Difference between revisions of "Rhaenyra Targaryen"

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{{Character  
 
{{Character  
| Character_name= [[File:House_Targaryen_crest.PNG|50px|left]] '''Rhaenyra Targaryen''' [[File:Rhaenyra crest final.png|50px|right]]
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| Character_name= [[File:House Targaryen.svg|50px|left]] Rhaenyra Targaryen [[File:House Targaryen (Rhaenyra).svg|50px|right]]
| image = [[File:young_rhaenyra_targaryen.jpg|350px]]
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| image = [[File:young rhaenyra targaryen.jpg|350px]]
| image_caption = Princess Rhaenyra at the age of sixteen, as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]''.
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| image_caption = Princess Rhaenyra at the age of sixteen, as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''
| Alias = The Realm's Delight<br>The Whore of Dragonstone<br>King Maegor with Teats<br>Maegor's Teats<br>The Half-Year Queen
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| Alias = The Realm's Delight{{ref|TPATQ}}<br>The whore of Dragonstone{{ref|TPATQ}}<br>King Maegor with teats{{ref|TPATQ}}<br>The Half-Year Queen{{ref|TPATQ}}
| Title = [[Princess of Dragonstone]]<br>Queen of the [[Andals]], the [[Rhoynar]] and the [[First Men]]{{ref|TPATQ}} (claimant)<br>Lady of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] (claimant)
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| Title = [[Princess of Dragonstone]]{{ref|TRP}}<br>[[Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]{{ref|TPATQ}} (claimant)
| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]]<br>[[Blacks]]
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| Allegiance = [[House Targaryen]]<br>[[blacks]]
| Race =  
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| Race = [[Valyria]]n
| Culture = [[Valyrian Freehold|Valyrian]]
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| Culture = [[crownlands]]
 
| Spouse = 1st: Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]<br>2nd: Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]  
 
| Spouse = 1st: Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]]<br>2nd: Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]  
 
| father = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
 
| father = [[Viserys I Targaryen]]
Line 15: Line 15:
 
| Place_of_Death= [[Dragonstone]]
 
| Place_of_Death= [[Dragonstone]]
 
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
 
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice and Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Hedge Knight]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| coat-of-arms  = The Targaryen three-headed red dragon on black, quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of House Arryn and the silver seahorse on sea green of House Velaryon<br>''(Quarterly 1st and 4th Sable a dragon thrice-headed gules; 2nd Bleu celeste upon a plate a falcon volant of the field; 3rd Aquamarine a seahorse argent)''
 
}}
 
}}
  
Princess '''Rhaenyra Targaryen''', cheered as the '''Realm's Delight''' when she was young and later called the '''Half-Year Queen''', was the first-born child of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Her claim to the [[Iron Throne]] was challenged by her younger half-brother, [[Aegon II Targaryen]], sparking the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. She was the mother of two kings,{{ref|ASOS|36}} [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]].
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Princess '''Rhaenyra Targaryen''', cheered as the '''Realm's Delight''' when she was young and later called the '''Half-Year Queen''',{{ref|TPATQ}} was the first-born child of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]]. Rhaenyra was King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]]'s only living child by his first wife, [[Aemma Arryn|Aemma]] of [[House Arryn]]. At the age of eight she was made her father's heir and grew up expecting to become the first ruling Queen of [[Westeros]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}{{Ref|TRP}}
  
Rhaenyra's personal sigil was the normal Targaryen heraldry (a three-headed red dragon on a black field), quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of [[House Arryn]] (for her mother [[Aemma Arryn]]), and the silver seahorse on sea green of [[House Velaryon]] (for her first husband [[Laenor Velaryon]], as well as for the Velaryons in general, who were among her major supporters). During the Dance, her faction used her personal heraldry as their battle-flag.{{ref|TWOIAF| Aegon II}}
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Her claim to the [[Iron Throne]] was challenged by her younger half-brother, [[Aegon II Targaryen]], sparking the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]]. She was the mother of two kings,{{ref|ASOS|36}} [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]].
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Rhaenyra's personal sigil was the normal Targaryen heraldry (a three-headed red dragon on a black field), quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of [[House Arryn]] (for her mother [[Aemma Arryn]]), and the silver seahorse on sea green of [[House Velaryon]] (for her first husband [[Laenor Velaryon]], as well as for the Velaryons in general, who were among her major supporters). During the Dance, her faction used her personal heraldry as their battle-flag.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}
  
 
==Appearance and Character==
 
==Appearance and Character==
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Rhaenyra Targaryen|Images of Rhaenyra Targaryen]]''
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{{See also|:Category:Images of Rhaenyra Targaryen|l1=Images of Rhaenyra Targaryen}}
Rhaenyra had her family's [[Valyria]]n looks, wearing her silver-gold hair in a long braid in the manner of [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon I]]'s warrior wife, [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]], though Rhaenyra was no warrior herself. In her youth she was described as the most beautiful maiden in all the realm. She always dressed richly, favoring purple and maroon velvets and golden [[Myr]]ish lace in intricate patterns. Her bodice often glittered with pearls and diamonds, and there were always rings on her fingers. Whenever she was anxious, she would turn them compulsively, round and round.  
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Rhaenyra had her family's [[Valyria]]n looks, wearing her silver-gold hair in a long braid in the manner of Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].<ref name=SSM1>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Good_Queen_Alysanne_and_Rhaenyra Good Queen Alysanne and Rhaenyra], June 18, 2006</ref> Beautiful as a child,{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} Rhaenyra was later declared by her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], to be the most beautiful maiden in all the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{ref|TRP}} Rhaenyra never lost weight gained from pregnancies, and she had grown stout and thick of waist at the age of twenty after her third pregnancy.{{ref|TRP}} Rhaenyra had a large bosom.<ref name=SSM1/>
  
She was very proud and stubborn, and there was a certain petulance to her small mouth. Rhaenyra later in life after six pregnancies became a stout woman, with a thick waist and a large bosom. She gained a lot of weight after her first three pregnancies, even though she was only 20.
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Rhaenyra was proud and stubborn, and there was a certain petulance to her small mouth. Though she could be charming, Rhaenyra was quick to anger and never forgot a slight.<ref name=SSM1/> She resented her slender older stepmother, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]],{{ref|TPATQ}} but was fond of Lady [[Laena Velaryon]].{{ref|TRP}}
  
Though Rhaenyra could be charming, she was quick to anger and never forgot a slight. During the Dance of the Dragons, she wore her father's crown.<ref name=SSM1>{{cite web |url=http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1604/ |title=So speak martin |date=June 18, 2006 |work=Good Queen Alysanne and Rhaenyra}}</ref>
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Rhaenyra always dressed richly, favoring purple and maroon velvets and golden [[Myr]]ish lace in intricate patterns. Her bodice often glittered with pearls and diamonds, and there were always rings on her fingers. Whenever she was anxious, she would turn them compulsively, round and round.<ref name=SSM1/> During the Dance of the Dragons, she wore the [[crown]] of her father, [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]],<ref name=SSM1/> which had first been worn by King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{ref|tpatq}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Rhaenyra was King [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys I]]'s only living child by his first wife, [[Aemma Arryn|Aemma]] of [[House Arryn]]. She grew up expecting to become the first ruling Queen of [[Westeros]].{{Ref|TRP}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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===Early life===
 
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Born in {{Date|97}}, Rhaenyra was the only living child of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] by his first wife, Lady [[Aemma Arryn|Aemma]] of [[House Arryn]].  Rhaenyra had two brothers, both of whom died in the cradle.{{Ref|TRP}}  
===Early Life===
 
Born in {{Date|97}}, Rhaenyra was the only living child of King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] by his first wife, Lady [[Aemma Arryn|Aemma]] of [[House Arryn]].  Rhaenyra had two brothers, both who died in the cradle.{{Ref|TRP}}  
 
  
Rhaenyra became a dragonrider at the age of seven, when she flew into the sky on the back of a young dragon, whom she named [[Syrax]]. A year later, when she was eight, Rhaenyra became a cupbearer for her father, serving him at the table, at tourneys, and at court. King Viserys was seldom seen without Rhaenyra, since then.{{Ref|TRP}}
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Rhaenyra became a [[dragonrider]] at the age of seven, when she flew into the sky on the back of a young dragon, whom she named [[Syrax]]. A year later, when she was eight, Rhaenyra became a cupbearer for her father, serving him at the table, at tourneys, and at court. From that point onward, King Viserys was seldom seen without Rhaenyra.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
At a young age, Rhaenyra became enamored with her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]. Daemon, who often went on trips across the sea, brought back exotic gift for her. In {{Date|105}}, Ser [[Criston Cole]] was named to the [[Kingsguard]]. Cole had made an impression on the court the year before, when he won a tourney and crowned Rhaenyra the [[Queen of Love and Beauty]], after which he begged for her favor to wear in the joust. A charming man, he caught the eye of many ladies at court, Rhaenyra included. She became smitten by him, and called him "my white knight". When Rhaenyra begged her father to name Cole her personal shield and protector, Viserys agreed. From that moment on, Cole would always wear Rhaenyra's favor in the lists, and be her protector during public events.{{Ref|TRP}}
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At a young age, Rhaenyra became enamored with her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]. The roguish prince often brought her exotic gifts from his trips across the [[narrow sea]]. During the [[tourney for King Viserys I's accession]], Ser [[Criston Cole]] won the melee by disarming Daemon. The knight granted the victor's laurel to Rhaenyra and asked the seven-year-old girl for her favor in the lists. Rhaenyra became smitten with Criston when he joined the [[Kingsguard]] in {{Date|105}}, calling him her white knight, and Viserys allowed the charming knight to become Rhaenrya's personal shield and protector. From that moment on, Cole always wore Rhaenyra's favor in the lists and protected the girl during public events.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
Late in the year {{Date|105}}, Rhaenyra's mother, Aemma, went into labour. Aemma died birthing [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Rhaenyra's second brother]], and the boy died a day later. King Viserys, since then, proclaimed Rhaenyra his heir, having all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms swear fealthy to her, promising to honor and defend her rights of succession. In addition, Rhaenyra was named [[Prince of Dragonstone|Princess of Dragonstone]].{{Ref|TRP}}
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Late in {{Date|105}}, Rhaenyra's mother, Aemma, died birthing Rhaenyra's second brother, Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Baelon]], who died a day later. King Viserys then proclaimed Rhaenyra his heir, having all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms swear fealty to her, promising to honor and defend her rights of succession. In addition, Rhaenyra was named [[Prince of Dragonstone|Princess of Dragonstone]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
King Viserys remarried in {{Date|106}}, to Lady [[Alicent Hightower]], and stepmother and stepdaughter initially got along very well. That changed quickly, when Alicent birthed the king two sons, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] in {{Date|107}} and [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] in {{Date|110}}, yet Viserys did not proclaim either boy his heir. People continued to ask Viserys about the succession, though Viserys was unwilling to discuss it. Ser [[Otto Hightower]], Alicent's father and Visery's [[Hand of the King|Hand]], was sent away from court for pushing the issue too much, but even after he left, clearly two parties formed at court: the party of the Queen, and the party of the Princess.{{Ref|TRP}}
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King Viserys remarried in {{Date|106}}, to Lady [[Alicent Hightower]], and stepmother and stepdaughter initially got along well. That changed when Alicent birthed the king two sons, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]] in {{Date|107}} and [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] in {{Date|110}}, yet Viserys did not proclaim either boy his heir. People continued to ask Viserys about the succession, though Viserys was unwilling to discuss it. Ser [[Otto Hightower]], Alicent's father and Visery's [[Hand of the King|Hand]], was sent away from court for pushing the issue too much.  But even after he left, clearly two parties formed at court: the party of the Queen, and the party of the Princess.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
In {{Date|111}}, a great tourney was held at [[King's Landing]] on the fifth anniversary of King Visery's marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst Princess Rhaenyra dressed dramatically in [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “[[greens]]” and “[[blacks]]” when talking of the queen's party and the party of the princess, respectively. In the tourney itself, the blacks had much the better of it when Ser [[Criston Cole]], wearing Princess Rhaenyra's favor, unhorsed all of the queen's champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]].{{ref|tpatq}}
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In {{Date|111}}, a great tourney was held at [[King's Landing]] on the fifth anniversary of King Visery's marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst Princess Rhaenyra dressed dramatically in [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “[[greens]]” and “[[blacks]]” when talking of the queen's party and the party of the princess, respectively. The blacks had greater success in the tourney as Criston, wearing Rhaenyra's favor, unhorsed all of the queen's champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser [[Gwayne Hightower]].{{ref|tpatq}}
  
According to the accounts of [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Septon Eustace]], prior to her turning sixteen Rhaenyra lost her virginity to her uncle [[Daemon Targaryen]] after he seduced her. The account of the fool [[Mushroom]] is much more scandalous than the account of Eustace. Mushroom claims that Daemon gave Rhaenyra lessons on how to seduce and please a man, lessons in which Mushroom insists he took part as well. Mushroom's account differs from Eustace's account, in that Mushroom claims Rhaenyra remained a virgin during these lessons. According to Mushroom, Rhaenyra received those lessons from Daemon because she was in love with Ser [[Criston Cole]], and wanted him to see her as a women, no longer as a girl. Whichever account is true (Grand Maester [[Runciter]] simply claims that the two brothers quarrelled), King Viserys sent his brother into exile.{{Ref|TRP}}
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According to the accounts of Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]], prior to her turning sixteen, Rhaenyra lost her virginity to her uncle, Prince Daemon, after he seduced her. The account of the fool [[Mushroom]] is more scandalous, however, claiming that Daemon gave Rhaenyra lessons on how to seduce and please a man, lessons in which Mushroom insists he took part as well. Mushroom's account differs from Eustace's account, in that Mushroom claims Rhaenyra remained a virgin during these lessons. According to Mushroom, Rhaenyra received those lessons from Daemon because she was in love with Criston Cole, and she wanted him to see her as a woman. Whichever account is true, (Grand Maester [[Runciter]] simply claims that the two brothers quarreled), King Viserys sent his brother into exile.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
===Ruling [[Prince of Dragonstone|Princess of Dragonstone]]===
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===Ruling Princess of Dragonstone===
At the age of sixteen, in {{Date|113}}, Rhaenyra took possession of [[Dragonstone]]. She married Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] in {{Date|114}}, though it took the threat of removing her status as heir to the throne to convince her to accept the marriage, as Rhaenyra did not feel the need to marry a man with interests like Laenors. She was reported to have stated that "My half brothers would be more to his taste", to her father.{{Ref|TRP}}  
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At the age of sixteen, in {{Date|113}}, Rhaenyra took possession of [[Dragonstone]]. She had been courted by many lords and nobles who sought her hand and her favor. The sons of Lords [[House Blackwood|Blackwood]] and [[House Bracken|Bracken]] had dueled over the [[Princess of Dragonstone]] when she visited the [[Trident]] in {{date|112}}, and the so-called [[Forrest Frey|Fool Frey]] asked for her hand in marriage. The twin knights [[Jason Lannister|Jason]] and [[Tyland Lannister]] wooed her at [[Casterly Rock]], and she was also courted by the sons of Lords [[House Oakheart|Oakheart]], [[House Tarly|Tarly]], [[House Tully|Tully]], and [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]]. Ser [[Harwin Strong]], the son of Lord [[Lyonel Strong]], also courted the princess.{{ref|TRP}} King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] considered wedding his daughter to the [[Prince of Dorne]] to bring [[Dorne]] into the [[Seven Kingdoms]], while Queen [[Alicent Hightower]] pondered a marriage between Rhaenyra and her eldest son, Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon Targaryen]].{{ref|TRP}}
  
Laenor and Rhaenyra had three sons together: [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys 'Jace' Velaryon]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon]], and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey 'Joff' Velaryon]]. All were near adulthood and had dragons of their own when Rhaenyra's father, Viserys I, died. It was rumored that those sons of Rhaenyra's were actually fathered by her lover, Ser [[Harwin Strong|Harwin "Breakbones" Strong]] as all three of them were born with brown hair even though Laenor and Rhaenyra both had light silver/gold hair.{{Ref|TRP}}{{ref|tpatq}} The truth of the parentage of Rhaenyra's three eldest children is still unclear.<ref>As Rhaenyra has an Arryn mother, and Laenor a Baratheon grandmother, there is a possibility Jace, Luke and Joff inherited their looks from more distant relatives, instead of their parentes.</ref>
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Rhaenyra instead married Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]] in {{Date|114}}, though it took Viserys's threat of removing her status as heir to the [[Iron Throne]] to convince her to accept the marriage, as Rhaenyra did not feel the need to marry a man with interests like Laenor's. The princess was reported to have stated that "My half brothers would be more to his taste", to her father.{{Ref|TRP}} Laenor's closest friend, Ser [[Joffrey Lonmouth]], was mortally wounded by Ser [[Criston Cole]] during the wedding tourney. Laenor chose to spend most of his time at [[High Tide]], while his wife preferred to remain at court.{{ref|TRP}} Rhaenyra was fond of Laenor's sister, Lady [[Laena Velaryon]], who had wed Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] after the death of his first wife, Lady [[Rhea Royce]].{{ref|TRP}}
  
Rhaenyra's other sons, the future [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]], were fathered by her second husband, her uncle Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], the most experienced warrior of his time. They married after the deaths of Daemon's [[Laena Velaryon|second wife]] and Rhaenyra's (rumored) lover Harwin Strong. The news of their wedding caused a great scandal at the court of [[King's Landing]] and made Rhaenyra father livid. It took some time before Viserys and Daemon reconciled again.{{Ref|TRP}}
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Laenor and Rhaenyra had three sons together: Princes [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys 'Jace']], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys 'Luke']], and [[Joffrey Velaryon|Joffrey 'Joff' Velaryon]]. All were near adulthood and had dragons of their own when Rhaenyra's father, Viserys I, died. It was rumored that those sons of Rhaenyra's were actually fathered by her lover, Harwin Strong, called "Breakbones", as all three were born with brown hair, though Laenor and Rhaenyra both had light silver/gold hair.{{Ref|TRP}}{{ref|tpatq}} The true parentage of Rhaenyra's three eldest children is still unclear.<ref>As Rhaenyra had an [[House Arryn|Arryn]] mother, and Laenor a [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]] grandmother, there is a possibility Jace, Luke, and Joff inherited their looks from more distant relatives, instead of their parents.</ref>
  
Her father's intention that she should follow him on the [[Iron Throne]] was confirmed by proclamation and the will of Viserys I.{{Ref|TRP}}
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The siblings Laenor and Laena Velaryon both died in {{date|120}}, as did Rhaenyra's alleged lover, Breakbones.{{ref|TRP}} Rhaenyra then secretly married her uncle, Prince Daemon, the most experienced warrior of his time, at Dragonstone. Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] claimed the two had wed in secret to prevent Viserys from prohibiting the marriage, while [[Mushroom]] suggested that Daemon, aged thirty-nine, had already impregnated the princess, who was then twenty-three.{{ref|TRP}} The news of their wedding caused a great scandal at the court of [[King's Landing]] and made Rhaenyra's father livid. It took some time before Viserys and Daemon reconciled.{{Ref|TRP}} Rhaenyra's other sons, Princes [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon]] and [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], were fathered by Daemon.{{ref|TRP}}
  
Rhaenyra gave birth to a deformed stillborn girl, [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Rhaenyra)|Visenya]], very soon after learning of her father (King Viserys I)'s death.{{ref|tpatq}}
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After King Viserys cut his left hand to the bone after stumbling against the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra sent her maester, [[Orwyle]], to treat her father's wounds.{{ref|The Targaryen Kings| Viserys I}}
  
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
[[Image:Rhaenyra.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©]]]:{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}
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:{{Main|Dance of the Dragons}}
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[[Image:Rhaenyra.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Queen Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons, by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok©].]]
  
After the death of her father, King Viserys I, his will stated that Princess Rhaenyra would succeed him. However, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]] and Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] and possibly the former lover of Rhaenyra, defied the king's will and instead crowned Rhaenyra's half-brother, Alicent's son [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], who was ten years younger. This brought about a Targaryen civil war, known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which dragonriders fought each other;{{Ref|aFfC|13}} during the war Rhaenyra rode her [[dragon]], [[Syrax]].{{Ref|aDwD|8}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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Rhaenyra was the designated heir of her father, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]], who desired that she succeed him. Viserys's intent had been confirmed by a proclamation of his will.{{Ref|TRP}} When Viserys died in {{Date|129}}, however, Ser [[Otto Hightower]], the [[Hand of the King]], and Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] and possibly the former lover of Rhaenyra, defied the king's will and instead crowned Rhaenyra's half-brother, Queen [[Alicent Hightower]]'s son [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]], who was ten years younger.{{Ref|TPATQ}} This brought about the Targaryen civil war, known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]], in which [[dragonriders]] fought each other.{{Ref|aFfC|13}} During the war, Rhaenyra rode her [[dragon]], [[Syrax]].{{Ref|aDwD|8}}{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
At the time of her father's death, Rhaenyra was on Dragonstone awaiting the birth of her sixth child. The Green conspirators in [[King's Landing]] ensured that the news did not reach her until after all her supporters in the [[Red Keep]] were dead or imprisoned, and Aegon II's coronation had already occurred. When news did reach her, she went into a black fury and went into early labor, producing a deformed, stillborn [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Rhaenyra)|daughter]]. She blamed this tragedy on the enemies who had stolen her crown. After Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the Kingsguard arrived on Dragonstone with some other Black supporters who had fled the Green coup, bringing her father's crown with them, Rhaenyra had her own coronation.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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At the time of her father's death, Rhaenyra was on [[Dragonstone]] awaiting the birth of her sixth child. The [[greens]] in [[King's Landing]] ensured that the news of the Viserys's death did not reach her until her own supporters in the [[Red Keep]] were dead or imprisoned and Aegon II's coronation had already occurred. When news reached Rhaenyra, she went into a black fury and went into early labor, producing a deformed, stillborn daughter, [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Rhaenyra)|Visenya]]. Rhaenyra blamed this tragedy on the enemies who had stolen her crown. Rhaenyra had a hastily-arranged coronation of her own. The arrival of Ser [[Steffon Darklyn]] of the [[Kingsguard]] on Dragonstone, accompanied by some other supporters, was therefore celebrated, as they brought with them the crown worn by [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]] and Viserys. Rhaenyra was crowned with her father's crown by her husband and uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
To gain more support to take the crown from her brother, Rhaenyra sent her son Jace on his dragon to treat with the [[House Arryn|Arryns]], [[House Manderly|Manderlys]], and [[House Stark|Starks]], and her son Luke to treat with Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] at [[Storm's End]]. Luke's mission was thought to be the safer, but he arrived at Storm's End to find Queen Alicent's younger son [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] already there. Aemond, riding [[Vhagar]], killed Luke over [[Shipbreaker Bay]] as he attempted to leave after failing to gain Lord Borros' allegiance. The news of Luke's death devastated his mother.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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To gain more support to take the [[Iron Throne|throne]] from her brother, Rhaenyra sent her son Jace on his dragon to treat with the [[House Arryn|Arryns]], [[House Manderly|Manderlys]], and [[House Stark|Starks]], and her son Luke to treat with Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] at [[Storm's End]]. Luke's mission was thought to be the safer, but he arrived at Storm's End to find Queen Alicent's younger son [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] already there. Aemond, riding [[Vhagar]], killed Luke over [[Shipbreaker Bay]] as he attempted to leave after failing to gain Lord Borros' allegiance. The news of Luke's death devastated his mother.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
Rhaenyra [[Fall of King's Landing|took the capital]] and sat in the throne for roughly half a year. Upon taking the city, Rhaenyra insisted on claiming her fathers seat, and so she climbed the Iron Throne and accepted pleas of forgiveness and loyalty from those in the Red Keep all throughout the night. Although Rhaenyra was dressed in armor, Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]]<ref>[http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/100284-spoilers-the-princess-and-the-queen-complete-spoilers-discussion/page-6#entry5178064 Ran discussing Eustace]</ref> claimed that those present witnessed the throne leaving several cuts on her legs and left hand. The dripping blood was taken as a sign that the throne had rejected her; her days as ruler would be few. {{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Rhaenyra [[Fall of King's Landing|took the capital]] and sat in the throne for roughly half a year. Upon taking the city, Rhaenyra insisted on claiming her father's seat, and so she climbed the Iron Throne and accepted pleas of forgiveness and loyalty from those in the Red Keep all throughout the night. Although Rhaenyra was dressed in armor, Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]]<ref>[http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/topic/100284-spoilers-the-princess-and-the-queen-complete-spoilers-discussion/page-6#entry5178064 Ran discussing Eustace]</ref> claimed that those present witnessed the throne leaving several cuts on her legs and left hand. The dripping blood was taken as a sign that the throne had rejected her; her days as ruler would be few.{{Ref|TPATQ}}  
  
While those living in King's Landing had welcomed Rhaenyra's return as a ruler, for they had always had little love for [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and his brother [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]], the fact that the spikes of the gates started to be filled with more and more heads each day, and the taxes were increased, turned the inhabitants of King's Landing against their Queen. The smallfolk slowly started to turn against her, and eventually named her "King [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] with Teats." This term would remain a common curse in King's Landig for a hundred years thereafter.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
Those living in King's Landing initially welcomed Rhaenyra's return as a ruler, for they had always had little love for [[Aegon II Targaryen]] and his brother [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]]. Once in power, however, the spikes of the gates started to be filled with more and more heads each day, and the taxes increased. The smallfolk slowly started to turn against her, and eventually named her "King [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] with teats." The term Maegor's Teats became a common curse in King's Landing for a hundred years thereafter.{{Ref|TPATQ}} Rhaenyra sent [[knights inquisitor]] to pursue those who had helped Aegon escape the capital.{{ref|TPATQ}}
  
After hearing of the [[Two Betrayers]], Rhaenyra grew paranoid and declared the two remaining dragonseeds, Ser [[Addam Velaryon]] and the girl [[Nettles]] both traitors, a decision with disastrous conseqneunces. Rhaenyra's Hand, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], who had named Ser Addam his heir, alerted Ser Addam in time for the knight to flee upon the back of the dragon [[Seasmoke]]. This lead to the arrest of Lord Corlys, which caused the fleet of [[House Velaryon]] to abandon Rhaenyra's cause.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
After hearing of the [[Two Betrayers]], Rhaenyra grew paranoid and declared the two remaining dragonseeds, Ser [[Addam Velaryon]] and the girl [[Nettles]] both traitors, a decision with disastrous consequences. Rhaenyra's Hand, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], who had named Addam his heir, alerted Addam in time for the knight to flee upon the back of the dragon [[Seasmoke]]. This led to the arrest of Corlys, which caused the fleet of [[House Velaryon]] to abandon Rhaenyra's cause.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
In order to have Nettles arrested, Queen Rhaenyra had sent a letter to Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]], commanding him to kill the girl. Lord Mooton refused, as Nettles was under the protection of [[Guest right|guest right]], and he feared Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] would kill them if them followed Rhaenyra's orders, believing that there was no winning option for himself: refusing to obey Rhaenyra's order, would make him a traitor to the crown. Insisting that King Viserys I and Jaehaerys I would never have asked such a thing, Lord Manfryd then decided to change his allegiance to King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], after both the girl Nettles and Prince Daemon had left his roof for the very last time.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
In order to have the girl Nettles killed, Queen Rhaenyra had sent a letter to Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]], commanding him to kill the girl. Lord Mooton refused, as Nettles was under the protection of [[guest right]]. He feared Prince Daemon would kill them if they followed Rhaenyra's orders, but saw there was no winning option, since refusing to obey Rhaenyra's order would make him a traitor to the crown. Insisting that King Viserys I and Jaehaerys I would never have asked such a thing, Manfryd decided to change his allegiance to Aegon II, after Nettles and Daemon had left his roof.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
After the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]] Rhaenyra fled King's Landing. Terrorized and despairing, she grew grey and haggard as she traveled past [[Rosby]], [[Stokeworth]], and [[Duskendale]]. Once she reached [[Dragonstone]], Rhaenyra was betrayed by Ser [[Alfred Broome]], whose men slew the remainder of her [[Queensguard]]. Her half-brother Aegon II then had her fed to his own dragon, [[Sunfyre]], at Dragonstone. King Aegon II decreed that Rhaenyra was never a queen and that she be referred to only as princess in all chronicles and court records.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
After the [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], Rhaenyra fled King's Landing. Terrorized and despairing, she grew grey and haggard as she traveled past [[Rosby]], [[Stokeworth]], and [[Duskendale]]. Rhaenyra was forced to sell her [[crown]] to raise the coin to buy passage on a [[Braavos]]i merchant ship, the ''[[Violande]]''. Once she reached Dragonstone, Rhaenyra [[fall of Dragonstone|was betrayed]] by Ser [[Alfred Broome]], whose men slew the remainder of her [[Queensguard]]. Her half-brother Aegon II then had her fed to his own dragon, [[Sunfyre]], at Dragonstone. King Aegon II decreed that Rhaenyra was never a queen and that she be referred to only as princess in all chronicles and court records.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
==Legacy==
 
==Legacy==
Rhaenyra's three eldest sons all died fighting during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], but her two youngest sons, the sons by her second husband, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], survived the civil war. The war ended when Aegon II died shortly after his victory in {{Date|131}} with no male issue, and was succeeded by Rhaenyra's and Daemon's elder son, the boy [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]], who had seen his mother's death by  
+
Rhaenyra's three eldest sons all died fighting during the [[Dance of the Dragons]], but her two youngest sons, the sons by her second husband, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]], survived the civil war. The war ended when Aegon II died in {{Date|131}} with no male issue, and was succeeded by Rhaenyra's and Daemon's elder son, the boy [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]], who had seen his mother's death by dragon.{{ref|thk}} Rhaenyra's second son with Prince Daemon would also later rule as King [[Viserys II Targaryen]], as both sons of his brother Aegon III, [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron I]] and [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor I]], later died without issue.{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
dragon.{{ref|thk}} Rhaenyra's [[Viserys II Targaryen|second son]] with Prince Daemon would also later rule as King, after both of the sons of [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon III]] died without any issue.{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}
 
  
 
Neither Rhaenyra or Aegon II are remembered well in the history of the [[Westeros]].
 
Neither Rhaenyra or Aegon II are remembered well in the history of the [[Westeros]].
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
[[Stannis Baratheon]] mentions Rhaenyra to [[Davos Seaworth]] while listing historical figures killed for treason.{{ref|ASOS|36}}
 
[[Stannis Baratheon]] mentions Rhaenyra to [[Davos Seaworth]] while listing historical figures killed for treason.{{ref|ASOS|36}}
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==Quotes by Rhaenyra==
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{{quote|'''Rhaenyra''': Dear brother. I had hoped that you were dead.<br>'''Aegon''': After you. You are the elder.{{ref|TPATQ}}|Rhaenyra and [[Aegon II Targaryen]] in the writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
  
 
==Quotes about Rhaenyra==
 
==Quotes about Rhaenyra==
 +
{{quote|I offered her an honorable peace, and the whore spat in my face. [[Dance of the Dragons|What happens now]] is on her own head.{{ref|TPATQ}}|[[Aegon II Targaryen]] in the writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}
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{{quote|[[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]], the brothers [[House Toyne|Toyne]], the [[Vulture King]], Grand Maester [[Hareth (Maester)|Hareth]]... traitors have always paid with their lives ... even Rhaenyra Targaryen. She was daughter to [[Viserys I Targaryen|one king]] and mother to [[Aegon III Targaryen|two]] [[Viserys II Targaryen|more]], yet she died a traitor's death for trying to usurp [[Aegon II Targaryen|her brother's]] crown.{{ref|ASOS|36}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
 
{{quote|[[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Blackfyre]], the brothers [[House Toyne|Toyne]], the [[Vulture King]], Grand Maester [[Hareth (Maester)|Hareth]]... traitors have always paid with their lives ... even Rhaenyra Targaryen. She was daughter to [[Viserys I Targaryen|one king]] and mother to [[Aegon III Targaryen|two]] [[Viserys II Targaryen|more]], yet she died a traitor's death for trying to usurp [[Aegon II Targaryen|her brother's]] crown.{{ref|ASOS|36}}}} – [[Stannis Baratheon]], to [[Davos Seaworth]]
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{{Targaryen_tree_Dance}}
 
{{Targaryen_tree_Dance}}
  
==References and Notes==
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==Behind the Scenes==
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In earlier drafts of the family tree [[George R. R. Martin]] created for [[House Targaryen]], Rhaenyra had several different husbands. The first draft had her married to a [[House Lannister|Lannister]], with whom she had no children.<ref>Asoiaf.westeros.org: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/147116-fire-and-blood-volume-1/&page=19&tab=comments#comment-8210344 FIRE AND BLOOD volume 1 (July 21, 2018)]</ref> A new draft, featured in the semi-canon ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying]]'' game produced by [[w:Green Ronin Publishing|Green Ronin Publishing]], listed her husband as Lyonel Strong, by whom she has three sons. The sons were not identified by name.{{ref|rpg|greenronin}} The final draft, as featured in ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' and ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'', has Rhaenyra married first to [[Laenor Velaryon]], by whom she had three sons, ([[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]], and [[Joffrey Velaryon]]) who were all rumored to have been fathered by Ser [[Harwin Strong]].{{ref|trp}}{{ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}} In that same final version, Harwin's father is called Lord [[Lyonel Strong]].{{ref|trp}}{{ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} Additionally, after the deaths of Laenor and Harwin, both in {{date|120}}, Rhaenyra married her uncle, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], by whom she had three more children (two sons and a [[Visenya Targaryen (daughter of Rhaenyra)|stillborn daughter]]).{{ref|trp}}{{ref|tpatq}}{{ref|twoiaf| Appendix: Targaryen Lineage}}
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==References==
 
{{references|2}}
 
{{references|2}}
  
{{Template:Kings of Westeros}}
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{{Kings of Westeros}}
  
 
[[Category:House Targaryen]]
 
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[[Category:Blacks|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
[[Category:Blacks|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
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[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
[[Category:Claimants to the Iron Throne|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
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[[Category:Monarchs|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
 
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[[Category:Noblewomen|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
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[[Category:Princes of Dragonstone|Targaryen, Rhaenyra]]
  
 
[[es:Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
 
[[es:Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
 
[[fa:رینیرا تارگرین]]
 
[[fa:رینیرا تارگرین]]
 
[[fr:Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
 
[[fr:Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
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[[ru:Рэйнира Таргариен]]
 
[[zh:雷妮拉·坦格利安]]
 
[[zh:雷妮拉·坦格利安]]

Revision as of 12:50, 13 September 2018

House Targaryen.svg
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra Targaryen.svg
Young rhaenyra targaryen.jpg
Princess Rhaenyra at the age of sixteen, as depicted by Magali Villeneuve in The World of Ice & Fire

Aliases
  • The Realm's Delight[1]
  • The whore of Dragonstone[1]
  • King Maegor with teats[1]
  • The Half-Year Queen[1]
Titles
Allegiances
Race Valyrian
Culture crownlands
Born 97 AC
Died 130 AC
Dragonstone
Spouses
Personal arms The Targaryen three-headed red dragon on black, quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of House Arryn and the silver seahorse on sea green of House Velaryon
(Quarterly 1st and 4th Sable a dragon thrice-headed gules; 2nd Bleu celeste upon a plate a falcon volant of the field; 3rd Aquamarine a seahorse argent)
Books

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, cheered as the Realm's Delight when she was young and later called the Half-Year Queen,[1] was the first-born child of King Viserys I Targaryen. Rhaenyra was King Viserys I's only living child by his first wife, Aemma of House Arryn. At the age of eight she was made her father's heir and grew up expecting to become the first ruling Queen of Westeros.[1][2]

Her claim to the Iron Throne was challenged by her younger half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen, sparking the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. She was the mother of two kings,[3] Aegon III and Viserys II.

Rhaenyra's personal sigil was the normal Targaryen heraldry (a three-headed red dragon on a black field), quartered with the moon-and-falcon sigil of House Arryn (for her mother Aemma Arryn), and the silver seahorse on sea green of House Velaryon (for her first husband Laenor Velaryon, as well as for the Velaryons in general, who were among her major supporters). During the Dance, her faction used her personal heraldry as their battle-flag.[4]

Appearance and Character

Rhaenyra had her family's Valyrian looks, wearing her silver-gold hair in a long braid in the manner of Queen Visenya Targaryen.[5] Beautiful as a child,[6] Rhaenyra was later declared by her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen, to be the most beautiful maiden in all the Seven Kingdoms.[2] Rhaenyra never lost weight gained from pregnancies, and she had grown stout and thick of waist at the age of twenty after her third pregnancy.[2] Rhaenyra had a large bosom.[5]

Rhaenyra was proud and stubborn, and there was a certain petulance to her small mouth. Though she could be charming, Rhaenyra was quick to anger and never forgot a slight.[5] She resented her slender older stepmother, Queen Alicent Hightower,[1] but was fond of Lady Laena Velaryon.[2]

Rhaenyra always dressed richly, favoring purple and maroon velvets and golden Myrish lace in intricate patterns. Her bodice often glittered with pearls and diamonds, and there were always rings on her fingers. Whenever she was anxious, she would turn them compulsively, round and round.[5] During the Dance of the Dragons, she wore the crown of her father, Viserys I,[5] which had first been worn by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[1]

History

Early life

Born in 97 AC, Rhaenyra was the only living child of King Viserys I Targaryen by his first wife, Lady Aemma of House Arryn. Rhaenyra had two brothers, both of whom died in the cradle.[2]

Rhaenyra became a dragonrider at the age of seven, when she flew into the sky on the back of a young dragon, whom she named Syrax. A year later, when she was eight, Rhaenyra became a cupbearer for her father, serving him at the table, at tourneys, and at court. From that point onward, King Viserys was seldom seen without Rhaenyra.[2]

At a young age, Rhaenyra became enamored with her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen. The roguish prince often brought her exotic gifts from his trips across the narrow sea. During the tourney for King Viserys I's accession, Ser Criston Cole won the melee by disarming Daemon. The knight granted the victor's laurel to Rhaenyra and asked the seven-year-old girl for her favor in the lists. Rhaenyra became smitten with Criston when he joined the Kingsguard in 105 AC, calling him her white knight, and Viserys allowed the charming knight to become Rhaenrya's personal shield and protector. From that moment on, Cole always wore Rhaenyra's favor in the lists and protected the girl during public events.[2]

Late in 105 AC, Rhaenyra's mother, Aemma, died birthing Rhaenyra's second brother, Prince Baelon, who died a day later. King Viserys then proclaimed Rhaenyra his heir, having all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms swear fealty to her, promising to honor and defend her rights of succession. In addition, Rhaenyra was named Princess of Dragonstone.[2]

King Viserys remarried in 106 AC, to Lady Alicent Hightower, and stepmother and stepdaughter initially got along well. That changed when Alicent birthed the king two sons, Aegon in 107 AC and Aemond in 110 AC, yet Viserys did not proclaim either boy his heir. People continued to ask Viserys about the succession, though Viserys was unwilling to discuss it. Ser Otto Hightower, Alicent's father and Visery's Hand, was sent away from court for pushing the issue too much. But even after he left, clearly two parties formed at court: the party of the Queen, and the party of the Princess.[2]

In 111 AC, a great tourney was held at King's Landing on the fifth anniversary of King Visery's marriage to Queen Alicent. At the opening feast, the queen wore a green gown, whilst Princess Rhaenyra dressed dramatically in Targaryen red and black. Note was taken, and thereafter it became the custom to refer to “greens” and “blacks” when talking of the queen's party and the party of the princess, respectively. The blacks had greater success in the tourney as Criston, wearing Rhaenyra's favor, unhorsed all of the queen's champions, including two of her cousins and her youngest brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower.[1]

According to the accounts of Septon Eustace, prior to her turning sixteen, Rhaenyra lost her virginity to her uncle, Prince Daemon, after he seduced her. The account of the fool Mushroom is more scandalous, however, claiming that Daemon gave Rhaenyra lessons on how to seduce and please a man, lessons in which Mushroom insists he took part as well. Mushroom's account differs from Eustace's account, in that Mushroom claims Rhaenyra remained a virgin during these lessons. According to Mushroom, Rhaenyra received those lessons from Daemon because she was in love with Criston Cole, and she wanted him to see her as a woman. Whichever account is true, (Grand Maester Runciter simply claims that the two brothers quarreled), King Viserys sent his brother into exile.[2]

Ruling Princess of Dragonstone

At the age of sixteen, in 113 AC, Rhaenyra took possession of Dragonstone. She had been courted by many lords and nobles who sought her hand and her favor. The sons of Lords Blackwood and Bracken had dueled over the Princess of Dragonstone when she visited the Trident in 112 AC, and the so-called Fool Frey asked for her hand in marriage. The twin knights Jason and Tyland Lannister wooed her at Casterly Rock, and she was also courted by the sons of Lords Oakheart, Tarly, Tully, and Tyrell. Ser Harwin Strong, the son of Lord Lyonel Strong, also courted the princess.[2] King Viserys I Targaryen considered wedding his daughter to the Prince of Dorne to bring Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms, while Queen Alicent Hightower pondered a marriage between Rhaenyra and her eldest son, Prince Aegon Targaryen.[2]

Rhaenyra instead married Ser Laenor Velaryon in 114 AC, though it took Viserys's threat of removing her status as heir to the Iron Throne to convince her to accept the marriage, as Rhaenyra did not feel the need to marry a man with interests like Laenor's. The princess was reported to have stated that "My half brothers would be more to his taste", to her father.[2] Laenor's closest friend, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, was mortally wounded by Ser Criston Cole during the wedding tourney. Laenor chose to spend most of his time at High Tide, while his wife preferred to remain at court.[2] Rhaenyra was fond of Laenor's sister, Lady Laena Velaryon, who had wed Prince Daemon Targaryen after the death of his first wife, Lady Rhea Royce.[2]

Laenor and Rhaenyra had three sons together: Princes Jacaerys 'Jace', Lucerys 'Luke', and Joffrey 'Joff' Velaryon. All were near adulthood and had dragons of their own when Rhaenyra's father, Viserys I, died. It was rumored that those sons of Rhaenyra's were actually fathered by her lover, Harwin Strong, called "Breakbones", as all three were born with brown hair, though Laenor and Rhaenyra both had light silver/gold hair.[2][1] The true parentage of Rhaenyra's three eldest children is still unclear.[7]

The siblings Laenor and Laena Velaryon both died in 120 AC, as did Rhaenyra's alleged lover, Breakbones.[2] Rhaenyra then secretly married her uncle, Prince Daemon, the most experienced warrior of his time, at Dragonstone. Septon Eustace claimed the two had wed in secret to prevent Viserys from prohibiting the marriage, while Mushroom suggested that Daemon, aged thirty-nine, had already impregnated the princess, who was then twenty-three.[2] The news of their wedding caused a great scandal at the court of King's Landing and made Rhaenyra's father livid. It took some time before Viserys and Daemon reconciled.[2] Rhaenyra's other sons, Princes Aegon and Viserys Targaryen, were fathered by Daemon.[2]

After King Viserys cut his left hand to the bone after stumbling against the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra sent her maester, Orwyle, to treat her father's wounds.[8]

Dance of the Dragons

Queen Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons, by Amok©.

Rhaenyra was the designated heir of her father, King Viserys I Targaryen, who desired that she succeed him. Viserys's intent had been confirmed by a proclamation of his will.[2] When Viserys died in 129 AC, however, Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and possibly the former lover of Rhaenyra, defied the king's will and instead crowned Rhaenyra's half-brother, Queen Alicent Hightower's son Aegon II, who was ten years younger.[1] This brought about the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, in which dragonriders fought each other.[9] During the war, Rhaenyra rode her dragon, Syrax.[10][1]

At the time of her father's death, Rhaenyra was on Dragonstone awaiting the birth of her sixth child. The greens in King's Landing ensured that the news of the Viserys's death did not reach her until her own supporters in the Red Keep were dead or imprisoned and Aegon II's coronation had already occurred. When news reached Rhaenyra, she went into a black fury and went into early labor, producing a deformed, stillborn daughter, Visenya. Rhaenyra blamed this tragedy on the enemies who had stolen her crown. Rhaenyra had a hastily-arranged coronation of her own. The arrival of Ser Steffon Darklyn of the Kingsguard on Dragonstone, accompanied by some other supporters, was therefore celebrated, as they brought with them the crown worn by Jaehaerys I and Viserys. Rhaenyra was crowned with her father's crown by her husband and uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen.[1]

To gain more support to take the throne from her brother, Rhaenyra sent her son Jace on his dragon to treat with the Arryns, Manderlys, and Starks, and her son Luke to treat with Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End. Luke's mission was thought to be the safer, but he arrived at Storm's End to find Queen Alicent's younger son Aemond already there. Aemond, riding Vhagar, killed Luke over Shipbreaker Bay as he attempted to leave after failing to gain Lord Borros' allegiance. The news of Luke's death devastated his mother.[1]

Rhaenyra took the capital and sat in the throne for roughly half a year. Upon taking the city, Rhaenyra insisted on claiming her father's seat, and so she climbed the Iron Throne and accepted pleas of forgiveness and loyalty from those in the Red Keep all throughout the night. Although Rhaenyra was dressed in armor, Septon Eustace[11] claimed that those present witnessed the throne leaving several cuts on her legs and left hand. The dripping blood was taken as a sign that the throne had rejected her; her days as ruler would be few.[1]

Those living in King's Landing initially welcomed Rhaenyra's return as a ruler, for they had always had little love for Aegon II Targaryen and his brother Aemond. Once in power, however, the spikes of the gates started to be filled with more and more heads each day, and the taxes increased. The smallfolk slowly started to turn against her, and eventually named her "King Maegor with teats." The term Maegor's Teats became a common curse in King's Landing for a hundred years thereafter.[1] Rhaenyra sent knights inquisitor to pursue those who had helped Aegon escape the capital.[1]

After hearing of the Two Betrayers, Rhaenyra grew paranoid and declared the two remaining dragonseeds, Ser Addam Velaryon and the girl Nettles both traitors, a decision with disastrous consequences. Rhaenyra's Hand, Lord Corlys Velaryon, who had named Addam his heir, alerted Addam in time for the knight to flee upon the back of the dragon Seasmoke. This led to the arrest of Corlys, which caused the fleet of House Velaryon to abandon Rhaenyra's cause.[1]

In order to have the girl Nettles killed, Queen Rhaenyra had sent a letter to Lord Manfryd Mooton, commanding him to kill the girl. Lord Mooton refused, as Nettles was under the protection of guest right. He feared Prince Daemon would kill them if they followed Rhaenyra's orders, but saw there was no winning option, since refusing to obey Rhaenyra's order would make him a traitor to the crown. Insisting that King Viserys I and Jaehaerys I would never have asked such a thing, Manfryd decided to change his allegiance to Aegon II, after Nettles and Daemon had left his roof.[1]

After the Storming of the Dragonpit, Rhaenyra fled King's Landing. Terrorized and despairing, she grew grey and haggard as she traveled past Rosby, Stokeworth, and Duskendale. Rhaenyra was forced to sell her crown to raise the coin to buy passage on a Braavosi merchant ship, the Violande. Once she reached Dragonstone, Rhaenyra was betrayed by Ser Alfred Broome, whose men slew the remainder of her Queensguard. Her half-brother Aegon II then had her fed to his own dragon, Sunfyre, at Dragonstone. King Aegon II decreed that Rhaenyra was never a queen and that she be referred to only as princess in all chronicles and court records.[1]

Legacy

Rhaenyra's three eldest sons all died fighting during the Dance of the Dragons, but her two youngest sons, the sons by her second husband, Prince Daemon, survived the civil war. The war ended when Aegon II died in 131 AC with no male issue, and was succeeded by Rhaenyra's and Daemon's elder son, the boy Aegon III, who had seen his mother's death by dragon.[12] Rhaenyra's second son with Prince Daemon would also later rule as King Viserys II Targaryen, as both sons of his brother Aegon III, Daeron I and Baelor I, later died without issue.[13]

Neither Rhaenyra or Aegon II are remembered well in the history of the Westeros.

Recent Events

A Storm of Swords

Stannis Baratheon mentions Rhaenyra to Davos Seaworth while listing historical figures killed for treason.[3]

Quotes by Rhaenyra

Rhaenyra: Dear brother. I had hoped that you were dead.
Aegon: After you. You are the elder.[1]

—Rhaenyra and Aegon II Targaryen in the writings of Gyldayn

Quotes about Rhaenyra

I offered her an honorable peace, and the whore spat in my face. What happens now is on her own head.[1]

Aegon II Targaryen in the writings of Gyldayn


Daemon Blackfyre, the brothers Toyne, the Vulture King, Grand Maester Hareth... traitors have always paid with their lives ... even Rhaenyra Targaryen. She was daughter to one king and mother to two more, yet she died a traitor's death for trying to usurp her brother's crown.[3]

Stannis Baratheon, to Davos Seaworth

Family

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.


Behind the Scenes

In earlier drafts of the family tree George R. R. Martin created for House Targaryen, Rhaenyra had several different husbands. The first draft had her married to a Lannister, with whom she had no children.[14] A new draft, featured in the semi-canon A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying game produced by Green Ronin Publishing, listed her husband as Lyonel Strong, by whom she has three sons. The sons were not identified by name.[15] The final draft, as featured in The Rogue Prince and The World of Ice & Fire, has Rhaenyra married first to Laenor Velaryon, by whom she had three sons, (Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon) who were all rumored to have been fathered by Ser Harwin Strong.[2][16] In that same final version, Harwin's father is called Lord Lyonel Strong.[2][6] Additionally, after the deaths of Laenor and Harwin, both in 120 AC, Rhaenyra married her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen, by whom she had three more children (two sons and a stillborn daughter).[2][1][16]

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22 1.23 The Princess and the Queen.
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 The Rogue Prince.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 36, Davos IV.
  4. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 So Spake Martin: Good Queen Alysanne and Rhaenyra, June 18, 2006
  6. 6.0 6.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I.
  7. As Rhaenyra had an Arryn mother, and Laenor a Baratheon grandmother, there is a possibility Jace, Luke, and Joff inherited their looks from more distant relatives, instead of their parents.
  8. Bad parameter 1: "The Targaryen Kings" is not a recognized work
  9. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 13, The Soiled Knight.
  10. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 8, Tyrion III.
  11. Ran discussing Eustace
  12. The Hedge Knight.
  13. A Game of Thrones, Appendix.
  14. Asoiaf.westeros.org: FIRE AND BLOOD volume 1 (July 21, 2018)
  15. A Song of Ice and Fire Roleplaying.
  16. 16.0 16.1 The World of Ice & Fire, Appendix: Targaryen Lineage.