The 10 most significant kings to rule Westeros
By Michael East
9. Jaehaerys II Targaryen (259 AC – 262 AC)
Perhaps the last good King of Westeros, Jaehaerys II was the sixteenth Targaryen to sit on the throne. Father to the “Mad King” Aerys II and his sister Rhaella, Jaehaerys II is well-known as the grandfather of Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys Targaryen. His rule is still remembered by some older citizens of Westeros such as Ser Barristan Selmy, who he appointed to the Kingsguard.
Jaehaerys was a physically weak king, described as sickly looking and frail. But Jaehaerys II was more than he appeared. Faced with a poor diplomatic legacy from his father, Aegon V, he made peace between many feuding houses, restored order across Westeros, and during the War of the Ninepenny Kings, extinguished House Blackfyre, a thorn in the side of House Targaryen for nearly a century.
"“King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness were two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, he said, the gods toss the coin in the air, and the world holds its breath to see how it will land.” — Barristan Selmy, A Storm of Swords"
Jaehaerys died young at the age of 37, succeeded by his son Aerys Targaryen, known as the Mad King. Much of his excellent work restoring the reputation of his royal house would soon be undone.
