Targaryen history that House of the Dragon can explore after the Dance

The Blackfyre Rebellions

Although there were four Blackfyre rebellions, the first one alone is interesting enough to warrant a TV show. During the reign of Aegon IV, who came to power 130 years before Daenerys’ time, a new line of Targaryens split off from the bloodline to form House Blackfyre. They were founded by Daemon Blackfyre, who was one of Aegon’s bastards. He styled himself “Blackfyre” after his father gave him the Valyrian steel sword of the same name. Things became especially tricky after King IV Aegon legitimized his bastards on his deathbed, giving Daemon further legitimacy.

After tension with Aegon IV’s trueborn heir (who eventually became King Daeron), the Blackfyres rebelled and warred with the Iron Throne. There is an instant connection between this first Blackfyre rebellion and Game of Thrones, as one of Daemon’s brothers would go on to inherit the mantle of the Three-Eyed Raven; this is the same one whom Bran meets in the series. Another of Daemon’s brothers, Bittersteel, founded the Golden Company, which showed up in the final season of Game of Thrones.

The reign of King Aegon V

Aegon V, also known as Egg, is one of the titular characters from George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas, which are themselves in development for TV. These stories take place about 80 years before the events of Game of Thrones and chronicle the adventures of a young Prince Aegon as he travels the continent squiring for the hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall. The novellas cover small events, like political squabbles between minor lords and disputes at tournaments. But they are character-driven and have compelling themes of personal growth.

Egg eventually becomes king even though he is the fourth son of the previous king Maekor, which earns him the nickname Aegon the Unlikely. During his reign, Egg became obsessed with trying to hatch dragon eggs. This led to the tragedy at Summerhall, where Ser Duncan, Egg, and nearly the entire Targaryen family died in a mysterious accident. George R.R. Martin purposely left the tragedy of Summerhall shrouded in mystery, meaning it probably has something to do with the end of the Song of Ice and Fire series.

Before he died, Ser Duncan rescued Princess Rhaella, who gave birth to Rhaegar Targaryen while Summerhall burned. Although he made only a brief appearance in Game of Thrones, Rhaegar is an important character. We know that Rhaegar became infatuated with prophecy when he grew up. Now that House of the Dragon has shown us that the Targaryens knew about the coming of the White Walkers from very early on, we have a better idea what he was thinking.

And these are only spinoff ideas concerning the Targaryens. The history of Westeros and Essos goes beyond that:

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels