Viserys I Targaryen

2026-09-22T18:56:52Z

148.69.36.21: /* Appearance and Character */

{{For|other characters with the same name|Viserys Targaryen (disambiguation)}}
{{For|other uses|Viserys}}
{{Infobox monarch
| title = King
| nickname =
| firstname = Viserys
| regnalnumber = 1
| particle =
| lastname = Targaryen
| epithet =
| arms = Targaryen
| arms2 =
| image = VISERYS I.jpg
| image_caption = Viserys I, by [http://en.amokanet.ru/gallery/martin/ Amok] ©
| reign = {{Date|103|129}}
| coronation = {{Date|103}}
| fullname = Viserys of House Targaryen, the First of His Name
| othertitles = [[Prince of Dragonstone]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] [[Protector of the Realm]]
| allegiance =
| predecessor = King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]
| heir = Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]
| successor = King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]
| alias = The Young King{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| dateofbirth = {{Date|77}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
| placeofbirth = [[King's Landing]]
| dateofdeath = the 3rd day of the 3rd moon of {{Date|129}} (aged 52){{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}
| placeofdeath = King's Landing
| dateofburial = {{Date|129}}
| placeofburial = King's Landing{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}
| race = [[Valyrians|Valyrian]]
| culture = [[Crownlands#People and Economy|Crownlander]]
| royalhouse = [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]]
| queen = [[Aemma Arryn]] ({{Date|103|105}}) [[Alicent Hightower]] ({{Date|106|129}})
| consort =
| spouse =
| lover =
| issue = With Aemma: Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] Unknown son Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]
----
With Alicent: King [[Aegon II Targaryen]] Queen [[Helaena Targaryen]] Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] Prince [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron Targaryen]]
----
[[Trystane Truefyre]] (allegedly)
| father = Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]
| mother = Princess [[Alyssa Targaryen]]
| coat-of-arms =
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned) ''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned) ''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned) ''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (appendix) ''[[A Feast for Crows]]'' (mentioned)
| Played_by = [[w:Paddy Considine|Paddy Considine]]
| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]] {{!}} [[House of the Dragon - Season 2|2]]
}}
'''Viserys I Targaryen''' was the fifth [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] king to sit the [[Iron Throne]],{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}} ruling from {{Date|103}} to {{Date|129}}. Upon his ascension, he was known as '''the Young King''' to differentiate him from his predecessor, his grandfather [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]], who was called "the Old King".{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Viserys continued the prosperous peace and legacy of his grandsire, but the seeds for the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]] that would later engulf the realm were inadvertently sown in his reign.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys was a [[dragonrider]] who rode [[Balerion]] until the [[dragon]] died of old age during the reign of Jaehaerys I. Viserys never bonded with another dragon after Balerion's death.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Viserys is portrayed by [[w:Paddy Considine|Paddy Considine]].<ref>HBO.com: [https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/cast-and-characters House of the Dragon Cast & Characters]</ref>

==Appearance and Character==
{{See also|:Category:Images of Viserys I Targaryen|l1=Images of Viserys I Targaryen}}
Viserys was plump and round-faced, with a bushy silver-gold mustache. He dressed in dark purple silk brocade and wore the gold-and-gemstone [[crown|circlet]] of his grandfather, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|SSM|1253}}

Viserys was a peaceful man who hated conflict, and was plump and pleasant. He was described as amiable, open-handed, and eager to please. Though Viserys was never considered strong willed, he was not pliable or indecisive either; when he made a choice, he was unwavering, and firmly stood by his decision.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

King Viserys's generosity was legendary, and the [[Red Keep]] became a place of song and splendor during his reign. He hosted countless balls, feasts, and [[Tourney|tournaments]], and he lavished [[gold]] and offices and honors among those he favored. Viserys was well loved by [[lord]]s and [[smallfolk]] alike.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

However, Viserys himself never had much interest in [[joust]]ing, hunting, or swordplay. In his midlife, Viserys's stoutness caused him numerous health problems, including gout, aching joints, back pain, and respiratory issues. Towards the end of his life, his girth nearly kept him from ascending the steps to the [[Iron Throne]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

==History==
===Youth===
Viserys was born in {{Date|77}}, the eldest son of Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]] and his sister, Princess [[Alyssa Targaryen]], children of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]. [[Septon]] [[Barth]] described the infant Viserys as a “plump and pleasant lad, who laughed more than any babe I’ve ever known, and nursed so lustily he drank his [[wet nurse]] dry.” Although Alyssa was advised not to do it, when Viserys was nine days old she put him in swaddling clothes and took him for a flight on her [[dragon]], [[Meleys]]. Afterwards, she claimed Viserys giggled the entire time.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

In {{Date|81}}, Viserys's mother Alyssa gave birth to his younger brother, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]]. Another brother, [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Baelon)|Aegon]], was born in {{Date|84}}, but Alyssa never recovered from his birth, and died within the year, Aegon following not long after. Viserys's father Baelon was devastated by his wife's death, and never remarried.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}

Prince Viserys was the last rider of the dragon [[Balerion]], and entered the [[Dragonpit]] to claim the dragon in {{Date|93}}. Balerion was hard to rouse, and struggled when Viserys urged him into the sky. They flew around [[King's Landing]] three times, although Viserys later confided to his father that he had originally intended to fly Balerion to [[Dragonstone]]. However, fearing the dragon lacked the strength to do so, Viserys had opted otherwise. In {{Date|94}}, Balerion died, less than a year after Viserys had claimed him.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}} After Balerion's death, Viserys never mounted another dragon.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|93}}, Prince Viserys married his cousin, [[Aemma Arryn]], who was eleven years old. The marriage was not consummated until Aemma [[flowered]], two years later. In the early years of their marriage, Aemma became pregnant several times, but suffered multiple miscarriages and gave birth to a son who died in infancy. Some [[maester]]s believed that these difficulties were because Aemma had been married and [[bedded]] too young. However, in {{Date|97}}, Aemma gave birth to a healthy daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]]. Viserys and Aemma both adored their only living child.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys's father Baelon was chosen by King Jaehaerys as his heir in {{Date|92}}, but died before the Old King, leading to questions about the succession. Viserys, Baelon's eldest son, was eventually chosen by the [[Great Council of 101 AC|Great Council]] of {{Date|101}}. He was twenty-six years old.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Early Reign===
[[File:Viserys,_Daemon,_Aemma,_and_Rhaenyra_by_Paparinka_Art.jpg|thumb|400px|Viserys, [[Daemon Targaryen]], [[Aemma Arryn]], and [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] by Paparinka Art ©]]
The Old King, [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], died in his bed in {{Date|103}}. Viserys inherited a secure throne, a full treasury, and a legacy of goodwill from his grandfather. [[House Targaryen]] was at its most powerful during Viserys's time, having the most members and [[dragon]]s since the [[Doom of Valyria]]. Viserys was known as the Young King when he ascended the [[Iron Throne]], and due to his amiable nature the [[smallfolk]] were optimistic about his reign.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} The [[fool]] at his court was a [[dwarf]] known as [[Mushroom]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|104}}, the [[tourney for King Viserys I's accession]] was held in [[Maidenpool]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Holding a splendid court with his cousin and wife, Queen [[Aemma Arryn]], the Young King was determined to maintain the [[King's Peace|peace]] and goodwill of his grandfather, Jaehaerys the Wise. Their daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], was six when her father became king. The princess became Viserys's royal [[cupbearer]] at the age of eight, and was always by her father's side at feasts, balls, and [[tourney]]s. Rhaenyra was dubbed "the realm's delight".{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys's younger brother, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], considered himself his brother's heir, and coveted the title [[Prince of Dragonstone]]. While Viserys loved his younger brother despite his flaws, he had no wish for Daemon to succeed him. Viserys was hopeful that his wife would give him a son, and settle the succession issue. Viserys appointed his brother to the [[small council]]. Unfortunately, the rivalry between Daemon and the [[Hand of the King]], Ser [[Otto Hightower]], became so great, that in early {{Date|104}}, Viserys appointed Daemon to be Commander of the [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]] to remove him from the council. Fearful of Daemon becoming king, Otto tried to convince Viserys to make Rhaenyra his heir. Viserys refused, as he was confident he and his wife would one day have a son. Aemma later became pregnant, to the king's delight.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|105}}, Aemma died in labor while birthing the king's son and heir. Viserys named him [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Baelon]] [[Named after|after]] his late father, Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon the Brave]], but the infant died a day after Aemma. While the king was bereaved, his brother Daemon was observed in a [[brothel]] in the [[Street of Silk]], making drunken japes with his cronies about the "heir for a day". When word of this reached the grieving Viserys, his grief turned to rage. After the mourning period was over, in response to his ungrateful brother's ambitions, Viserys held a lavish ceremony in {{Date|105}} and had Rhaenyra declared the heir and [[Prince of Dragonstone|Princess of Dragonstone]]. Hundreds of [[lord]]s and [[landed knight]]s did obeisance to the princess, and swore solemn oaths to defend her rights of succession. Daemon left the capital in a fury.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys began to groom Princess Rhaenyra to be the ruling queen, teaching her how to rule, and made her part of his small council.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Second Marriage===
[[File:Viserys's second wedding by Jaydeewis.jpg|thumb|350px|King Viserys's second wedding to [[Alicent Hightower]], attended by his daughter, Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. Art by Jaydeewis ©]]
Since Viserys was not yet thirty, Grand Maester [[Runciter]] was the first to urge him to remarry, suggesting [[Laena Velaryon]], daughter of Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]]. Such a [[marriage]] would have healed the rift between the [[Iron Throne]] and [[Driftmark]], since Viserys had been chosen as heir to the Iron Throne over Corlys's son, [[Laenor Velaryon]], in the [[Great Council of 101 AC]]. Viserys instead chose [[Alicent Hightower]], the eighteen-year-old daughter of Ser [[Otto Hightower]], his [[Hand of the King]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys and Alicent married in {{Date|106}}. Princess [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] poured [[wine]] for her new stepmother at the wedding feast, and Queen Alicent kissed her and named her "daughter". Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], when he was told about his brother's marriage, reportedly whipped the messenger who brought the news nearly to death. When Daemon and [[House Velaryon]] fought [[War for the Stepstones|a war]] for control of the [[Stepstones]] against the [[Triarchy]], the peaceful Viserys was unperturbed.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Rhaenyra and Alicent at first got on well, but that soon changed. The fertile Alicent bore a healthy son, [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]], in {{Date|107}}. A daughter, [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]] followed in {{Date|109}}, and another son named [[Aemond Targaryen|Aemond]] was born in {{Date|110}}. The amity between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra soon ended, as both desired to be the first lady of the realm. Though Alicent had given Viserys male heirs, the king did nothing to change the order of succession, as he considered the matter already settled by naming Rhaenyra in his will. Otto Hightower hectored the king so much, that Viserys sent him back to [[Oldtown]], bestowing the position of Hand on [[Lyonel Strong]], the [[Lord of Harrenhal]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Two parties began to form at court. The queen's party consisted of powerful lords friendly to Alicent, and supportive of the rights of her sons. In opposition was the party of the princess, those who supported Rhaenyra as heir. Envoys from the [[Free Cities]] made note of the coolness between the two in letters sent back to [[Braavos]], [[Pentos]], and [[Volantis]]. In {{Date|111}}, a [[tourney]] was held to celebrate the five year anniversary of Viserys and Alicent's wedding. Since the queen wore a green gown, and the princess wore the Targaryen colors of black and red, it became the custom to refer to "[[greens]]" and "[[blacks]]" when talking of the two parties.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

[[File:Daemon's crown.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Daemon Targaryen|Daemon]] offers his crown to his brother at the tourney celebrating King Viserys and Queen [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent's]] five year anniversary. By Chase Stone, for the ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]''.]]

The tourney also saw the return to court of Daemon. The two brothers reconciled, with Daemon offering Viserys [[King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea|the crown]] he claimed while fighting for the [[Stepstones]]. However, within six months, Daemon was exiled again from [[King's Landing]]. While Grand Maester Runciter claimed the two brothers simply quarreled, it was rumored that Daemon took Rhaenyra's [[Maiden|virginity]]. Lyonel Strong counseled the livid King Viserys that Daemon should be executed for [[treason]], but Septon [[Eustace (Dance of the Dragons)|Eustace]] reminded the council about the taint of [[kinslaying]]. Thus Daemon was exiled instead.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Viserys hated conflict, and made repeated attempts to cease the hostilities between the greens and the blacks, with many fights and false apologies issued on both sides. He loved his wife and daughter equally, but they only loved each other when he commanded. So long as Viserys ruled, peace prevailed in the [[Seven Kingdoms]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|113}}, Viserys decided it was time for his daughter Rhaenyra to wed. Queen Alicent wanted the princess to wed her eldest son, Prince Aegon, so he could one day be king. Viserys would not hear of it, as Aegon was ten years Rhaenyra's junior and the two had never gotten on well. The king and council chose Laenor Velaryon to wed Rhaenyra, to regain the friendship between the Iron Throne and Driftmark. However, Rhaenyra protested the match, stating Laenor would [[gender and sexuality|prefer her half brothers]] instead of her. Only after Viserys threatened that if she did not accept the marriage, he would change the succession, did Rhaenyra yield. In {{Date|114}}, a reluctant Rhaenyra wed Ser Laenor, though it is questioned if the marriage was ever consummated. Laenor spent most of his time on Driftmark, surrounded by handsome [[squire]]s, and infrequently visited Rhaenyra on [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]]. Later the same year, Rhaenyra gave birth to her first son, [[Jacaerys Velaryon]]. However, due to the babe not having the traditional [[Purple eyes|Valyrian]] features of either of his parents, but rather brown hair, brown eyes, and a pug nose, rumor spread that the child's real father was Lord Lyonel's son, Ser [[Harwin Strong]], Rhaenyra's [[sworn shield]] who resided with her on Dragonstone.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Queen Alicent bore a third son, [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Viserys I)|Daeron]], the same year. Viserys had Jacaerys and Daeron share a [[wetnurse]] till weaned, hoping to prevent enmity by raising them as [[milk brother]]s. Soon Rhaenyra gave her father two more grandsons, [[Lucerys Velaryon]], born in {{Date|115}}, and [[Joffrey Velaryon]], in {{Date|117}}. All three of Rhaenyra's children had pug noses, brown hair, and brown eyes, further spreading the belief throughout the kingdom that the children's real sire was Ser Harwin Strong.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Prince Daemon and his wife, [[Laena Velaryon]], had twin daughters named [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena]]. The brothers Daemon and Viserys reconciled a second time, and with the blessing of the king, Princess Rhaenyra betrothed Jacaerys and Lucerys to Baela and Rhaena. This did not change Daemon's ways as the king had hoped, however.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Later Reign===
[[File:The Blacks and the Greens by Jota Saraiva.jpg|thumb|500px|King Viserys with his family: [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]'s [[blacks]], and [[Alicent Hightower]] and Prince [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon]]'s [[greens]]. Art by Jota Saraiva ©]]

The year {{Date|120}} became known as the Year of the Red Spring because of its many deaths and accidents.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}

[[Laena Velaryon]], the wife of Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]], died after a failed birth. At her funeral, a quarrel broke out between [[Aemond Targaryen]] and the sons of Rhaenyra, who he accused of being [[bastard]]s from [[House Strong]]. Aemond lost an eye when [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] defended [[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]] with a knife. The false apologies from the families of [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] and [[Alicent Hightower|Alicent]] fooled no one but Viserys. The king issued an edict that anyone spreading the Strong rumor would lose their tongue, and ordered Ser [[Harwin Strong]] to depart from [[Dragonstone]] to [[Harrenhal]]. Afterward, a massive fire at Harrenhal killed Harwin and his father [[Lyonel Strong|Lyonel]], the [[Hand of the King]]. While some blamed the inferno on the curse of Harrenhal, others whispered that Daemon, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], Harwin's younger brother [[Larys Strong]], or even Viserys were responsible for the blaze. The king recalled Ser [[Otto Hightower]] as the King's Hand.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

The year also saw the death of Rhaenyra's husband, Ser [[Laenor Velaryon]], killed in a fight between his companion and rumored lover, Ser [[Qarl Correy]]. Rhaenyra and Daemon shocked the realm by then wedding without Viserys's knowledge, a huge scandal as neither Laena nor Laenor had been dead for six months. The year ended with Rhaenyra and Daemon welcoming the birth of their first son, Prince [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]]. Another son, born in {{Date|122}}, was given the name [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]] after Rhaenyra's father.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

[[File:Viserys_I_by_Lopata_Four.jpg|thumb|350px|Viserys by Lopata Four ©]]

The forced closeness of Rhaenyra's and Alicent's children increased animosity between the blacks and greens. The royal children and grandchildren became [[dragonriders]], and court visitors observed the [[dragons]] of one faction snapping and spitting flames at the dragons of the other party.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

In {{Date|126}}, Rhaenyra argued that her second oldest son, Lucerys, officially be named heir to [[Driftmark]]. Several lesser cousins of [[House Velaryon]], however, unsuccessfully protested to the [[Iron Throne]] that her sons were bastards fathered by Harwin Strong and had no claim to Driftmark. King Viserys heard them in stony silence, and after issuing the order to remove their tongues, slipped and cut his hand to the [[bone]] on the [[Iron Throne]]. Grand Maester [[Mellos]] was ineffective at trying to heal the king, who suffered a fever from an infection, and it was feared he would die. Viserys only recovered after two of his fingers were removed by Maester [[Gerardys]], who was brought to [[King's Landing]] from [[Dragonstone]] by Princess Rhaenyra. Viserys never sat on the throne again.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

After Mellos passed away, Rhaenyra recommended that her trusted Maester Gerardys take his place as [[Grand Maester]]. Queen Alicent, on the other hand, wanted Maester [[Alfador]], who served [[House Hightower]], named to the office. Beset from both sides, Viserys chose neither, reminding both his wife and daughter that the [[Citadel]] would decide who filled the office. Archmaester [[Orwyle]] was in the end selected by the [[conclave]] as the new Grand Maester.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

Over the last decade of Viserys I's reign, Otto Hightower largely succeeded in stacking the small council with his own supporters. Though the exact timeline of when these men joined the council is unclear, by the last year of Viserys's reign in {{Date|129}}, Lord Larys Strong was [[master of whisperers]], Ser [[Tyland Lannister]] was [[master of ships]], and Lord [[Jasper Wylde]] was [[master of laws]]. Ser Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, was already a fervent member of Alicent's faction, while Orwyle was considered politically neutral (in part due to his vows as a maester). The only holdout who opposed them was old Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]], who had served as [[master of coin]] since late in the reign of Jaehaerys I.

===Death===
[[File:Viserys with his grandchildren.jpg|thumb|350px|King Viserys in his final year with his daughter [[Helaena Targaryen|Helaena]], entertaining his grandchildren [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], and [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]] with a story. By Douglas Wheatley, for ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.]]
Viserys died on the third day of third moon of {{Date|129}}, in his sleep, in [[Maegor's Holdfast]] of the [[Red Keep]], in [[King's Landing]]. That day, his daughter Helaena had brought her three children, [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]] and [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], to the king's chambers, where Viserys entertained his grandchildren with a fictional tale{{Refn|group="N"|Elio García has stated that George R. R. Martin confirmed to him that this story was made up by Viserys to entertain his grandchildren.<ref>A Forum of Ice and Fire: [https://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/148940-inconsistencies-plot-holes-and-missing-details-in-tsotd-trp-and-tpatq/&page=7#comment-8138013 Inconsistencies, plot holes, and missing details in TSOTD, TRP, and TPATQ] (February 28, 2018)</ref>}} about their great-great-grandsire, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Afterwards, Viserys sent them away, pleading weariness and a tightness in his chest. He then closed his eyes for a nap, and never woke.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Viserys's body was discovered by a serving man at the [[named hours|hour of the bat]], when it was the king's custom to take a cup of [[hippocras]]. The servant informed Queen [[Alicent Hightower]], whose apartments were on the floor below the king's. However, Alicent concealed Viserys's death from the public, and instead had Ser [[Criston Cole]], [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]], summon the [[small council]] to the queen's apartments in Maegor's Holdfast. Viserys had decreed his heir to be [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], [[Princess of Dragonstone]], the daughter from his first wife, [[Aemma Arryn]]. The [[greens]] at the Red Keep supported Aegon the Elder, the eldest son of his second wife Alicent, however, and Criston took into custody any [[blacks]] remaining at court.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Alicent forbade [[septon]]s and [[silent sisters]] from treating Viserys's body, which began to swell and rot. A week after Viserys' death, his passing was finally publicly revealed, with the greens accounting the accession of [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. The silent sisters then prepared the late king's body for the [[House Targaryen#Customs|traditional Targaryen cremation ceremony]].{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

At [[Dragonstone]], Rhaenyra refused to recognize the claim of Aegon, her younger half brother, and the blacks instead supported her as queen. The rival claims to Viserys's inheritance led to the [[Dance of the Dragons]], the civil war between the blacks and the greens.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}}

Later during the war, Ser [[Perkin the Flea]] claimed that his squire, [[Trystane Truefyre|Trystane]], was a [[bastard]] son of the late Viserys.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

==Small council under Viserys I==
During the reign of King Viserys, his [[small council]] had the following known members:{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

{| class=wikitable width=100%i
!Office
!Duration
!Name
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[Hand of the King]]
| {{Date|103}} - {{Date|109}}
| Ser [[Otto Hightower]]
|-
| {{Date|109}} - {{Date|120}}
| Lord [[Lyonel Strong]]
|-
| {{Date|120}} - {{Date|129}}
| Ser [[Otto Hightower]]
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[Grand Maester]]
| {{Date|103}} - {{Date|112}}
| [[Runciter]]
|-
| {{Date|112}} - {{Date|127}} or {{Date|128}}
| [[Mellos]]
|-
| {{Date|127}} or {{Date|128}} - {{Date|129}}
| [[Orwyle]]
|-
| rowspan="2"| [[Master of coin]]
| {{Date|103}} - {{Date|104}}
| Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]
|-
| Unknown - {{Date|129}}
| Lord [[Lyman Beesbury]]
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[Master of laws]]
| {{Date|104}}
| Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]]
|-
| {{Date|105}} - {{Date|109}}
| Lord [[Lyonel Strong]]
|-
| Unknown - {{Date|129}}
| Lord [[Jasper Wylde]]
|-
| [[Master of ships]]
| Unknown - {{Date|129}}
| Ser [[Tyland Lannister]]
|-
| [[Master of whisperers]]
| Unknown - {{Date|129}}
| Lord [[Larys Strong]]
|-
| rowspan="3"| [[Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]]
| {{Date|103}} - {{Date|105}}
| Ser [[Ryam Redwyne]]
|-
| {{Date|105}} - {{Date|112}}
| Ser [[Harrold Westerling]]
|-
| {{Date|112}} - {{Date|129}}
| Ser [[Criston Cole]]
|}

==Recent Events==
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] recalls that his brother [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] had found portraits of all of the kings from [[House Targaryen]] in [[Darry]]'s cellar; Ser [[Raymun Darry]] had removed the tapestries for King [[Robert I Baratheon]]'s visit to the castle.{{ref|AFFC|30}}

==Quotes by Viserys==
{{Quote|Let Daemon play [[War for the Stepstones|at war]], it keeps him out of trouble.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|Viserys regarding [[Daemon Targaryen]]}}

==Quotes about Viserys==
[[File:Viserys_I_by_Jaenarra.png|thumb|300px|Viserys by Jaenarra ©]]
{{Quote|Viserys I Targaryen had a generous, amiable nature, and was well loved by his [[lord]]s and [[smallfolk]] alike. The reign of the Young King, as the commons called him upon his ascent, was peaceful and prosperous.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|Viserys I Targaryen was not the strongest-willed of kings, it must be said; always amiable and anxious to please, he relied greatly on the counsel of the men around him, and did as they bid more oft than not.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}|writings of [[Gyldayn]]}}

{{Quote|He had ruled for six-and-twenty years, reigning over the most prosperous era in the history of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] but seeding within it the [[Dance of the Dragons|disastrous decline]] of [[House Targaryen|his house]] and the death of the last [[dragon]]s.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}

{{Quote|The first Viserys intended his daughter [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]] to follow him, do you deny it? But as the king lay dying the [[Criston Cole|Lord Commander of the Kingsguard]] decided that it should be otherwise.{{Ref|AFFC|13}}|[[Arianne Martell]] to [[Arys Oakheart]]}}

==Family==
{{Targaryen tree Dance}}

==Behind the Scenes==
In the television adaptation ''[[House of the Dragon]]'', Viserys is a [[dragon dream]]er,{{Ref|HboHotD|s01e01}}{{Ref|HboHotD|s01e03}} and also becomes ill with a wasting [[disease]] that leaves him disfigured,{{Ref|HboHotD|s01e01}}{{Ref|HboHotD|s01e08}} neither of which occurred to him in canon. [[George R. R. Martin]] considers ''House of the Dragon'''s Viserys to be a better character, "more powerful and tragic and fully-fleshed" than the version he wrote in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''. He is also very impressed by the performance of [[w:Paddy Considine|Paddy Considine]], the actor portraying Viserys on screen, describing his portrayal as "magnificent" and "glorious", and wishing that Considine had been nominated for an Emmy.<ref>[https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2022/06/01/ Not A Blog: Good Stuff, Bad Stuff, Strange Stuff (June 1, 2022)]</ref><ref>[https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2022/10/11/random-musings/ Not A Blog: Random Musings (October 11, 2022)]</ref><ref>[https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2023/07/24/eight-is-enough/ Not A Blog: Eight Is Enough? (July 24, 2023)]</ref><ref>[https://georgerrmartin.com/notablog/2024/07/05/blood-cheese-and-grief/ Not A Blog: Blood, Cheese, and Grief (July 5, 2024)]</ref>

==External Links==
{{WoW}}

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=4th|title=[[Prince of Dragonstone]]|years={{Date|101|103}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]}}
{{S-break}}
{{S-bef|before=[[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]]}}
{{S-ttl|order=5th|title=[[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]] [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]] 6th [[Protector of the Realm]]|years={{Date|103|129}}}}
{{S-aft|after=[[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Kings of Westeros}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Targaryen, Viserys I}}
[[Category:House Targaryen|Viserys I Targaryen]]
[[Category:77 AC births]]
[[Category:129 AC deaths]]
[[Category:Characters from the Crownlands]]
[[Category:Characters improved by the television adaptations]]
[[Category:Characters suffering from gout]]
[[Category:Characters with silver hair]]
[[Category:Claimants at the Great Council of 101 AC]]
[[Category:Deaths by natural causes]]
[[Category:Dragonriders]]
[[Category:Kings of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men|Viserys I Targaryen]]
[[Category:Maimed characters]]
[[Category:Members of Jaehaerys I Targaryen's court]]
[[Category:Monarchs]]
[[Category:Nobles]]
[[Category:Princes of Dragonstone]]
[[Category:Protectors of the Realm]]

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[[ru:Визерис I Таргариен]]
[[zh:韦赛里斯·坦格利安一世]]

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Viserys I Targaryen