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   House of the Dragon — Plot / Setting House of the Dragon takes place roughly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, during the height of House Targaryen’s power. The Targaryens rule the Seven Kingdoms from the Iron Throne and possess numerous dragons, but tensions within the royal family eventually tear the dynasty apart. The story begins during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen, a generally peaceful king whose greatest political problem is the question of succession. After the death of his wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, and their newborn son, Viserys names his daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen heir to the Iron Throne, breaking with the tradition of favoring male heirs. Viserys later marries Alicent Hightower, daughter of his Hand, Otto Hightower. Alicent gives Viserys several children, including Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron Targaryen. Although Viserys continues to insist that Rhaenyra will succeed him, many nobles believe his eldest son Aegon should inherit instead. Over the years, the royal court divides into two rival factions. The Blacks support Rhaenyra and her claim to the throne, while the Greens support Alicent's son Aegon. Old grudges, disputed parentage, political marriages, personal rivalries, and competition between the family's dragonriders deepen the divide. When Viserys dies, the Greens secretly crown Aegon II Targaryen in King's Landing rather than allowing Rhaenyra to inherit. Rhaenyra is subsequently crowned by her own supporters at Dragonstone. With both siblings claiming to be the rightful ruler of Westeros, diplomacy rapidly gives way to violence. Their struggle becomes known as the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating Targaryen civil war in which members of the same family fight one another using armies and dragons. Houses across Westeros are forced to choose between the Blacks and the Greens, turning a family succession dispute into a war that threatens the entire realm. At its core, House of the Dragon is about the collapse of House Targaryen from within: a family with almost unmatched power destroying itself over inheritance, ambition, resentment, love, and the Iron Throne.

   | Dragon | Rider | | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Syrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen | | Caraxes — the Blood Wyrm | Daemon Targaryen | | Vermax | Jacaerys Velaryon | | Arrax | Lucerys Velaryon | | Tyraxes | Joffrey Velaryon | | Moondancer | Baela Targaryen | | Meleys — the Red Queen | Rhaenys Targaryen | | Seasmoke | Laenor Velaryon → Addam of Hull | | Vermithor — the Bronze Fury | King Jaehaerys I → Hugh Hammer | | Silverwing | Queen Alysanne → Ulf White | | Sheepstealer | Rhaena Targaryen in the HBO show* |

   Riderless / wild dragons The Cannibal — enormous wild black dragon; never successfully claimed. Grey Ghost — shy wild dragon living around Dragonstone; no known rider. Sheepstealer — wild dragon until claimed by Nettles in the book; the show appears to be giving this connection to Rhaena. Important earlier pairings Balerion the Black Dread — Aegon the Conqueror → Maegor the Cruel → Viserys I Targaryen. Viserys was Balerion's final rider. Meraxes — Rhaenys Targaryen, sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror. Vhagar — originally ridden by Visenya Targaryen, making Aemond the dragon's fourth known rider. Meleys — Alyssa Targaryen → Rhaenys Targaryen. Caraxes — Prince Aemon Targaryen → Daemon Targaryen. Syrax — Rhaenyra is her only known rider. Sunfyre — Aegon II is his only known rider.

   Team Black — Members & Backstory

   The Blacks are the faction that supports Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne during the Dance of the Dragons. Their name comes from the black-and-red colors associated with House Targaryen and Rhaenyra’s faction, in opposition to Alicent Hightower’s Greens.

   Main members

   • Rhaenyra Targaryen — Leader of the Blacks and Viserys I’s chosen heir. After Aegon II is crowned in King’s Landing, Rhaenyra is crowned queen at Dragonstone and fights to reclaim what she considers her rightful throne.
   • Daemon Targaryen — Rhaenyra’s uncle and husband. A dangerous warrior and experienced dragonrider who becomes one of the Blacks’ most important military leaders. Rides Caraxes.
   • Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon — Rhaenyra’s eldest son and heir. He acts as a diplomat for his mother and works to secure alliances for the Blacks. Rides Vermax.
   • Lucerys “Luke” Velaryon — Rhaenyra’s second son and heir to Driftmark. Rides Arrax. His confrontation with Aemond at Storm’s End becomes one of the major turning points of the war.
   • Joffrey Velaryon — Rhaenyra’s youngest son from her marriage to Laenor. Rides Tyraxes.
   • Baela Targaryen — Daughter of Daemon and Laena Velaryon and twin sister of Rhaena. Fierce supporter of Rhaenyra and rider of Moondancer.
   • Rhaena Targaryen — Baela’s twin and Daemon’s daughter. Member of Rhaenyra’s family and faction.
   • Rhaenys Targaryen — The “Queen Who Never Was,” Rhaenyra’s relative and one of her most formidable supporters. Rides Meleys, the Red Queen.
   • Corlys Velaryon — Lord of the Tides and husband of Rhaenys. His wealth and powerful Velaryon fleet make him essential to the Black cause.
   • Aegon the Younger & Viserys — Young sons of Rhaenyra and Daemon. They aren't major political players at the beginning of the war but are important to the Targaryen succession.
   • Mysaria — Daemon’s former lover who becomes an intelligence asset and adviser to Rhaenyra.
   • Ser Erryk Cargyll — Kingsguard knight who rejects Aegon II and remains loyal to Rhaenyra.
   • Lord Bartimos Celtigar — Member of Rhaenyra’s Black Council.
   • Lord Simon Staunton — Black supporter and member of Rhaenyra’s council.

   Major allied houses

   House Velaryon is initially the Blacks’ most important ally. Corlys provides the Velaryon fleet, while Rhaenys and other members of the family provide dragon power.

   House Arryn supports Rhaenyra partly because of her Arryn blood through her mother, Queen Aemma Arryn. Lady Jeyne Arryn rules the Vale during the Dance.

   House Stark becomes one of Rhaenyra’s most significant northern allies. Jacaerys travels to Winterfell and gains the support of Lord Cregan Stark, creating the famous Pact of Ice and Fire in Fire & Blood.

   Other houses supporting the Blacks include House Celtigar, House Staunton, House Darklyn, House Massey and numerous Riverlands houses. The exact alliances shift as the war develops.

   Backstory

   The conflict originates with King Viserys I naming Rhaenyra his heir after the death of Queen Aemma and their infant son Baelon. The lords of Westeros swear to recognize Rhaenyra as the future ruler.

   Viserys later marries Alicent Hightower and has sons with her, most importantly Aegon. Despite having a male heir available, Viserys never officially replaces Rhaenyra as his chosen successor.

   This creates two competing political camps at court.

   Rhaenyra's supporters → the Blacks Alicent/Aegon's supporters → the Greens

   Rhaenyra eventually establishes herself on Dragonstone, surrounded by Daemon, her children and the Velaryons.

   When Viserys dies, the Greens conceal his death long enough to organize Aegon’s succession and crown Aegon II in King’s Landing. Rhaenyra's supporters reject the coronation because they believe the throne has been usurped from Viserys's declared heir.

   Rhaenyra is subsequently crowned on Dragonstone.

   From that point, the succession dispute becomes the Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war in which both sides possess dragons.

   The Greens are the political faction that supports Aegon II Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne over his older half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen. They become one of the two sides of the Dance of the Dragons, opposing Rhaenyra’s Blacks. Main Members Aegon II Targaryen — Viserys I and Alicent Hightower’s eldest son. The Greens crown him King of the Seven Kingdoms after Viserys’s death, making him the rival claimant to Rhaenyra. Dragonrider of Sunfyre. Alicent Hightower — Dowager Queen, daughter of Otto Hightower and mother of Aegon, Helaena, Aemond and Daeron. One of the central figures behind the Green faction and Rhaenyra’s former childhood friend in the HBO series. Otto Hightower — Alicent’s father and Hand of the King. A major architect of the Green cause. Otto has long feared what Rhaenyra and especially Daemon's rule could mean for Alicent's children. Aemond Targaryen — Aegon’s younger brother and one of the Greens’ most dangerous warriors. He rides Vhagar, the largest living dragon at the beginning of the Dance. He has a particularly bitter history with Lucerys Velaryon after losing his eye during their childhood confrontation. Helaena Targaryen — Aegon’s younger sister and wife, making her the Greens’ queen. Dragonrider of Dreamfyre. Unlike many of her relatives, Helaena is not particularly interested in the political struggle. Daeron Targaryen — Youngest child of Viserys and Alicent. He lives in Oldtown with his Hightower relatives when the conflict begins and later becomes an important Green warrior. Known as Daeron the Daring and rides Tessarion, the Blue Queen. Ser Criston Cole — Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and a fierce supporter of Alicent and Aegon. Once close to Rhaenyra, he becomes one of her strongest enemies and an important Green military commander. Larys Strong — Lord of Harrenhal and Master of Whisperers. Closely associated with Alicent and the Green court, using espionage, manipulation and murder to advance his interests. Tyland Lannister — Member of the Green Council and an important political supporter of Aegon II. Jasper Wylde — Master of Laws and member of Aegon’s Green Council. Orwyle — Grand Maester serving in King’s Landing and member of the council. Gwayne Hightower — Alicent’s brother and therefore uncle to Aegon, Helaena, Aemond and Daeron. He fights for the Green cause. Ormund Hightower — Lord of Oldtown and one of the Greens’ most important military allies. He commands Hightower forces during the war, with Daeron accompanying the Hightower army. Major Houses House Hightower is naturally one of the Greens’ strongest supporters. Alicent is a Hightower, and Oldtown provides the faction with considerable wealth, soldiers and political influence. House Lannister supports Aegon II. The Lannisters provide the Greens with significant military and financial power. House Baratheon eventually sides with the Greens after Aemond travels to Storm’s End and negotiates with Borros Baratheon. Other houses and individual lords support Aegon throughout the Dance, particularly those who believe a male heir should take precedence over an older female heir. Backstory The Green faction develops during Viserys I's reign, long before the actual civil war begins. Viserys names his daughter Rhaenyra heir after the deaths of Queen Aemma and their newborn son Baelon. However, Viserys later marries Alicent Hightower, and Alicent gives him several sons. The birth of Aegon creates an obvious succession problem. According to the precedent many Westerosi lords expect, Viserys's eldest son should inherit. However, Viserys refuses to disinherit Rhaenyra and continues publicly recognizing her as his heir. This divides the royal court. Those surrounding Alicent and her children become the Greens, while those supporting Rhaenyra become the Blacks. The names are traditionally associated with the colors worn by Alicent and Rhaenyra's respective factions. Otto repeatedly argues that if Rhaenyra becomes queen, Aegon and his brothers could threaten her claim simply by existing, potentially placing Alicent's children in danger. Daemon's marriage to Rhaenyra makes these fears even stronger. Meanwhile, the Greens challenge the legitimacy of Rhaenyra's eldest sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey Velaryon, because they are widely believed to have been fathered by Harwin Strong rather than Laenor Velaryon. When Viserys dies, the Green Council moves quickly. Rather than immediately announcing the king's death and allowing Rhaenyra to succeed him, they arrange for Aegon to be crowned in King's Landing. Aegon initially does not particularly seek the crown, but he ultimately accepts it and is crowned King Aegon II Targaryen. Rhaenyra is still on Dragonstone when this occurs. When she learns what happened, she and her supporters consider Aegon's coronation usurpation. Rhaenyra is subsequently crowned queen by her own faction. Westeros now has two Targaryen monarchs claiming the same throne. Aegon II + Greens → King's Landing Rhaenyra + Blacks → Dragonstone Their struggle becomes the Dance of the Dragons, ultimately forcing the Targaryen family and their dragons to fight one another.

   King's Landing in House of the Dragon is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, depicted approximately 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones.

   King’s Landing Type: Capital city Location: The Crownlands, Westeros Founded: 1 AC by Aegon the Conqueror Population: Approximately 500,000 before the Battle of King’s Landing Government: Seat of the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms Religion: Primarily the Faith of the Seven Climate: Warm King’s Landing is the capital and largest city of the Seven Kingdoms, located on the eastern coast of Westeros where the Blackwater Rush meets Blackwater Bay. Founded by Aegon the Conqueror, it became the political center of the realm and the traditional home of the Iron Throne. Important Locations Red Keep — Royal castle overlooking Blackwater Bay and home of the Iron Throne. Dragonpit — Enormous structure built to house the Targaryen dragons. Flea Bottom — Poor, densely populated district known for its narrow streets, taverns, and crime. Great Sept — Major center of worship for the Faith of the Seven. Blackwater Bay — Large bay bordering the city and providing access by sea. City Gates & Walls — Fortifications surrounding and protecting the capital. Life in King’s Landing King’s Landing is crowded, noisy, wealthy, impoverished, and dangerous all at once. Nobles and members of the royal court live comfortably around the Red Keep, while much of the population lives in tightly packed neighborhoods below. Markets, inns, brothels, guilds, temples, and merchants fill the streets. The City Watch, commonly called the Gold Cloaks, maintains order throughout the city. Political Importance King’s Landing is the center of royal politics in Westeros. Whoever controls the city, the Red Keep, and the Iron Throne generally claims authority over the Seven Kingdoms. Because of this, the capital is frequently the center of court intrigue, political alliances, betrayals, and struggles for succession. House of the Dragon era: King’s Landing is controlled by House Targaryen and serves as one of the most important locations during the Dance of the Dragons.

   High Valyrian

   High Valyrian originated in the Valyrian Freehold, an ancient civilization on the eastern continent of Essos known for its powerful dragonlords.

   • Origin: High Valyrian was the native language of the Valyrian Freehold and its ruling dragonlord families.
   • Spread: As Valyria expanded its empire, the language spread throughout much of Essos and was adopted by many of the peoples under Valyrian rule.
   • The Doom: After the Doom of Valyria destroyed the Freehold, High Valyrian gradually ceased to be an everyday native language.
   • Legacy: High Valyrian survived as a prestigious language associated with nobility, scholarship, history, and the descendants of Old Valyria, somewhat comparable to Latin in medieval Europe.
   • Valyrian Descendants: Over time, different forms of Low or Bastard Valyrian developed throughout the former Valyrian territories, particularly in the Free Cities.
   • House Targaryen: As one of the surviving Valyrian dragonlord families, House Targaryen preserved knowledge of High Valyrian after settling on Dragonstone and later conquering Westeros.

   Common High Valyrian Phrases & Everyday Expressions

   • Rytsas — “Hello.”
   • Kessa — “Yes.”
   • Daor — “No.”
   • Avy jorrāelan — “I love you.”
   • Tubī daor — “Not today.” Literally, “today, no.”
   • Sȳz bantis — “Good evening.”

   Avy jorrāelan

   Meaning: “I love you.”

   Usage: A personal and affectionate expression used to communicate love or deep emotional attachment.

   High Valyrian — Titles & Expressions

   • Jentys — “King.”

     • Usage: Refers to a male ruler or king.

   • Āeksio — “Lord.”

     • Usage: A title or form of address for a lord or person of high rank.

   • Dāria — “Queen.”

     • Usage: Refers to a female ruler or queen.

   • Nyke iksan — “I am.”

     • Usage: Used when identifying or describing oneself.
     • Example: Nyke iksan dāria — “I am a queen.”

   • Ñuhor līr gūrēnna — “I will take what is mine.”

     • Usage: A forceful declaration of intention or claim, suitable for contexts involving power, inheritance, or asserting one's right to something.

   Valyrians

   The Valyrians, also known as the Blood of the Dragon or Blood of Old Valyria, were a people and culture native to the Valyrian Peninsula in Essos. For thousands of years, their civilization, the Valyrian Freehold, grew into one of the most powerful empires in the known world.

   Information

   Status: Scattered Origin: Valyrian Peninsula, Essos Homeland: Old Valyria Civilization: Valyrian Freehold Society: Oligarchy ruled by powerful noble and dragonlord families Language: High Valyrian Religion: Old Gods of Valyria

   Distinctive Features

   Valyrians, particularly those descended from the noble families of Old Valyria, were often recognized by distinctive features:

   • Silver, silver-gold, or pale blond hair
   • Violet, purple, lilac, or deep blue eyes
   • Pale complexions were common among those of Valyrian descent
   • These traits became strongly associated with the bloodlines of the ancient Valyrian dragonlords.

   Valyrian Dragonlords

   Valyria became powerful largely through its mastery of dragons. The great dragonlord families bonded with and rode dragons, using them alongside armies and Valyrian steel weapons to conquer surrounding territories.

   Over centuries, Valyrian expansion transformed the Freehold into the dominant power across much of Essos.

   The Doom of Valyria

   The Valyrian Freehold was destroyed by a mysterious cataclysm known as the Doom of Valyria. The disaster devastated the Valyrian Peninsula, destroyed the heart of the Freehold, and killed most of its dragonlords and dragons.

   After the Doom, surviving Valyrians and their descendants became scattered throughout the known world.

   House Targaryen

   House Targaryen was one of the dragonlord families to survive the Doom because the family had already relocated from Valyria to Dragonstone.

   Their survival allowed them to preserve several traditions of Old Valyria, including dragonriding, High Valyrian, Valyrian marriage customs, and the belief in the importance of maintaining the blood of the dragon.

   Rise of Valyria

   The Valyrians rose to prominence after discovering dragons within the Fourteen Flames, a chain of volcanoes on the Valyrian Peninsula. After learning to tame and ride the creatures, they established Valyria and developed into a civilization renowned for its mastery of dragonriding, magic, and metallurgy.

   Their knowledge allowed them to forge Valyrian steel, an exceptionally strong, light, and sharp material whose original method of creation was eventually lost.

   Expansion of the Valyrian Freehold

   With dragons and superior weapons at their disposal, the Valyrians began expanding beyond their homeland and eventually established the Valyrian Freehold.

   Their expansion brought them into conflict with several powerful civilizations, particularly the Ghiscari Empire and the Rhoynar.

   • The Ghiscari fought a series of wars against Valyria but were ultimately defeated. Old Ghis was destroyed and many of its people were enslaved.
   • The Rhoynar also resisted Valyrian expansion. Their cities were devastated, many were enslaved, and surviving Rhoynar eventually scattered from their homeland.
   • Valyrian colonies and settlements spread throughout Essos, forming the foundations of many regions that would later become independent after Valyria's destruction.

   For thousands of years, the Valyrian Freehold remained the dominant power across much of Essos.

   The Doom of Valyria

   Valyrian supremacy ended with the mysterious catastrophe known as the Doom of Valyria.

   The disaster devastated Valyria and the surrounding peninsula, killing most of the dragonlords and their dragons. Enormous amounts of Valyrian knowledge were also lost, including magical practices, historical records, and secrets of craftsmanship such as the forging of Valyrian steel.

   The exact cause of the Doom remains unknown. Possible explanations include catastrophic eruptions of the Fourteen Flames or a disaster connected to the Valyrians' extensive use of magic.

   Whatever its cause, the Doom effectively destroyed the Valyrian Freehold.

   Century of Blood

   Without Valyria's dragonlords maintaining control, its colonies and conquered territories began declaring their independence.

   The resulting political vacuum led to a prolonged period of warfare and instability throughout Essos known as the Century of Blood.

   Aftermath & Valyrian Legacy

   Although the Freehold was destroyed, Valyrian culture did not disappear completely.

   High Valyrian survived as a prestigious language, while regional forms developed throughout former Valyrian territories. These eventually became the various Low or Bastard Valyrian dialects spoken throughout parts of Essos, particularly the Free Cities.

   Valyrian ancestry also survived among populations of the former Freehold. Some noble families continued to display features traditionally associated with the blood of Old Valyria, particularly silver or pale blond hair and distinctive violet, purple, blue, or lilac eyes.

   Valyrians in Westeros

   Several Valyrian noble houses escaped the destruction of their homeland because they were already established around Dragonstone, the westernmost major Valyrian outpost.

   The most prominent surviving houses included:

   • House Targaryen — A dragonlord family that settled on Dragonstone before the Doom and possessed the surviving dragons.
   • House Velaryon — An ancient Valyrian house associated primarily with seafaring and naval power.
   • House Celtigar — Another Valyrian-descended house established near Dragonstone.

   House Targaryen became the most powerful surviving remnant of Old Valyria. Unlike most surviving Valyrian populations in Essos, the Targaryens deliberately preserved many of their ancestral traditions, including High Valyrian, dragonriding, Valyrian naming customs, and marriage between close relatives to preserve their bloodline.

   These surviving houses ensured that elements of Old Valyria's culture, appearance, language, and traditions continued long after the Freehold itself had disappeared.

   Valyrian Appearance & Customs

   The Valyrians were renowned for their striking beauty and distinctive physical features, particularly among the noble and dragonlord families of Old Valyria.

   Physical Appearance

   Valyrian features traditionally included:

   • Silver, silver-gold, or platinum-blond hair
   • Violet, purple, lilac, or deep blue eyes
   • Pale complexions
   • Fine or striking facial features
   • An appearance often considered unusually beautiful by the peoples of Westeros and Essos

   These traits became closely associated with having the “blood of Old Valyria.” However, not every person of Valyrian descent possessed every traditional feature, and eye and hair colors could vary between individuals and generations.

   Bloodline & Marriage Customs

   Valyrian noble families placed great importance on maintaining the perceived purity of their bloodlines, particularly among the dragonlord houses.

   Close-kin marriages could include:

   • Brother and sister
   • Cousins
   • Uncle and niece
   • Aunt and nephew
   • Other close relatives within the same bloodline

   House Targaryen continued this practice after the Doom, believing that maintaining their Valyrian blood helped preserve their identity and connection to their dragonlord ancestry.

   Polygamy

   Polygamous marriage also existed among some Valyrian dragonlords, although it was not necessarily the standard practice.

   The most famous Targaryen example is Aegon the Conqueror, who was simultaneously married to both of his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys Targaryen.

   Religion of Old Valyria

   Relatively little is known about the religious practices of the Valyrian Freehold. The Valyrians were polytheistic and worshipped numerous deities collectively remembered as the Old Gods of Valyria.

   Several Targaryen dragons were named after gods of Old Valyria, preserving the names of otherwise largely forgotten Valyrian deities.

   Known or associated names include:

   • Balerion
   • Vhagar
   • Meraxes
   • Syrax

   Much of Valyria's religious knowledge, rituals, and traditions disappeared during the Doom of Valyria, leaving the true nature of its gods and religious practices largely mysterious.

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