The Targaryen Dynasty: 300 Years Before Game of Thrones

The Rise to Power

The Targaryen dynasty was founded by Aegon the Conqueror, a young warlord from the island of Dragonstone. In 2 BC, Aegon set sail across the Narrow Sea with his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, and their three dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. Aegon's ambition was to conquer all of Westeros and unite the Seven Kingdoms under one banner.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

by George R. R. Martin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	95490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	801 pages

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Aegon's conquest was swift and brutal. He defeated the armies of the Riverlands, the Reach, and the Stormlands, and forced the other kingdoms to bend the knee. By 1 AC, Aegon had become the first King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, and the Targaryen dynasty was born.

The Reign of the Dragons

The Targaryens ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years, and during that time they became known as the "dragonlords." The Targaryens possessed a unique connection to dragons, and their ability to control these powerful creatures gave them a significant advantage in war. The Targaryen kings and queens often rode their dragons into battle, and their presence on the battlefield was enough to strike terror into the hearts of their enemies.

The Targaryens also used their dragons to maintain peace and order within the realm. The dragons were a constant reminder of the Targaryen dynasty's power, and they helped to keep the peace among the various lords and ladies of Westeros.

The Dance of Dragons

The Targaryen dynasty reached its peak during the reign of King Jaehaerys I, who ruled for 55 years. Jaehaerys was a wise and just king, and he presided over a period of peace and prosperity. However, after Jaehaerys' death in 48 AC, the Targaryen dynasty was plunged into a civil war known as the Dance of Dragons.

The Dance of Dragons was a conflict between two rival factions within the Targaryen family: the greens, led by Aegon II Targaryen, and the blacks, led by Rhaenyra Targaryen. The war lasted for two years and resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, including many Targaryens.

The Dance of Dragons ended with the defeat of the blacks and the accession of Aegon II to the Iron Throne. However, the war had left the Targaryen dynasty weakened, and it would never fully recover.

The Downfall of the Targaryens

The Targaryen dynasty continued to rule Westeros for another 150 years, but it was a period of decline. The Targaryen kings and queens became increasingly tyrannical, and the dragons gradually died out. The last Targaryen king, Aerys II, was a cruel and paranoid madman. His reign was marked by the outbreak of a civil war known as Robert's Rebellion.

Robert's Rebellion ended with the defeat of Aerys II and the accession of Robert Baratheon to the Iron Throne. The Targaryen dynasty was overthrown, and the Baratheon dynasty was established.

The Legacy of the Targaryens

The Targaryen dynasty left a lasting legacy on Westeros. The Targaryens built roads, bridges, and cities. They established a system of laws and taxation. They also introduced the Seven Faith to Westeros.

The Targaryens also left behind a legacy of fire and blood. They were a family of conquerors and tyrants, and their rule was often marked by violence and bloodshed. However, the Targaryens were also a family of visionaries and dreamers. They believed in the destiny of Westeros, and they worked to make the realm a better place.

The Targaryen dynasty may be gone, but their legacy lives on. The Targaryens are a reminder that even the most powerful dynasties can fall, and that the legacy of any family is ultimately shaped by the choices of its members.

The Targaryen dynasty was a complex and fascinating family. They ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years, and their story is a tapestry of ambition, betrayal, and triumph. The Targaryens left a lasting legacy on Westeros, and their story continues to inspire and fascinate people around the world.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

by George R. R. Martin

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	95490 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	801 pages

FREE