From the ancient ruins of Valyria to the fiery conquest of Westeros, the House Targaryen is well known in the Game of Thrones universe. With their striking silver hair and affinity for dragons, the Targaryens have captivated viewers and readers alike. But amidst the myth and majesty that surrounds this legendary house, what is the truth behind their rise and fall?
Needless to say, it’d be interesting to explore their mastery of dragon-riding, their struggles to maintain their power and legitimacy, and their eventual downfall. Whether you’re a fan of the Game of Thrones series or a newcomer, this is a definitive guide to the storied past and enigmatic present of House Targaryen.
The History Of Valyria And The Rise Of House Targaryen
As far as the house of Targaryen is concerned, it all started in the ancient Freehold of Valyria, a civilization known for its mastery of magic and dragon-riding. It was a powerful empire that spanned centuries, with the Valyrians using their dragons to maintain dominance. However, a cataclysmic event known as the Doom of Valyria destroyed the Freehold, leaving only ruins in its wake.
Amidst the chaos of the Doom, the Targaryens managed to escape with their dragons to the island of Dragonstone off the coast of Westeros. Altogether, this marked the beginning of their journey into the Seven Kingdoms. The Targaryens, led by Aegon the Conqueror, bided their time on Dragonstone. Soon enough, the opportune moment to launch their invasion of Westeros.
Dragons And Their Significance To House Targaryen
If there ever was a defining characteristic of the House Targaryen, it’s dragons. These majestic creatures, with their scaly wings and fiery breath, have been a source of both power and fear throughout Westeros’ history. House Targaryen’s mastery of dragon-riding set them apart from other noble houses. Altogether, it gave them a significant advantage in warfare and established their dominance over the Seven Kingdoms.
Dragons were not only a symbol of power but also played a crucial role in the Targaryens’ legitimacy. The birth of a dragon was seen as a sign of favor from the gods, reinforcing the Targaryen claim to the Iron Throne. However, as the dragons grew smaller and weaker over time, the Targaryens’ power began to wane. This eventually led to internal strife and external threats to their rule.
Aegon’s Conquest: House Targaryen’s Arrival In Westeros
After years of waiting, Aegon the Conqueror finally made his move to conquer Westeros. With his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys by his side, Aegon unleashed his dragons upon the Seven Kingdoms. This was the beginning of what would be known as Aegon’s Conquest. The Targaryens swiftly gained control over most of Westeros, with only a few kingdoms managing to resist their rule.
Aegon’s conquest was not only a display of military might but also a masterful political maneuver. He established the Iron Throne and the capital city of King’s Landing, solidifying the Targaryen dynasty’s rule over Westeros. Aegon’s descendants would continue to rule for the next three centuries, shaping the politics and landscape of the Seven Kingdoms.
Targaryen Rule In Westeros
It’s safe to say that the Targaryen dynasty brought stability and centralized rule to Westeros. Their dragonlords were able to maintain control over the realm using their fear-inducing dragons. In turn, this ensured loyalty from vassals and deterred rebellions. The Targaryens implemented various reforms, such as the establishment of a unified legal system and the construction of important landmarks.
However, the Targaryen rule was not without its challenges. The vastness of the Seven Kingdoms meant that rebellions and uprisings were a constant threat. The Targaryens faced numerous conflicts during their reign, from the Blackfyre Rebellion to the War of the Ninepenny Kings. Altogether, these tested the strength and unity of their dynasty.
The Targaryen Legacy: Impact on Westeros And Future Prospects
The House of Targaryen’s legacy is deeply ingrained in the history and culture of Westeros. Their rule shaped the political landscape for centuries to come. The Targaryens’ mastery of all things dragon-related left quite a mark on the people and the land. Although House Targaryen’s rule came to an end with Robert’s Rebellion, their legacy lives on through the surviving members of the family and the stories passed down through generations. The return of Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons to Westeros sparked renewed interest in their dynasty. Furthermore, it ignited speculation about the future of House Targaryen and its place in the ever-changing game of thrones.
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