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[[File:the_iron_throne.jpg|The Iron Throne is located on a high platform in the throne room - art by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|400px|right]]
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[[File:Marc Simonetti Bran theironthroneJoff.jpg|According to [[George R. R. Martin]] this painting is the closest to how he envisions the Iron Throne <ref>[http://io9.com/george-r-r-martin-this-is-what-the-iron-throne-really-721293015?utm_source=recirculation&utm_medium=recirculation&utm_campaign=afternoon/ George R.R. Martin: This is what the Iron Throne REALLY looks like]</ref> - by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|300px|right]]
[[File:Forging the iron throne by earthenblood II.png|[[Balerion]] helps forge the Iron Throne - art by Lindsey Burcar ©|thumb|400px|right]]
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[[File:Balerion by Earthenblood Iron Throne is forged II.png|[[Balerion]] helps forge the Iron Throne - art by Lindsey Burcar ©|thumb|300px|right]]
[[File:Marc Simonetti Bran theironthroneJoff.jpg|According to [[George R. R. Martin]] this painting is close to how he envisions the Iron Throne <ref>[http://io9.com/george-r-r-martin-this-is-what-the-iron-throne-really-721293015?utm_source=recirculation&utm_medium=recirculation&utm_campaign=afternoon/ George R.R. Martin: This is what the Iron Throne REALLY looks like]</ref> - by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|350px|right]]
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[[File:Forging the iron throne.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Workers help Balerion forge the Iron Throne]]
[[file:Iron Throne by thegryph.jpg|thumb|250px|The Iron Throne by Nicole Cardiff ©]]
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[[file:Iron Throne by thegryph.jpg|thumb|300px|The Iron Throne by Nicole Cardiff ©]]
[[File:Iron_throne_HBO.jpg|thumb|250px|The Iron Throne from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
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[[File:Iron_throne_HBO.jpg|thumb|300px|The Iron Throne from ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
  
The '''Iron Throne''' is the seat of kings in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] and is often used as a [[w:metonymy|metonymic]] device to refer to the king's authority. The king often holds audiences and dispenses [[Law and justice|justice]] from atop it in the [[Red Keep]]'s throne room. Only the [[Hand of the King]] may sit on the throne in the king's absence. The chair itself is cold and hard, with many jagged edges.{{Ref|aCoK|25}}
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The '''Iron Throne''' is the seat of the [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]], and is often used as a [[w:metonymy|metonymic]] device to refer to the king's authority. The king often holds audiences and dispenses [[Law and justice|justice]] from atop it in the [[Red Keep]]'s throne room. The chair itself is cold and hard, with many jagged edges.{{Ref|aCoK|25}}
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Only the [[Hand of the King]] may sit on the throne in the king's absence. Such privilege does not extend to [[regent]]s.{{Ref|aFfC|24}}
  
 
==Appearance==
 
==Appearance==
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of the Iron Throne|Images of the Iron Throne]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of the Iron Throne|Images of the Iron Throne]]''
The Iron Throne was constructed by [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the first king of the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon the Conqueror had the throne made from the swords surrendered by his enemies. It is supposed to have taken a thousand blades to make, heated in the breath of [[Balerion|Balerion the Black Dread]]. The hammering took fifty-nine days.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
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The Iron Throne was constructed by [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the first king of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]. Aegon the Conqueror had the throne made from the swords surrendered by his enemies. It is supposed to have taken a thousand blades to make, heated in the breath of [[Balerion|Balerion the Black Dread]]. The hammering took fifty-nine days.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
  
The Iron Throne is an assymetric monstrosity of spikes and jagged edges and twisted metal. It is uncomfortable, and the back is fanged with steel which makes leaning back impossible. Aegon I had it made this way deliberately, saying that a king should never sit easy. King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], the "Mad King," was always cutting himself upon it, and it is said that the throne itself has caused the deaths of several people.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
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The Iron Throne is an asymmetric monstrosity of spikes and jagged edges and twisted metal. It is uncomfortable, and the back is fanged with steel which makes leaning back impossible. Aegon I had it made this way deliberately, saying that a king should never sit easy. King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], the "Mad King," was always cutting himself upon it, and it is said that the throne itself has caused the deaths of several people.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
  
Since the construction of the [[Red Keep]], the Iron Throne has been located on a high platform in the throne room within the castle. Usually, the members of the [[Kingsguard]] stand guard below and when the king is presiding, only he, his family, and his council may sit. All others must stand or kneel.{{Ref|aGoT|43}} During the rule of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], the throne room was decorated with the skulls of their [[dragon]]s.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
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Since the construction of the [[Red Keep]] in [[King's Landing]], the Iron Throne has been located on a high platform in the throne room within the castle. Usually, the members of the [[Kingsguard]] stand guard below. When the king is presiding, only he, his family, and his council may sit; all others must stand or kneel.{{Ref|aGoT|43}} During the rule of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], the throne room was decorated with the [[Dragon skulls (Targaryen)|skulls of their dragon]]s.{{Ref|aGoT|43}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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:{{Main|House Targaryen}}
 
:{{Main|House Targaryen}}
  
Once [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon I]] had conquered six of the seven kingdoms, he proclaimed himself king of Westeros, and the rule of the Iron Throne extended over the continent. He was acknowledged by the previous [[kings in the North]] and [[King of the Rock|the Rock]], and had the support of the rulers he had appointed to [[the Stormlands]], [[the Riverlands]] and [[the Reach]].  
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Once [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon I]] had conquered six of the seven kingdoms, he proclaimed himself the only king in Westeros, and the rule of the Iron Throne extended over the continent. He was acknowledged by the previous [[kings in the North]] and [[King of the Rock|the Rock]], and had the support of the rulers he had appointed to [[the Stormlands]], [[the Riverlands]] and [[the Reach]].
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The first years of Targaryen reign were a period of uneasiness and turmoil. Upon King Aegon's death, his son [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]], born of [[incest]] and considered a weakling, took the throne. Upon his ascension, several rebellions broke out over [[Westeros]]. During Aenys's rule, the [[Faith of the Seven]] suffered numerous (though unintentional) slights; the final straw was when Aenys had his [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|son and heir]] wed to his [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|daughter]]. This incestuous marriage enraged the Faith and led to the [[Faith Militant uprising]] against the Iron Throne. Aenys died later that year, some say by illness, others murder.{{ref|twoiaf| Aenys I}}
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Due to the scheming of Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]], her son [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] took the Throne rather then the late King Aenys's [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|eldest son]]. Maegor the Cruel was a harsh ruler - his response to the Faith's rebellion was bloody and ferocious, resulting in the deaths of thousands in battle, slaughter and [[dragonfire]]. The carnage lasted through all of Maegor's reign. During Maegor's reign, construction of the [[Red Keep]] was completed, and to preserve its secrets, Maegor had all its builders put to death. Maegor was killed atop the Iron Throne; some say the throne itself killed him.{{ref|ASOS|36}}{{ref|twoiaf| Maegor I}}
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Due to Maegor dying with no issue, his successor was King Aenys's last surviving son [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys]]. Jaehaerys ended the Faith's uprising peacefully, and brought peace and prosperity to the realm for over fifty years. He was succeeded by his grandson.
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King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] reigned over a time of peace and plenty for the Seven Kingdoms continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Jaehaerys the Wise.
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However, upon Viserys's death there was a succession dispute between his eldest daughter and designated heiress [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] and his younger son [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]]. This dispute led to the first major civil war in the history of the unified Seven Kingdoms, known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. According to [[Septon]] [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], Rhaenyra bled after sitting the Iron Throne following the [[fall of King's Landing]], even though she wore armor.{{ref|TPATQ}} [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] eventually had Rhaenyra executed, but his rule was short and he was killed by poison half a year later.  
  
The first years of Targaryen reign were a period of uneasiness and turmoil. Upon King Aegon's death, his son [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]], born of incest and considered a weakling, took the throne. The [[Faith of the Seven]] rejected his legitimacy to rule which led to the [[Faith Militant uprising]] against the Iron Throne. Unable to deal with the crisis, King Aenys handed much of the responsibility for the war to his half-brother, [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]], who served as the [[Hand of the King]]. He succeeded Aenys after he died five years later as Maegor I Targaryen. Maegor the Cruel was a harsh ruler - his response to the rebellion was bloody and ferocious, resulting in the deaths of thousands in battle, slaughter and [[dragonfire]]. The slaughter lasted all of Aenys and Maegor's reigns. During Maegor's reign contruction of the [[Red Keep]] was completed, and to preserve its secrets, Maegor had all its builders put to death. Maegor was murdered atop the Iron Throne; some say the throne itself killed him.{{ref|ASOS|36}} His successor, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], brought peace to the realm for over fifty years.
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After his death, Rhaenyra's son [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] took the throne, and [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], the daughter of Aegon II, as his wife and queen. Although the conflict had been resolved and the continuity of the Targaryen line was again assured, the war caused great damage to their power: many [[dragon]]s had died during the fratricidal fighting, thus depriving them of their most valuable resource. Aegon III was considered a broken King who brooded throughout his reign. He became known as Aegon Dragonbane when the last of the Targaryen Dragons died during his rule.  
  
King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] reigned over a time of peace and plenty for the Seven Kingdoms. However, upon his death there was a succession dispute between his elder daughter and designated heiress [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] and his younger son Aegon. This dispute led to the first major civil war in the history of the unified Seven Kingdoms, that would be known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. According to Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], Rhaenyra bled after sitting the Iron Throne following the [[fall of King's Landing]], even though she wore armor.{{ref|TPATQ}} [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]] eventually had Rhaenyra executed, but his rule was short. After his death, Rhaenyra's son [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] took the throne and [[Jaehaera Targaryen]], the daughter of Aegon II, as a wife. Although the conflict had been resolved and the continuity of the Targaryen line was again assured, the war caused great damage to their power: many [[dragon]]s had died during the fratricidal fighting, thus depriving them of their most valuable resource.
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[[Dorne]] had long been a source of frustration to the Targaryens. Upon taking the throne at the age of fourteen in {{Date|157}}, Aegon's son King [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron I]] almost immediately launched an [[Conquest of Dorne|invasion]] of [[Dorne]]. This was an attempt to finish Aegon the Conqueror's work and unify all the seven original kingdoms and the rule of the Iron Throne. His campaign was a success, but the rebellious [[Dornishmen]] made holding Dorne a costly adventure. It is said the conquest of Dorne lasted but a summer, and that the Young Dragon spent ten thousand men taking Dorne and lost fifty thousand trying to hold it. Daeron himself died at age eighteen while trying to solidify control of the area, after the Dornishmen rose in rebellion.  
  
[[Dorne]] had long been a source of frustration to the Targaryens. Upon taking the throne in {{Date|157}} King [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron I]], at the age of fourteen, almost immediately launched an [[Conquest of Dorne|invasion of Dorne]], in an attempt to finish Aegon the Conqueror work and unify all the seven original kingdoms and the rule of the Iron Throne. His campaign was a success, he managed to invade Dorne, but the rebellious [[Dornishmen]] made holding it a costly adventure. It is said the conquest of Dorne lasted but a summer and that the Young Dragon spent ten thousand men taking Dorne and lost fifty thousand trying to hold it. Daeron himself died while trying to solidify control of the area, after the Dornishmen rose in rebellion. He died at age eighteen and was succeeded by his brother. King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]] proved a peaceful king and a pious man. He constructed the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] in King’s Landing. He died in {{Date|171}} and was succeeded by his uncle, King [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]], who was the tenth Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. He reigned for only a year but it said he truly ruled and preserved the land for much longer, as the Hand during King Baelor's time and King Daeron's before him, while he was campaigning in Dorne.  
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Daeron I was succeeded by his brother. King [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor the Blessed]] proved a peaceful king and a pious man. He constructed the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] in King’s Landing.  
  
His son, King [[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon IV]], would end being remembered as Aegon the Unworthy, held to be the worst king in the history of the Seven Kingdoms, in part because he legitimized all of his [[bastard|bastards]] on his deathbed, planting the seeds for the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]].
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He died in {{Date|171}}, and was succeeded by his uncle, King [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]], the tenth Targaryen to sit the Iron Throne. Viserys reigned for only a year, but it said he truly ruled and preserved the land for much longer, as he had been the Hand during the time of his brother Aegon III's reign, as well as the reigns of his nephews Daeron and Baelor.
  
King [[Daeron II Targaryen]] brought Dorne peacefully into the Seven Kingdoms through a dual marriage pact. Daeron the Good survived the first of the Blackfyre rebellions which ended with the death of his half-brother, [[Daemon Blackfyre]].
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Viserys's son, King [[Aegon IV Targaryen|Aegon IV]], would be remembered as Aegon the Unworthy, held to be the worst king in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. This was in part because he legitimized all of his [[bastard]]s on his deathbed, planting the seeds for the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]].
  
Daeron died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]] and was succeeded by [[Aerys I Targaryen|Aerys I]], a bookish man who left most of the running of the realm to his Hand, [[Brynden Rivers]]. The [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]] was ended at [[Whitewalls]] during his rule. Aerys's death without issue let to the crowning of his younger brother, [[Maekar I Targaryen]], who ruled a dozen years. He was followed by his son [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon V]] who became known as "the Unlikely" because he was the fourth son of a fourth son. [[House Blackfyre]] was finally exterminated in the male line during his reign in the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]. Aegon perished in the [[tragedy of Summerhall]].
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Aegon's trueborn son King [[Daeron II Targaryen]] brought Dorne peacefully into the Seven Kingdoms through a dual marriage pact. Daeron the Good won the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion|first of the Blackfyre rebellions]], which ended with the death of his half-brother [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]].
  
Next came the sickly [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen|Jaehaerys II]]. Though frail, he was wise and ruled well in his short reign of three years. He was followed by his son, [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys II]], who would become known as the Mad King and King Scab because of how frequently he was cut by the Iron Throne. Aerys executed [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and [[Brandon Stark]] in the throne room and demanded that [[Jon Arryn]] surrender [[Eddard Stark]] and [[Robert Baratheon]] to the throne. [[Robert's Rebellion]] put an end to the Targaryen Dynasty on the Iron Throne after nearly 300 years. Aerys was cut down by one of his own [[Kingsguard]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], who became known as the [[Jaime Lannister|Kingslayer]]. Robert was crowned king and the surviving Targaryens fled into exile in [[Essos]].
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Daeron died in the [[Great Spring Sickness]] and was succeeded by his second son, [[Aerys I Targaryen|Aerys I]], a bookish man who left most of the running of the realm to his Hand, [[Brynden Rivers]]. The [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion|Second]] and [[Third Blackfyre Rebellion]] happened during his rule.
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Aerys's death without issue let to the crowning of his younger brother, [[Maekar I Targaryen]], who ruled a dozen mostly peaceful years.
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Maekar was followed by his son [[Aegon V Targaryen|Aegon V]], who became known as "the Unlikely" because he was the fourth son of a fourth son. The [[Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]] was put down during Aegon's reign. Aegon perished in the [[tragedy of Summerhall]].
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Next came the sickly [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen|Jaehaerys II]], Aegon's second son. Though frail, he was wise and ruled well in his short reign of three years. [[House Blackfyre]] was finally exterminated in the male line during his reign, in the final Blackfyre rebellion known as the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]].
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Jaehaerys was followed by his son, [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys II]], who would become known as the Mad King and King Scab because of how frequently he was cut by the Iron Throne. Aerys executed [[Rickard Stark|Rickard]] and [[Brandon Stark]] in the throne room and demanded that [[Jon Arryn]] surrender [[Eddard Stark]] and [[Robert Baratheon]] to the throne. [[Robert's Rebellion]], which erupted after Aerys's unjust executions and other atrocities, put an end to the Targaryen Dynasty on the Iron Throne after nearly 300 years. Aerys was cut down by one of his own [[Kingsguard]], Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], who became known as the [[Kingslayer]]. Robert was crowned king and the surviving Targaryens fled into exile in [[Essos]].
  
 
===Baratheon Dynasty===
 
===Baratheon Dynasty===
 
:{{Main|House Baratheon of King's Landing}}
 
:{{Main|House Baratheon of King's Landing}}
[[File:MagaliVilleneuve_JoffIronThrone.jpg‎‎|King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] upon the Iron Throne - by Magali Villeneuve. © Fantasy Flight Games|thumb|right|400px]]
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Lord [[Robert Baratheon]] of [[Storm's End]] ascended to the Iron Throne in {{Date|283}}, after successfully leading the [[Robert's Rebellion|rebellion]] against the Targaryens. The fact that Aerys Targaryen was slain by a Lannister spared Robert from being labeled a [[kingslayer]]. The dragon skulls in the throne room were replaced with hunting tapestries.
Lord [[Robert Baratheon]] of [[Storm's End]] ascended to the Iron Throne in {{Date|283}} after successfully leading the [[Robert's Rebellion|rebellion]] against the Targaryens which erupted after Aerys's unjust executions of several important lords and other atrocities. The fact that Aerys Targaryen was slain by a Lannister spared Robert from being labelled a [[kingslayer]]. The dragon skulls in the throne room were replaced with hunting tapestries.
 
  
Six years after Robert's accession, Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]] of the [[Iron Islands]], believing that King Robert's rule was still insecure, proclaimed independence for the Iron Islands and led a rebellion against the Iron Throne. He was proven wrong and the same coalition which won Robert's Rebellion put down [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] and repatriated the Iron Islands.
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Six years after Robert's ascension, Lord [[Balon Greyjoy]] of the [[Iron Islands]], believing that King Robert's rule was still insecure, proclaimed independence for the Iron Islands and led a rebellion against the Iron Throne. He was proven wrong, and the same coalition which won Robert's Rebellion put down [[Greyjoy's Rebellion]] and repatriated the Iron Islands.
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
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[[File:MagaliVilleneuve_JoffIronThrone.jpg‎‎|King [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]] upon the Iron Throne - by Magali Villeneuve. © Fantasy Flight Games|thumb|right|300px]]
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
King [[Robert Baratheon]]'s reign comes to end after his wife, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], arranges his death. The eldest son of Cersei, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], takes the throne. Robert had acknowledged him as a trueborn son, but the father of Cersei's children is actually her twin, [[Jaime Lannister]]. The hunting tapestries which had replaced the dragon skulls are taken down from the throne room.
 
King [[Robert Baratheon]]'s reign comes to end after his wife, Queen [[Cersei Lannister]], arranges his death. The eldest son of Cersei, [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], takes the throne. Robert had acknowledged him as a trueborn son, but the father of Cersei's children is actually her twin, [[Jaime Lannister]]. The hunting tapestries which had replaced the dragon skulls are taken down from the throne room.
  
After Joffrey capriciously orders the beheading of Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the [[North]] claims independence and secedes from the Iron Throne. Joffrey being a bastard leads Robert's brothers, [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], to put forward their own claims to the Iron Throne.
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After Joffrey capriciously orders the beheading of Lord [[Eddard Stark]], the [[North]] claims independence and secedes from the Iron Throne. Joffrey's bastardy leads Robert's younger brothers, [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis]] and [[Renly Baratheon]], to put forward their own claims to the Iron Throne.
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
After two years of bitter fighting and the death of King [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], the war is believed to have largely ended. Despite Joffrey's victory, he is poisoned at [[Purple Wedding|his own wedding feast]] in the throne room and his younger brother [[Tommen Baratheon]] is crowned in his place. Tommen is controlled by his advisors and his mother, Queen Regent Cersei, and his grandfather, [[Tywin Lannister]], who serves as Tommen's [[Hand of the King]].
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After two years of bitter fighting and the death of [[King of the North]] [[Robb Stark]] in the [[Red Wedding]], the war is believed to have largely ended. Despite Joffrey's victory, he is poisoned at [[Purple Wedding|his own wedding feast]] in the throne room and his younger brother [[Tommen Baratheon]] is crowned in his place. Tommen is controlled by his advisors: his mother, Queen Regent Cersei, and his grandfather, [[Tywin Lannister]], who serves as Tommen's [[Hand of the King]].
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Following the death of Tywin, Cersei controls the Iron Throne on behalf of her son, the young Tommen. She is arrested by the [[Faith of the Seven]], however. King [[Euron Greyjoy]] tells the [[ironborn]] they can conquer all of Westeros.
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Following the death of Tywin, Cersei holds the Iron Throne as [[regent]] on behalf of her son, the young Tommen. However, after she re-establishes the [[Faith Militant]], she is arrested by the [[Faith of the Seven]] for various crimes. [[King of the Iron Islands]] [[Euron Greyjoy]] tells the [[ironborn]] they can conquer all of Westeros.
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
Tommen continues to hold the Iron Throne, but Stannis still maintains his claim while in the North. The [[Golden Company]] begin their campaign to place [[Aegon Targaryen|Aegon VI Targaryen]] on the throne.
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Tommen continues to hold the Iron Throne, but Stannis still maintains his claim even while in the North. The [[Golden Company]] begins their campaign to place [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon VI Targaryen]] on the throne.
  
 
<!--temporarily removed until the extension will be fixed. {{Template:Iron Throne}}-->
 
<!--temporarily removed until the extension will be fixed. {{Template:Iron Throne}}-->
[[File:Kings on the Iron throne.png|right]]
 
  
 
==List of Kings==
 
==List of Kings==
* 1-37: [[Aegon I Targaryen]], the Conqueror/the Dragon
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The following kings have ruled the [[Seven Kingdoms]] with the Iron Throne as their seat:
* 37-42: [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|1}}-{{Date|37}}: [[Aegon I Targaryen]], also known as "the Conqueror" and "the Dragon"
* 42-48: [[Maegor I Targaryen]], the Cruel
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# {{Date|37}}-{{Date|42}}: [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
* 48-103: [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], the Conciliator/the Wise
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# {{Date|42}}-{{Date|48}}: [[Maegor I Targaryen]], also known as "the Cruel"
* 103-129: [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|48}}-{{Date|103}}: [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], also known as "the Conciliator" and "the Wise"
* 129-131: [[Aegon II Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|103}}-{{Date|129}}: [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
* 131-157: [[Aegon III Targaryen]], the Dragonbane
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# {{Date|129}}-{{Date|131}}: [[Aegon II Targaryen]], also called "the Usurper"
* 157-161: [[Daeron I Targaryen]], the Young Dragon  
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# {{Date|131}}-{{Date|157}}: [[Aegon III Targaryen]], also known as "the Dragonbane"
* 161-171: [[Baelor I Targaryen]], the Blessed/the Beloved
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# {{Date|157}}-{{Date|161}}: [[Daeron I Targaryen]], also known as "the Young Dragon"
* 171-172: [[Viserys II Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|161}}-{{Date|171}}: [[Baelor I Targaryen]], also known as "the Blessed" and "the Beloved"
* 172-184: [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], the Unworthy
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# {{Date|171}}-{{Date|172}}: [[Viserys II Targaryen]]
* 184-209: [[Daeron II Targaryen]], the Good
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# {{Date|172}}-{{Date|184}}: [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], also known as "the Unworthy"
* 209-221: [[Aerys I Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|184}}-{{Date|209}}: [[Daeron II Targaryen]], also known as "the Good"
* 221-233: [[Maekar I Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|209}}-{{Date|221}}: [[Aerys I Targaryen]]
* 233-259: [[Aegon V Targaryen]], the Unlikely
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# {{Date|221}}-{{Date|233}}: [[Maekar I Targaryen]]
* 259-262: [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|233}}-{{Date|259}}: [[Aegon V Targaryen]], also known as "the Unlikely"
* 262-283: [[Aerys II Targaryen]], the Mad King/King Scab
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# {{Date|259}}-{{Date|262}}: [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]
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# {{Date|262}}-{{Date|283}}: [[Aerys II Targaryen]], also known as "the Mad King" and "King Scab"
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# {{Date|283}}-{{Date|298}}: [[Robert I Baratheon]], also called "the Usurper"
 +
# {{Date|298}}-{{Date|300}}: [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], sometimes called "the Illborn"
 +
# {{Date|300}}-Present: [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]
  
* 283-298: [[Robert I Baratheon]], the Usurper
+
{| class="wikitable collapsible collapsed" style="width:100%;"
* 298-300: [[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]], the Ill Born
+
|-
* 300-: [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], the Boy King
+
! colspan="5" | Gallery: Kings on the Iron Throne
 +
|-
 +
|| [[File:AEGON I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aegon I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:AENYS I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aenys I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:MAEGOR I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Maegor I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:JAEHAERYS I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:VISERYS I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Viserys I Targaryen]]''']]
 +
|-
 +
|| [[File:AEGON II.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aegon II Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:AEGON III.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aegon III Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:DAERON I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Daeron I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:BAELOR I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Baelor I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:VISERYS II.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Viserys II Targaryen]]''']]
 +
|-
 +
|| [[File:AEGON IV.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aegon IV Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:DAERON II.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Daeron II Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:AERYS I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aerys I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:MAEKAR I.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Maekar I Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:AEGON V.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aegon V Targaryen]]''']]
 +
|-
 +
|| [[File:JAEHAERYS II.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Jaehaerys II Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:AERYS II.jpg|225px|center|thumb|'''[[Aerys II Targaryen]]''']] || [[File:Robert Baratheon.jpg|205px|center|thumb|'''[[Robert I Baratheon]]''']] || [[File:Joffrey Baratheon.jpg|205px|center|thumb|'''[[Joffrey Baratheon|Joffrey I Baratheon]]''']] || [[File:King Tommen.jpg|205px|center|thumb|'''[[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]''']]
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
+
===Claimants to the Iron Throne===
;Claimants to the Iron Throne
+
* {{Date|42}}-{{Date|43}}: [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]], eldest son of [[Aenys I Targaryen]] and his rightful heir, laid claim to the throne after his uncle [[Maegor I Targaryen]] took it. He was killed by his uncle in the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]].
* 129-131: [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], the Realm's Delight, Princess of Dragonstone, the rightful heir to [[Viserys I Targaryen]], she was usurped by her half-brother [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. This lead to the [[Dance of the Dragons‎]] civil war.  
+
* {{Date|129}}-{{Date|130}}: [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], also known as "the Realm's Delight", [[Prince of Dragonstone|Princess of Dragonstone]], the rightful heir to [[Viserys I Targaryen]]; she was usurped by her half-brother, [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. This led to the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons‎]].
* 195-196: [[Daemon Blackfyre]], during the [[Blackfyre Rebellion]]. The first of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]].
+
* {{Date|130}}: [[Trystane Truefyre]], alleged bastard son of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], during the [[Moon of the Three Kings]].
* 196-212: [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], up to the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]]. The second of the Blackfyre Pretenders.
+
* {{Date|130}}: [[Gaemon Palehair]], alleged bastard son of [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and a [[Essie|whore]], during the [[Moon of the Three Kings]].
* c.256 :[[Maelys Blackfyre]], during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]. The last known Blackfyre Pretender.
+
* {{Date|196}}-{{Date|196}}: [[Daemon I Blackfyre]], the first of the [[Blackfyre Pretenders]], trying to claim the throne during the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]].
* 283-298: [[Viserys Targaryen]], the Beggar King, styled himself as Viserys III Targaryen; killed by the [[Dothraki]] for violating the laws of [[Vaes Dothrak]].
+
* {{Date|211}}: [[Daemon II Blackfyre]], plotting to claim the throne during the [[Second Blackfyre Rebellion]]. The second of the Blackfyre Pretenders.
* 298- : [[Daenerys Targaryen]], the Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea.
+
* {{Date|219}}: [[Haegon I Blackfyre]], trying to claim the throne during the [[Third Blackfyre Rebellion]]. The third of the Blackfyre Pretenders.
* 298-299: [[Renly Baratheon|Renly I Baratheon]], Lord of Storm's End; killed by a [[Shadow assassin|shadow]].
+
* {{Date|236}}: [[Daemon III Blackfyre]], trying to claim the throne during the [[Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion]]. The fourth of the Blackfyre Pretenders.
* 298- : [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis I Baratheon]], Lord of Dragonstone.
+
* {{Date|260}}: [[Maelys I Blackfyre]], trying to claim the throne during the [[War of the Ninepenny Kings]]. The fifth and last of the Blackfyre Pretenders.
* 300- : [[Aegon Targaryen|Aegon VI Targaryen]].
+
* {{Date|283}}-{{Date|298}}: [[Viserys Targaryen]], the Beggar King, styling himself as Viserys III Targaryen; killed by the [[Dothraki]] for violating the laws of [[Vaes Dothrak]].
 +
* {{Date|298}}-Present: [[Daenerys Targaryen]], the Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea.
 +
* {{Date|298}}-{{Date|299}}: [[Renly Baratheon|Renly I Baratheon]], Lord of Storm's End; killed by a [[Shadow assassin|shadow]].
 +
* {{Date|299}}-Present: [[Stannis Baratheon|Stannis I Baratheon]], Lord of Dragonstone.
 +
* {{Date|300}}-Present: [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], the son of the late Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]].
  
 
==Quotes about the Iron Throne==
 
==Quotes about the Iron Throne==
[[File:Marc Simonetti ARIS mashup.jpg|Marc Simonetti © |thumb|400px|right]]
+
[[File:Marc Simonetti ARIS mashup.jpg|Marc Simonetti © |thumb|300px|right]]
 
{{Quote|[[Jaime Lannister|He]] spoke truly, it is a monstrous uncomfortable chair. In more ways than one.{{Ref|agot|12}}}} – [[Robert Baratheon]], to [[Eddard Stark]]
 
{{Quote|[[Jaime Lannister|He]] spoke truly, it is a monstrous uncomfortable chair. In more ways than one.{{Ref|agot|12}}}} – [[Robert Baratheon]], to [[Eddard Stark]]
 +
 +
 +
{{Quote|I swear to you, sitting a throne is a thousand times harder than winning one.}} – [[Robert Baratheon]], to [[Eddard Stark]]
  
  
Line 112: Line 152:
  
  
{{Quote|Have you ever seen the Iron Throne? The barbs along the back, the ribbons of twisted steel, the jagged ends of swords and knives all tangled up and melted? It is not a '''comfortable''' seat, ser. [[Aerys II|Aerys]] cut himself so often men took to calling him King Scab, and [[Maegor I|Maegor the Cruel]] was murdered in that chair. '''By''' that chair, to hear some tell it. It is not a seat where a man can rest at ease. Ofttimes I wonder why my brothers wanted it so desperately.{{Ref|aSoS|36}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
+
{{Quote|Have you ever seen the Iron Throne? The barbs along the back, the ribbons of twisted steel, the jagged ends of swords and knives all tangled up and melted? It is not a '''comfortable''' seat, ser. [[Aerys II Targaryen|Aerys]] cut himself so often men took to calling him King Scab, and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]] was murdered in that chair. '''By''' that chair, to hear some tell it. It is not a seat where a man can rest at ease. Ofttimes I wonder why my brothers wanted it so desperately.{{Ref|aSoS|36}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
  
  
Line 119: Line 159:
  
 
{{Quote|If [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]] is no more than a sweet young girl, the Iron Throne will cut her into sweet young pieces.{{Ref|aDwD|5}}}} – [[Tyrion Lannister]], to [[Illyrio Mopatis]]
 
{{Quote|If [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]] is no more than a sweet young girl, the Iron Throne will cut her into sweet young pieces.{{Ref|aDwD|5}}}} – [[Tyrion Lannister]], to [[Illyrio Mopatis]]
 +
 +
 +
{{Quote|I will claim the Iron Throne by myself, with your swords and your allegiance.}} - [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]], to the [[Golden Company]]
 +
 +
{{Quote|When [[wights|dead men]] come hunting in the night, do you think it matters who sits on the Iron Throne?}} - [[the Old Bear]]
 +
 +
==Behind the Scenes==
 +
[[George R. R. Martin]] intends the Iron Throne to be intimidating. In an interview, he referenced [[w:Percy Bysshe Shelley|Percy Bysshe Shelley's]] poem "[[w:Ozymandias|Ozymandias]]": 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'<ref>[[w:92nd Street Y|92nd Street Y]]: [http://92yondemand.org/george-r-r-martin-world-ice-fire Game of Thrones Mastermind George R. R. Martin: The World of Ice and Fire], Oct 26, 2014</ref>
  
 
==References and Notes==
 
==References and Notes==
Line 124: Line 172:
  
  
{{Template:Kings of Westeros}}
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{{Kings of Westeros}}
  
 
[[Category:Objects]]
 
[[Category:Objects]]
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[[Category:Red Keep]]
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[[Category:Thrones]]
 
[[Category:Westeros]]
 
[[Category:Westeros]]
[[Category:King's Landing]]
 
[[Category:Red Keep]]
 
  
 
[[es:Trono_de_Hierro]]
 
[[es:Trono_de_Hierro]]

Revision as of 15:36, 7 April 2017

According to George R. R. Martin this painting is the closest to how he envisions the Iron Throne [1] - by Marc Simonetti ©
Balerion helps forge the Iron Throne - art by Lindsey Burcar ©
Workers help Balerion forge the Iron Throne
The Iron Throne by Nicole Cardiff ©
The Iron Throne from Game of Thrones

The Iron Throne is the seat of the Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and is often used as a metonymic device to refer to the king's authority. The king often holds audiences and dispenses justice from atop it in the Red Keep's throne room. The chair itself is cold and hard, with many jagged edges.[2]

Only the Hand of the King may sit on the throne in the king's absence. Such privilege does not extend to regents.[3]

Appearance

See also: Images of the Iron Throne

The Iron Throne was constructed by Aegon I Targaryen, the first king of the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon the Conqueror had the throne made from the swords surrendered by his enemies. It is supposed to have taken a thousand blades to make, heated in the breath of Balerion the Black Dread. The hammering took fifty-nine days.[4]

The Iron Throne is an asymmetric monstrosity of spikes and jagged edges and twisted metal. It is uncomfortable, and the back is fanged with steel which makes leaning back impossible. Aegon I had it made this way deliberately, saying that a king should never sit easy. King Aerys II Targaryen, the "Mad King," was always cutting himself upon it, and it is said that the throne itself has caused the deaths of several people.[4]

Since the construction of the Red Keep in King's Landing, the Iron Throne has been located on a high platform in the throne room within the castle. Usually, the members of the Kingsguard stand guard below. When the king is presiding, only he, his family, and his council may sit; all others must stand or kneel.[4] During the rule of the Targaryens, the throne room was decorated with the skulls of their dragons.[4]

History

Targaryen Dynasty

Once Aegon I had conquered six of the seven kingdoms, he proclaimed himself the only king in Westeros, and the rule of the Iron Throne extended over the continent. He was acknowledged by the previous kings in the North and the Rock, and had the support of the rulers he had appointed to the Stormlands, the Riverlands and the Reach.

The first years of Targaryen reign were a period of uneasiness and turmoil. Upon King Aegon's death, his son Aenys I, born of incest and considered a weakling, took the throne. Upon his ascension, several rebellions broke out over Westeros. During Aenys's rule, the Faith of the Seven suffered numerous (though unintentional) slights; the final straw was when Aenys had his son and heir wed to his daughter. This incestuous marriage enraged the Faith and led to the Faith Militant uprising against the Iron Throne. Aenys died later that year, some say by illness, others murder.[5]

Due to the scheming of Dowager Queen Visenya Targaryen, her son Maegor took the Throne rather then the late King Aenys's eldest son. Maegor the Cruel was a harsh ruler - his response to the Faith's rebellion was bloody and ferocious, resulting in the deaths of thousands in battle, slaughter and dragonfire. The carnage lasted through all of Maegor's reign. During Maegor's reign, construction of the Red Keep was completed, and to preserve its secrets, Maegor had all its builders put to death. Maegor was killed atop the Iron Throne; some say the throne itself killed him.[6][7]

Due to Maegor dying with no issue, his successor was King Aenys's last surviving son Jaehaerys. Jaehaerys ended the Faith's uprising peacefully, and brought peace and prosperity to the realm for over fifty years. He was succeeded by his grandson.

King Viserys I Targaryen reigned over a time of peace and plenty for the Seven Kingdoms continuing the legacy of his grandfather, Jaehaerys the Wise.

However, upon Viserys's death there was a succession dispute between his eldest daughter and designated heiress Rhaenyra and his younger son Aegon. This dispute led to the first major civil war in the history of the unified Seven Kingdoms, known as the Dance of the Dragons. According to Septon Eustace, Rhaenyra bled after sitting the Iron Throne following the fall of King's Landing, even though she wore armor.[8] Aegon II eventually had Rhaenyra executed, but his rule was short and he was killed by poison half a year later.

After his death, Rhaenyra's son Aegon III took the throne, and Jaehaera Targaryen, the daughter of Aegon II, as his wife and queen. Although the conflict had been resolved and the continuity of the Targaryen line was again assured, the war caused great damage to their power: many dragons had died during the fratricidal fighting, thus depriving them of their most valuable resource. Aegon III was considered a broken King who brooded throughout his reign. He became known as Aegon Dragonbane when the last of the Targaryen Dragons died during his rule.

Dorne had long been a source of frustration to the Targaryens. Upon taking the throne at the age of fourteen in 157 AC, Aegon's son King Daeron I almost immediately launched an invasion of Dorne. This was an attempt to finish Aegon the Conqueror's work and unify all the seven original kingdoms and the rule of the Iron Throne. His campaign was a success, but the rebellious Dornishmen made holding Dorne a costly adventure. It is said the conquest of Dorne lasted but a summer, and that the Young Dragon spent ten thousand men taking Dorne and lost fifty thousand trying to hold it. Daeron himself died at age eighteen while trying to solidify control of the area, after the Dornishmen rose in rebellion.

Daeron I was succeeded by his brother. King Baelor the Blessed proved a peaceful king and a pious man. He constructed the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing.

He died in 171 AC, and was succeeded by his uncle, King Viserys II, the tenth Targaryen to sit the Iron Throne. Viserys reigned for only a year, but it said he truly ruled and preserved the land for much longer, as he had been the Hand during the time of his brother Aegon III's reign, as well as the reigns of his nephews Daeron and Baelor.

Viserys's son, King Aegon IV, would be remembered as Aegon the Unworthy, held to be the worst king in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. This was in part because he legitimized all of his bastards on his deathbed, planting the seeds for the Blackfyre Pretenders.

Aegon's trueborn son King Daeron II Targaryen brought Dorne peacefully into the Seven Kingdoms through a dual marriage pact. Daeron the Good won the first of the Blackfyre rebellions, which ended with the death of his half-brother Daemon Blackfyre.

Daeron died in the Great Spring Sickness and was succeeded by his second son, Aerys I, a bookish man who left most of the running of the realm to his Hand, Brynden Rivers. The Second and Third Blackfyre Rebellion happened during his rule.

Aerys's death without issue let to the crowning of his younger brother, Maekar I Targaryen, who ruled a dozen mostly peaceful years.

Maekar was followed by his son Aegon V, who became known as "the Unlikely" because he was the fourth son of a fourth son. The Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion was put down during Aegon's reign. Aegon perished in the tragedy of Summerhall.

Next came the sickly Jaehaerys II, Aegon's second son. Though frail, he was wise and ruled well in his short reign of three years. House Blackfyre was finally exterminated in the male line during his reign, in the final Blackfyre rebellion known as the War of the Ninepenny Kings.

Jaehaerys was followed by his son, Aerys II, who would become known as the Mad King and King Scab because of how frequently he was cut by the Iron Throne. Aerys executed Rickard and Brandon Stark in the throne room and demanded that Jon Arryn surrender Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon to the throne. Robert's Rebellion, which erupted after Aerys's unjust executions and other atrocities, put an end to the Targaryen Dynasty on the Iron Throne after nearly 300 years. Aerys was cut down by one of his own Kingsguard, Ser Jaime Lannister, who became known as the Kingslayer. Robert was crowned king and the surviving Targaryens fled into exile in Essos.

Baratheon Dynasty

Lord Robert Baratheon of Storm's End ascended to the Iron Throne in 283 AC, after successfully leading the rebellion against the Targaryens. The fact that Aerys Targaryen was slain by a Lannister spared Robert from being labeled a kingslayer. The dragon skulls in the throne room were replaced with hunting tapestries.

Six years after Robert's ascension, Lord Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands, believing that King Robert's rule was still insecure, proclaimed independence for the Iron Islands and led a rebellion against the Iron Throne. He was proven wrong, and the same coalition which won Robert's Rebellion put down Greyjoy's Rebellion and repatriated the Iron Islands.

Recent Events

King Joffrey I Baratheon upon the Iron Throne - by Magali Villeneuve. © Fantasy Flight Games

A Game of Thrones

King Robert Baratheon's reign comes to end after his wife, Queen Cersei Lannister, arranges his death. The eldest son of Cersei, Joffrey I Baratheon, takes the throne. Robert had acknowledged him as a trueborn son, but the father of Cersei's children is actually her twin, Jaime Lannister. The hunting tapestries which had replaced the dragon skulls are taken down from the throne room.

After Joffrey capriciously orders the beheading of Lord Eddard Stark, the North claims independence and secedes from the Iron Throne. Joffrey's bastardy leads Robert's younger brothers, Stannis and Renly Baratheon, to put forward their own claims to the Iron Throne.

A Clash of Kings

The Seven Kingdoms are thrown into turmoil during the War of the Five Kings. Renly is assassinated and Stannis is defeated at the Blackwater. The Greyjoys enter the war out of opportunism to re-establish independence for the Iron Islands.

A Storm of Swords

After two years of bitter fighting and the death of King of the North Robb Stark in the Red Wedding, the war is believed to have largely ended. Despite Joffrey's victory, he is poisoned at his own wedding feast in the throne room and his younger brother Tommen Baratheon is crowned in his place. Tommen is controlled by his advisors: his mother, Queen Regent Cersei, and his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, who serves as Tommen's Hand of the King.

A Feast for Crows

Following the death of Tywin, Cersei holds the Iron Throne as regent on behalf of her son, the young Tommen. However, after she re-establishes the Faith Militant, she is arrested by the Faith of the Seven for various crimes. King of the Iron Islands Euron Greyjoy tells the ironborn they can conquer all of Westeros.

A Dance with Dragons

Tommen continues to hold the Iron Throne, but Stannis still maintains his claim even while in the North. The Golden Company begins their campaign to place Aegon VI Targaryen on the throne.


List of Kings

The following kings have ruled the Seven Kingdoms with the Iron Throne as their seat:

  1. 1 AC-37 AC: Aegon I Targaryen, also known as "the Conqueror" and "the Dragon"
  2. 37 AC-42 AC: Aenys I Targaryen
  3. 42 AC-48 AC: Maegor I Targaryen, also known as "the Cruel"
  4. 48 AC-103 AC: Jaehaerys I Targaryen, also known as "the Conciliator" and "the Wise"
  5. 103 AC-129 AC: Viserys I Targaryen
  6. 129 AC-131 AC: Aegon II Targaryen, also called "the Usurper"
  7. 131 AC-157 AC: Aegon III Targaryen, also known as "the Dragonbane"
  8. 157 AC-161 AC: Daeron I Targaryen, also known as "the Young Dragon"
  9. 161 AC-171 AC: Baelor I Targaryen, also known as "the Blessed" and "the Beloved"
  10. 171 AC-172 AC: Viserys II Targaryen
  11. 172 AC-184 AC: Aegon IV Targaryen, also known as "the Unworthy"
  12. 184 AC-209 AC: Daeron II Targaryen, also known as "the Good"
  13. 209 AC-221 AC: Aerys I Targaryen
  14. 221 AC-233 AC: Maekar I Targaryen
  15. 233 AC-259 AC: Aegon V Targaryen, also known as "the Unlikely"
  16. 259 AC-262 AC: Jaehaerys II Targaryen
  17. 262 AC-283 AC: Aerys II Targaryen, also known as "the Mad King" and "King Scab"
  18. 283 AC-298 AC: Robert I Baratheon, also called "the Usurper"
  19. 298 AC-300 AC: Joffrey I Baratheon, sometimes called "the Illborn"
  20. 300 AC-Present: Tommen I Baratheon

Claimants to the Iron Throne

Quotes about the Iron Throne

Marc Simonetti ©

He spoke truly, it is a monstrous uncomfortable chair. In more ways than one.[9]

Robert Baratheon, to Eddard Stark


I swear to you, sitting a throne is a thousand times harder than winning one.

Robert Baratheon, to Eddard Stark


Seat Stannis on the Iron Throne and I promise you, the realm will bleed.[10]

Petyr Baelish, to Eddard Stark


This is war, this is what it looks like, this is the price of the Iron Throne.[11]

Daenerys Targaryen's thoughts


They can keep their red castle and their iron chair as well.[12]

Rickard Karstark


Have you ever seen the Iron Throne? The barbs along the back, the ribbons of twisted steel, the jagged ends of swords and knives all tangled up and melted? It is not a comfortable seat, ser. Aerys cut himself so often men took to calling him King Scab, and Maegor the Cruel was murdered in that chair. By that chair, to hear some tell it. It is not a seat where a man can rest at ease. Ofttimes I wonder why my brothers wanted it so desperately.[6]

Stannis Baratheon, to Davos Seaworth


By the end the Mad King had become so fearful that he would allow no blade in his presence, save for the swords his Kingsguard wore. His beard was matted and unwashed, his hair a silver-gold tangle that reached his waist, his fingernails cracked yellow claws nine inches long. Yet still the blades tormented him, the ones he could never escape, the blades of the Iron Throne. His arms and legs were always covered with scabs and half-healed cuts.[13]

Jaime Lannister's thoughts


If Daenerys is no more than a sweet young girl, the Iron Throne will cut her into sweet young pieces.[14]

Tyrion Lannister, to Illyrio Mopatis


I will claim the Iron Throne by myself, with your swords and your allegiance.

- Aegon Targaryen, to the Golden Company

When dead men come hunting in the night, do you think it matters who sits on the Iron Throne?

- the Old Bear

Behind the Scenes

George R. R. Martin intends the Iron Throne to be intimidating. In an interview, he referenced Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias": 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'[15]

References and Notes