Who Are Daenerys Targaryen's Parents? A Comprehensive Look At Her Lineage And Legacy

Lambert McLaughlin 20 Jun 2025

Daenerys Targaryen's parents have been a topic of fascination among fans of the "Game of Thrones" series and the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels. Her lineage plays a crucial role in shaping her destiny and understanding her claim to the Iron Throne. In this article, we will delve into the lives of her parents, their significance, and how their legacy impacts Daenerys' journey.

Daenerys Targaryen, often referred to as the Mother of Dragons, is one of the most iconic characters in modern fantasy literature. Her story is deeply rooted in the history of House Targaryen, a family that once ruled Westeros with fire and blood. Understanding her parents' history provides critical insights into the character's background and motivations.

This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of who Daenerys Targaryen's parents are, their contributions to House Targaryen, and how their actions have shaped the world of Westeros. Let's begin by understanding their biographies, key events, and the lasting impact they had on their daughter's life.

Biography of Daenerys Targaryen's Parents
Jaehaerys II Targaryen: The Forgotten King
Rhaella Targaryen: The Last Queen
The Rise and Fall of House Targaryen
Robert's Rebellion: The Turning Point
The Legacy of Daenerys' Parents
Impact on Daenerys' Journey
Daenerys Targaryen's Family Tree
Key Events in Their Lives
Myths and Misconceptions
Conclusion

Biography of Daenerys Targaryen's Parents

Who Were Daenerys Targaryen's Parents?

Daenerys Targaryen's parents are Jaehaerys II Targaryen and Rhaella Targaryen. Jaehaerys II was the King of the Seven Kingdoms and the father of the infamous Mad King, Aerys II. Rhaella Targaryen, his sister-wife, served as Queen Consort and later became the last Queen of the Targaryen dynasty. Their union was typical of Targaryen tradition, where sibling marriages were common to preserve the bloodline.

Their relationship was marked by tragedy and duty, as they bore witness to the decline of their house. Despite their efforts to restore stability to the realm, the seeds of destruction were already sown within their family. Understanding their lives is essential to comprehending the challenges Daenerys faces in her quest for the Iron Throne.

Jaehaerys II Targaryen: The Forgotten King

Jaehaerys II Targaryen reigned as King of the Seven Kingdoms for a brief period, from 259 AC to 262 AC. Known for his wisdom and pragmatism, he worked tirelessly to mend the fractures caused by the tragic reign of his father, Aegon V Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Unlikely. Jaehaerys' rule was characterized by diplomacy and compromise, qualities that set him apart from many of his predecessors.

**Reign:** 259 AC – 262 AC
**Spouse:** Rhaella Targaryen
**Children:** Aerys II Targaryen, Rhaella Targaryen

Despite his short reign, Jaehaerys II made significant contributions to the realm, including strengthening alliances with the Great Houses and addressing economic issues. His untimely death at the age of 36 left a void that would eventually lead to the downfall of House Targaryen.

Rhaella Targaryen: The Last Queen

Rhaella Targaryen, the sister-wife of Jaehaerys II, played a pivotal role in the final days of the Targaryen dynasty. As the last Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, she endured immense hardship during Robert's Rebellion, which ultimately claimed the lives of her family members. Rhaella's story is one of resilience and sacrifice, as she sought to protect her unborn children from the wrath of Robert Baratheon.

She spent her final days in Dragonstone, where she gave birth to Daenerys amidst chaos and despair. Rhaella's legacy is that of a mother who fought to preserve her lineage, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Rise and Fall of House Targaryen

House Targaryen, once the ruling dynasty of Westeros, rose to power through conquest and fell due to internal strife and external rebellion. The Targaryens were known for their dragons, which gave them a significant advantage in battle. However, their practice of incestuous marriages led to genetic weaknesses and contributed to their decline.

Jaehaerys II and Rhaella Targaryen were products of this tradition, and their children inherited both the strengths and weaknesses of their lineage. Understanding the history of House Targaryen provides context for the challenges faced by Daenerys Targaryen and her siblings.

Robert's Rebellion: The Turning Point

Robert's Rebellion, also known as the War of the Usurper, marked the end of Targaryen rule in Westeros. The rebellion was sparked by the alleged abduction of Lyanna Stark by Rhaegar Targaryen, the crown prince and brother of Daenerys. This event led to a coalition of houses rising against the Targaryens, culminating in the deaths of King Aerys II, Prince Rhaegar, and their children.

Rhaella and her unborn children, Viserys and Daenerys, fled to Dragonstone, where they sought refuge. The rebellion's success changed the course of Westerosi history and set the stage for Daenerys' eventual return.

The Legacy of Daenerys' Parents

The legacy of Jaehaerys II and Rhaella Targaryen is complex and multifaceted. While Jaehaerys is remembered as a wise and just ruler, Rhaella is often overshadowed by the tragedy of her circumstances. Together, they represent the final chapter of Targaryen rule in Westeros and the hope for a new beginning through their children.

Their legacy lives on through Daenerys, who seeks to restore the Targaryen dynasty and bring peace to the realm. Understanding their contributions and sacrifices provides valuable context for Daenerys' journey and her ultimate goal of reclaiming the Iron Throne.

Impact on Daenerys' Journey

Daenerys Targaryen's parents have a profound impact on her journey, shaping her identity and guiding her decisions. From her birth on Dragonstone to her rise as the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys carries the weight of her family's history and the expectations placed upon her.

Her parents' experiences with power, responsibility, and sacrifice inform her approach to leadership and governance. As she navigates the complexities of Westerosi politics, Daenerys draws strength from the lessons of her parents and the legacy they left behind.

Daenerys Targaryen's Family Tree

Here is a simplified family tree of Daenerys Targaryen's immediate family:

Relation	Name	Role
Father	Jaehaerys II Targaryen	King of the Seven Kingdoms
Mother	Rhaella Targaryen	Queen Consort
Brother	Aerys II Targaryen	Mad King, Predecessor to Robert Baratheon
Siblings	Viserys Targaryen	Self-proclaimed King in exile

Key Events in Their Lives

Several key events define the lives of Daenerys Targaryen's parents:

**Jaehaerys II's Reign:** A period of restoration and diplomacy.
**Rhaella's Pregnancy:** The birth of Viserys and Daenerys during Robert's Rebellion.
**Fall of King's Landing:** The tragic end of Targaryen rule in Westeros.

These events highlight the challenges faced by Jaehaerys and Rhaella and their enduring impact on their children's lives.

Myths and Misconceptions

There are several myths and misconceptions surrounding Daenerys Targaryen's parents:

**Myth:** Jaehaerys II was an ineffective ruler. Reality: He was a wise and capable king whose reign was cut short.
**Myth:** Rhaella Targaryen was powerless. Reality: She played an active role in protecting her children during the rebellion.

Addressing these misconceptions helps to paint a more accurate picture of their lives and contributions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daenerys Targaryen's parents, Jaehaerys II and Rhaella Targaryen, played crucial roles in shaping her destiny. Their lives were marked by tragedy and duty, as they sought to preserve the Targaryen legacy amidst chaos and rebellion. Understanding their history provides valuable insights into Daenerys' journey and her ultimate goal of reclaiming the Iron Throne.

We invite you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. For more in-depth articles on the world of "Game of Thrones" and "A Song of Ice and Fire," explore our other content. Thank you for reading!

Pin by Thaís Gazotti on Movies I love Targaryen family tree, Game of

Targaryen family tree by ToxicChemistry on DeviantArt

The Targaryen family tree House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones

Star In The Making