Who are the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A new era of Westeros brings with it a new generation of troubled Targaryens.
Ever since Game of Thrones, the on-screen world of Westeros hasn't been lacking in troubled individuals from one particular great family - the Targaryens.
First, there was Daenerys and Viserys in Game of Thrones. Then, there was a whole boatload of them in House of the Dragon, the ongoing prequel series approaching its third season.
Now, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has introduced us to some more, who come in to contact with Peter Claffey's Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall and Dexter Sol Ansell's Egg.
The series is set roughly 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones, and explores a whole new era of Westeros in which House Targaryen still rules the (largely peaceful) realm, albeit without the terrifying might of dragons.
But which Targaryen currently resides on the Iron Throne, and who are entering the tourney as contestants?
Here is everything you need to know about the Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Who are the key Targaryens in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms features several notable members from House Targaryen as they journey to Ashford for the festivities. At this point in Westerosi history, King Daeron II Targaryen – known as Daeron the Good – rules the Iron Throne alongside his wife, Queen Myriah Martell.
Set around 13 years after the end of the first Blackfyre Rebellion, the realm remains shadowed by the conflict, with lingering resentments and divided loyalties continuing to influence events – particularly among the more volatile members of the royal family.
Prince Baelor "Breakspear" Targaryen
Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen (Bertie Carvel) is the firstborn son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell, and currently serves as both Crown Prince of Dragonstone and Hand of the King.
Widely regarded as one of the wisest, most respected and chivalrous Targaryens of his generation, Baelor is also a proven commander and formidable warrior - qualities that mark him as a truly worthy heir to the Iron Throne.
In the books, Baelor earned the name “Breakspear” after defeating Ser Daemon Blackfyre on the tourney field at just 17 years old.
He also played a pivotal role in the first Blackfyre Rebellion, leading Dornish and Stormlands forces against Daemon's rebel army and driving them towards the shield-wall commanded by his brother, Prince Maekar.
Baelor married Jena Dondarrion, and the couple had the following children:
- Prince Valarr Targaryen
- Prince Matarys Targaryen
At the Ashford tourney, Prince Baelor arrives with his son, Prince Valarr, and his brother, Prince Maekar and Maekar’s second-born son, Aerion “Brightflame".
In The Hedge Knight novella, Prince Valarr is one of the five champions fighting on behalf of Lady Ashford at the tourney.
Prince Maekar Targaryen
Prince Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) is the fourth-born son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell and the Prince of Summerhall – the Targaryen castle located in the Stormlands.
In contrast to his charismatic elder brother, Maekar is stern, impatient and judgemental, excelling more as a battlefield commander than a political leader.
He played a crucial role in the first Blackfyre rebellion, commanding the shield wall that trapped the rebel forces as his brother’s army drove them forward. The decisive battle inspired the song The Hammer and the Anvil, with Baelor likened to the hammer and Maekar to the anvil.
Maekar married Lady Dyanna Dayne, and together they had the following six children:
- Prince Daeron Targaryen
- Prince Aerion Targaryen
- Prince Aemon Targaryen
- Prince Daella Targaryen
- Prince Aegon Targaryen
- Princess Rhae Targaryen
In the Hedge Knight novella, Prince Maekar attends the Ashford tourney to watch his two eldest sons – Prince Daeron and Prince Aerion – compete in the jousting ceremony.
Prince Aerion "Brightflame" Targaryen
Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen (Finn Bennett) is the second-born son of Prince Maekar Targaryen and Dyanna Dayne, and embodies some of the more dangerous traits of the Targaryen dynasty.
Though he styles himself “Aerion Brightflame”, believing he is a dragon in human form, others know him as "Aerion the Monstrous" – a cruel, sadistic figure afflicted by the infamous Targaryen madness.
Volatile, violent and arrogant, Aerion proves to be a dangerous presence at the Ashford tourney. While the royal family primarily attends to bolster Prince Valarr’s reputation as a formidable champion, Aerion and his brother are also encouraged to compete.
However, Aerion has little interest in honour or restraint, seeking opportunities instead to indulge his darker impulses.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs weekly on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
Game of Thrones seasons 1 to 8 and House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Nicola Austin is a freelance journalist who loves sci-fi, fantasy and animation. Nicola has written about TV and film for a wide range of publications including Empire, Digital Spy, Radio Times, SciFiNow, Girls on Tops and more. She will always stand by The Mummy as a 90s movie masterpiece.
