All 15 Targaryens from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, ranked worst to best

2. Aegon II Targaryen

King Aegon II Targaryen was nothing if not controversial. Ascending to the Iron Throne by stepping over his elder half-sister Rhaenyra, whom their father had clearly named as his successor, Aegon II started things off on the wrong foot. Ranking him this high might seem surprising, but there’s a lot going on behind the curtain with this guy.

Aegon II was an incredibly determined individual, as is proven by his managing to survive the Dance of the Dragons, more or less. He’s thrown into a civil war, sustains serious injuries, and is even presumed dead at one point. But none of these setbacks quenched his ambition or dampen his spirit. He continuously fought against the odds to keep the throne, making him one of the most resilient Targaryens in history. Wicked, yes. But still resilient. His reign, though tumultuous, shaped the course of Westeros history.

And let’s remember that though I do like “bad guys” more than the “good guys,” ranking Aegon this high doesn’t mean I’m endorsing his actions, but rather acknowledging the strength of his influence. After is all said and done, Aegon II’s life was a blend of ambition, resilience, and tragedy, making him one of the most intriguing figures in the Targaryen line.

1. Maester Aemon

Maester Aemon. The mere mention of his name is enough to warm any Game of Thrones fan’s heart. There’s something so comforting about his character. Maybe it’s his thoughtful insight, the careful way he chooses his words, or his sense of duty and dedication to the Night’s Watch. Whatever it is, it’s hard to find a more universally respected character in the series. Maester Aemon stands out among his Targaryen brethren not for his ambition or his dragon-riding prowess, but for his wisdom, humility, and selfless devotion to duty.

Born as Aemon Targaryen, he was the third son of a king and had royal blood flowing through his veins. But rather than seek the throne, he chose a life of service, becoming a maester of the Citadel. Later, when the crown was almost given to him after his brother’s death, he once again chose duty over power and removed himself from the equation entirely by joining the Night’s Watch. He effectively exiled himself to the edge of the world to ensure he wouldn’t be used in any political schemes.

Maester Aemon served at Castle Black with wisdom and dedication, offering advice and company to several Lord Commanders and becoming a mentor to Jon Snow. Despite his old age and blindness, he remained an influential figure and a source of guidance for those around him.

Aemon’s decision to leave the royal life and dedicate himself to to service is in stark contrast to many of his Targaryen predecessors, who often chased power no matter the cost. These qualities, and the enduring impact he had on those around him, make him deserving of the top spot on these rankings.

Who would you rank as number one Targaryen?

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