Three years after Game of Thrones ended, we return to Westeros for a prequel set 200 years before the events of the original series. House of the Dragon explores the history of House Targaryen, focusing on their rise to power and the legendary civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Discover our comprehensive guide to the cast and characters of House of the Dragon, delving deep into the intricate tale of the Targaryen dynasty, providing beginners with an introduction to differentiate between Targaryens and Velaryons amidst the familiar yet expansive ensemble cast from the world of George R.R. Martin's creation.
See below for an extensive look at each of the family trees for the various dynasties in House of the Dragon.
House Targayren
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
Played by Milly Alcock (Young) and Emma D'Arcy
Rhaenyra Targaryen is a fiercely determined and ambitious princess of House Targaryen, with a fiery spirit that matches her dragon's breath. As the eldest daughter of King Viserys I, she fiercely contends for her birth right as heir to the Iron Throne, setting the stage for the legendary conflict of the Dance of the Dragons.
King Viserys I Targaryen
Played by Paddy Considine
King Viserys I Targaryen is a shrewd and politically astute ruler, known for his strategic alliances and diplomatic acumen. As the patriarch of House Targaryen, he navigates the complexities of the Seven Kingdoms with a careful balance of power, though his legacy becomes overshadowed by the succession crisis that erupts upon his death.
Prince Daemon Targaryen
Played by Matt Smith
Renowned as a skilled warrior and master of intrigue, Prince Daemon possesses a cunning intellect and a fierce loyalty to his family, yet his ambitions often lead him down a path of conflict and controversy, playing a pivotal role in the tumultuous events of the series.
In a bid to bolster their house and reinforce Rhaenyra's bid for the Iron Throne, Daemon and his niece forged a marital union, resulting in two offspring, Aegon and Viserys.
They have one daughter, Rhaenyra, but history suggests a female can't be the head of the Seven Kingdoms.
Aegon Targaryen
Played by Ty Tennant (Young) / Tom Glynn-Carney
Aegon Targaryen, eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, is a prince torn between duty and indulgence. Disinterested in the affairs of the realm, he indulges in excesses, preferring revelry to responsibility. Despite his disengagement, Aegon finds himself thrust into the role of king upon his father's passing, supported by his influential mother and grandfather, Otto.
Aemond Targaryen
Played by Leo Ashton (Young) / Ewan Mitchell
The brooding and sinister Young Aemon is the second son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent. Sneaking away at night to fulfil his dragon riding dreams, Aemond stumbles upon Vhagar, who almost burns him alive before eventually relenting and bonding with the young prince, much to the anger of Laena’s daughter, Rhaena. The fight that breaks out between the cousins following this, leaves Aemon with the loss of his left eye.
Queen Aemma
Played by Sian Brooke
From House Arryn, Aemma marries into House Targaryen as Lord Viserys' wife and cousin. At the start of House of the Dragon, we hear about her struggles with Viserys to have a baby boy and heir to the Iron Throne.
They have one daughter, Rhaenyra, but history suggests a female can't be the head of the Seven Kingdoms.
Helaena Targaryen
Played by Evie Allen (Young) / Phia Saban
The second-born daughter of Viserys, sister to Aegon and Aemond, half-sister to Rhaenyra.
Baela Targaryen
Played by Shani Smethurst (young) / Bethany Antonia
The eldest daughter of Laena Velaryon and Prince Daemon and rider of the young dragon Moondancer. Baela and her younger sister, Rhaena, were raised away from their parents’ families in Pentos.
Baela has lost her mother in season one and found herself part of Prince Daemon and Rhaenyra's unusual family unit, alongside Rhaena. She is betrothed to her cousin, Jacaerys.
Rhaena Targaryen
Played by Eva Ossei-Gerning (young) / Phoebe Campbell
Rhaena is the second daughter of Lady Laena and Prince Daemon and sister to Baela.
House Hightower
Ser Otto Hightower
Played by Rhys Ifans
Ser Otto Hightower is the cunning and influential King's Hand, wielding immense power in the realm. A master schemer and strategic thinker, he manoeuvres the political landscape with subtlety and precision. From his position of authority, Otto orchestrates plans to further the interests of his family, particularly his daughter Alicent, and to advance the claim of his grandson Aegon to the Iron Throne, igniting the flames of dynastic conflict. With a legacy marked by pivotal decision-making during times of royal instability, Otto emerges as a central figure in the intricate dance of power within the Seven Kingdoms.
Alicent Hightower
Played by Emily Carey (Young) and Olivia Cooke
The daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and childhood friend to Rhaenyra Targaryen, was married to King Viserys after the death of his first wife, until his passing. They have children Aegon, Aemond and Helaena.
Alicent and Rhaenyra’s relationship goes from sisterhood to enemies once they both begin vying for the Iron Throne.
House Velaryon
Lord Corlys Velaryon ‘The Sea Snake’
Played by Steve Toussaint
The Lord of House Velaryon, a Valyrian bloodline as old as House Targaryen. As The Sea Snake, the most famed nautical adventurer in the history of Westeros, Lord Corlys built his house into a powerful seat that is even richer than the Lannisters and which claims the largest navy in the world.
Princess Rhaenys Velaryon
Played by Eve Best
The granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, a dragon rider and wife to Lord Corlys Velaryon, ‘The Queen Who Never Was’ was passed over as heir to the throne at the Great Council because the realm favoured her cousin, Viserys, simply for being male.
Jacaerys Velaryon
Played by Leo Hart (Young) / Harry Collett
The first born son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, who most believe to really be the son of Harwin Strong. At birth, he received a dragon egg as a gift, which later hatched, proving his noble lineage to those who questioned it. His dragon companion goes by the name Vermax.
He is betrothed to his cousin, Baela, in a bid to strengthen the family alliance and as Rhaenyra’s first born son, he stands as heir to the Iron Throne.
Lucerys Velaryon
Played by Harvey Sadler (Young) / Elliot Grihault
The second son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, who is also believed to truly be the son of Harwin Strong.
Luce is in line to become the heir to Driftmark when Corlys Velaryon dies and he is also responsible for removing his cousin Aemond's eye after a brawl with his relative.
Ser Vaemond Velaryon
Played by Wil Johnson
The younger brother to Coryls Velaryon and commander in the Velaryon navy. Introduced into House of the Dragon in episode three, he appears to be more restless and ready to rebel against King Viserys than his brother.
When Corlys falls ill with fever, Vaemond made the bold decision to claim the title of Lord of the Tides for himself, calling into question the true lineage of Lucerys Valaryon, a crime deemed as treason and the reason he was put to death.
Ser Laenor Velaryon
Played by John Macmillan / Theo Nate (Young) / Matthew Carver (Child)
The son of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen was introduced in episode three, where he was fighting at the Stepstones. Husband and king consort to Rhaenyra Targaryen, they share children Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey. Wanting to put an end to the dangerous questions of legitimacy around his children, he flees Westeros, allowing Rhaenyra to remarry and his son to claim the Iron Throne.
Lady Laena Velayron
Played by Nova Foueillis-Mosé (Child)/ Savannah Steyn (Young) / Nanna Blondell
The daughter of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen, was offered as a potential marriage option for King Viserys. However, he baulked at the idea of wedding someone so young.
House Lannister
Lord Jason Lannister
Played by Jefferson Hall
The Lord of Casterly Rock and twin to Ser Tyland Lannister is introduced in episode three when he fails to secure Princess Rhaenyra’s hand in marriage.
A distant relative of Tywin, Jaime, Cersei and Tyrion, Jason has all the arrogance and thirst for power you would expect from a Lannister.
Tyland Lannister
Played by Jefferson Hall
A crafty and calculating politician, twin to Lord Jason Lannister. Tyland was involved in the plot to place Aegon Targaryen on the Iron Throne as opposed to Rhaenyra.
House Strong
Lord Lyonel Strong
Played by Gavin Spokes
Lord Strong is master of Laws to King Viserys and Lord of Harrenhal. His sons Harwin and Larys also appear in season one.
Served as the King’s Hand but stepped down from the title after his son dishonoured the crown.
Ser Harwin ‘Breakbones’ Strong
Played by Ryan Corr
Ser Harwin Strong, eldest son of Lyonel Strong and heir to Harrenhal, earned the moniker "Breakbones" for his unmatched strength, making him renowned as the mightiest warrior in the realm. His valor led him to serve as the esteemed Lord Commander of the City Watch. However, whispers of his purported involvement with Princess Rhaenyra and her offspring tainted his reputation, culminating in his demise.
Larys Strong ‘The Clubfoot’
Played by Matthew Needham
Lyonel Strong's younger son and sibling to Ser Harwin Strong, bears the unspoken epithet "The Clubfoot" due to a congenital condition that burdens him with a pronounced limp. Despite his diminutive and frail appearance, Larys possesses a sharp intellect and a ruthless demeanor, earning him a reputation for cunning. His strategic alignment with Queen Alicent thrusts him into a position of considerable influence within the realm, despite being frequently underestimated by those around him.
Other Important Characters
Ser Crison Cole
Played by Fabien Frankel
Of Dornish descent, Ser Criston is the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. He has no claim to land or titles; all he has to his name is his honour and his preternatural skill with a sword. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen chose Ser Criston as her protector, despite protests from Otto Hightower. The two begin an illicit affair and despite the fact she initiated the romance, he is turned down by the Princess when he offers her the chance to run away with him. He reacts terribly to her decision and as a result, he aligns closely with Queen Alicent.
Mysaria
Played by Sonoya Mizuno
She came to Westeros with nothing, as a pleasure house worker she was sold more times than she can recall, and she could have wilted... but instead she rose to become the most trusted - and most unlikely - ally (and paramour) of Prince Daemon Targaryen, the heir to the throne. Mysaria earned the name ‘The White Worm’ due to the web of spies she controls.
Ser Harrold Westerling
Played by Graham McTavish
Ser Harrold has served in the Kingsguard since the days of King Jaehaerys; he is a paragon of chivalry and honor. Once the sworn protector of Princess Rhaenyra, he was named the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Lord Lyman Beesbury
Played by Bill Paterson
Lord of Honeyholt and Master of Coin on King Viserys's small council, Lord Lyman stayed loyal to Viserys’ decision to put his daughter, Rhaenyra, in power, when the Green Council moved to usurp the Iron Throne. His loyalty caused his death at the hands of Ser Criston Cole.
Grand Maester Mellos
Played by David Horovitch
A voice of reason and trusted advisor to King Viserys. As healer to the realm Mellos has been doing his best to help treat the King Viserys with his various ailments.
Find out more about House of the Dragon
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