House of the Dragon tells the story of House Targaryen’s fall from power. Given the fact that the family has been in power for generations, it stands to reason that their decline would happen slowly, over a long period of time. Though the series is still in its first season, it has already covered a lot of historical ground. An early episode saw a three-year leap forward in time, and later, the show fast-forwarded past ten years.
The most recent episode, “The Lord of the Tides,” took place after another unseen six-year period. Kingdom-shattering conflicts don’t happen overnight, and during less turbulent times, life happens. As such, many new faces have emerged in Westeros.
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Two of the most powerful folks in Westeros are Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra. The former had three children with King Viserys, and the latter also gave birth to three sons during her marriage with Laenor Velaryon. Their children will grow up to be lords, princes, and princesses, and their unique personalities have been slowly revealed in recent episodes. So, who are they?
Aegon Targaryen, a Potential Heir to the Throne and a Royal Pain
Alicent’s firstborn son is Aegon Targaryen. He is the first male child of King Viserys, which would have put him next in line for the Iron Throne if the King hadn’t named his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his heir.
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However, Aegon seems to lack the temperament of a solid ruler. He seems bitter at his station and is constantly committing heinous acts, wielding his power against those he deems to be his lessers. In the most recent episode of the series, he forced himself on a young servant girl, and Queen Alicent harshly condemned his action, claiming that he was “… no son of mine.”
Helaena Targaryen, Aegon’s Wife
Queen Alicent’s second child is Helaena Targaryen. Thus far, she seems to lack the ambition and cutthroat nature of the other powerful Westerosi children.
In “The Lord of the Tides,” it is revealed that Helaena is married to her older brother Aegon. This came as a shock to audiences, as Queen Alicent had previously expressed disgust at the Targaryen tradition of incestuous partnerships. However, the marriage is a logical step in preserving the family’s claim to the Iron Throne.
Aemond Targaryen, the One-Eyed Swordmaster
Queen Alicen’ts youngest son is Aemond Targaryen. In the seventh episode of the series, “Driftmark,” Aemond permanently lost his left eye when he was cut by his cousin Lucerys.
In defending Aemond, Queen Alicent showed her villainous side. In the following years, he seems to have become even more fiercely devoted to his family. His impressive swordsmanship will certainly make him a powerful asset in any upcoming conflicts.
Jacerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s Eldest Male Son
Princess Rhaenyra’s oldest son in Jacerys Velaryon. If the royal lineage continues in line with King Viserys’s wishes, he is next in line to take the Iron Throne after Rhaenyra. Legally, he is the son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, though it is a poorly kept secret in the Kingdom that Rhaenyra’s first three sons are actually the bastard children of Ser Harwin Strong.
It’s unclear how the royal succession will proceed after the impending death of King Viserys. Jacerys seems to have some of the qualities that would make for a good King, but he would be a significant threat to any of those who oppose Rhaenyra’s ascension, so he will need to watch his back.
Lucerys Velaryon, Heir to Driftmark
Rhaenyra’s second son is Lucerys Velaryon. Given the fact that he is the son of Laenor Velaryon, he is next in line to take control of Driftmark.
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“The Lord of the Tides” revealed that the current lord of Driftmark, Corlys Velaryon, suffered a potentially fatal wound while battling in the Stepstones. Control of the region was contested, but King Viserys secured Lucerys’s ascension, and Daemon cleaving the head of Corlys’s brother in twain silenced any arguments to the contrary.
Young Joffrey Velaryon
Rhaenyra’s youngest son is Joffrey Velaryon. He was named after Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor Velaryon’s former romantic partner, who was killed by Ser Criston Cole during the events of “We Light the Way.”
As of yet, little is known about Joffrey, as he is still quite young. However, he will undoubtedly be forced to grow as House Targaryen descends into chaos, and he will either quickly grow to fill his station or die a tragic death in the process.
After the assassination plot against Laenor Velaryon, which led to the widespread belief that he had been killed (though a brief scene at the end of “Driftmark” reveals that he and his romantic partner, Ser Qarl, have fled Westeros), Princess Rhaenra married her uncle Daemon, and they have had two children, Aegon III and Viserys II.
In upcoming episodes and seasons of the series, it will be fascinating to see how the children develop and what role they play in the tumultuous future of Westeros.
