kingdoms during his lifetime — both in terms of his abilities as a comabatant and as a ruler.

The seeds of destruction were sown when Rhaegar won the tourney at Harrenhal, where he gave the crown of roses to Lyanna Stark, instead of his own wife.

Rhaegar Targaryen, though most famed for his death against Robert, was one of the Targaryen bloodline’s most influential and skilled members. Unlike his father, he was kind, beloved by the people, and actively took part in keeping the realm safe and happy. His skill in battle was also given great renown, even by the likes of Barristan Selmy. The seeds of destruction were sown when Rhaegar won the tourney at Harrenhal, where he gave the crown of roses to Lyanna Stark, instead of his own wife. Though he lost against Robert, there’s no shame in losing against an incredibly mighty warrior.

9 Brynden Rivers, The Bloodraven

The Three-Eyed Raven, A Targaryen Betrayed

Brynden Rivers is the great-grandson of Daemon Targaryen, though he’s known less for his ancestors in House of the Dragon as he is for his presence in Game of Thrones. However, of all the most powerful Targaryens in history, his is perhaps the most unique story, as he’s considered powerful not because of his skills on the battlefield, affinity with dragons, or aptitude as a leader. Instead, Brynden Rivers is known because he was chosen as the last greenseer by the Children of the Forest. However, even before he became the tree who teaches so much to Bran Stark, he was an impressive figure in his own right.

Brynden was both in good measure.

Brynden Rivers, better known to most show fans as the Three-Eyed Raven, wasn’t always a talking tree. Before he was the Bloodraven, he was Lord Commander of the Night Watch – a title reserved only for the greatest warriors. Unlike many of his relatives, Brynden preferred the bow and arrow. His sharpshooting, though uncharacteristic, also fit him to a tee. He is a man defined by the power of his sight. Now, as Bloodraven, he is practically an old god, and the full extent of his true seer power remains a mystery.

8 Daemon Targaryen

The Rogue Prince, Master of War and Dragonfire

Daemon Targaryn (Matt Smith) has become a fan-favorite character in House of the Dragon, and of all his family members alive during the Targaryen Civil War, it is perhaps he who best embodies the Targaryen dynasty as referred to throughotu Game of Thrones. It is said that House Targaryen produces both great men and terrible monsters. Daemon Targaryen has the honor of being both. He is the wielder of the Valyrian Steel sword Dark Sister, the same sword wielded by Visenya Targaryen.

While Daemon Targaryen makes many morally questionable decisions and is far from a hero, it’s undeniable that he’s one of the most skilled warriors living during the Dance of the Dragons. It was Daemon who became the first (and to this day, greatest) Lord Commander of the City Watch of King’s Landing in recorded history. He’s an incredibly tenacious fighter, despite his seemingly noble exterior. He’s also notable for riding Caraxes, one of the most fearsome dragons since Balerion the Black Dread.

7 Maekar Targaryen

The Willing Sacrifice, A Pillar of the Dynasty

Maekar Targaryen is one of several powerful Targaryen’s who existed in the time between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, though he will likely appear in the upcoming spinoff A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.Maekar Targaryen was proud of his military prowess, for better or for worse. Although he was unpopular with his siblings, nobody could deny his combat skill. He was the anvil to King Baelor’s hammer. He did not wield a sword, but instead, a great mace that crushed his enemies.

His military discipline and strength made him a great frontline general.

Much like King Viserys I, Maekar’s status as a powerful Targaryen is partly evidenced by the lack of adversity to his rule. He’s dangerous enough that, unlike his father, son, brother, and grandson, he never dealt with a full-fledged Blackfyre rebellion. He ruled with shockingly relative peace. His military discipline and strength made him a great frontline general. However, like Stannis, he often flew under the radar in contrast to his more charismatic brothers.

6 Aegor Rivers

The Bastard King, A Shadow Over the Throne

Also known as Bittersteel, Aegot Rivers is one of the many powerful Targaryens who don’t bear the family name. Aegor Rivers is one of Aegon IV’s “Great Bastards”, and was among one of the fiercest warriors of the Blackfyre Rebellion. He was often paired with Bloodraven (Brynden Rivers) and actually mirrored his combat style. Bloodraven was strategic, stealthy, and struck from a distance. Aegor was tenacious, a prodigy with melee weapons, and was better with improvised tactics.

When they found themselves on opposite sides, It was Aegor who gouged out Bloodraven’s eye after he murdered Daemon Blackfyre. As the Blackfyre Rebellion started to fade, he fled to the Free City of Tyrosh, where he found the Golden Company. This army of sellswords would soon become one of the most famed and feared mercenary companies in Westerosi history.

5 Maegor the Cruel

The Mad King Before the Mad King

The Targaryens are looked on less-than-favorably during the time of Game of Thrones, with much of this animosity attributable to the reign of the Mad King. However, Aerys II wasn’t the only Targaryen whose tyrannical rule led to the dynasty having a reputation for maintaining order with an iron fist, as Maegor I, the third Targaryen king, more than matched Daenerys father in this regard. Maegor the Cruel is very much deserving of that adjective, and is by far the most hated Targaryen king to have ever lived.

Even in ASOIAF’s present, his name is used in the same breath as a curse. He was responsible for putting the Faith Militant rebellion down and did so with much bloodshed. Maegor the Cruel was the only descendant of Visenya Targaryen to hold the throne. Though he inherited her martial prowess, he never inherited her sense of justice or any semblance of sanity. He lived through violence, and unlike many Targaryen kings, he died on his own terms, on the Iron Throne with all of his enemies under his heel.

4 Visenya Targaryen

The Targaryens took power in the Seven Kingdoms after Aegon’s Conquest, the period during which Aegon I defeated the rulers of many of the warring factions in Westeros and united the land under a single banner. However, he wasn’t acting alone, and his greatest allies were his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys (the namesake of the character in House of the Dragon). While Rhaenys was also powerful, it was only really Visenya who matched the power of their shared brother-husband. Visenya Targaryen was the chief military adviser of Aegon I, and she proved worthy of that title many times over.

She rode the dragon Vhagar and was the original wielder of the legendary sword Dark Sister. She was a ruthless and pragmatic fighter, just as likely to charge an enemy’s front as ambush them from the shadows. Despite the rampant sexism in Westeros, Visenya still overcame the bigotry by proving her skill in battle. In fact, Visenya created the Kingsguard, the institution that held most of the greatest warriors Westeros had ever seen. She was also responsible for many concerns of governance under Aegon’s rule.

3 Daemon Blackfyre

The Smoldering Ember of Rebellion

The Dance of the Dragons isn’t the only bloody civil war in the history of the dynasty, and the Blackfyre rebellion several decades later was just as legendary in the history of Westeros, and featured many powerful Targaryens. However, one of the most renowned among them was Daemon Blackfyre, the first and greatest of the Blackfyre pretenders. His name is derived from the ancestral sword he wields, Blackfyre, the same sword that Aegon I wielded in his conquest of Westeros. He was tall, strong, and exceedingly handsome, and was Targaryen in all but name.

His skill in combat was so great that Blackfyre was given to him when he was 12, as a mere squire. On the battlefield, he was an avatar of the Warrior himself. He was practically invincible in direct combat. He lost simply because of his honor, helping Gwayn Cobray after besting him in combat. Had he just charged forward, Bloodraven wouldn’t have had the time to shoot him down with a rain of arrows.

2 Aemon Targaryen, The Dragonknight

The Unmatched Warrior, A Legend of Westeros

One of the few Targaryens still living during the time of Game of Thrones is Aemon Targaryen, the great uncle of Daenerys — and he also is perhaps the Targaryen who bears the least resemblence to his lineage in terms of his personality. Aemon Targaryen, the Dragonknight, is considered by many to be the finest knight that had ever lived. Unlike most Targaryens, who’d rather be princes or kings, Aemon chose to become Kingsguard.

It’s quite telling when fighters such as Barristan Selmy and cynics like Varys agree that Aemon was the most honorable Targaryen to have ever lived.

Soon, he rose to the rank of Lord Commander and was far more beloved than the king he served. In many ways, Aemon Targaryen is everything Jaime Lannister wished to be. Although both were great swordsmen who loved their families, Jaime is reviled by all around him. It’s quite telling when fighters such as Barristan Selmy and cynics like Varys agree that Aemon was the most honorable Targaryen to have ever lived.

1 Aegon the Conqueror

The Dragonlord Who United Westeros

When it comes to the question of who is the most powerful Targaryen who ever lived, it’s undisputed that the answer is Aegon I, also known as Aegon the Conqueror. Aegon the Conqueror is the first and greatest of the Targaryens that arrived in Westeros, and it is he who’s responsible both for the existence of the Seven Kingdoms and the centuries of Targaryen rule that make up most of its history. With his two sister-wives, he conquered the realm with a small army and three dragons.

Aegon may not be the fighter that his descendant Aemon was, but he more than makes up for it by being the standard of what a king should be in Westeros. All kings after Aegon strive to follow his example. A frontline leader who was ruthless in battle but fair in governance. Although he offered peace first, he does so because he had the security of Balerion the Black Dread. A dragon so massive, that his shadow covered entire towns in flight. At the end of the day, Aegon I is the entire reason why the Targaryen dynasty exists.