Difference between revisions of "Jaehaerys I Targaryen"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(History)
(Tags: mobile edit, mobile web edit)
(31 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{See homonyms |Jaehaerys Targaryen}}
 
{{See homonyms |Jaehaerys Targaryen}}
 
{{Monarch
 
{{Monarch
| name         = [[File:House_Targaryen_crest.PNG|50px|left]] '''Jaehaerys I''' [[File:House_Targaryen_crest.PNG|50px|right]]  
+
| name = [[File:House Targaryen.svg|50px|left]] '''Jaehaerys I''' [[File:House Targaryen.svg|50px|right]]  
| image         = [[Image:JAEHAERYS I.jpg|350px]]
+
| image = [[Image:JAEHAERYS I.jpg|350px]]
 
| image_caption = Jaehaerys I by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]
 
| image_caption = Jaehaerys I by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]
| reign         = {{Date|48}} - {{Date|103}}
+
| reign = {{Date|48}} - {{Date|103}}
| coronation   =
+
| coronation =
| othertitles   = King of the [[Andals]], the [[Rhoynar]] and the [[First Men]]<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]<br>[[Protector of the Realm]]
+
| othertitles = [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]<br>[[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]]<br>[[Protector of the Realm]]
| fullname     = Jaehaerys Targaryen the First of His Name
+
| fullname = Jaehaerys Targaryen the First of His Name
|alias         = The Conciliator<br>The Wise<br>The Old King
+
| alias = The Conciliator<br>The Wise<br>The Old King
| predecessor   = [[Maegor I Targaryen]]  
+
| predecessor = [[Maegor I Targaryen]]  
| successor     = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
+
| successor = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
| suc-type=
+
| suc-type =
| heir= 1st: [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]] (?-{{Date|92}})<br>2nd: [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]] ({{Date|92}}-{{Date|101}})<br>3rd: [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] ({{Date|101}}-{{Date|103}})
+
| heir = 1st: [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]] (?-{{Date|92}})<br>2nd: [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]] ({{Date|92}}-{{Date|101}})<br>3rd: [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]] ({{Date|101}}-{{Date|103}})
| queen= [[Alysanne Targaryen]]
+
| queen = [[Alysanne Targaryen]]
| consort=
+
| consort =
| spouse1=
+
| spouse1 =
| issue= [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aegon Targaryen]]<br>[[Alyssa Targaryen]]<br>[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]<br>[[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]<br>[[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]]<br>[[Aeryn Targaryen]]<br>[[Vaegon Targaryen]]<br>[[Maegelle Targaryen]]<br>[[Valerion Targaryen]]<br>[[Viserra Targaryen]]<br>[[Gaemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Gaemon Targaryen]]<br>[[Saera Targaryen]]<br>[[Gael Targaryen]]
+
| issue = [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aegon Targaryen]]<br>[[Alyssa Targaryen]]<br>[[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]]<br>[[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]<br>[[Daella Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daella Targaryen]]<br>[[Aeryn Targaryen]]<br>[[Vaegon Targaryen]]<br>[[Maegelle Targaryen]]<br>[[Valerion Targaryen]]<br>[[Viserra Targaryen]]<br>[[Gaemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Gaemon Targaryen]]<br>[[Saera Targaryen]]<br>[[Gael Targaryen]]
| royalhouse= [[House Targaryen]]
+
| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen]]
| dynasty=
+
| dynasty =
| royalanthem=
+
| royalanthem =
| father= [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
+
| father = [[Aenys I Targaryen]]
| mother= [[Alyssa Velaryon]]{{ref|awoiaf}}
+
| mother = [[Alyssa Velaryon]]{{ref|awoiaf}}
| dateofbirth = {{Date|34}}<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] calculation.''</ref>
+
| dateofbirth = {{Date|34}}<ref name=cal>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued)#Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] calculation.''</ref>
 
| placeofbirth = [[King's Landing]]
 
| placeofbirth = [[King's Landing]]
| dateofdeath = {{Date|103}}
+
| dateofdeath = {{Date|103}}
 
| placeofdeath = [[King's Landing]]
 
| placeofdeath = [[King's Landing]]
 
| dateofburial =
 
| dateofburial =
| placeofburial=
+
| placeofburial =
| Books       = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
+
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sworn Sword]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
 
}}
 
}}
'''Jaehaerys I Targaryen ''', known as '''the Conciliator''', '''the Wise''' or '''the Old King''', was the fourth [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] king to sit the [[Iron Throne]], ruling from {{Date|48}} to {{Date|103}}. He was a dragonrider whose mount was [[Vermithor]]. He was the grandson of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]].
+
 
 +
'''Jaehaerys I Targaryen''', also known as '''the Conciliator''', '''the Wise''' or '''the Old King''', was the fourth [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] king to sit the [[Iron Throne]]. He ascended the throne in {{Date|48}} following the death of his uncle, [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. Jaehaerys was the longest reigning Targaryen monarch, sitting on the throne for fifty-five years. He was a [[dragonrider]], riding [[Vermithor]], the largest [[dragon]] after [[Balerion]] and [[Vhagar]].
  
 
==Appearance and character==
 
==Appearance and character==
According to a semi-canon source, Jaehaerys looked wise and dignified even into his later years, with a long white, flowing beard. Jaehaerys was more of a scholar than a warrior, his crown was a simple gold band with seven different colored stones inset.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]], [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/ Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)]</ref>
+
According to a semi-canon source, Jaehaerys had the purple eyes and silver hair of the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]]. He looked wise and dignified even into his later years, with a long white flowing beard reaching to his waist. Even at an old age, Jaehaerys still stood unstooped.<ref name=ssm>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Targaryen_Kings Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)]</ref> He dressed in flowing robes of black and gold<ref name=ssm/> and wore as a crown a simple band of yellow gold ornamented with seven gems of different colors.{{Ref|tpatq}}
 
 
Jaehaerys was a gifted horse rider, a decent warrior and above all else wise beyond his years. He was decisive both in thought and deed, always seeking the most peaceable ends.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
 
 
 
==Early life==
 
Jaehaerys was the third son of [[Aenys I Targaryen|King Aenys]] and [[Alyssa Velaryon]]. During the [[Faith Militant uprising]], when [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]] thought [[King's Landing]] too unsafe, he fled to [[Dragonstone]] with his [[Alyssa Velaryon|wife]] and all his children except for his eldest two, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]], who were in the [[Westerlands]] at this time.
 
  
[[Dragonstone]] was held by [[Visenya Targaryen]], whose counsel was for [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys]] to bring "fire and blood" to the [[Faith of the Seven]]. Aenys, never the most robust, fell seriously ill. The Dowager Queen Visenya took over his care and Aenys briefly improved. Aenys then suffered a collapse when he learned his [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|son]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|daughter]] were besieged at [[Crakehall]], and died later. Upon his death Visenya mounted her [[Vhagar|dragon]] and flew to [[Pentos]] to retrieve her son [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]].
+
Jaehaerys was a gifted horseman and a decent warrior, skilled with both lance and bow. Above all, he was wise beyond his years. Decisive in both thought and deed, he always sought the most peaceable ends.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
Due to the plotting of Visenya, Maegor took the [[Iron Throne]] before Jaehaerys' eldest brother Aegon. Visenya kept Jaehaerys, his mother and sister hostage on [[Dragonstone]] for two years while her son fought the [[Faith Militant]]. Maegor took Jaehaerys' older brother [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]] with him as a squire and hostage to ensure Alyssa's good behavior.  
+
==History==
 +
===Early life===
 +
Jaehaerys was the third son and fourth child of Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys Targaryen]] and his wife, Lady [[Alyssa Velaryon]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} He was born in {{Date|34}}<ref name=cal/> in [[King's Landing]].{{Ref|awoiaf| Jaehaerys I Targaryen}} He had two older brothers, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] and [[Viserys Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Viserys]], an older sister, [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]], and two younger sisters, [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] and [[Vaella Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Vaella]].{{Ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} When his grandfather, King [[Aegon I Targaryen]], died on [[Dragonstone]] in {{Date|37}},{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} his father, Aenys, ascended the throne.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
  
Prince Aegon fought Maegor I to reclaim his father's throne, but was slain by Maegor at the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]].  
+
Followers of the [[Faith of the Seven]] began an uprising after King [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys I]] married Jaehaerys's two eldest siblings, Rhaena and Aegon, to one another in {{Date|41}}. After [[Poor Fellows]] scaled the walls of the [[Red Keep]] in an attempt to murder the royal family, Jaehaerys fled with his parents and siblings to [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} By the end of the year most of the realm had joined the side of the Faith, and King Aenys, unable to decide how to deal with the rebels, fell ill. In {{Date|42}}, he collapsed upon learning that [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena]] and [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]] were besieged at [[Crakehall]], and died three days later.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}}
  
In {{date|44}}, Visenya passed away. The chaos of her death gave Alyssa an opportunity to escape with Jaehaerys and [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]]. She also took the Valyrian sword [[Dark Sister]]. They eventually found sanctuary at [[Storm's End]]. Maegor, as punishment, had her son Prince Viserys tortured to death, leaving his mutilated body in the courtyard of [[King's Landing]] to rot.  
+
Following Aenys's cremation,{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Dowager Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]] flew to [[Pentos]] to retrieve her son [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] from his exile. Once at Dragonstone, Maegor claimed the [[Iron Throne]] for his own, ignoring the claim of Jaehaerys's eldest brother Aegon. Jaehaerys, his sister Alysanne, and his mother Alyssa were kept on Dragonstone as hostages, while his brother Viserys was taken to King's Landing by Maegor. Aegon died in {{Date|43}}
 +
when he was killed by Maegor during the [[Battle Beneath the Gods Eye]]. In the chaos following Visenya's deathin {{Date|44}}, Jaehaerys, his sister Alysanne, and his mother Alyssa managed to flee. In retaliation, Maegor had Viserys tortured to death.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}
  
By {{date|48}} the realm had had enough of Maegor's tyrannical rule. Jaehaerys, the last surviving son of King Aenys, put forth a new claim for the [[Iron Throne]] and was supported by [[Robar Baratheon]], the Lord of [[Storm's End]] whom Jaehaerys named [[Protector of the Realm]] and [[Hand of the King]].
+
In {{Date|47}}, Maegor forced [[Black Brides|three widows]] of proven fertility to marry him in one ceremony. One of these [[Black Brides]] was Jaehaerys's eldest sister, Rhaena. Still without a child of his own, Maegor officially disinherited Jaehaerys and proclaimed Rhaena's daughter [[Aerea Targaryen|Aerea]] as his heir.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} However, the realm slowly turned against Maegor, and when Jaehaerys put forward his claim for the throne he unified the factions that opposed Maegor.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} The first great lord to openly proclaim for Jaehaerys was Lord [[Robar Baratheon]] of [[Storm's End]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}} Other great houses followed, including [[House Lannister]]{{Ref|twoiaf| The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons}} and, although they had originally joined Maegor against Prince Aegon, [[House Tully]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Riverlands: House Tully}} Rhaena, Jaehaerys's sister, fled from Maegor on her dragon after learning about Jaehaerys's claim, stealing the [[Valyrian steel]] sword [[Blackfyre]] from him in the process. Two of Maegor's [[Kingsguard]] knights joined Jaehaerys as well.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}
  
After Maegor's mysterious death on the Iron Throne, Jaehaerys was crowned at the age of fourteen and wed to his sister Alysanne. {{ref|trp}}
+
===Early Reign===
 +
Following Maegor's mysterious death in {{Date|48}}, Jaehaerys was crowned by the High Septon with his father's crown.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} As he was only fourteen years old, Jaehaerys's mother, Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]] served as [[regent]] during the first two years of Jaehaerys's reign. Lord [[Robar Baratheon]], whom Jaehaerys had named [[Protector of the Realm|Lord Protector of the Realm]] and [[Hand of the King]], further provided guidance for the king. When he had reached the [[age of majority]], Jaehaerys married his younger sister [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
==Reign==
+
Although Jaehaerys had received support from the [[Faith of the Seven]], the issues between the Faith and [[House Targaryen]] were not yet solved. About a decade into his reign, he became acquainted with [[Septon]] [[Barth]], a brilliant man of common birth who tended to the books and records in the Red Keep's library. Jaehaerys soon named him [[Hand of the King]], a position he kept for forty years.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|asos|54}} Together with Barth, Jaehaerys reconciliated the Iron Throne and the Faith. Although some of Jaehaerys's counselors urged the him to deal with the remnants of the [[Faith Militant]] harshly and eliminate them entirely, and others wanted Jaehaerys to ensure that the Faith was answerable to the same justice as the rest of the king's subjects, Jaehaerys chose a different path. The king sent Septon Barth to [[Oldtown]] to speak with the High Septon. Eventually, Jaehaerys agreed to pardon all those of the Faith who would set aside their swords,{{Ref|affc|33}}{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} while the Faith agreed to set aside their traditional right of judging their own, accept justice from the throne from that moment forth.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|AFFC|43}} Jaehaerys swore to the Faith that the crown would always protect and defend the Faith.{{Ref|affc|28}} With these agreements, the rift between the crown and the Faith was healed.
[[File:jaehaerys&Alysanne.jpg|thumb|right|350px|A young King Jaehaerys and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] with their son [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]] as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'']]
 
  
Jaehaerys inherited from his uncle's reign a war with the [[Faith Militant]], known as the [[Faith Militant uprising]]. Maegor had used brutal methods to eradicate the rebellion, such as placing bounties on the heads of all members of the Faith Militant, but the rebellion had continued. Jaehaerys instead pacified the rebellion with the offer of amnesty for all participants and the disbanding of the Faith Militant.{{ref|AFFC|33}} The offer was accepted and the orders disbanded on the condition that the [[Iron Throne]] would always defend the [[Faith of the Seven]]. This act earned him the name "the Conciliator." Jaehaerys later in his reign also took away the right of the Faith to conduct criminal trials. This pleased many as there had often been complaints of unscrupulous septries and septons making free with the wealth and property of their neighbors and those they preached to.{{ref|affc|43}}
+
Besides dealing with the Faith, Jaehaerys and Barth worked together to further reform the realm. Jaehaerys created the first unified code of law, ordered drains and sewers and wells constructed in [[King's Landing]], as Barth was convinced that fresh water and flushing away of offal and waste were important to the health of the city, and constructed the [[kingsroad]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} Further, convinced by Alysanne, Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the [[first night]].{{Ref|tss}} Jaehaerys also forced the [[House Stark|Starks]] to donate a portion of land, which was renamed the [[New Gift]], to the [[Night's Watch]]. While in current times it is said that Lord Stark<ref group="N">Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' state that Lord [[Ellard Stark]] was the lord who had been forced to give up the New Gift. However, [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/119534-twoiaf-spoilers-inconsistency-or-intentional/&do=findComment&comment=6483268 it has been confirmed that this is an error], and that the statement would be replaced by "the Starks were glad" in later prints, leaving it unknown for the time being which Stark had been the lord in question.</ref> was glad to do so, historical documents imply that the Starks had been bitter about Jaehaerys's decision.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The North: The Lords of Winterfell}} Jaehaerys further attempted to put an end to the war between [[House Bracken]] and [[House Blackwood]] in the [[riverlands]], and although he managed to forge a peace between the two houses, it endured only half a century, and did not long outlast his reign.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Riverlands: House Tully}}{{Ref|aDwD|48}}
  
Jaehaerys ruled for 55 years, becoming the longest-ruling of the Targaryen kings, which led to him also being referred to as the "Old King". Jaehaerys brought to the realm a time of great peace and prosperity, aided by his beloved sister-wife, Good Queen Alysanne. Alysanne convinced him to abolish the lord's right to the [[first night]].{{ref|tss}} Alysanne was Jaehaerys' great love, while his greatest friend was [[Barth|Septon Barth]]. Barth worked in the [[Red Keep]]'s library due to his keen intelligence. The young Jaehaerys, who loved to read became acquainted with Barth, who attended the King's books and records.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} Jaehaerys eventually raised him to be his [[Hand of the King]], an office no commoner had ever held before, nor would hold after. Barth proved more than capable and served as Hand for 40 years.{{ref|aSoS|54}}
+
Jaehaerys was known for his love of travel. The king and queen were known to stay at the [[inn at the crossroads]] during their journeys, so much so that afterwards it was renamed the Two Crowns.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{ref|aFfC|37}} Jaehaerys visited the [[North]] at least once, together with Queen Alysanne, six [[dragon]]s and half his court. During such a visit, Alysanne on a whim flew from Winterfell to the [[Wall]], and Jaehaerys followed on his own dragon.{{Ref|ASOS|41}}
  
With Barth's aid, Jaehaerys reformed the realm more than any king who lived before. Jaehaerys created a unified legal code, so that from [[the North]] to the [[Dornish Marches]] the realm would share common law. Great works were implemented to improve [[King's Landing]], such as sewers, drains and wells. Barth believed the fresh water and the flushing away of offal and waste was essential to a city's health. A vast network of roads was built and became known as the [[Kingsroad]], and the king and queen were known to stay at the [[inn at the crossroads]] during their journeys, so much so that afterwards it was called the Two Crowns.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{ref|aFfC|37}}
+
===Abundance of heirs===
 +
[[File:jaehaerys&Alysanne.jpg|thumb|left|350px|A young King Jaehaerys and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] with their son [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]], as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''.]]  
  
Such was Jaehaerys' wisdom and skill at diplomacy that he even managed to negotiate a truce and bring fifty years of peace between Houses [[House Bracken|Bracken]] and [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]], two houses whose animosity has lasted for well over two thousand years.{{Ref|aDwD|48}}
+
Jaehaerys was married to his sister, [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]]. She is considered to have been his great love, and their marriage was a happy one. They had thirteen children, though only nine lived to adulthood.{{ref|awoiaf|}}{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} The eldest boy of these was Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]], who was married to Jaehaerys's half-sister, [[Jocelyn Baratheon]]. The next son was [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]], who married his sister, [[Alyssa Targaryen|Alyssa]]. Aemon was Jaehaerys's heir, but only had a daughter himself, [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. When he died in {{Date|92}}, Jaehaerys decided to name his son Baelon as his new heir, passing over Aemon's daughter Rhaenys. This decision caused the [[Second Quarrel]] between Jaehaerys and his sister-wife, who believed that, if Jaehaerys felt that a woman was of less use than a man, he did not need her anymore. They were reconcilled in {{Date|94}} by their daughter [[Maegelle Targaryen|Maegelle]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
Jaehaerys was known for his love of travel, and once visited [[the North]] with Queen Alysanne, six dragons and half his court.{{Ref|ASOS|41}} His grandson [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] told his own grandchildren a tale of Jaehaerys flying north to defeat a vast host of [[wildling]]s, [[giant]]s, and [[warg]]s at the [[Wall]].{{ref|trp}}
+
Baelon remained Jaehaerys's heir until his death in {{Date|101}}, at which point Jaehaerys called the first [[Great Council]], to decide the line of succession for the throne with help from the lords of the realm. In the end, Baelon's eldest son, Prince [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]], was named [[Prince of Dragonstone]].
  
It was during Jaehaerys' reign that the [[Night's Watch]] castle [[Deep Lake]] was built, which was paid for by his wife's jewels and built by men Jaehaerys sent north.{{ref|ASOS|56}}
+
===Late Reign===
 
[[File:Marc Simonetti Tournament.jpg|The great tourney is held in [[King's Landing]] in {{date|98}} to celebrate Jaehaerys 50th year on the [[Iron Throne]] - by Marc Simonetti © |thumb|350px|right]]
 
[[File:Marc Simonetti Tournament.jpg|The great tourney is held in [[King's Landing]] in {{date|98}} to celebrate Jaehaerys 50th year on the [[Iron Throne]] - by Marc Simonetti © |thumb|350px|right]]
 +
In {{Date|98}}, a great tourney was held in [[King's Landing]] to celebrate King Jaehaerys's fiftieth year on the [[Iron Throne]]. All of Jaehaerys's living children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present. In the final tilt, Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]] and Ser [[Clement Crabb]] broke thirty lances against each other before King Jaehaerys proclaimed them co-champions, in what is often called the finest display of jousting in [[Westeros]]i history.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
Jaehaerys and Alysanne had thirteen children, though only nine lived to adulthood.{{ref|awoiaf}}{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} The eldest son of these nine was [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]] and the second son was [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]]. After Aemon died in {{date|92}} Jaehaerys chose [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]] as his heir, rather than Aemons daughter [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. This decision by Jaehaerys caused the Second Quarrel between the king and his wife, which would only be resolved by their daughter, septa Maegelle, in {{date|94}}.
+
However, the final years of Jaehaerys's reign were also filled with great tragedies for the King. In {{Date|99}}, Jaehaerys's close friend and [[Hand of the King]], Septon [[Barth]], died. He was replaced as Hand by Ser Ryam Redwyne, the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]. However, although he was a great knight, Ser Ryam proved most unsuited for the office, and held the office less than a year. Jaehaerys replaced Ser Ryam as his Hand with his son Baelon. Following Baelon's sudden death in {{date|101}}, Ser [[Otto Hightower]] was named Hand of the King. Also in {{Date|99}}, Jaehaerys's youngest daughter, [[Gael Targaryen|Gael]], died, having drowned herself in the [[Blackwater]]. Grieving for her most beloved daughter, Queen Alysanne died less than a year later.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
A great tourney was held in [[King's Landing]] in {{date|98}} to celebrate King Jaehaerys fifty years on the [[Iron Throne]]. In the final tilt, Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]] and Ser [[Clement Crabb]] broke thirty lances against each other before King Jaehaerys proclaimed them co-champions, in what is often called the finest display of jousting in [[Westeros]]i history.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
+
The deaths of Alysanne and Baelon especially reduced Jaehaerys to a shell of the man he had once been.{{Ref|TRP}} His strength and wits began to fail him, and towards the end Jaehaerys was confined to his bed. The young daughter of his Hand, Lady [[Alicent Hightower]], took over his care. At times, Jaehaerys confused her for one of his daughters, and towards the end, he was certain she was Princess [[Saera Targaryen|Saera]], who had fled across the narrow sea many years before.{{Ref|trp}}
  
After his old friend Septon Barth passed away, Jaehaerys chose for his Hand the legendary [[knight]] Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]], the [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]. Ser Ryam, while a great knight, proved unsuited to the office, and was soon replaced by the king's son and heir, Prince Baelon.
+
At the age of sixty-nine, Jaehaerys died in {{date|103}}. His body was cremated in the [[Dragonpit]] and his ashes were interred with Alysanne's ashes beneath the [[Red Keep]]. His realm mourned, as did [[Dorne]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}{{ref|trp}}
  
Baelon died suddenly in {{date|101}} and Ser [[Otto Hightower]] took the office of [[Hand of the King]] for Jaehaerys' final years. Baelon's death meant the calling of the first Great Council. The [[Great Council|Great Council of 101]] chose [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]], Jaehaerys' grandson as his new heir.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
In {{Date|129}}, Jaehaerys's grandson [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] entertained his grandchildren with a fictional tale<ref group="N">Elio Garcia has stated that George R. R. Martin [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/148940-inconsistencies-plot-holes-and-missing-details-in-tsotd-trp-and-tpatq/&page=7#comment-8138013 confirmed to him] that this story was made up by Viserys to entertain his grandchildren.</ref> of Jaehaerys and his dragon defeating a vast host of [[wildling]]s, [[giant]]s, and [[warg]]s at the Wall.{{ref|trp}}
  
After the deaths of both his beloved wife and his son Baelon, Jaehaerys' grief was great. The Old King's mind began to wander in the last two years of his reign and his time was usually spent bedridden. His new Hand, Otto Hightower, effectively ruled the realm while his daughter [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] looked after the ailing King, reading to him, washing him and helping to feed him.{{ref|trp}}  
+
==Legacy==
 +
Jaehaerys was the longest-ruling Targaryen monarch, having ruled for fifty-five years. Because of this, he is referred to as the "Old King". His reign is remembered as the most prosperous period in the history of the Targaryen monarchy. His reign brought peace, stability, and justice to the Seven Kingdoms. Jaehaerys is possibly the best king that [[Westeros]] ever saw, and is regarded as such by many historians and laymen.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
  
Jaehaerys passed away in {{date|103}}. He was sixty-nine when he died. His body was burned in the [[Dragonpit]] and his ashes interred with Good Queen Alysanne's beneath the Red Keep. All of [[Westeros]] mourned, even [[Dorne]].{{ref|trp}}
+
Jaehaerys's grandson and successor, [[Viserys I Targaryen]], wore Jaehaerys's crown. When Viserys died in {{Date|129}}, his eldest son, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], ascended the throne instead of Viserys's proclaimed heir, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], which was the start of the war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the [[Kingsguard]] and his retainers defected to Rhaenyra's [[the blacks|faction]] at [[Dragonstone]]. With them, they brought the crown Jaehaerys I and Viserys I had worn. Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], Rhaenyra's husband and uncle, used this crown during Rhaenyra's coronation.{{ref|tpatq}}
 
 
==Legacy==
 
Jaehaerys' entire reign is remembered as the most prosperous period in the history of the Targaryen monarchy. His reign brought peace, stability and justice to the Seven Kingdoms. Jaehaerys is possibly the best king that [[Westeros]] ever saw and is regarded as such by many historians and laymen.
 
  
 
==Small Council under Jaehaerys I==
 
==Small Council under Jaehaerys I==
During the reign of King Jaehaerys his [[small council]] had the following known members:
+
During the long reign of King Jaehaerys, his [[small council]] had the following known members:
  
* [[Regent]] - Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
+
{| class=wikitable width=60%i
* [[Hand of the King]] - Lord [[Robar Baratheon]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
+
!Office
* [[Hand of the King]] - Septon [[Barth]]{{fact}}
+
!Duration
* [[Hand of the King]] - Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]]{{ref|trp}}
+
!Name
* [[Hand of the King]] - Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]{{ref|trp}}
+
|-
* [[Hand of the King]] - Ser [[Otto Hightower]]{{fact}}
+
| [[Regent]]
* [[Master of Coin]] - Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]]{{fact}}
+
| {{Date|48}} - {{Date|50}}
* [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] - Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]]{{ref|trp}}
+
| Dowager Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
 
+
|-
==References in the Books==
+
| rowspan="5"|  [[Hand of the King]]
==='' The Princess and the Queen ''===
+
| {{Date|48}} - Unknown
When Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the [[Kingsguard]] and his retainers defected to [[the blacks]] they brought with them to [[Dragonstone]] a stolen crown: a band of yellow gold ornamented with seven gems of different colors. This was the crown King Viserys had worn, and his grandfather the Old King Jaehaerys before him.{{fact}}
+
| Lord [[Robar Baratheon]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Stormlands: House Baratheon}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|59}} - {{Date|99}}
 +
| Septon [[Barth]]{{ref|asos|54}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|99}} - {{Date|100}}
 +
| Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]]{{ref|trp}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|100}} - {{Date|101}}
 +
| Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]{{ref|trp}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{Date|101}} - {{Date|103}}
 +
| Ser [[Otto Hightower]]{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Master of Coin]]
 +
| Unknown - {{Date|103}}
 +
| Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]]{{ref|tpatq}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]
 +
| Unknown - {{Date|103}}
 +
| Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]]{{ref|trp}}
 +
|}
  
 +
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
On Dragonstone [[Pylos|Maester Pylos]] mentions to [[Davos Seaworth]] that dragonkings oft chose [[Hand of the King|Hands]] from [[House Targaryen|their own blood]], with results as various as [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Breakspear]] and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]]. In comparison there is Jaehaerys I Targaryen's choice of Septon [[Barth]], a common born blacksmith's son Jaehaerys plucked from the [[Red Keep]]'s library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty.{{ref|asos|54}}
 
On Dragonstone [[Pylos|Maester Pylos]] mentions to [[Davos Seaworth]] that dragonkings oft chose [[Hand of the King|Hands]] from [[House Targaryen|their own blood]], with results as various as [[Baelor Targaryen (son of Daeron II)|Baelor Breakspear]] and [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor the Cruel]]. In comparison there is Jaehaerys I Targaryen's choice of Septon [[Barth]], a common born blacksmith's son Jaehaerys plucked from the [[Red Keep]]'s library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty.{{ref|asos|54}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
At the [[Wall]] Sam recalls that there were dragons there two hundred years ago, Queen Alysanne had visited Castle Black on [[Silverwing|her dragon]], and Jaehaerys, her king, had come after her on [[Vermithor|his own]].{{fact}}
+
At the [[Wall]], [[Samwell Tarly]] recalls that there were dragons there two hundred years ago; Queen Alysanne had visited [[Castle Black]] on [[Silverwing|her dragon]], and Jaehaerys, her king, had come after her on [[Vermithor|his own]].{{ref|affc|5}}
  
When talking to [[Cersei Lannister]] about having King [[Tommen]] rearm [[the Faith]] the new  [[High Sparrow|High Septon]] asks her did not Jaehaerys the Conciliator once swear upon the Iron Throne itself that the crown would always protect and defend [[the Faith]]? Cersei thinks to herself that she has no idea what Jaehaerys the Conciliator might have sworn.{{fact}}
+
[[Cersei Lannister]] recalls that when she was a child, she once drew a picture of herself and Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen]] flying on the back of a [[dragon]], but when her brother [[Jaime Lannister|Jaime]] found it, she told him it was a picture of Alysanne and Jaehaerys.{{ref|affc|24}}
  
Outside [[Riverrun]] Lady [[Genna Lannister]] makes it known to [[Jaime Lannister]] how she feels about Queen Cersei rearming the Faith, she reminds Jaime that King Jaehaerys agreed to pardon all those who would set aside their swords.{{fact}}
+
When talking to Queen Regent Cersei about having King [[Tommen Baratheon]] rearm [[the Faith]], the new [[High Sparrow|High Septon]] asks her if Jaehaerys the Conciliator had once sworn upon the Iron Throne itself that the crown would always protect and defend [[the Faith]]. Cersei thinks to herself that she has no idea what Jaehaerys might have sworn.{{ref|affc|28}} Later, the High Sparrow notes that Jaehaerys took away the right of the Faith to hold trials.{{ref|affc|43}}
  
During their travels in the [[riverlands]] Septon Meribald tells [[Brienne]] and her companions some of the history of the [[inn at the crossroads]].  He tells them the inn was raised during the reign of the first Jaehaerys, and that Jaehaerys and his queen slept there during their journeys, and for a time, the inn was known as the Two Crowns in their honor.{{fact}}
+
Outside [[Riverrun]], Lady [[Genna Lannister]] makes it known to [[Jaime Lannister]] how she feels about Queen Cersei rearming the Faith, she reminds Jaime that King Jaehaerys agreed to pardon all those who would set aside their swords.{{ref|affc|33}}
 +
 
 +
During their travels in the [[riverlands]] Septon Meribald tells [[Brienne of Tarth]] and her companions some of the history of the [[inn at the crossroads]].  He tells them the inn was raised during the reign of the first Jaehaerys, and that Jaehaerys and his queen slept there during their journeys, and for a time, the inn was known as the Two Crowns in their honor.{{ref|affc|37}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
While taking to [[Reek|Theon Greyjoy]] [[Roose Bolton]] tells him that the maesters will tell him that King Jaehaerys abolished the lord’s right to the [[first night]] to appease his shrewish queen, but where the [[old gods]] rule, old customs linger.
+
[[Roose Bolton]] tells [[Theon Greyjoy]] that King Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the [[first night]] to appease his "shrewish" queen, but where the [[old gods]] rule, old customs linger.{{ref|adwd|32}}
 +
 
 +
==Quotes about Jaehaerys I==
 +
{{Quote|He was nine-and sixty at his death, and had ruled wisely and well for five-and-fifty years. [[Westeros]] mourned, and it was claimed that even in [[Dorne]] men wept and women tore their garments in lament for a king who had been so just and good. His ashes were interred with that of his beloved, the Good Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]], beneath the [[Red Keep]]. And the [[Seve Kingdoms|realm]] never saw their like again.{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}}} – writings of [[Yandel]]
  
 
==Family==
 
==Family==
 
===Ancestors===
 
===Ancestors===
{{Template:Targaryen tree Aegon}}
+
{{Targaryen tree Aegon}}
  
 
===Children===
 
===Children===
Line 124: Line 150:
 
{{Targaryen_tree_Dance}}
 
{{Targaryen_tree_Dance}}
  
==Quotes about Jaehaerys I==
+
==Notes==
{{Quote|He was nine-and sixty at his death, and had ruled wisely and well for five-and-fifty years. [[Westeros]] mourned, and it was claimed that even in [[Dorne]] men wept and women tore their garments in lament for a king who had been so just and good. His ashes were interred with that of his beloved, the Good [[Alysanne Targaryen|Queen Alysanne]], beneath the [[Red Keep]]. And the realm never saw their like again. {{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}}} - [[Yandel|Maestar Yandel]]
+
{{Notes}}
  
==References and Notes==
+
==References==
{{references|2}}
+
{{References|2}}
  
{{Template:Kings of Westeros}}
+
{{Kings of Westeros}}
  
 
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
 
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
Line 137: Line 163:
 
[[Category:Dragonriders|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 
[[Category:Dragonriders|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 
[[Category:Protectors of the Realm|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 
[[Category:Protectors of the Realm|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 +
[[Category:Members of Aegon I Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 +
[[Category:Members of Aenys I Targaryen's court|Targaryen, Jaehaerys I]]
 
[[Category:Kings of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]
 
[[Category:Kings of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]
 
[[es:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
 
[[es:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
 
[[fr:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
 
[[fr:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
[[ru:Джейехерис_I_Миротворец]]
+
[[ru:Джейехерис I Миротворец]]
 
[[tr:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
 
[[tr:Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
 
[[zh:杰赫里斯·坦格利安一世]]
 
[[zh:杰赫里斯·坦格利安一世]]

Revision as of 10:34, 5 May 2018

House Targaryen.svg
Jaehaerys I
House Targaryen.svg
JAEHAERYS I.jpg
Jaehaerys I by Amok©
Monarch
Reign 48 AC - 103 AC
Full name Jaehaerys Targaryen the First of His Name
Titles
Predecessor Maegor I Targaryen
Heirs
Successor Viserys I Targaryen
Personal Information
Aliases
  • The Conciliator
  • The Wise
  • The Old King
Born 34 AC[1]
King's Landing
Died 103 AC
King's Landing
Family
Dynasty House Targaryen
Queen Alysanne Targaryen
Issue Aegon Targaryen
Alyssa Targaryen
Aemon Targaryen
Baelon Targaryen
Daella Targaryen
Aeryn Targaryen
Vaegon Targaryen
Maegelle Targaryen
Valerion Targaryen
Viserra Targaryen
Gaemon Targaryen
Saera Targaryen
Gael Targaryen
Father Aenys I Targaryen
Mother Alyssa Velaryon[2]
References
Books

Jaehaerys I Targaryen, also known as the Conciliator, the Wise or the Old King, was the fourth Targaryen king to sit the Iron Throne. He ascended the throne in 48 AC following the death of his uncle, Maegor I Targaryen. Jaehaerys was the longest reigning Targaryen monarch, sitting on the throne for fifty-five years. He was a dragonrider, riding Vermithor, the largest dragon after Balerion and Vhagar.

Appearance and character

According to a semi-canon source, Jaehaerys had the purple eyes and silver hair of the Targaryens. He looked wise and dignified even into his later years, with a long white flowing beard reaching to his waist. Even at an old age, Jaehaerys still stood unstooped.[3] He dressed in flowing robes of black and gold[3] and wore as a crown a simple band of yellow gold ornamented with seven gems of different colors.[4]

Jaehaerys was a gifted horseman and a decent warrior, skilled with both lance and bow. Above all, he was wise beyond his years. Decisive in both thought and deed, he always sought the most peaceable ends.[5]

History

Early life

Jaehaerys was the third son and fourth child of Prince Aenys Targaryen and his wife, Lady Alyssa Velaryon.[6] He was born in 34 AC[1] in King's Landing.[7] He had two older brothers, Aegon and Viserys, an older sister, Rhaena, and two younger sisters, Alysanne and Vaella.[6] When his grandfather, King Aegon I Targaryen, died on Dragonstone in 37 AC,[8] his father, Aenys, ascended the throne.[9]

Followers of the Faith of the Seven began an uprising after King Aenys I married Jaehaerys's two eldest siblings, Rhaena and Aegon, to one another in 41 AC. After Poor Fellows scaled the walls of the Red Keep in an attempt to murder the royal family, Jaehaerys fled with his parents and siblings to Dragonstone.[9] By the end of the year most of the realm had joined the side of the Faith, and King Aenys, unable to decide how to deal with the rebels, fell ill. In 42 AC, he collapsed upon learning that Rhaena and Aegon were besieged at Crakehall, and died three days later.[9]

Following Aenys's cremation,[9] Dowager Queen Visenya Targaryen flew to Pentos to retrieve her son Maegor from his exile. Once at Dragonstone, Maegor claimed the Iron Throne for his own, ignoring the claim of Jaehaerys's eldest brother Aegon. Jaehaerys, his sister Alysanne, and his mother Alyssa were kept on Dragonstone as hostages, while his brother Viserys was taken to King's Landing by Maegor. Aegon died in 43 AC when he was killed by Maegor during the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye. In the chaos following Visenya's deathin 44 AC, Jaehaerys, his sister Alysanne, and his mother Alyssa managed to flee. In retaliation, Maegor had Viserys tortured to death.[10]

In 47 AC, Maegor forced three widows of proven fertility to marry him in one ceremony. One of these Black Brides was Jaehaerys's eldest sister, Rhaena. Still without a child of his own, Maegor officially disinherited Jaehaerys and proclaimed Rhaena's daughter Aerea as his heir.[10] However, the realm slowly turned against Maegor, and when Jaehaerys put forward his claim for the throne he unified the factions that opposed Maegor.[10] The first great lord to openly proclaim for Jaehaerys was Lord Robar Baratheon of Storm's End.[11] Other great houses followed, including House Lannister[12] and, although they had originally joined Maegor against Prince Aegon, House Tully.[13] Rhaena, Jaehaerys's sister, fled from Maegor on her dragon after learning about Jaehaerys's claim, stealing the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre from him in the process. Two of Maegor's Kingsguard knights joined Jaehaerys as well.[10]

Early Reign

Following Maegor's mysterious death in 48 AC, Jaehaerys was crowned by the High Septon with his father's crown.[5] As he was only fourteen years old, Jaehaerys's mother, Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon served as regent during the first two years of Jaehaerys's reign. Lord Robar Baratheon, whom Jaehaerys had named Lord Protector of the Realm and Hand of the King, further provided guidance for the king. When he had reached the age of majority, Jaehaerys married his younger sister Alysanne.[5]

Although Jaehaerys had received support from the Faith of the Seven, the issues between the Faith and House Targaryen were not yet solved. About a decade into his reign, he became acquainted with Septon Barth, a brilliant man of common birth who tended to the books and records in the Red Keep's library. Jaehaerys soon named him Hand of the King, a position he kept for forty years.[5][14] Together with Barth, Jaehaerys reconciliated the Iron Throne and the Faith. Although some of Jaehaerys's counselors urged the him to deal with the remnants of the Faith Militant harshly and eliminate them entirely, and others wanted Jaehaerys to ensure that the Faith was answerable to the same justice as the rest of the king's subjects, Jaehaerys chose a different path. The king sent Septon Barth to Oldtown to speak with the High Septon. Eventually, Jaehaerys agreed to pardon all those of the Faith who would set aside their swords,[15][5] while the Faith agreed to set aside their traditional right of judging their own, accept justice from the throne from that moment forth.[5][16] Jaehaerys swore to the Faith that the crown would always protect and defend the Faith.[17] With these agreements, the rift between the crown and the Faith was healed.

Besides dealing with the Faith, Jaehaerys and Barth worked together to further reform the realm. Jaehaerys created the first unified code of law, ordered drains and sewers and wells constructed in King's Landing, as Barth was convinced that fresh water and flushing away of offal and waste were important to the health of the city, and constructed the kingsroad.[5] Further, convinced by Alysanne, Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the first night.[18] Jaehaerys also forced the Starks to donate a portion of land, which was renamed the New Gift, to the Night's Watch. While in current times it is said that Lord Stark[N 1] was glad to do so, historical documents imply that the Starks had been bitter about Jaehaerys's decision.[19] Jaehaerys further attempted to put an end to the war between House Bracken and House Blackwood in the riverlands, and although he managed to forge a peace between the two houses, it endured only half a century, and did not long outlast his reign.[13][20]

Jaehaerys was known for his love of travel. The king and queen were known to stay at the inn at the crossroads during their journeys, so much so that afterwards it was renamed the Two Crowns.[5][21] Jaehaerys visited the North at least once, together with Queen Alysanne, six dragons and half his court. During such a visit, Alysanne on a whim flew from Winterfell to the Wall, and Jaehaerys followed on his own dragon.[22]

Abundance of heirs

A young King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne with their son Aemon, as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in The World of Ice & Fire.

Jaehaerys was married to his sister, Alysanne. She is considered to have been his great love, and their marriage was a happy one. They had thirteen children, though only nine lived to adulthood.[23][5] The eldest boy of these was Prince Aemon, who was married to Jaehaerys's half-sister, Jocelyn Baratheon. The next son was Baelon, who married his sister, Alyssa. Aemon was Jaehaerys's heir, but only had a daughter himself, Rhaenys. When he died in 92 AC, Jaehaerys decided to name his son Baelon as his new heir, passing over Aemon's daughter Rhaenys. This decision caused the Second Quarrel between Jaehaerys and his sister-wife, who believed that, if Jaehaerys felt that a woman was of less use than a man, he did not need her anymore. They were reconcilled in 94 AC by their daughter Maegelle.[5]

Baelon remained Jaehaerys's heir until his death in 101 AC, at which point Jaehaerys called the first Great Council, to decide the line of succession for the throne with help from the lords of the realm. In the end, Baelon's eldest son, Prince Viserys, was named Prince of Dragonstone.

Late Reign

The great tourney is held in King's Landing in 98 AC to celebrate Jaehaerys 50th year on the Iron Throne - by Marc Simonetti ©

In 98 AC, a great tourney was held in King's Landing to celebrate King Jaehaerys's fiftieth year on the Iron Throne. All of Jaehaerys's living children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present. In the final tilt, Ser Ryam Redwyne and Ser Clement Crabb broke thirty lances against each other before King Jaehaerys proclaimed them co-champions, in what is often called the finest display of jousting in Westerosi history.[5]

However, the final years of Jaehaerys's reign were also filled with great tragedies for the King. In 99 AC, Jaehaerys's close friend and Hand of the King, Septon Barth, died. He was replaced as Hand by Ser Ryam Redwyne, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. However, although he was a great knight, Ser Ryam proved most unsuited for the office, and held the office less than a year. Jaehaerys replaced Ser Ryam as his Hand with his son Baelon. Following Baelon's sudden death in 101 AC, Ser Otto Hightower was named Hand of the King. Also in 99 AC, Jaehaerys's youngest daughter, Gael, died, having drowned herself in the Blackwater. Grieving for her most beloved daughter, Queen Alysanne died less than a year later.[5]

The deaths of Alysanne and Baelon especially reduced Jaehaerys to a shell of the man he had once been.[24] His strength and wits began to fail him, and towards the end Jaehaerys was confined to his bed. The young daughter of his Hand, Lady Alicent Hightower, took over his care. At times, Jaehaerys confused her for one of his daughters, and towards the end, he was certain she was Princess Saera, who had fled across the narrow sea many years before.[24]

At the age of sixty-nine, Jaehaerys died in 103 AC. His body was cremated in the Dragonpit and his ashes were interred with Alysanne's ashes beneath the Red Keep. His realm mourned, as did Dorne.[5][24]

In 129 AC, Jaehaerys's grandson Viserys entertained his grandchildren with a fictional tale[N 2] of Jaehaerys and his dragon defeating a vast host of wildlings, giants, and wargs at the Wall.[24]

Legacy

Jaehaerys was the longest-ruling Targaryen monarch, having ruled for fifty-five years. Because of this, he is referred to as the "Old King". His reign is remembered as the most prosperous period in the history of the Targaryen monarchy. His reign brought peace, stability, and justice to the Seven Kingdoms. Jaehaerys is possibly the best king that Westeros ever saw, and is regarded as such by many historians and laymen.[5]

Jaehaerys's grandson and successor, Viserys I Targaryen, wore Jaehaerys's crown. When Viserys died in 129 AC, his eldest son, Aegon, ascended the throne instead of Viserys's proclaimed heir, Rhaenyra, which was the start of the war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Ser Steffon Darklyn of the Kingsguard and his retainers defected to Rhaenyra's faction at Dragonstone. With them, they brought the crown Jaehaerys I and Viserys I had worn. Prince Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra's husband and uncle, used this crown during Rhaenyra's coronation.[4]

Small Council under Jaehaerys I

During the long reign of King Jaehaerys, his small council had the following known members:

Office Duration Name
Regent 48 AC - 50 AC Dowager Queen Alyssa Velaryon[11]
Hand of the King 48 AC - Unknown Lord Robar Baratheon[11]
59 AC - 99 AC Septon Barth[14]
99 AC - 100 AC Ser Ryam Redwyne[24]
100 AC - 101 AC Prince Baelon Targaryen[24]
101 AC - 103 AC Ser Otto Hightower[5]
Master of Coin Unknown - 103 AC Lord Lyman Beesbury[4]
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Unknown - 103 AC Ser Ryam Redwyne[24]

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

On Dragonstone Maester Pylos mentions to Davos Seaworth that dragonkings oft chose Hands from their own blood, with results as various as Baelor Breakspear and Maegor the Cruel. In comparison there is Jaehaerys I Targaryen's choice of Septon Barth, a common born blacksmith's son Jaehaerys plucked from the Red Keep's library, who gave the realm forty years of peace and plenty.[14]

A Feast for Crows

At the Wall, Samwell Tarly recalls that there were dragons there two hundred years ago; Queen Alysanne had visited Castle Black on her dragon, and Jaehaerys, her king, had come after her on his own.[25]

Cersei Lannister recalls that when she was a child, she once drew a picture of herself and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen flying on the back of a dragon, but when her brother Jaime found it, she told him it was a picture of Alysanne and Jaehaerys.[26]

When talking to Queen Regent Cersei about having King Tommen Baratheon rearm the Faith, the new High Septon asks her if Jaehaerys the Conciliator had once sworn upon the Iron Throne itself that the crown would always protect and defend the Faith. Cersei thinks to herself that she has no idea what Jaehaerys might have sworn.[17] Later, the High Sparrow notes that Jaehaerys took away the right of the Faith to hold trials.[16]

Outside Riverrun, Lady Genna Lannister makes it known to Jaime Lannister how she feels about Queen Cersei rearming the Faith, she reminds Jaime that King Jaehaerys agreed to pardon all those who would set aside their swords.[15]

During their travels in the riverlands Septon Meribald tells Brienne of Tarth and her companions some of the history of the inn at the crossroads. He tells them the inn was raised during the reign of the first Jaehaerys, and that Jaehaerys and his queen slept there during their journeys, and for a time, the inn was known as the Two Crowns in their honor.[21]

A Dance with Dragons

Roose Bolton tells Theon Greyjoy that King Jaehaerys abolished the lord's right to the first night to appease his "shrewish" queen, but where the old gods rule, old customs linger.[27]

Quotes about Jaehaerys I

He was nine-and sixty at his death, and had ruled wisely and well for five-and-fifty years. Westeros mourned, and it was claimed that even in Dorne men wept and women tore their garments in lament for a king who had been so just and good. His ashes were interred with that of his beloved, the Good Queen Alysanne, beneath the Red Keep. And the realm never saw their like again.[5]

– writings of Yandel

Family

Ancestors

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valaena
Velaryon
 
Aerion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Visenya
 
Aegon I
 
Rhaenys
 
 
Orys
Baratheon
 
Argella
Durrandon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceryse
Hightower
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aenys I
 
Alyssa
Velaryon
 
 
House Baratheon.svg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elinor
Costayne
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alys
Harroway
 
 
Maegor I
 
Rhaena
 
Aegon
 
Viserys
 
Jaehaerys I
 
Alysanne
 
Vaella
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeyne
Westerling
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tyanna of
the Tower
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaella
 
Aerea
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
House Targaryen.svg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Children

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Aenys I
 
Alyssa
Velaryon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaena
 
Aegon
 
Viserys
 
Jaehaerys I
 
Alysanne
 
Vaella
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issue
 
Aegon
 
Daenerys
 
Aemon
 
 
Baelon
 
Alyssa
 
Maegelle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vaegon
 
Daella
 
Saera
 
Viserra
 
Gaemon
 
Valerion
 
Gael
 


Descendants

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jocelyn
Baratheon
 
Aemon
 
Daella
 
Rodrik
Arryn
 
Baelon
 
Alyssa
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corlys
Velaryon
 
Rhaenys
 
 
 
 
 
Aemma
Arryn
 
Viserys I
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alicent
Hightower
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Rhea
Royce
 
Aegon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laena
Velaryon
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Laenor
Velaryon
 
Rhaenyra
 
Daemon
[Note 1]
 
Son
 
Baelon
 
Aegon II
 
Helaena
 
Aemond
 
Daeron
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rhaena
 
Baela
 
Stillborn
son
 
Jacaerys
Velaryon
 
Lucerys
Velaryon
 
Joffrey
Velaryon
 
Viserys II
 
Visenya
 
Aegon III
 
Jaehaera
 
Jaehaerys
 
Maelor
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes:
  1. 1.0 1.1 Prince Daemon Targaryen was married to Lady Rhea Royce from 97 AC to 115 AC, to Lady Laena Velaryon from 115 AC to 120 AC, and to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen from 120 AC to 130 AC.


Notes

  1. Earlier prints of The World of Ice & Fire state that Lord Ellard Stark was the lord who had been forced to give up the New Gift. However, it has been confirmed that this is an error, and that the statement would be replaced by "the Starks were glad" in later prints, leaving it unknown for the time being which Stark had been the lord in question.
  2. Elio Garcia has stated that George R. R. Martin confirmed to him that this story was made up by Viserys to entertain his grandchildren.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 See the Jaehaerys I Targaryen calculation.
  2. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire.
  3. 3.0 3.1 So Spake Martin: Targaryen Kings (November 1, 2005)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 The Princess and the Queen.
  5. 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  6. 6.0 6.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.
  7. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Jaehaerys I Targaryen.
  8. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Stormlands: House Baratheon.
  12. The World of Ice & Fire, The Westerlands: House Lannister Under the Dragons.
  13. 13.0 13.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Riverlands: House Tully.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 54, Davos V.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 33, Jaime V.
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 28, Cersei VI.
  18. The Sworn Sword.
  19. The World of Ice & Fire, The North: The Lords of Winterfell.
  20. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I.
  21. 21.0 21.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 37, Brienne VII.
  22. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 41, Jon V.
  23. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire.
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 The Rogue Prince.
  25. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 5, Samwell I.
  26. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 24, Cersei V.
  27. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 32, Reek III.