We're Here To Explain The Complicated Targaryen Family Tree In 'House Of The Dragon'

Set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and based on the books by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones captivated audiences across seven continents.

As the name suggests, House of the Dragon conveys the complicated history of House Targaryen — the rightful rulers and conquerors of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

There are roughly 300 years between Aegon I's conquest of Westeros to the fall of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones. If you're wondering where House of the Dragon falls on that timeline, you've come to the right place.

In the years leading up to House of the Dragon, a brutal rebellion against the Targaryens took place — known as "The Faith Militant" uprising.

King Maegor was better known as "Maegor the Cruel", one of the most violent and vicious Targaryens to ever sit upon the Iron Throne.

But after Aenys died under "suspicious circumstances", Maegor I was quick to make his own claim — defying the Laws of Inheritance that stipulated Aenys' eldest son, Prince Aegon, should now be king.

Maegor I had a habit of murdering those closest to him, so as to avoid anyone threatening his rule. One morning, during his second campaign against "The Faith Militant," Maegor I was found dead on the Iron Throne, having died under "suspicious circumstances."

It's at this point where House of the Dragon begins — with King Jaehaerys gathering his council in order to name the next heir apparent.

The two Targaryens with a legitimate claim to the throne are Jaehaerys' grandson, Viserys, and his granddaughter/grandniece, Rhaenys. However, since Westeros had never previously had a queen, the council crowns the prince, Viserys I.

As such, she commands a considerable amount of respect from the Heads of Houses — as do her children.

Unfortunately, Daemon is widely despised by those in power and is by far the least popular choice to rule the Seven Kingdoms in the event of Viserys I's death.

Rhaenys was one of the few true Targaryen Dragonriders, and renowned for her great beauty. But because she is a woman, as is her oldest heir, Laena, Rhaenys is continuously passed over.

Viserys I's weakness is his indecision, eventually forcing Rhaenyra, and his younger son, Aegon II, into battle against one another for the right to rule.

After Aemma dies tragically as a result of Viserys I's poor choices, the Targaryen king remarries Alicent Hightower — Rhaenyra's former friend, and a woman just a few years older than she.

Rhaenyra's supporters are known as the "Blacks" whereas Aegon II's are called the "Greens." The "Greens" not only support Aegon II, but they also believe that a woman should not be able to sit on the Iron Throne.

At first, Rhaenyra is pressured to marry her brother, Aegon II, and unite the realm. However, she refuses due to the fact that she's in love with her uncle, Daemon.

At first, Rhaneyra again refuses, but after her father threatens to disinherit her — she reluctantly agrees. The couple bear three sons, but the real father is believed to be Rhaenyra's lover/sworn sword, Harwin Strong.

As a way of getting even, Rhaenyra marries her uncle Daemon in secret, shortly after the untimely death of her own husband, Laenor Velaryon. She then relocates to Dragonstone, and as a result, she isn't at court when her father passes away.

When Rhaenyra discovers this for herself, she's sent into a blind rage — the likes of which she never returns from.

Daemon is beloved by everyone, except those who have the power to make him king. Therefore, he must move in a calculated and strategic manner in order to secure his legacy.

If you thought that Prince Joffrey was bad — just wait until you see Aegon II in action. He makes Joffrey seem like a tame kitten. Thus ends the complicated backstory of House of the Dragon.