Ranking Every Targaryen King: Who Truly Ruled Westeros?

For many years, a single house – the Targaryens – held power over the Seven Realms in A Song of Ice and Fire, with their reign dating back to Aegon the Conqueror. This monarch, backed by the might of his dragons, forced the kings and nobles of Westeros to submit to his rule. The Targaryen dynasty was able to maintain control over the entire continent because Aegon believed that only their bloodline could unite the Seven Kingdoms against the peril emanating from the north.

Over a span of approximately 300 years, the Targaryens held power as a dynasty across the Seven Kingdoms, largely due to their formidable dragons during the early period of their reign. However, not every one of the seventeen Targaryen kings who ruled these lands was particularly significant or well-regarded as a ruler. To provide context, we’ve compiled a ranking of all Targaryen kings from A Song of Ice & Fire, evaluating their impact on the Seven Kingdoms and the overall trajectory of Westeros’ history.

17. Aegon IV

Aegon IV Targaryen, infamously known as “The Unworthy,” lacked the qualities worthy of a ruler. Amongst the Targaryen lineage, he was notorious for his cruelty and insanity, unlike his namesake, the most esteemed Targaryen king. In truth, Aegon IV failed to measure up as a competent king. His reign was widely regarded as the most disastrous of all the kings, with his rule leading to some of the darkest episodes in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

As a devoted admirer, I’d rephrase it this way: Despite marrying Naerys, Aegon IV’s matrimonial journey was far from blissful, leading him to sire numerous illegitimate offspring. The crux of the matter lies in his decision to legitimize these children on his deathbed, due to health complications stemming from obesity. These legitimized heirs, naturally, ignited the Blackfyre Rebellions, causing widespread turmoil across the realm. This chain of events was set off by Aegon IV’s choice to acknowledge the progeny born from his extramarital relationships.

16. Aegon II

During the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon II emerged as the surviving monarch because he had his half-sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, executed. Despite this, Rhaenyra was believed to be the rightful heir to the Iron Throne after King Viserys I. Consequently, Aegon II ascended to the throne of the Seven Kingdoms following Viserys’ demise. However, his rule was never accepted by the lords of the Seven Kingdoms, and it was only through seizing the Iron Throne that Aegon II managed to become king.

It was his seizure of power that sparked the Targaryen civil war between him and Rhaenyra, who had the backing of numerous houses in Westeros. Although Aegon II ultimately ascended the throne, there were many lords who rose up against his rule. His reign lasted only two years before he was poisoned. The culprit of the poisoning was never identified, but it was widely believed that Aegon II was an unworthy, impulsive, and cruel ruler who should never have sat on the Iron Throne.

15. Aerys I

Despite Aerys I’s ascension to the throne following King Daeron’s demise, his reign was often perceived as insignificant due to his lack of enthusiasm for the Iron Throne. In fact, he might have been the only monarch who never found the chair enchanting, instead focusing on prophecies and mystical pursuits. Consequently, he delegated most of his responsibilities to his Hand, the Blackraven.

Aerys I was married to Aelinor Penrose, but they didn’t have any children due to speculation that their marriage remained unconsummated. His rule as king was largely uneventful, marked by a lack of significant achievements. Yet, it’s worth noting that he also avoided doing anything harmful because he seemed disinterested in his role as monarch.

14. Maekar I

Maekar I, similar to Aerys I, is often overlooked in the annals of the Seven Kingdoms’ history due to his reign following the most forgettable king ever. However, unlike his predecessor, Maekar I took his role as Lord of the Seven Kingdoms seriously, demonstrating a level of commitment that was absent during his predecessor’s rule.

Following his coronation in 221 AC, King Maekar I found himself involved in two uprisings led by the Blackfyres. His commitment to his kingship drove him to participate in numerous other revolts as well. Tragically, it was during a rebellion orchestrated by a lord from Dorne that ended his life, marking the end of his 12-year reign, which was marked by constant uprisings.

13. Viserys II

As a dedicated fan, I’d like to share an intriguing detail often overlooked: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen, my beloved characters, are said to have had a second son named Viserys II, in honor of King Viserys I. Yet, many believe he perished amidst the chaos of the Dance of the Dragons. However, the tale doesn’t end there! Years passed, and they reappeared in King’s Landing, accompanied by his wife, having spent time in the vibrant Free City of Lys.

Despite ruling for just a year, Viserys II brought about advancement in the Seven Kingdoms. He built upon the legal codes that Jaehaerys I had initiated years before. Moreover, given his familiarity with the Free Cities, Viserys II successfully established new trading paths.

12. Daeron I

King Daeron I, who was famously called the Young Dragon, stood out among the rulers of the Seven Kingdoms for his extraordinary ambition. Instead of seeking a slow and steady path to greatness, he aimed to carve his name into history books at an early stage. At just 14 years old, barely a moment after ascending the throne, he initiated an invasion on Dorne. This bold move was driven by his desire to rekindle the unfinished mission of Aegon the Conqueror – the quest to unite the Seven Kingdoms under a single banner.

At first, Daeron I managed to conquer Dorne, yet his rule was marked by numerous Dornish uprisings. One such rebellion ultimately led to his untimely death, as he passed away before reaching maturity or having any offspring. His ambition, however, seemed to stem more from his youthful recklessness and overconfidence than any genuine strategic planning.

11. Aegon III

Aegon the Third, born to Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon, initially faced execution at the hands of his uncle, King Aegon the Second. However, this was prevented by Lord Corlys Velaryon, who pledged allegiance to the king in order to save Aegon the Third’s life. Unfortunately, during the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons, young Aegon endured numerous distressing events, witnessing the demise of his brothers and the horrifying sight of Sunfyre consuming his mother before his very eyes.

During Aegon III’s ascension to the throne following Aegon II’s death, it’s well-known that he didn’t have affection for dragons. It was under his rule that the Last Dragon perished, earning him the title “Dragonsbane.” This nickname stemmed from the fact that no dragons survived from the Dance of the Dragons could prosper during his reign as king. His rule ended when he passed away from consumption in 157 AC.

10. Maegor I

Maegor was the sole offspring of Aegon the Conqueror and his second wife Visenya. However, he shouldn’t have been king, as that position should have gone to Aegon’s firstborn son, Aenys. Yet due to support from Visenya, Maegor managed to seize the Iron Throne from his nephew in a coup, effectively taking it by force. He also proclaimed Balerion the Dread as his dragon companion, as he felt no other dragon was worthy of that role.

King Maegor I’s reign was marked by his seizure of the Iron Throne, earning him a reputation as one of the most ruthless Targaryen monarchs ever. His typical response to grievances and rebellions was not dialogue or compromise, but rather, death and devastation. Consequently, he became known as Maegor the Cruel, a title that reflected his exceptional cruelty among all the kings.

Although he wasn’t a stellar ruler himself, he played a crucial role in the chronicles of the Seven Kingdoms, as his actions paved the way for the man famously known as the greatest king, Jaehaerys. With the backing of numerous other houses within the realm, Jaehaerys managed to overthrow Maegor, who mysteriously met his end on the Iron Throne. It was generally believed that Maegor chose to end his life in this manner.

9. Aenys I

King Aenys I found himself in a challenging position as he was the offspring of the legendary King Aegon the Conqueror. Given that he followed in the footsteps of the most renowned monarch in the annals of the Seven Kingdoms, it was crucial for him to uphold and build upon the legacy established by his predecessor. At 30 years old, he ascended to the Iron Throne and went on to sire three sons and three daughters during his reign.

Nevertheless, he perished at the age of 35 under suspicion that Visenya had poisoned him to pave the way for Maegor I’s ascension to the Iron Throne. Despite his reign being only five years long, Aenys I holds significant historical importance in the Seven Kingdoms as 15 out of the subsequent 16 kings were his direct descendants.

8. Aegon V

Aegon V, the fifth in line from his namesake to claim the Iron Throne, wasn’t initially expected to become a king as he was the fourth son of Maekar and Dyanna. However, due to the unfortunate demise or rejections by his siblings, Aegon eventually ascended to the throne, earning him the nickname “Aegon the Unlikely.” It turned out advantageous that he took the Iron Throne, as he was widely regarded as a just and capable ruler.

In contrast to his forebears, Aegon V held the view that brothers should not be compelled to marry their sisters. This belief led him to wed Betha Blackwood and father five children with her. The eldest of these offspring was named Duncan, who earned his name in honor of Ser Duncan the Tall, a character with whom Aegon shared many adventures in George RR Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg. It is noteworthy that he, being the story’s “Egg,” was given this nickname before he assumed the Iron Throne.

Nevertheless, Aegon V was not without flaws; his ardent desire to resurrect dragons, which had been extinct for over a century, remained undiminished. Sadly, he perished in a devastating blaze that erupted during his attempt to rekindle the dragons through the hatching of dragon eggs. This unfortunate incident became known as the Summerhall disaster, as it claimed the lives of everyone within the castle due to the fire.

7. Viserys I

As a devoted film enthusiast immersed in the captivating world of House of the Dragon, I can’t help but share my fascination with Viserys I, the first Targaryen monarch to claim the Iron Throne following his election by the nobles and noblewomen of the Seven Kingdoms. Born as the son of Jaehaerys’ second-born child, Baelon, he emerged as the chosen one amidst the contention between him and Rhaenys, the daughter of Jaehaerys’ eldest son. The decisive factor in his selection was undoubtedly his gender, a trait that instilled confidence in the nobles that he was fit to rule.

At the start of his rule, King Viserys faced difficulties in fathering a son, which prompted him to designate Princess Rhaenyra as his successor. Later, following the death of his first queen, he remarried and had two sons with Alicent Hightower. The birth of Aegon II and the maneuvers of Otto Hightower ultimately ignited the War of the Five Kings, known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Viserys I succumbed to a long-term, enigmatic illness. Following his demise, it was High Tower who crowned Aegon II as the new ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, even though the true heir resided on Dragonstone. This proclamation of Aegon II as heir ignited the infamous Dance of the Dragons – a devastating Targaryen civil war that ultimately led to the disappearance of dragons from our world.

6. Daeron II

Among the most distinguished rulers in the chronicles of the Seven Kingdoms, Daeron II stands out, being the one who followed the disastrous reign of Aegon IV. Notably, he accomplished a significant feat by uniting Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms through a strategic political alliance, an approach that contrasted starkly with his predecessors who persistently attempted to subdue Dorne militarily. This unique tactic earned Daeron II the moniker “the Good,” as no other king was successful in resolving the conflicts between the Realm and Dorne without resorting to war.

Through marrying Myriah Martell, he gained Dorne as part of his domain, producing five offspring with her. However, his rule wasn’t ideal, as it was his illegitimate brothers who ignited the Blackfyre Rebellions, causing significant turmoil that almost dismantled the Seven Kingdoms. In his reign, Brynden Rivers, also known as Bloodraven, was sent to the north where he took over as the new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and later evolved into the Three-Eyed Raven.

5. Jaehaerys II

Jaehaerys II ascended the throne upon his father’s death, having been born to Aegon and Betha. His reign, unfortunately, was short-lived but impactful. He fought valiantly in the War of the Ninepenny Kings in the Stepstones and ruled during a crucial period that saw the demise of the last Blackfyre rebel. Despite his brief tenure as king, he is remembered for compelling his children, Aerys II and Rhaella, to marry each other. This was because Jaehaerys believed that the child destined to be the Prince (or Princess) That Was Promised would emerge from their lineage.

Although Jaehaerys II’s rule was brief, he proved to be a highly accomplished king who participated in a significant war and quelled a rebellion. It was under his leadership that many of the powerful Great Houses within Westeros were able to find common ground with one another. Had he lived longer, his reign could have been truly extraordinary.

4. Baelor I

In contrast to his predecessors, Baelor’s reign stood out due to its strong emphasis on religion. Under his leadership, the Seven Kingdoms experienced a rise in religious fervor, with the devout gaining significant influence. Known for his role as a septon, his pious nature was evident throughout his rule. A substantial portion of his time was dedicated to transforming King’s Landing from a disorderly city into a sacred one. It was during this period that the Sept of Baelor was built.

To demonstrate his devout character, he forgave the murderers of his brother and released Dornish captives implicated in Daeron’s death, aiming to unite the Targaryens with the Martells through a political union via marriage. Despite being married to Daena, he ended their union due to his strong religious beliefs. Baelor perished on the 41st day of one of his fasts, leading many to suspect that his uncle, Viserys II, had poisoned him in order to prevent him from converting the Seven Kingdoms to the Faith of the Seven and provoking those who revered the Old Gods.

3. Jaehaerys I

Jaehaerys I took the throne following the rebellion of Maegor the Cruel. Known as the Old King, Jaehaerys reigned longer than any other Targaryen monarch due to the tranquility that characterized his rule over the Seven Kingdoms. This longevity on the throne has earned him additional titles like the Wise and the Conciliator, given his skill in resolving various disputes with his wisdom. The fact that he ruled for such a prolonged period is a testament to his excellent reign, as no one dared to attempt an assassination against him.

During Jaehaerys I’s rule as king, he experienced both triumphs and tribulations, notably the untimely deaths of both his sons during his reign. Consequently, a selection process was necessary to determine his successor between Viserys I and Rhaenys. In the end, it was Viserys who ascended the throne, while Rhaenys became known as The Queen Who Never Was. Despite any potential complications, Jaehaerys is widely regarded as one of the greatest kings due to the prosperity and peace that marked his reign.

2. Aerys II

Aerys II earned the title “Mad King” due to his extreme cruelty and insanity, which made him one of the most notorious kings in the Seven Kingdoms’ history. His descent into madness began following the birth of his first son, Rhaegar. Suspecting his wife, whom he never truly loved, of causing his children’s miscarriages, he often displayed acts of violence and abuse, especially when angered and intoxicated.

Indeed, Aerys II Targaryen was infamous for incinerating those who dared challenge his authority, especially when it came to questioning his decisions. This ruthless behavior, coupled with Rhaegar Targaryen’s controversial abduction of Lyanna Stark, sparked the rebellion led by Robert Baratheon and numerous powerful noble houses. As a result, Aerys II’s reign marked the downfall of the mighty Targaryen dynasty and paved the way for a new era in Westeros following the narrative of A Song of Ice & Fire. However, it was also under Aerys II that Daenerys Targaryen was born, a figure often seen as the prophesied Prince or Savior.

Was Aegon VI Targaryen, often referred to as the Mad King, a beneficial ruler for the people of the Seven Kingdoms? Definitely not. However, was he a significant figure in the historical context of the Seven Kingdoms? Without a doubt.

1. Aegon the Conqueror

As a devoted cinephile immersed in the intricate world of Westeros, I’d have to say that Aegon the Conqueror stands tall among the Targaryen kings, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Seven Kingdoms. He was the one who masterfully conquered Westeros and united its disparate realms under the banner of House Targaryen. This remarkable feat was achieved atop Balerion the Black Dread, as houses across Westeros willingly submitted to his rule without so much as a whimper of resistance. It was this unparalleled dominance that allowed him to conquer vast swathes of the continent in just two short years, with only Dorne managing to hold out against his ironclad rule.

Aegon the Conqueror is significant as he was the pioneer who brought unity to Westeros following a dream warning of a looming danger from the North. In light of this vision, he propagated the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised, aiming to prepare the world for the impending threat. Thus, his conquest of Westeros wasn’t driven by a lust for power but rather by the belief that only the Targaryens could withstand the great peril emerging from the North.

2025-06-08 02:46