Loading AI tools
The characters from the medieval fantasy television series House of the Dragon are based on their respective counterparts from author George R. R. Martin's 2013 novella The Princess and the Queen, his 2014 novella The Rogue Prince and his 2018 novel Fire & Blood. The series follows the devastating war of succession for the Iron Throne of the continent of Westeros known as the "Dance of the Dragons", fought between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (the Blacks) and King Aegon II Targaryen (the Greens) and their respective supporters.
Main cast
- = Main cast (credited)
- = Recurring cast (3+)
- = Guest cast (1–2)
- Notes
- In season one, a young Aegon Targaryen is also portrayed by guest actor Ty Tennant.
Recurring cast
- = Recurring cast (3+)
- = Guest cast (1–2)
| Actor | Character | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | ||
| David Horovitch | Mellos | Recurring | |
| Bill Paterson | Lyman Beesbury | Recurring | |
| Gavin Spokes | Lyonel Strong | Recurring | |
| Steffan Rhodri | Hobert Hightower | Recurring | |
| Elliott Tittensor | Erryk Cargyll | Recurring | |
| Luke Tittensor | Arryk Cargyll | Recurring | |
| John Macmillan | Laenor Velaryon | Recurring[lower-alpha 1] | |
| Nanna Blondell | Laena Velaryon | Recurring[lower-alpha 2] | Guest[lower-alpha 3] |
| Anthony Flanagan | Steffon Darklyn | Recurring | |
| Ryan Corr | Harwin Strong | Recurring | |
| Wil Johnson | Vaemond Velaryon | Recurring | |
| Elliot Grihault | Lucerys Velaryon | Recurring[lower-alpha 4] | |
| Paul Kennedy | Jasper Wylde | Recurring | |
| Alexis Raben | Talya | Recurring | |
| Jordon Stevens | Elinda Massey | Recurring | |
| Paul Hickey | Allun Caswell | Recurring | |
| Phil Daniels | Gerardys | Recurring | |
| Max Wrottesley | Lorent Marbrand | Guest | Recurring |
| Jamie Kenna | Alfred Broome | Recurring | |
| Nicholas Jones | Bartimos Celtigar | Guest | Recurring |
| Michael Elwyn | Simon Staunton | Guest | Recurring |
| James Dreyfus | Gormon Massey | Recurring | |
| Barney Fishwick | Martyn Reyne | Recurring | |
| Ralph Davis | Leon Estermont | Recurring | |
| Tok Stephen | Eddard Waters | Recurring | |
| Oscar Eskinazi | Joffrey Velaryon | Stand-in[lower-alpha 5] | Recurring |
| Michelle Bonnard | Sylvi | Guest | Recurring |
| Vincent Regan | Rickard Thorne | Recurring | |
| Maddie Evans | Dyana | Guest | Recurring |
| Graeme McKnight | Paxter Strong | Recurring | |
| Paul Valentine | Germund Strong | Recurring | |
| Eddie Eyre | Axell Bulwer | Recurring | |
| Jack Parry-Jones | Willem Blackwood | Guest[lower-alpha 6] | Recurring |
| Amanda Collin | Jeyne Arryn | Recurring | |
| Antonio Magro | Petyr Piper | Recurring | |
- In season one, a young Laena Velaryon is also portrayed by actresses Savannah Steyn and Nova Foueillis-Mosé.
Guest cast
- Siân Brooke as Aemma Arryn[lower-alpha 1]
- Season 1
- Michael Carter as Jaehaerys I Targaryen
- Garry Cooper as Ryam Redwyne
- Julian Lewis Jones as Boremund Baratheon
- David Hounslow as Rickon Stark
- Frankie Wilson as Randyll Barret
- Gary Raymond as The High Septon
- Daniel Scott-Smith as Craghas Drahar
- Solly McLeod as Joffrey Lonmouth
- Edward Rowe as Howland Sharp
- Lucy Briers as Ceira Lannister
- Joanna David as Joselyn Redwyne
- Alana Ramsey as Lynesse Hightower
- Chris David Storer as Humfrey Bracken
- Gabriel Scott as Jerrel Bracken
- Paul Leonard as Beric Dondarrion
- Owen Oakeshott as Gerold Royce
- Rachel Redford as Rhea Royce
- Arty Froushan as Qarl Correy
- Dean Nolan as Reggio Haratis
- Haqi Ali as Kelvyn
- Simon Chandler as Eustace
- Miriam Lucia as Lady Fell
- Paul Clayton as Lord Merryweather
- Roger Evans as Borros Baratheon
- Season 2
- Sam C. Wilson as Blood
- Mark Stobbart as Cheese
- Samson Kayo as Mujja
- James Doherty as Cley
- Ryan Kopel as Aeron Bracken
- Kieran Burton as Davos Blackwood
- Archie Barnes as Oscar Tully
- Steven Pacey as Gunthor Darklyn
- Tim Faraday as Amos Bracken
- Aedan Day as Raylon Bracken
- Kenneth Collard as Forrest Frey
- Sarah Woodward as Sabitha Frey
- Emeline Lambert as Alyssa Targaryen[lower-alpha 2]
- John-Paul Hurley as Lord Darry
- Anna Francolini as Lady Mallister
- Turlough Convery as Walys Mooton
- Daniel Feathers as Humfrey Lefford
- Robert Rhodes as Silver Denys
- Abigail Thorn as Sharako Lohar
- Joshua Ben-Tovim as Brynden Rivers[lower-alpha 2]
Viserys I Targaryen
.jpg)
Viserys I Targaryen (portrayed by Paddy Considine), known posthumously as "Viserys the Peaceful", is the fifth King of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandson of the previous king Jaehaerys the Conciliator and the husband of Queen Aemma Arryn and later Queen Alicent Hightower. He is the father of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the short-lived Prince Baelon Targaryen through his first wife Aemma and King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron Targaryen through his second wife Alicent. He was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Balerion until he died of old age.[1] He was among the candidates to succeed his grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and during the Great Council at Harrenhal he was chosen as heir over his older cousin Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, despite her better claim to the Iron Throne. Nine years later, he held the Heir's Tournament to celebrate the birth of his son Baelon but due to a difficult pregnancy, Viserys decided to sacrifice his wife Aemma by ordering Grand Maester Mellos to perform a C-section on her to ensure that Viserys gets a male heir, causing Aemma's death while Baelon dies anyway hours later. He then makes his only surviving child Rhaenyra his heir, a position previously held by his younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen, and informs her of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". He also cuts his finger on the Iron Throne, which while seemingly innocent at first, would develop into a far worse infection over time.[2] Still seeking a male heir, Viserys goes against the Small Council's advice to marry Lady Laena Velaryon, the young daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon, and soon marries Alicent who gives him a son, but Viserys decides to keep Rhaenyra as his heir anyway.[3] He organizes a royal hunt on Aegon's second nameday while actively ignoring the ongoing War for the Stepstones and seeks to make a powerful alliance by marrying off Rhaenyra so she can have children to secure his bloodline further. To maintain ties with the wealthy House Velaryon, he and Corlys arrange a marriage between Corlys' son Ser Laenor Velaryon, and Rhaenyra, repairing the rift between the Velaryons and House Targaryen. Ten years later, the cut that Viserys received from the Iron Throne began to take its toll, and Viserys became increasingly weak as the years passed and began suffering from a form of leprosy. To continue fulfilling his role as king, he began taking the powerful opiate milk of the poppy while opposing political factions formed under Rhaenyra and Alicent that Viserys was unable to stop spiraling out of control.[4] Six years later, as his body deteriorated and he struggled to walk, the Hand of the King Ser Otto Hightower now fulfilled most of Viserys' royal duties. Viserys holds a final family gathering, bringing his children and closest allies together in an attempt to stop any further conflict between them. While it was seemingly a success, he soon became delirious and bedridden and with his dying words he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and rambles on about the "Prince That Was Promised", but Alicent mistakenly believes that he was telling her that he wanted their son Aegon on the throne.[5] Viserys soon dies from his illness, and the Small Council enacts a long-held plan to make Aegon the new king, despite Rhaenyra still being the chosen heir, reigniting the feud between Rhaenyra and Alicent's factions that eventually escalates into civil war.
In season 2, he appears during Daemon's mysterious visions while staying in Harrenhal.
Daemon Targaryen
Daemon Targaryen (portrayed by Matt Smith), also known as the "Rogue Prince" for his unpredictable behavior, is the younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen and the husband of Lady Rhea Royce, Lady Laena Velaryon and later his niece Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. He is the father of Lady Baela Targaryen and Lady Rhaena Targaryen through his second wife Laena and Prince Aegon "the Younger", Prince Viserys, and the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen through his third wife Rhaenyra. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Caraxes and wields the Valyrian steel sword "Dark Sister".[6] While he was the heir to the Iron Throne, he was considered unfit to rule by the Small Council due to his reluctance to be involved with politics and his brutal methods of dispensing justice as the Lord Commander of the City Watch. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn and her infant son Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys disinherits Daemon after he mockingly referred to the deceased Baelon as the "heir for a day". Viserys then names his daughter Rhaenyra as the new heir so Daemon and his lover Mysaria leave King's Landing and occupy Dragonstone. Daemon later steals the deceased Baelon's dragon egg simply to get his brother's attention by lying about it being for an unborn child of Mysaria, resulting in Rhaenyra retrieving the egg peacefully and Mysaria leaving Daemon after realizing he was just using her.[7] After Viserys refuses to confront the threat of the Triarchy, Lord Corlys Velaryon requests Daemon's help in the War for the Stepstones. After a three-year campaign, Daemon kills the leader of the Triarchy Craghas Drahar during the climactic Siege of Bloodstone, winning the war, and is bestowed the title of "King of the Narrow Sea". Daemon soon returns to King's Landing and kneels before Viserys and abdicates his crown, claiming Viserys as the one true king. After discovering that Rhaenyra needs a husband, Daemon takes her into the streets of King's Landing at night where he seduces her but is unable to consummate their affair. When Viserys is informed of Daemon's exploits, believing that his brother still sought the Iron Throne, he orders Daemon to return to his estranged wife Rhea. Daemon then travels to the Vale and murders his wife so that he can marry Rhaenyra. However, Rhaenyra is soon married to Ser Laenor Velaryon as part of a political alliance with Corlys, but Daemon manages to get the attention of and later marries Laena. Ten years later, Daemon, Laena, and their daughters live in Pentos until Laena suffers from prolonged labor during her third pregnancy and commits suicide. Daemon attends her funeral at Driftmark where he reunites with Rhaenyra who proposes marriage to strengthen her claim to the Iron Throne but cannot marry with Laenor still alive.[8] Daemon then conspires with Laenor's lover Ser Qarl Correy to fake Laenor's death so he and Qarl can run away together, allowing Daemon and Rhaenyra to get married. Six years later, he attends Ser Vaemond Velaryon's petition to the Iron Throne to name him the heir to Driftmark. After Vaemond publicly insults Rhaenyra and declares that her children are illegitimate, Daemon decapitates him in response. Following the death of Viserys and King Aegon II Targaryen usurping the throne, Rhaenyra gives birth to the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen, and at the funeral, Daemon crowns Rhaenyra as the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
In season 2, with the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Daemon becomes frustrated with the inaction of Rhaenyra and her supporters. After he promises an imprisoned Mysaria her freedom in exchange for one of her agents, he hires the City Watch guard Blood and Mysaria's contact, the ratcatcher Cheese, to assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen but Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen is murdered and decapitated instead. Rhaenyra suspects Daemon of being responsible before stating that she cannot trusts him, leading to Daemon departing Dragonstone.[9] Daemon flies to Harrenhal and singlehandly takes the castle for Rhaenyra's cause after Ser Simon Strong willingly yields to him. Daemon later experiences a vision of a young Rhaenyra sewing Jaehaerys' head back onto his body. When he awakens, Daemon finds himself at Harrenhal's godswood where Alys Rivers tells Daemon that he will die there. He continues to have visions induced by Alys during his time at Harrenhal regarding his feelings of guilt surrounding Rhaenyra, Laena, Viserys, and his mother Princess Alyssa Targaryen. He summons House Tully and House Blackwood to meet him at Harrenhal and discusses terms with Ser Oscar Tully and later Ser Willem Blackwood. Alongside Willem, Daemon confronts Lord Amos Bracken who refuses to surrender, despite Daemon's threats that he will burn him alive with Caraxes. He then urges Willem to use terror tactics on the smallfolk living on the Bracken's lands. Daemon later begins the reconstruction of Harrenhal to garrison his growing army and is later informed that House Bracken has surrendered to House Blackwood but several Riverlords soon confront Daemon over the brutality of the Blackwood's pillaging and raiding and refuse to pledge their houses to him. After Daemon awakens from another vision, he threatens Simon with a knife and questions his loyalty before deciding that he should go confront the Riverlords himself. Alys stops him from departing, and Daemon asks for her counsel. She convinces him that he should wait for three days which he reluctantly agrees to. Three days later, Simon informs Daemon that Alys had attempted to aid the sick Lord Grover Tully, who died shortly afterward. Daemon soon holds a gathering of Riverlords at Harrenhal where Oscar, now the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, agrees to uphold his grandfather's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne. Oscar then demands that Willem be punished for his transgressions against House Bracken under Daemon's orders so that the other Riverlords can begin to trust him. Daemon obliges and beheads Willem so that he may finally form his army of Rivermen. After Ser Alfred Broome arrives in Harrenhal, he privately meets with Daemon in Harrenhal's godswood and tries to persuade him to claim the throne for himself. Alys later brings Daemon to the godswood, claiming that he is now ready to experience a final vision, this time of the future. Daemon experiences a multitude of visions including the Targaryen bastard Ser Brynden Rivers becoming the Three-Eyed Raven, a White Walker marching with an army of wights, Daemon and Caraxes' deaths in battle, the birth of Daenerys Targaryen's dragons, and Rhaenyra sitting on the Iron Throne. Daemon is then encouraged by a vision of Queen Helaena Targaryen that he has a part to play in deciding the future. After Rhaenyra arrives at Harrenhal, having been informed of Daemon's potential betrayal by Simon, Daemon pledges himself and his army of rivermen to Rhaenyra and her claim to the throne, stating that he will remain by her side.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Emma D'Arcy as an adult and by Milly Alcock as a teenager) is the disputed Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn, and the wife of Ser Laenor Velaryon and later her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen. She is the mother of Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Prince Joffrey Velaryon through her lover Ser Harwin Strong and Prince Aegon "the Younger", Prince Viserys, and the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen through her second husband Daemon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Syrax.[10] She is also the childhood friend of Lady Alicent Hightower, with them having grown up together in the Red Keep. Following the death of Aemma and Rhaenyra's infant brother Prince Baelon Targaryen, Rhaenyra is made heir to the Iron Throne and Viserys informs her of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". Rhaenyra personally selects Ser Criston Cole to join her father's Kingsguard and he becomes her royal protector. She also retrieves the deceased Baelon's dragon egg that was stolen by Daemon, who sought his brother's attention after he lost his inheritance to Rhaenyra. She is distraught after learning of her father's marriage to Alicent and grows concerned after she gives Viserys a son, Prince Aegon Targaryen. After Daemon is victorious during the War for the Stepstones, he takes Rhaenyra into the streets of King's Landing at night where he seduces her but is unable to consummate their affair. A frustrated Rhaenyra later seduces Criston instead despite his reluctance and the fact that the Kingsguard are sworn not to sleep with anyone. When Alicent confronts her about the affair with Daemon, she denies it, but Criston later confesses which makes Alicent feel betrayed.[8] After failing to find a husband so Viserys can have grandchildren to secure his bloodline, Rhaenyra agrees to marry Laenor as part of a political alliance with House Velaryon. Rhaenyra and Laenor come to an understanding that they will perform their royal duties together but that Laenor can continue his relationship with his male lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, and Rhaenyra can continue her affair with Criston. However, Rhaenyra breaks off her affair with Criston who then kills Joffrey during their royal wedding feast.[11] Ten years later, Rhaenyra's first three sons had all been fathered by her lover Ser Harwin Strong, with Laenor being their father legally so they remain legitimate. Rhaenyra attends the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at Driftmark but following an altercation that results in Lucerys partially blinding Alicent's son Prince Aemond Targaryen, Alicent attempts to have Lucerys' eye gouged out in return, and when refused, she wounds Rhaenyra. Rhaenyra reunites with Daemon and proposes marriage to strengthen her claim to the Iron Throne and Daemon helps fake Laenor's death which allows him to go into exile in Essos and Daemon and Rhaenyra soon get married. Following the death of Viserys and Aegon usurping the throne, Rhaenyra gives birth to the stillborn Princess Visenya Targaryen, and at the funeral, Ser Erryk Cargyll arrives with Viserys' crown which Daemon uses to crown Rhaenyra as the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She sends her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys as envoys to ensure that House Stark, House Arryn, and House Baratheon keep their oaths to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne, but Lucerys is soon killed by Aemond and his dragon Vhagar.[12]
In season 2, Rhaenyra discovers the partial remains of her son's dragon Arrax but nothing remained of Lucerys as he was devoured whole. She then holds a funeral for him at Dragonstone. Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Rhaenyra worries that her popularity will suffer and cannot trusts Daemon after he is revealed as responsible. In retaliation for Jaehaerys' murder, Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll to assassinate Rhaenyra but she is saved by Erryk although the confrontation results in both of the brother's deaths.[13] After Lady Baela Targaryen informs the Black Council of Criston leading an army into the Crownlands, Rhaenyra, with assistance from Mysaria and Ser Steffon Darklyn, infiltrates King's Landing disguised as a septa and visits Alicent at the Grand Sept in an attempt to make peace. Rhaenyra learns that Alicent had misinterpreted Viserys' final words regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which led to her wanting to put Aegon on the throne. Alicent dismisses Rhaenyra's pleas and warns her that the war is inevitable. After returning to Dragonstone she sends Princess Rhaenys Targaryen to Rook's Rest as Criston's army prepares to lay siege. As her heir, she also informs Jacaerys of the Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, resulting in the death of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaenyra sends Baela to offer Corlys the position of Hand of the Queen, sends Ser Alfred Broome to meet with Daemon at Harrenhal, and when conversing with Jacaerys, talks of finding dragonriders for Vermithor and Silverwing, to match the strength of Vhagar. After Jacaerys discovers that Steffon had a distant Targaryen ancestor, Rhaenyra requests that he attempt to bond with an unclaimed dragon. Steffon willingly agrees, and Rhaenyra witnesses him unsuccessfully try to claim the dragon Seasmoke and be burned alive. After Lord Bartimos Celtigar questions Rhaenyra's decision-making, he strikes him in front of the castle servants and guards. Mysaria reports to Rhaenyra that her spies had begun inciting harmful rumors in King's Landing to undermine Aegon's rule, including that the upper class are living in luxury while the smallfolk starve. Mysaria later reports her success after she sends Targaryen-bannered boats filled with food to King's Landing which incites a riot as thousands of smallfolk fight for the food and openly praise Rhaenyra for feeding them. Mysaria then reassures Rhaenyra after she has doubts about winning the war and expresses that she remains loyal to Rhaenyra as she is treated as an equal. Rhaenyra then comforts Mysaria and they passionately kiss until they are interrupted by Ser Lorent Marbrand who brings news that the dragon Seasmoke has been claimed by an unknown rider, and Rhaenyra heads out on Syrax to confront them. After confronting Addam of Hull and accepting him as an ally, she is encouraged that anyone with Valyrian blood has a chance to claim a dragon. Despite the objections of Jacaerys, Bartimos, and the dragonkeepers, Rhaenyra requests that Mysaria send word throughout King's Landing that she is seeking Targaryen bastards in an attempt to find new dragonriders. During the Red Sowing, Rhaenyra summons the dragon Vermithor before the dragonseeds and watches as dozens of them are killed by Vermithor until he is eventually claimed by Hugh Hammer. After later discovering that Ulf White managed to claim the dragon Silverwing, she and her new dragonriders confront Aemond when he chases Silverwing back to Dragonstone on Vhagar, forcing him to retreat after witnessing the three adult dragons. She holds a feast for her new dragonriders and promises them knighthoods if they win the war and states her plan to send them to attack the opposing cities of Oldtown and Lannisport. After Maester Gerardys brings her a message from Ser Simon Strong regarding Daemon's potential betrayal, she heads to Harrenhal with Addam. She confronts Daemon and he pledges himself and his army of rivermen to Rhaenyra and her claim to the throne, stating that he will remain by her side. After returning to Dragonstone, Mysaria comforts Rhaenyra after she debates sending her dragons to war despite the countless deaths it would lead to, but Mysaria assures her that her cause is just. She is later confronted by Alicent at night who admits her faults and wishes to leave King's Landing open for capture so Rhaenyra can end the war quickly. Rhaenyra is dissatisfied with allowing Aegon to live, as his claim to the throne is what started the conflict, and she forces Alicent to choose between peace or escalating the war. Alicent reluctantly agrees with her terms and Rhaenyra allows her to leave Dragonstone.
Otto Hightower
.jpg)
Otto Hightower (portrayed by Rhys Ifans) is the father of Ser Gwayne Hightower and Queen Alicent Hightower who served as the Hand of the King on the Small Council under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen.[14] Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, he makes Alicent get close to the grieving king, which later results in their marriage and the birth of Otto's eldest grandchild Aegon. Otto is pressured by his older brother Lord Hobert Hightower to help make Aegon the heir to the Iron Throne over the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as it would strengthen their house's power. He is later dismissed as Hand of the King by Viserys after he discovers that Otto set Alicent up to become his wife and believes Otto's judgment to be compromised. Ten years later, he is reinstated as Hand of the King following the sudden death of Lord Lyonel Strong, orchestrated by Larys Strong to help Alicent who wanted her father to regain his position. Otto then spent several years conspiring with fellow Small Council members Ser Tyland Lannister, Lord Jasper Wylde, and Grand Maester Orwyle to eventually usurp the throne and make Aegon king while Viserys was slowly succumbing to his crippling illness. Following Viserys' death, he finally enacts their plan and Aegon is quickly crowned king.[15]
In season 2, Otto urges Aegon to be tough on the smallfolk of King's Landing to secure resources for the impending war with Rhaenyra and her supporters. Following the murder of his great-grandson Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Otto orders a public funeral procession to help turn the smallfolk against Rhaenyra. He is later outraged and insults Aegon after he learns that he had ordered the execution of dozens of innocents so Aegon could get vengeance for the death of his son. He also questions Aegon's judgment after Ser Arryk Cargyll had been sent by Ser Criston Cole to assassinate Rhaenyra while Otto was trying to turn public perception against her instead of seeking immediate retribution. When Aegon dismisses Otto's efforts that helped make him king, Otto attempts to leave but Aegon orders him to step down as Hand of the King and makes Criston his replacement. Otto then returns to Oldtown with plans to mentor his youngest grandson Prince Daeron Targaryen.[16] Sometime after leaving King's Landing, Otto is taken captive and held in an unknown location.
Corlys Velaryon
Corlys Velaryon (portrayed by Steve Toussaint), also known as the "Sea Snake", is the husband of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. He is the father of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon through his wife Rhaenys and the father of two bastard sons, Alyn of Hull and Addam of Hull. He is the Lord of Driftmark, head of House Velaryon of the Crownlands, and the most famous seafarer in Westerosi history. He also serves as the Master of Ships on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later as the Hand of the Queen on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Black Council.[17] Following the Great Council at Harrenhal, Corlys became enraged that his wife was passed over as heir despite her rightful claim to the throne. During the reign of Viserys, he was appointed as the Master of Ships but later resigned from his position after he became infuriated when Viserys married Queen Alicent Hightower over Corlys' daughter Laena, despite having the full support of almost the entire Small Council. When the Triarchy disrupts the Westerosi sea trade and therefore damages the profits and reputation of House Velaryon, he leads the War for the Stepstones against the Triarchy and enlists Prince Daemon Targaryen's help. After a three-year campaign, the Triarchy is defeated and pushed back to Essos. Corlys and Viserys soon arrange a marriage between Laenor and Rhaenyra, making their future sons the heirs to the Iron Throne and Driftmark. Ten years later, during Laena's funeral at Driftmark and following Laenor faking his death and going into exile, Rhaenys privately urges Corlys to make their eldest granddaughter Lady Baela Targaryen the heir to Driftmark rather than Laenor's sons due to their assumed illegitimacy. Six years later, after Corlys is gravely wounded while fighting in the Stepstones due to the Triarchy's reemergence, his brother Ser Vaemond Velaryon is killed when he insults Laenor and the legitimacy of Laenor's sons during a petition to the Iron Throne to make him the heir to Driftmark instead. Following the death of Viserys and King Aegon II Targaryen usurping the throne, Corlys and Rhaenys pledge their support to Rhaenyra and send the Velaryon fleet to blockade Blackwater Bay.[15]
In season 2, Corlys oversees the repairs of his flagship the Sea Snake and thanks the sailor Alyn who saved his life in the Stepstones, but doesn't acknowledge their relation.[18] After Corlys later sees Rhaenys confront Alyn, she tells him that due to Alyn's parentage he shouldn't be kept hidden away but be honored. Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, during which Rhaenys is killed, Corlys mourns the loss of his wife. On the orders of Rhaenyra, Baela offers him the position of Hand of the Queen which after initially hesitating he later accepts. Corlys asks Baela to be the heir to Driftmark, but she refuses, stating that she is more Targaryen than Velaryon. He approaches Alyn to become his first mate on the Sea Snake and orders him to accept despite Alyn's reluctance. After learning that Addam has claimed his eldest son's former dragon Seasmoke, he meets with Addam and praises him for the first time. He then asks if Alyn would also like to attempt to claim a dragon, but he declines. After Corlys' flagship is ready to sail, he renames it to The Queen Who Never Was in memory of his wife. He tells Rhaenyra that Addam can be trusted, but claims that he barely knows him, hiding the fact that Addam is his son. Corlys later tries to help advise Alyn on being his first mate, but Alyn angrily snaps back and blames Corlys for the grief and hardship he and Addam suffered growing up poor and without a father figure. Alyn still agrees to follow his order, and they leave Driftmark to join the Velaryon fleet.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys Targaryen (portrayed by Eve Best), also known as the "Queen Who Never Was", is a cousin of King Viserys I Targaryen, wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon and mother of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Meleys.[19] She was once a candidate to succeed her grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms but during the Great Council at Harrenhal she was passed over in favor of her younger cousin Viserys due to her gender. Twelve years later, despite her protests that it may eventually get her son killed, she is convinced to allow Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to get married. Ten years later, during Laena's funeral at Driftmark and following Laenor faking his death and going into exile, Rhaenys urges Corlys to make their eldest granddaughter Lady Baela Targaryen the heir to Driftmark rather than Laenor's sons due to their assumed illegitimacy. Six years later, when Corlys fell gravely ill, she chooses to support Prince Lucerys Velaryon's claim to Driftmark over Ser Vaemond Velaryon after he publicly insults Laenor and the legitimacy of Laenor's sons. Following Viserys' death, Rhaenys is placed under house arrest and discovers that the Small Council are usurping the throne to make Prince Aegon Targaryen king over Rhaenyra. She is then freed by Ser Erryk Cargyll and escapes King's Landing on Meleys by bursting through the Dragonpit during Aegon's coronation. She then flies to Dragonstone and informs Rhaenyra of her father's death before she and Corlys pledge their support to her.[20]
In season 2, Rhaenys patrols the Velaryon fleet's blockade of Blackwater Bay and after returning to Dragonstone she is approached by Prince Daemon Targaryen who demands that she accompany him to King's Landing to kill Prince Aemond Targaryen to avenge Lucerys' death, but she refuses to act while Rhaenyra still grieves for her son. She is sent by Rhaenyra to help stop Ser Criston Cole's siege at Rook's Rest, and she flies Meleys into battle. During the Battle at Rook's Rest, Rhaenys and Meleys prove to be far more formidable than Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre, severely wounding the dragon until the arrival of Aemond and his dragon Vhagar who engulfs Sunfyre in flame and sends him tumbling to the ground. Rhaenys engages Aemond and initially gains the upper hand but Vhagar ambushes and crushes Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest.[21] Following her death, to honor his wife, Corlys renames his flagship The Queen Who Never Was after her.
Mysaria
Mysaria (portrayed by Sonoya Mizuno), also known as the "White Worm", is a former brothel dancer from the far east nation of Yi Ti who became Prince Daemon Targaryen's lover.[22] After Daemon steals the deceased Prince Baelon Targaryen's dragon egg, Mysaria is with him at Dragonstone when Ser Otto Hightower demands the dragon egg returned. She learns that Daemon, without her knowledge, announced that he and Mysaria were betrothed and that she was pregnant. She confronts him about the lie and after realizing that he was just using her, she leaves him. She soon builds a spy network in King's Landing and informs Otto of Daemon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's secret exploits, which breaks down the trust between Otto and King Viserys I Targaryen. Sixteen years later, she has one of her spies, Talya, become one of the ladies-in-waiting to Queen Alicent Hightower, who keeps Mysaria informed of the king's ailing health. Following Viserys' death, she kidnaps Prince Aegon Targaryen and demands a meeting with Otto in exchange for Aegon's location. She threatens Otto to meet her demands to help the poor children of King's Landing or she can have Aegon killed. Mysaria's manse is later burned down by Lord Larys Strong, under Alicent's orders, and Larys rounds up and executes all the household staff in the Red Keep to remove any of Mysaria's spies.
In season 2, Mysaria has fled King's Landing on a ship but after it is intercepted by the Velaryon fleet, she is discovered by Ser Erryk Cargyll and imprisoned at Dragonstone. In exchange for her freedom, she provides Daemon with the name of one of her contacts in King's Landing, which indirectly causes the death of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. Despite this, Rhaenyra chooses to release her.[23] Before she can leave Dragonstone, she spots Ser Arryk Cargyll who had snuck onto Dragonstone and warns Erykk of his arrival which saves Rhaenyra's life. She then requests to join Rhaenyra's Black Council to serve as her advisor while seeking retribution against House Hightower. She assists Rhaenyra in infiltrating King's Landing so she can secretly meet with Alicent. She later sends Elinda Massey, Rhaenyra's lady-in-waiting, to sneak into King's Landing to meet with the barmaid Dyana to help incite rumors among the smallfolk. Mysaria reports to Rhaenyra that her spies had begun inciting harmful rumors in King's Landing to undermine Aegon's rule, including that the upper class are living in luxury while the smallfolk starve. She then sends Targaryen-bannered boats filled with food to King's Landing which incites a riot as thousands of smallfolk fight for the food and openly praise Rhaenyra for feeding them. She reports her success to Rhaenyra and reassures her after she has doubts about winning the war. Mysaria then tells Rhaenyra of her past, of how her father raped and scarred her when she was a child which taught her not to trust anyone. She then expresses that she remains loyal to Rhaenyra as she treats Mysaria as an equal. Rhaenyra then comforts Mysaria and they passionately kiss until they are interrupted by news that the dragon Seasmoke has been claimed. Due to a lack of noble houses with Targaryen ancestors, Mysaria recommends that Rhaenyra seek out bastards instead. At the behest of Rhaenyra, she sends word to Elinda in King's Landing to help spread the word that Rhaenyra is seeking bastards with Valyrian blood in an attempt to find new dragonriders and Alyn of Hull helps ferry them to Dragonstone, including Hugh Hammer and Ulf White. She comforts Rhaenyra after she debates sending her dragons to war despite the countless deaths it would lead to, but Mysaria assures her that her cause is just and that ending the war quickly would prevent even more deaths in the future.
Criston Cole
Criston Cole (portrayed by Fabien Frankel) is a knight from the Dornish Marches and the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. During Aegon's reign, he succeeds Ser Harrold Westerling as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and later succeeds Ser Otto Hightower as Hand of the King on the Small Council.[24] He participates in the Heir's Tournament, and manages to defeat Lord Boremund Baratheon and Prince Daemon Targaryen, first in a joust and then in single combat, and receives the favor of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Following the death of Ser Ryam Redwyne, he is appointed to the Kingsguard at Rhaenyra's insistence and becomes her royal protector. Rhaenyra later pressures Criston into having an affair with her following her exploits with Daemon, breaking his Kingsguard vows to not sleep with anyone. When Ser Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra are announced to be married, Criston asks her to run away with him, but she rejects him, leaving Criston distraught. Criston later confesses his sins to Queen Alicent Hightower, who is hurt by Rhaenyra's actions but keeps his secret. At the royal wedding feast of Laenor and Rhaenyra, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor's lover, informs Criston that he's aware of his affair with Rhaenyra. Criston perceives this as a threat, beats Joffrey to death, and later prepares to take his own life but is interrupted by Alicent. Ten years later, Criston is training Rhaenyra's son in swordsmanship and provokes Ser Harwin Strong after he insinuates that Rhaenyra and Laenor's sons are in fact his, which leads to Harwin leaving King's Landing. Six years later, following the death of Viserys, he accidentally kills Lord Lyman Beesbury when he protests the rest of the Small Council's plot to put Prince Aegon Targaryen on the throne in place of Rhaenyra. Enraged by the Small Council's actions and Criston's murder of Lyman, Ser Harold Westerling resigns from the Kingsguard in protest and Criston succeeds him as Lord Commander. Criston and Prince Aemond Targaryen are sent into the city by Alicent, where they locate Aegon so he can be crowned king. Criston crowns Aegon king at the Dragonpit with the former crown of King Aegon the Conqueror, which in turn gains Criston the moniker of "Kingmaker".
In season 2, Criston has begun a sexual relationship with Alicent, who he is sleeping with during the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. Feeling guilty for not being there to guard Jaehaerys, Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll to assassinate Rhaenyra. After Criston informs the king of this, Aegon soon removes Otto as Hand of the King due to his perceived lack of action in seeking retribution and appoints Criston to succeed him.[16] He is charged with leading an army alongside Ser Gwayne Hightower into the Crownlands to either convince those who declared for Rhaenyra to surrender to have them killed and asks for Alicent's favor before he leaves. They are later discovered by Lady Baela Targaryen who reports their movements to the Black Council. Criston manages to convince House Rosby and House Stokeworth to join his forces without a fight and after executing Lord Gunthor Darklyn following the Sack of Duskendale, he gains the Darklyn forces as well. He then leads his combined armies into the Battle at Rook's Rest where they lay siege to the castle until he witnesses the dragon battle between Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Aegon, and Aemond. After Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre are knocked out of the sky, Criston rushes to aid the fallen king. After returning to King's Landing, he parades the dragon Meleys' head through the streets, much to the horror of the smallfolk. When selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers from his injuries, he advocates for Aemond over Alicent. He later leaves King's Landing with Gwayne and their army once again to march into the Riverlands. While camping in the Riverlands, Gwayne draws his sword on Criston after noticing he has Alicent's favor and accuses Criston of sleeping with his sister. Criston states how he remains loyal to Alicent after she helped prevent him from committing suicide and that she keeps him fighting. He bleakly compares how useless he feels as a soldier after he witnessed hundreds of men be killed by dragons during the Battle at Rook's Rest and how his death will be a relief from his guilt.
Alicent Hightower
.jpg)
Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Olivia Cooke as an adult and by Emily Carey as a teenager) is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and mother of King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron Targaryen.[25] She is also the childhood companion of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, with them having grown up together in the Red Keep. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Alicent's father pressures her to get close to the grieving Viserys. Viserys later goes against the advice of the Small Council and marries Alicent, who soon gives him a long-sought-after male heir with their son Aegon. When she overhears Otto and Viserys discussing Rhaenyra's exploits with Prince Daemon Targaryen, she confronts Rhaenyra privately, who denies the rumor, which begins to create a rift between them. Alicent is informed by Larys Strong that Grand Maester Mellos was ordered to discreetly deliver moon tea, which is used to abort pregnancies, to Rhaenyra, and questions Ser Criston Cole on the matter, who confesses that he broke his oath and slept with her. Feeling betrayed by her closest friend, Alicent surprises all the guests when she attends the royal wedding feast of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra by wearing a green dress that matches the colors of the flames House Hightower burns when they go to war. Ten years later, Alicent and Rhaenyra had become more distant, and she rejects Rhaenyra's proposal to marry Rhaenyra's eldest son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, to Alicent's daughter Helaena due to Rhaenyra's children being bastards. She indirectly causes the deaths of Lord Lyonel Strong and Ser Harwin Strong, when she mentions to Larys that she wanted her father to regain his position as Hand of the King. She attends the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at Driftmark, but following an altercation that results in Rhaenyra's second eldest son Prince Lucerys Velaryon partially blinding Alicent's son Aemond, Alicent attempts to have Lucerys' eye gouged out in return, and when refused, she wounds Rhaenyra. Six years later, on Viserys' deathbed, he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and mutters parts of King Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which Alicent misinterprets as Viserys wanting their eldest son Aegon to succeed him as king instead of the chosen heir Rhaenyra. Following her husband's death, Alicent urges her father to help crown Aegon instead and Otto reveals that he and the majority of the Small Council had been planning Aegon's succession for years. Appalled by this, she orders Larys to dismantle Mysaria's spy network which Otto had been using for his advantage. When Otto travels to Dragonstone to request Rhaenyra's surrender and swear fealty to the newly crowned king Aegon, Alicent tries one final time to repair her friendship with Rhaenyra by sending a message with her father that only Rhaenyra would understand, but the death of Rhaenyra's son Lucerys soon ends any hope of a peaceful resolution.
In season 2, Alicent has begun a sexual relationship with Criston, who she is sleeping with during the murder of her grandson Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. She later attends the funeral procession of Jaehaerys and helps calm her daughter Helaena when she is on the verge of a panic attack due to her grief. While praying in the Grand Sept, she is visited by Rhaenyra who had managed to sneak into the city to try and make peace. Rhaenyra informs Alicent that she has misinterpreted Viserys' final words regarding the "Prince That Was Promised" which led to her wanting to put Aegon on the throne. Alicent dismisses Rhaenyra's pleas and warns her that the war is inevitable now that Criston and his army are marching on the Crownlands. She requests that Grand Maester Orwyle discreetly bring her moon tea to prevent her from getting pregnant with Criston's child. Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, she visits Aegon and witnesses his grievous injuries. When selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers from his injuries sustained during the Battle at Rook's rest, the majority of the Small Council advocates for Aemond over Alicent. After receiving no word from Lord Dalton Greyjoy, who was approached to fill the vacant position of Master of Ships, Alicent vehemently objects to Lord Jasper Wylde's proposal to have Alicent marry him. She is then forced to step down from her advisory position on the Small Council by Aemond after she continues to disagree with the rest of its members. She speaks with her brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower, about her youngest son Daeron who she hadn't seen for many years since he had become a ward of House Hightower. She later takes Helaena to the Grand Sept to pray for Aegon's recovery. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Rhaenyra sends shipments of food to the starving city, she and Helaena are forced to flee the Grand Sept with several Kingsguard, and are quickly overrun by rioters until they are escorted to their carriage by Ser Rickard Thorne and flee the area. Feeling dismayed at her removal from the Small Council and the dangers present within King's Landing, she requests that Rickard escort her to the Kingswood so that she may be alone and away from the city for a while. While spending time with Helaena, Alicent becomes concerned for her daughter's mental state and asks if she wants to leave King's Landing. Alicent then stops Aemond from trying to force Helaena to join him on her dragon Dreamfrye and admonishes him for burning down Sharp Point in anger. With Orwyle's help, she leaves King's Landing with Rickard and goes to Dragonstone to confront Rhaenyra. Alicent admits her faults and the damage she has caused and agrees to leave King's Landing open for capture so Rhaenyra can end the war quickly. However, Rhaenyra refuses to allow Aegon to live, as his claim to the throne is what started the conflict, and forces Alicent to choose between peace or escalating the war. Alicent reluctantly agrees with her terms and is allowed to leave Dragonstone.
Harrold Westerling
Harrold Westerling (portrayed by Graham McTavish) is a member of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. He is assigned as the royal protector of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen during her youth until he succeeds Ser Ryam Redwyne as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.[26] Ten years later, following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, he breaks up the fight between Prince Aemond Targaryen and Prince Lucerys Velaryon after the latter slashed Aemond's eye with a knife. Six years later, following the death of Viserys, he demands Ser Criston Cole resign from the Kingsguard immediately after he accidentally kills Lord Lyman Beesbury during a Small Council meeting. After Criston refuses to stand down and Otto demands that Harrold go to Dragonstone and assassinate Rhaenyra, he instead resigns his position in the Kingsguard in protest after discovering that the majority of the Small Council had conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Rhaenyra.
Larys Strong
Larys Strong (portrayed by Matthew Needham), also known as the "Clubfoot" due to a birth defect, is the younger son of Lord Lyonel Strong who succeeds him as Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong of the Riverlands. He is appointed as the Lord Confessor of the Red Keep and later serves as the Master of Whisperers on the Small Council of King Aegon II Targaryen.[27] He becomes a close confidant of Queen Alicent Hightower after he informs her that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen had been discreetly given moon tea after her exploits with Prince Daemon Targaryen. Ten years later, he orchestrates the deaths of both his father and his older brother Ser Harwin Strong by sending his agents to trap them in a fire at his family seat of Harrenhal, allowing him to succeed his father as the Lord of Harrenhal and have Ser Otto Hightower regain his former position as Hand of the King. Six years later, following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Larys apprehends Lord Allun Caswell during his attempt to flee King's Landing and has him executed. He also works to dismantle Mysaria's spy network in King's Landing under Alicent's orders by rounding up and imprisoning all the household staff in the Red Keep, suspecting there to be traitors and spies among them.
In season 2, Larys has replaced Alicent's entire household staff, having tortured and executed them all, with new servants loyal to him taking their place. In the aftermath of the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Larys apprehends the City Watch guard Blood, who was attempting to flee King's Landing with Jaehaerys' severed head and easily obtains information from Blood concerning his accomplice before Aegon kills Blood personally. Impressed with Larys' loyalty and efficiency, Aegon then appoints him to the previously retired position of Master of Whisperers. When Harrenhal is taken by Prince Daemon Targaryen, he reassures Aegon that he maintains the castle's treasury. When selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers from his injuries sustained during the Battle at Rook's Rest, he advocates for Aemond over Alicent. With Ser Criston Cole leaving King's Landing to lead an army into the Riverlands, Larys requests that he replace him as Hand of the King which Aemond rejects and requests that he send a message to Otto so he can return to King's Landing and take the position instead. Larys later visits Aegon and recounts his painful childhood as a cripple and tells Aegon to embrace his injuries and use them to his advantage. Due to his position, he is approached by Lord Jasper Wylde who confides in Larys regarding a rumor that the dragon Seasmoke has been claimed, but he dismisses the rumor due to the fact it had been passed through word of mouth. Larys later informs Aegon that Rhaenyra had managed to find riders for three adult dragons and believed Aegon's life to be in danger, either from dragons besieging the city or Aemond killing him to take the throne. He urges Aegon to flee King's Landing to wait out the war while he recovers, with the hope that Rhaenyra and Aemond exhaust each other's forces. Aegon reluctantly agrees, and Larys flees King's Landing with him.
Jason Lannister
.jpg)
Jason Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the son of Lady Ceira Lannister and the older twin brother of Ser Tyland Lannister. He is the Lord of Casterly Rock, head of House Lannister, and Warden of the West.[28] An arrogant hunter and warrior, he unsuccessfully vies for the hand of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and takes part in the Royal Hunt during the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen.
In season 2, Jason relays through his brother that House Lannister pledges its support to Aegon and musters the armies of the Westerlands to prepare for war. He later arrives with his army at the Golden Tooth and awaits to receive word from Prince Aemond Targaryen before he will march toward the Riverlands. He later marches into the Riverlands with his army, heading towards Harrenhal.
Tyland Lannister
Tyland Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the son of Lady Ceira Lannister and the younger twin brother of Lord Jason Lannister. He serves as the successor to Lord Corlys Velaryon as the Master of Ships on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later switches positions when he succeeds Lord Lyman Beesbury as the Master of Coin on the Small Council of King Aegon II Targaryen.[28] After the immediate death of Viserys, Tyland is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king and informs the rest of the Small Council that the treasury will be divided for safekeeping.
In season 2, Tyland is irritated by the young Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen's presence after Aegon brings him to a Small Council meeting. After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Tyland concludes that, despite the death of Lord Samwell Blackwood, both sides took heavy losses and he urges Aegon to utilize his brother's forces that are being mustered in the Westerlands. When selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers from his injuries sustained during the Battle at Rook's Rest, he advocates for Aemond over Alicent. Due to the House Lannister and House Hightower fleets needing months to prepare before sailing to King's Landing, Aemond requests that Tyland form an alliance with the Triarchy and have them attack the Velaryon fleet blockading the gullet which causes supplies to be cut off from the city. Tyland later arrives in the free city of Tyrosh and meets with representatives of the Triarchy, and reluctantly agrees that the crown will give them the Stepstones in exchange for their aid. He then proves himself and impresses Admiral Sharako Lohar, the commander of the Triarchy fleet, by mud-wrestling her and she agrees to join him and bring her fleet to Westeros.
Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon
Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon (portrayed by Harry Collett as a teenager and by Leo Hart as a young child) is the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vermax.[29] He is betrothed to his cousin Lady Baela Targaryen who together would act as the joint heirs to Rhaenyra and her claim to the Iron Throne once married. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Jacaerys is sent as an envoy to House Arryn and House Stark to ensure that they keep their oaths to support his mother's claim.[30]
In season 2, Jace managed to confirm the loyalty of House Arryn before visiting the Wall with Lord Cregan Stark, who also promises to uphold his father's oath. While there he receives word of his brother Prince Lucerys Velaryon's death and returns to Dragonstone to attend his funeral.[31] After he becomes upset that his mother refuses to allow him to fly into battle with Vermax, as her heir, Rhaenyra informs him of Aegon the Conqueror's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, Jace travels to the Twins and secures the allegiance of House Frey, without his mother's knowing. When he returns to Dragonstone, Jace proposes that they find dragonriders for the unclaimed adult dragons Vermithor and Silverwing and that they could search for distant Targaryen relatives to claim them. Jace discovers that the Queensguard Ser Steffon Darklyn has a distant Targaryen relative and joins his mother when they witness Steffon unsuccessfully try to bond with the dragon Seasmoke and be burned alive. After Seasmoke is claimed by Addam of Hull, Jace objects to allowing anyone lowborn to claim dragons, believing that it would question his own legitimacy. He privately berates his mother for her relationship with Harwin as other Targaryen bastards could threaten his position as her heir due to him being a bastard as well. Jace confronts the new dragonriders Hugh Hammer and Ulf White, with the latter acting rude toward him and insinuating that he and Jace are comparable as they are both bastards. He berates Ulf and forces him to apologize and later continues to demand respect from Ulf during a feast with the other dragonriders.
Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon II Targaryen (portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney as an adult and by Ty Tennant as a teenager) is the sixth King of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, husband to his sister-wife Queen Helaena Targaryen, and father of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and Princess Jaehaera Targaryen. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Sunfyre.[32] As he grew into adulthood, Aegon's hedonism and depravity become legendary in King's Landing's Street of Silk with him having fathered at least one bastard child. Following the death of his father, despite his own belief that he is unfit to rule and that his half-sister Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was the chosen heir, he is crowned king with the support of the Small Council, ultimately usurping the throne.[33]
In season 2, Aegon brings his heir Jaehaerys to a Small Council meeting and humiliates Ser Tyland Lannister. He initially strives to be a benevolent king but Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, urges him to be tough on the smallfolk to secure resources for the impending war. Following the brutal murder of his son, Aegon demands immediate retaliation against Rhaenyra and those who support her. He later personally kills one of his son's killers and orders the public hanging of every ratcatcher in the Red Keep, one of whom was an accomplice in Jaehaerys' death. This infuriates Otto, who Aegon subsequently dismisses as Hand of the King and appoints Ser Criston Cole as his replacement.[34] Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Aegon supports Criston's plan to take an army into the Crownlands to subjugate the houses that have allied with Rhaenyra. Despite Aegon wanting to go into battle himself with Sunfyre, Lord Larys Strong convinces him otherwise, and impressed with his loyalty, Aegon appoints him to the previously retired position of Master of Whisperers. Seeking to prove himself a strong ruler, Aegon takes Sunfyre to join in the Battle at Rook's Rest despite protests from his family and the Small Council. He attacks Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys but after the arrival of Aemond and his dragon Vhagar, Sunfyre is severely wounded by Meleys and then badly burned when Vhagar engulfs them in flame, sending Aegon and Sunfyre tumbling to the ground. In the aftermath of the battle, Aegon survived the fall but had fallen unconscious, having broken several bones, and half of his body was burnt after Vhagar's fire heated his Valyrian steel armor and melted his skin. After he's returned to King's Landing, Grand Maester Orwyle attends to his injuries and Aemond is named regent while he recovers. Aegon eventually awakens from his coma and is visited by Aemond who interrogates Aegon about the Battle at Rook's Rest but he claims to not remember anything. Larys later visits Aegon and tells him to embrace his injuries and use them to his advantage as his enemies will underestimate him. Under Larys's insistence, Orwyle pushes Aegon harder to try and start walking again, despite his broken leg. Larys later informs Aegon that Rhaenyra had managed to find riders for three adult dragons and that Aemond may try and kill him to take the throne. Aegon bitterly remarks that he believes Sunfyre is dead, and agrees to flee King's Landing with Larys, intent on waiting out the oncoming conflict.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond Targaryen (portrayed by Ewan Mitchell as an adult and by Leo Ashton as a young child), also known as "Aemond One-Eye", is the third child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower.[35] Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, he becomes a dragonrider after claiming her dragon Vhagar. This causes an altercation with his cousins/nephews during which Prince Lucerys Velaryon slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Six years later, following his father's death, Aemond is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and arranges a political alliance with Lord Borros Baratheon through marriage with one of his daughters. After Lucerys arrives with his dragon Arrax, due to the new alliance forged with Aemond, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne. After Lucerys leaves, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Lucerys and Arrax, killing them both.[36]
In season 2, Prince Daemon Targaryen attempts to have Aemond assassinated in revenge for Lucerys' death, but Aemond's nephew Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen is killed instead as Aemond was visiting a brothel.[37] Aemond expresses regret concerning his part in Lucerys' death to the brothel madam Sylvi, concerned that it's his fault that they were on the verge of war. Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Aemond supports Ser Criston Cole's proposal of subjugating the houses in the Crownlands that have allied with Rhaenyra. When Aegon and his retinue take a new squire to Sylvi's brothel to lose his virginity, he encounters Aemond with Sylvi and jeers at his brother until Aemond leaves. He partakes in the Battle at Rook's Rest with Vhagar as part of a plan to lure a dragon to defend the castle while it's under siege and ambush them. After Princess Rhaenys Targaryen arrives with Meleys, Aemond holds off the plan when Aegon arrives with Sunfyre. He soon joins the battle and witnesses Meleys grappling with Sunfyre and commands Vhagar to attack both Meleys and Sunfyre, engulfing the latter in flame which sends Aegon and Sunfyre tumbling to the ground. Aemond then engages Rhaenys but despite her initially getting the upper hand, Vhagar ambushes and crushes Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest. Aemond is later found by Criston standing over his brother's unconscious body, after finding him severely wounded. After returning to King's Landing, Aemond is made regent by the Small Council while Aegon recovers from his injuries and he quickly orders the closing of the city to stop fear spreading among the smallfolk due to the blockade on King's Landing. He later becomes enraged when Lord Jason Lannister refuses to march his army into the Riverlands unless Aemond and Vhagar join him and decides to send Ser Tyland Lannister away to ally with the Triarchy. He also forces Alicent to step down from her advisory position on the Small Council after she continues to disagree with the rest of its members. After he is informed that Aegon has awoken from his coma, Aemond goes to confront him and questions whether he remembers anything about the Battle at Rook's Rest, but Aegon denies remembering how he received his injuries. After he witnesses the dragon Silverwing flying above King's Landing with a new rider, he rushes to fetch Vhagar. He then chases Silverwing to Dragonstone but after witnessing Rhaenyra with her dragon Syrax alongside Verimithor and his new rider, Aemond quickly retreats, not wanting to take on three adult dragons at once. In his anger, Aemond burns down Sharp Point, the seat of House Bar Emmon, who are pledged to Rhaenyra. He pressures Helaena to ride Dreamfyre into battle, and after Helaena refuses he attempts to force her, only for Alicent to stop him and admonish him for his actions. Aemond later confronts Helaena once again and threatens to kill her if she doesn't join him, but Helaena rebuffs him by stating how she saw Aemond cause Aegon's injuries in a vision and that Aemond will die during the war.
Baela Targaryen
Baela Targaryen (portrayed by Bethany Antonia as a teenager and by Shani Smethurst as a young child) is the elder daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Moondancer.[38] Following her mother's death, Baela becomes the ward of her grandmother Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Six years later, she is betrothed to her cousin Prince Jacaerys Velaryon who together would act as the joint heirs to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her claim to the Iron Throne once married.
In season 2, Rhaenyra sends Baela and Moondancer to keep watch on King's Landing in anticipation of any future attacks. Baela later discovers Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower leading an army into the Crownlands and reports their movements to the Black Council, allowing the lords whose houses reside on the mainland to better prepare for an attack. Following the death of her grandmother, Baela is sent by Rhaenyra to offer her grandfather, Lord Corlys Velaryon, the position of Hand to the Queen. With his wife and children dead, Corlys asks Baela to be the heir to Driftmark, but she refuses, stating that she is more Targaryen than Velaryon. Baela later comforts Jacaerys after he expresses how he unfair it was that other Targaryen bastards could claim dragons, and worries about his claim as Rhaenyra's heir. She attends a feast at Dragonstone with the other dragonriders and expresses how concerned she is about sending their dragons to attack the opposing cities of Oldtown and Lannisport, not wanting to harm any innocents.
Rhaena Targaryen
Rhaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phoebe Campbell as a teenager and by Eva Ossei-Gerning as a young child) is the younger daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Unlike her sister and cousins, her dragon egg did not hatch. Although she previously attempted to bond with the unclaimed dragons on Dragonstone, she was unsuccessful and nearly killed, leaving her without a dragon.[38] She is betrothed to her cousin Prince Lucerys Velaryon, who together would have acted as the joint heirs to Driftmark once married until Lucerys' death prevents this from proceeding.
In season 2, she attends Lucerys' funeral and grieves her former betrothed. After the assassination attempt on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, she requests Rhaena to take care of her younger children Prince Joffrey Velaryon, Prince Aegon "the Younger" and Prince Viserys Targaryen, and stay with them at the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection. Rhaenyra also sends the dragon hatchlings Tyraxes and Stormcloud with her, as well as four dragon eggs, which include Viserys' chosen egg and a clutch laid by Syrax, so that Rhaena can protect the future of House Targaryen. After arriving at the Eyrie, Jeyne expresses her displeasure at Rhaena having brought two dragon hatchlings with her instead of an adult dragon to defend the Vale. While taking a walk through the countryside with Joffrey, she discovers the remains of a dragon's feeding ground. She later confronts Jeyne about the existence of a wild dragon in the Vale, who confirms her suspicions. Jeyne also informs Rhaena that she is to leave the Vale on the merchant ship the Gay Abandon with Aegon "the Younger" and Viserys so they can be sheltered by Prince Reggio Haratis in Pentos. After Rhaena is forced to leave the Eyrie along with Aegon "the Younger" and Viserys, she leaves her cousins to track down the wild dragon. After searching for some time, she finally comes across the dragon Sheepstealer and confronts him.
Helaena Targaryen
Helaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phia Saban as an adult and by Evie Allen as a young child) is the second child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, the sister-wife of King Aegon II Targaryen, and mother of Jaehaerys Targaryen and Jaehaera Targaryen. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Dreamfrye. She has a unique interest in bugs and seems to make cryptic prophecies of the future.[39] Helaena predicts her brother Prince Aemond Targaryen claiming the dragon Vhagar and losing his eye, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's escape from King's Landing among other predictions.[40]
In season 2, after Prince Daemon Targaryen hires Blood and Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep, they force Helaena to tell them which of her children is a boy as they are identical twins. She reluctantly gives up her son who is subsequently murdered before she escapes with her daughter.[41] She attends the funeral procession of Jaehaerys with her mother but becomes overwhelmed and on the verge of a panic attack as she grieves her son. She later goes with Alicent to the Grand Sept to pray for Aegon's recovery following the injuries he sustained during the Battle at Rook's Rest. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, she and Alicent are forced to flee the Grand Sept with several Kingsguard, and are quickly overrun by rioters until they are escorted to their carriage by Ser Rickard Thorne and flee the area. While spending time with her mother, Helaena expresses that she doesn't understand why the smallfolk hate them and how she hasn't been happy since becoming queen. With Rhaenyra having found riders for three adult dragons, Aemond then tries to force Helaena to join him on her dragon Dreamfrye. She expresses that she doesn't want to hurt anyone but Aemond tries to force her until Alicent stops him and expresses her concern regarding Helaena's mental state. During a vision, Helaena talks to Prince Daemon Targaryen, stating that he has a part to play in deciding the future. Aemond confronts Helaena once again and threatens her life, but Helaena rebuffs him by stating how she saw Aemond cause Aegon's injuries in a vision and that Aemond will die during the war.
Orwyle
Orwyle (portrayed by Kurt Egyiawan) is the successor to Mellos as the Grand Maester on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen. Before serving as Grand Maester, he assists Mellos in treating an ailing Viserys, ultimately suggesting better methods of treatment despite his lesser experience. Sixteen years later, after the immediate death of Viserys, Orwyle is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king, and advocates for the murder of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to eliminate the rival claimant. He also joins Ser Otto Hightower when they travel to Dragonstone in an attempt to convince Rhaenyra to surrender peacefully.
In season 2, Orwyle suggests offering the vacant position of Master of Ships to Lord Dalton Greyjoy, so they can use the Iron Fleet to match the dominant Velaryon Fleet. After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Orwyle suggests ordering the elderly Lord Grover Tully to seize control over the houses sworn to him in the Riverlands but the notion is dismissed by Lord Jasper Wylde. He discreetly delivers moon tea to Queen Alicent Hightower, who questions him regarding whether he believes Viserys changed his mind and chose Aegon to be king but refuses to comment. Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, Orwyle personally attends to Aegon's injuries after he is returned to King's Landing. When selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers, Orwyle is the only member of the Small Council who advocates for Alicent. Orwyle later reports to the Small Council that Aegon has regained consciousness and informs Alicent that House Beesbury had pledged their allegiance to Rhaenyra and were fighting against House Hightower. At the insistence of Lord Larys Strong, Orwyle pushes Aegon harder to try and start walking again, despite his broken leg. Orwyle later discreetly assists Alicent in arranging transport to Dragonstone so she can meet with Rhaenyra.
Hugh Hammer
Hugh Hammer (portrayed by Kieran Bew) is a bastard son of Princess Saera Targaryen, the ninthborn child of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, making him a dragonseed. He is the husband of Kat and the father of their daughter. He becomes a dragonrider after bonding with the dragon Vermithor.[42] As a blacksmith from King's Landing, Hugh is commissioned by the Crown to manufacture scorpion ballista to defend King's Landing from potential dragon attacks. Needing money to care for his sick daughter, he petitions King Aegon II Targaryen to ask for payment in advance for his work, which Aegon approves. After Hugh witnesses the head of the dragon Meleys being paraded through King's Landing, he is later convinced by Kat that they must abandon the city and relocate to Tumbleton in fear of the escalating war. As they go to leave the city with their sick daughter, the gates are closed on Prince Aemond's Targaryen's orders. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, Hugh fights for a bag of food to bring back to his wife and daughter. After their daughter later succumbs to her illness, Hugh learns that Rhaenyra is seeking Targaryen bastards in an attempt to find new dragonriders and departs for Dragonstone. During the Red Sowing, he witnesses Vermithor massacring dozens of other dragonseeds and dodges dragonfire until he finally confronts Vermithor and manages to bond with and claim the dragon. Following the Red Sowing, he and Ulf White are brought onto Dragonstone where Hugh tries to act respectful during a feast with the other dragonriders and Rhaenyra promises him a knighthood if they win the war.
Alyn of Hull
Alyn of Hull (portrayed by Abubakar Salim) is a bastard son of Lord Corlys Velaryon, making him a dragonseed, and the older brother of Addam of Hull. He is a sailor in the Velaryon fleet and saved Corlys' life during the War for the Stepstones. When Corlys oversees the repairs of the flagship of the Velaryon fleet, the Sea Snake, he encounters Alyn and thanks him for saving his life. [43] He soon reunites with his brother after months apart and is later confronted by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen who claims to know Alyn's parentage. Corlys names Alyn as his first mate of the Sea Snake despite Alyn's reluctance, who feels rejected by his father and keeps his head shaved to hide his Valyrian hair. After Corlys informs Alyn and his brother claimed Seasmoke, he asks if Alyn would also like to attempt to claim a dragon, but he instead declines. Corlys then tasks Alyn with helping ferry dozens of potential Targaryen bastards from King's Landing to Dragonstone, including Hugh Hammer and Ulf White. After Corlys' flagship is ready to sail, Alyn rebuffs his attempts to try and connect with his estranged bastard son. He angrily tells Corlys of the grief and hardship he and Addam suffered growing up poor and without a father figure, and how he grew to hate Corlys' neglect after seeing him care for his legitimate son Ser Leanor Velaryon. Despite this, he still agrees to leave Driftmark with Corlys and join the Velaryon fleet, not wanting to disobey orders.
Cregan Stark
Cregan Stark (portrayed by Tom Taylor) is the son of Lord Rickon Stark who succeeds him as Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North.[44] He visits the Wall alongside Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and agrees to uphold his father's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne.[31] He agrees to send an army of over two thousand men known as the Winter Wolves while he musters the rest of his forces. Consisting of greybeards, aging men who expect to die in combat, they later march into the Riverlands in support of Rhaenyra by crossing at the Twins.
Addam of Hull
Addam of Hull (portrayed by Clinton Liberty) is a bastard son of Lord Corlys Velaryon, making him a dragonseed, and the younger brother of Alyn of Hull. He becomes a dragonrider after bonding with the dragon Seasmoke. Addam is a shipwright for the Velaryon fleet working out of Driftmark. He reunites with his brother after Alyn spent many months fighting in the Stepstones and later sees the dragon Seasmoke flying overhead.[43] Unlike his brother, Addam is hopeful that Corlys will one day accept them as his sons, although is disappointed by his own lack of Valyrian features. While preparing to go fishing, he is chased by Seasmoke along a beach on Driftmark. After Seasmoke lands and corners him, he chooses Addam as his dragonrider and allows Addam to bond with and claim him. After flying on Seasmoke for the first time, he is confronted by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and pledges himself to her before traveling with her to Dragonstone. Accepted as Rhaenyra's new ally, he is approached by Corlys who praises his son for the first time and relieves Addam of his position as a shipwright now that he has a new purpose as a dragonrider. Addam attends a feast at Dragonstone with the other dragonriders and acts well-mannered compared to the raconteur Ulf White. Rhaenyra then requests that Addam fly alongside her to Harrenhal, trusting him more than the other new dragonriders, and promises him a knighthood if they win the war.
Ulf White
Ulf White (portrayed by Tom Bennett) is a purported bastard son of Prince Baelon Targaryen, the father of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen, making him a dragonseed. He becomes a dragonrider after bonding with the dragon Silverwing. He is a raconteur and drunkard who is popular among the smallfolk of King's Landing.[42] While drinking in a tavern, the brothel madam Sylvi tells Ulf about the lavish parties and banquets the upper class are having while the smallfolk are starving and Ulf openly expresses his discontent on the city streets. After learning that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen is seeking Targaryen bastards in an attempt to find new dragonriders, Ulf is pressured by his friends to go and he departs for Dragonstone. During the Red Sowing, he witnesses Vermithor massacring dozens of other dragonseeds and is knocked to the ground. He manages to escape the carnage and makes his way deeper into the Dragonmont where he stumbles upon Silverwing's lair. While initially afraid of the dragon, Silverwing approaches Ulf but remains docile before allowing him to bond with and claim her. He then joyfully flies Silverwing across the skies above King's Landing. Following the Red Sowing, he and Hugh Hammer are brought onto Dragonstone where Ulf acts rude and jovial despite being in the presence of royalty. Prince Jacaerys Targaryen berates Ulf for the way he acts and forces him to apologize after Ulf insinuates that he and Jacaerys are comparable as they are both bastards. He later continues to be rude during a feast with Rhaenyra and the other dragonriders, who commands that he show respect and promises him a knighthood if they win the war.
Kat
Kat (portrayed by Ellora Torchia) is the wife of Hugh Hammer and the mother of their sick daughter who she is struggling to provide for in King's Landing. With the war escalating and the blockade on King's Landing making life harder for the smallfolk, Kat convinces Hugh that they should relocate to Tumbleton to stay with her brother but they are unable to leave the city after the gates are closed on Prince Aemond's Targaryen's orders.[45] After their daughter later succumbs to her illness, Kat begs for Hugh to leave with her to go live with her family in Tumbleton but he refuses after learning that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen is seeking Targaryen bastards in an attempt to find new dragonriders and reveals to Kat his parentage.
Gwayne Hightower
Gwayne Hightower (portrayed by Freddie Fox and by Will Willoughby as a younger Gwayne) is the son of Ser Otto Hightower. He participates in the Heir's Tournament, where he is unseated by Prince Daemon Targaryen. In season 2, he journies with House Hightower forces to King's Landing and accompanies Ser Criston Cole and his army into the Crownlands, and participates in the Battle at Rooks Rest. Following his return to King's Landing, he speaks with his sister, Queen Alicent Hightower, about her youngest son, Prince Daeron Targaryen, who she hadn't seen for many years since he had become a ward of House Hightower. He then departs King's Landing once again with Criston and their army to march into the Riverlands. While camping in the Riverlands, Gwayne draws his sword on Criston after noticing he has Alicent's favor. Gwayne accuses Criston of sleeping with his sister but backs down after Criston states that he remains loyal to Alicent after she helped prevent him from committing suicide.
Alys Rivers
Alys Rivers (portrayed by Gayle Rankin) is a mysterious healer at Harrenhal in service to House Strong. After Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Alys encounters him in Harrenhal's godswood and warns him that he will die there. After Daemon experiences further visions, he confronts Alys in her quarters and discovers that she acts as Harrenhal's maester despite not being one herself, leading him to believe that she is a witch. She questions Daemon's strange visions and seems to induce them herself after brewing him a drink that causes him to lose his sense of time. After Daemon is disturbed by another vision, he plans to confront the Riverlords himself, but Alys stops him from departing. Daemon asks Alys for her counsel who tells Daemon that he needs House Tully on his side to control the other Riverlords and she convinces him that he should wait for three days. Three days later, Ser Simon Strong informs Daemon that Alys had attempted to aid the sick Lord Grover Tully, who died shortly afterward, causing Daemon to cry with joy as he could now better convince Grover's young grandson and successor. Believing that he is now ready, Alys later brings Daemon to the godswood and requests that he place his hand on the weirwood tree, allowing him to peer into the future and experience a multitude of visions.
Simon Strong
.jpg)
Simon Strong (portrayed by Simon Russel Beale) is the uncle of Lord Lyonel Strong. He is the Castellan of Harrenhal but holds no loyalty to his great-nephew Lord Larys Strong for his role in the deaths of Lyonel and Ser Harwin Strong. When Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he willingly yields the castle and pledges his loyalty to Rhaenyra's cause. Daemon orders Simon to summon Lord Grover Tully and the various Riverlords to Harrenhal to pledge themselves to Rhaenyra but Simon informs Daemon of Grover's fragile state and how the recent Battle of the Burning Mill would complicate things. Simon hosts Ser Oscar Tully and Ser Willem Blackwood when they arrive to meet with Daemon at Harrenhal. Under Daemon's orders, he begins the reconstruction of Harrenhal but requests that Daemon find a way to help fund the work as Larys had emptied Harrenhal's treasury and moved its contents to King's Landing when he succeeded his father. After Daemon awakens from another vision, he threatens Simon with a knife and questions his loyalty. Simon later informs Daemon of the death of Grover and that his grandson has succeeded him. He soon hosts a gathering of Riverlords at Harrenhal's godswood so that they can pledge themselves to Oscar, the new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. After Ser Alfred Broome arrives in Harrenhal, Simon overhears him attempt to convince Daemon to claim the throne for himself. Simon sends a message to Rhaenyra, fearful of Daemon's potential betrayal, and greets her when she arrives at Harrenhal.
House Arryn
- Aemma Arryn (portrayed by Siân Brooke) is the queen consort and first wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and the mother of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and the short-lived Prince Baelon Targaryen. She is a granddaughter of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator through her mother, making Viserys her first cousin.[46] During the Heir's Tournament, she goes into labor and while struggling to give birth to Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys requests that Grand Maester Mellos perform a c-section on her to save the baby. Aemma quickly dies from the operation and Baelon dies just hours later. A funeral is then held for them and they are cremated together. In season 2, she appears during Prince Daemon Targaryen's mysterious visions while staying in Harrenhal.[47]
- Gerold Royce (portrayed by Owen Oakeshott) is a cousin of Lady Rhea Royce. Following her death, he attends the royal wedding feast of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen at King's Landing where he confronts Prince Daemon Targaryen with claims that he murdered Rhea, which he denies. Daemon then threatens Gerold that he can request Rhea's inheritance and claim Runestone for himself from Lady Jeyne Arryn.
- Rhea Royce (portrayed by Rachel Redford) is the estranged first wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and the heir to Runestone. Daemon secretly confronts and murders Rhea so he can eventually marry Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Rhea's death is reported as a horseriding accident.[48]
- Jeyne Arryn (portrayed by Amanda Collin), also known as the "Maiden of the Vale", is the Lady of the Eyrie, head of House Arryn and Warden of the East. She met with Prince Jacaerys Velaryon in the Eyrie and agreed to uphold her oath to support Queen Rhaenyra Targeryen's claim to the Iron Throne in exchange for a dragon to protect the Vale. Lady Rhaena Targaryen journies to the Eyrie with Rhaenyra's young sons Prince Joffrey Velaryon, Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen, and Prince Viserys Targaryen, to be under her protection but Jeyne remained unimpressed that the two dragon hatchlings Tyraxes and Stormcloud were sent with Rhaena instead of a capable adult dragon.[49] Jeyne later informs Rhaena that Prince Reggio Haratis has accepted her offer of sheltering Aegon "the Younger" and Viserys, who will leave the Vale on the merchant ship the Gay Abandon. She also confirms Rhaena's suspicions that a wild dragon had recently begun searching for food in the Vale.[50]
House Baratheon
- Boremund Baratheon (portrayed by Julian Lewis Jones) is the father of Borros Baratheon. He is the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. He is also a maternal cousin of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and is the great-grandson of house founder Orys Baratheon, the half-brother of King Aegon the Conqueror.[51] He participates in the Heir's Tournament, where he is unseated by Ser Criston Cole. He swears loyalty to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen after she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. He also hosts Rhaenyra at Storm's End during her tour of Westeros and advises her on various suitors who propose marriage. Boremund dies off-screen of unknown causes, and his son Borros succeeds him as Lord of Storm's End.
- Beric Dondarrion (portrayed by Paul Leonard) is the Lord of Blackhaven and head of House Dondarrion of the Stormlands. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, he is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End but is hastily dismissed by Rhaenyra on account of his advanced age.
- Borros Baratheon (portrayed by Roger Evans) is the son of Lord Boremund Baratheon who succeeds him as the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.[52] Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he forges a political alliance with Prince Aemond Targaryen by arranging a marriage between him and one of Borros' daughters, aligning himself with King Aegon II Targaryen. When Prince Lucerys Velaryon arrives as an envoy for his mother Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne. When Aemond and Lucerys provoke each other, Borros commands them both to stand down and orders Lucerys to leave.[53]
House Blackwood
- Willem Blackwood (portrayed by Jack Parry-Jones as an adult, and by Alfie Todd as a young child) is the regent of Raventree Hall, in the name of his nephew, the child lord of House Blackwood of the Riverlands. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, Willem is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End. After being mocked by Jerrel Bracken, he engages him in a duel and kills him. In season 2, sixteen years later, he has since become a knight and travels to Harrenhal after Prince Daemon Targaryen summons House Blackwood to help form an army in the Riverlands. He promises to aid Daemon in exchange for help in dealing with House Bracken and avenging Willem's older brother, Lord Samwell Blackwood, who was killed during the Battle of the Burning Mill. After meeting with Lord Amos Bracken alongside Daemon, Willem is urged by Daemon to use terror tactics on the smallfolk living on the Bracken's lands. This quickly proves successful and Amos surrenders Stone Hedge to the Blackwoods and pledges his house to Daemon's cause. Following the death of Lord Grover Tully, Willem travels to Harrenhal alongside several other Riverlords, bringing with him Amos and his son Raylon Bracken to present them as traitors and pledges himself to serve both Oscar and Daemon. After Oscar agrees to uphold his grandfather's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne, he demands that Willem be punished for his transgressions against the Brackens under Daemon's orders. Oscar demands that Daemon execute Willem to prove himself to the untrusting Riverlords and he obliges by swiftly beheading Willem.
- Davos Blackwood (portrayed by Kieran Burton) is a member of House Blackwood. After his family chooses to support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he quarrels with Ser Aeron Bracken over a land dispute which eventually escalates into the Battle of the Burning Mill.
House Bracken
- Humfrey Bracken (portrayed by Chris David Storer) is the father of Amos Bracken and Jerrel Bracken. He is the Lord of Stone Hedge and head of House Bracken of the Riverlands. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, he accompanies Jerrel to Storm's End and later comforts his dying son after he's defeated by Willem Blackwood in a duel. Humfrey dies off-screen of unknown causes and his eldest son Amos succeeds him as Lord of Stone Hedge.
- Jerrel Bracken (portrayed by Gabriel Scott) is a son of Lord Humfrey Bracken. During Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's tour of Westeros, Jerrel is one of the many suitors vying for her favor at Storm's End. After taunting and insulting the much younger Willem Blackwood, Jerrel is killed by him in a duel.
- Aeron Bracken (portrayed by Ryan Kopel) is a nephew of Lord Amos Bracken. After his family chooses to support King Aegon II Targaryen, he quarrels with Davos Blackwood over a land dispute which eventually escalates into the Battle of the Burning Mill, where Aeron is killed.
- Amos Bracken (portrayed by Tim Faraday) is the eldest son of Lord Humfrey Bracken, who succeeds him as the Lord of the Stone Hedge and head of House Bracken of the Riverlands, and the father of Raylon Bracken and uncle of Ser Aeron Bracken. He meets with Prince Daemon Targaryen and Ser Willem Blackwood but refuses to yield despite Daemon's threats that he will burn him alive with Caraxes. After Willem and the Blackwoods use terror tactics on the Bracken's lands, Amos surrenders Stone Hedge to the Blackwoods and is forced to pledge his house to Daemon's cause.[54] After he was forced to surrender to the Blackwoods, he was taken hostage alongside his son by Willem and is presented to the Riverlords gathered at Harrenhal as traitors for having previously sworn to King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Raylon Bracken (portrayed by Aedan Day) is the son of Lord Amos Bracken. After his father was forced to surrender to House Blackwood, he was taken hostage alongside his father by Ser Willem Blackwood and is presented to the Riverlords gathered at Harrenhal.
House Hightower
- Hobert Hightower (portrayed by Steffan Rhodri) is the older brother of Ser Otto Hightower and the husband of Lady Lynesse Hightower. He is the Lord of Oldtown and head of House Hightower of the Reach.[55] Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Hobert swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. Following the birth of Prince Aegon Targaryen, Hobert pressures Otto to help make Aegon the heir as it would strengthen their house's power. Hobert dies off-screen of unknown causes and his son, Ormund Hightower, succeeds him as Lord of Oldtown.
- Lynesse Hightower (portrayed by Alana Ramsey) is the wife of Lord Hobert Hightower. During the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen, she socializes with her niece Queen Alicent Hightower, Lady Ceira Lannister, and Lady Joselyn Redwyne.
- Joselyn Redwyne (portrayed by Joanna David) is the Lady of the Arbor and wife of the Lord of House Redwyne of the Reach. During the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen, she socializes with Queen Alicent Hightower, Lady Lynesse Hightower, and Lady Ceira Lannister. She and Ceira openly condemn Prince Daemon Targaryen's involvement in the War for the Stepstones, which upsets Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
House Lannister
- Ceira Lannister (portrayed by Lucy Briers) is the mother of Lord Jason Lannister and Ser Tyland Lannister and the widow of their father, the previous Lord of Casterly Rock. During the nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen, she socializes with Queen Alicent Hightower, Lady Lynesse Hightower, and Lady Joselyn Redwyne. She and Joselyn openly condemn Prince Daemon Targaryen's involvement in the War for the Stepstones, which upsets Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
- Humfrey Lefford (portrayed by Daniel Fathers) is the Lord of the Golden Tooth and the head of House Lefford. When Lord Jason Lannister arrives with his army at the Golden Tooth before marching toward the Riverlands, Humfrey hosts Jason and his army while they await to receive word from Prince Aemond Targaryen. He later marches into the Riverlands alongside Jason and his army.
House Stark
- Rickon Stark (portrayed by David Hounslow) is the father of Cregan Stark. He is the Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North. Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Rickon swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. Rickon dies off-screen of unknown causes and his son Cregan succeeds him as Lord of Winterfell.
House Strong
- Lyonel Strong (portrayed by Gavin Spokes) is the father of Ser Harwin Strong and Larys Strong. He is the Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong of the Riverlands. He serves as the Master of Laws on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later switches positions when he succeeds Ser Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King.[56] He supports Lord Corlys Velaryon's proposal for Viserys to marry Lady Laena Velaryon, Corlys's daughter, and suggests that Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, Corlys' son to mend the rift caused between the crown and House Velaryon. Ten years later, Lyonel attempts to resign his position following the rumors that Harwin and Rhaenyra have had three bastard children together, but Viserys refuses. Lyonel and Harwin then return to their family seat of Harrenhal where they are killed in a fire, orchestrated by Larys, who later succeeds his father as Lord of Harrenhal.
- Harwin Strong (portrayed by Ryan Corr), also known as "Breakbones", is the elder son of Lord Lyonel Strong, the secret lover of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and the biological father of her children Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Prince Joffrey Velaryon.[56] He is also the Lord Commander of the City Watch and is said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. At the wedding between Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon, he dances with Rhaenyra and later saves her from being trampled when the crowd panics after Ser Criston Cole kills Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. Ten years later, Harwin is provoked into fighting Ser Criston Cole when he insinuates that Harwin is the father of Rhaenyra's children, leading to Harwin leaving King's Landing. Harwin and his father then return to their family seat of Harrenhal where they are killed in a fire orchestrated by Harwin's younger brother, Larys Strong.
- Paxter Strong (portrayed by Graeme McKnight) is a grandson of Ser Simon Strong.[57] When Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he is residing in Harrenhal with his grandfather.
- Germund Strong (portrayed by Paul Valentine) is a grandson of Ser Simon Strong. When Prince Daemon Targaryen claims Harrenhal for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, he is residing in Harrenhal with his grandfather.
House Targaryen
- Jaehaerys I Targaryen (portrayed by Michael Carter), also known as the "Jaehaerys the Conciliator" or the "Old King", was the fourth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandfather of King Viserys I Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and Queen Aemma Arryn. He was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Vermithor. He ruled for over half a century and ended up outliving all his children, and eventually had to organize the Great Council at Harrenhal to choose an heir from his grandchildren, ultimately deciding on Viserys.
- Alyssa Targaryen (portrayed by Emeline Lambert) was the wife of Prince Baelon Targaryen and the mother of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. She was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Meleys. She appears before Daemon in a vision during his stay in Harrenhal, reminding him of how different things would have been if he had been born before Viserys.
- Brynden Rivers (portrayed by Joshua Ben-Tovim and previously portrayed by Struan Rodger and Max von Sydow in Game of Thrones), also known as "Bloodraven" and the "Three-Eyed Raven", is a future Targaryen bastard and descendant of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. When Daemon privately meets with Ser Alfred Broome in Harrenhal's godswood, Brynden whispers to Alfred calling him a traitor. When Daemon later experiences a series of visions after touching a weirwood tree, he sees Brynden roughly a century after the Dance of the Dragons becoming the Three-Eyed Raven when his body is fused with a weirwood tree beyond the Wall.
- Daeron Targaryen is the youngest child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Tessarion. For several years he remained in Oldtown as the ward of Lord Hobert Hightower and then continued under his son and successor Lord Ormund Hightower. In season 2, with his young dragon now large enough to fight, he flies alongside the Hightower forces as they march to battle.
- Jaehaerys Targaryen, is the son of King Aegon II Targaryen and Queen Helaena Targaryen, twin brother of Princess Jaehaera Targaryen, and heir to the Iron Throne. Beloved by his father, Aegon takes his young son to a Small Council meeting where he humiliates the Master of Coin Ser Tyland Lannister by playing with his marble of office. Jaehaerys is later killed and decapitated in his bed by the assailants Blood and Cheese who were sent to assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen but killed Jaehaerys instead in retaliation for Prince Lucerys Velaryon's death. His severed head is later recovered when Blood is captured, and sewn back onto his body for a funeral procession that is attended by both his mother and his grandmother, Queen Alicent Hightower.
- Jaehaera Targaryen, is the daughter of King Aegon II Targaryen and Queen Helaena Targaryen, and the twin sister of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. When her brother is murdered, Jaehaera is taken away by her mother to safety.
- Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen, is the elder son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra's fourth son overall. He is bonded to the dragon hatchling Stormcloud. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Aegon, his younger brother Prince Viserys Targaryen, and his older half-brother Prince Joffrey Velaryon are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection. He later leaves the Eyrie with Stormcloud and Viserys when they are sent away to be ferried to Pentos onboard the merchant ship the Gay Abandon to be under the protection of Prince Reggio Haratis.
- Viserys Targaryen, is the younger son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra's fifth son overall. He is in possession of a dragon egg that has yet to hatch. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Viserys, his older brother Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen, and his older half-brother Prince Joffrey Velaryon are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection. He later leaves the Eyrie with Aegon "the Younger" when they are sent away to be ferried to Pentos onboard the merchant ship the Gay Abandon to be under the protection of Prince Reggio Haratis.
House Tully
- Oscar Tully (portrayed by Archie Barnes) is the grandson of Lord Grover Tully who succeeds him as the Lord of Riverrun, head of House Tully, and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. He travels to Harrenhal in place of his frail grandfather to meet with Prince Daemon Targaryen but refuses to speak for his grandfather while he is still alive and is dismissed.[58] Following his grandfather's death from illness, he succeeds him as Lord of Riverrun and travels to Harrenhal to conduct a gathering with several Riverlords so they can swear their allegiance to him. While he agrees to uphold his grandfather's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne, he insults Daemon over his methods of trying to raise an army and commands that he execute Ser Willem Blackwood for his razing and pillaging of House Bracken lands to help gain the trust of the other Riverlords, which Daemon obliges.
- Forrest Frey (portrayed as Kenneth Collard) is the husband of Lady Sabitha Frey. He is the Lord of the Crossing and head of House Frey of the Riverlands. He and his wife meet with Prince Jacaerys Velaryon at the Twins to discuss allowing the armies of the North pledged to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen to pass through the Twins on their way south.
- Sabitha Frey (portrayed by Sarah Woodward) is wife of Lord Forrest Frey. She and her husband meet with Prince Jacaerys Velaryon at the Twins and request that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen give House Frey the recently captured castle of Harrenhal in exchange for their support.[59]
- Petyr Piper (portrayed by Antonio Magro) is the Lord of Pinkmaiden and head of House Piper of the Riverlands. Alongside other Riverlords, Petyr travels to Harrenhal to berate Prince Daemon Targaryen for House Blackwood's pillaging and raiding of House Bracken's lands and refuses to pledge his house to Daemon's cause, stating that the Blackwoods have no honor. Following the death of Lord Grover Tully, he is summoned to Harrenhal alongside several other Riverlords to pledge himself to Lord Oscar Tully but is skeptical of his young age and inexperience.
- Walys Mooton (portrayed by Turlough Convery) is the Lord of Maidenpool and head of House Mooton of the Riverlands. Alongside other Riverlords, Walys travels to Harrenhal to berate Prince Daemon Targaryen for House Blackwood's pillaging and raiding of House Bracken's lands and refuses to pledge his house to Daemon's cause, stating how the Blackwood's atrocities were carried out under the banners of House Targaryen. Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen later sends word to Walys to request his help in reclaiming Rook's Rest in her name. Following the death of Lord Grover Tully, he is summoned to Harrenhal alongside several other Riverlords to pledge himself to Lord Oscar Tully.
- Lord Darry (portrayed by John-Paul Hurley) is the Lord of Castle Darry and head of House Darry of the Riverlands. Alongside other Riverlords, he travels to Harrenhal to berate Prince Daemon Targaryen for House Blackwood's pillaging and raiding of House Bracken's lands and refuses to pledge his house to Daemon's cause, stating his belief that Daemon ordered the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen. Following the death of Lord Grover Tully, he is summoned to Harrenhal alongside several other Riverlords to pledge himself to Lord Oscar Tully and denounces the Blackwoods using Daemon's authority to exact revenge on their ancient rivals the Brackens.
- Lady Mallister (portrayed by Anna Francolini) is the Lady of Seaguard and the head of House Mallister of the Riverlands. Alongside other Riverlords, she travels to Harrenhal to berate Prince Daemon Targaryen for House Blackwood's pillaging and raiding of House Bracken's lands and refuses to pledge her house to Daemon's cause, calling him a tyrant. Following the death of Lord Grover Tully, she is summoned to Harrenhal alongside several other Riverlords to pledge herself to Lord Oscar Tully and demands justice for the crimes committed by the Blackwoods.
House Velaryon
- Laenor Velaryon (portrayed by John Macmillan as an adult, by Theo Nate as a teenager, and by Matthew Carver as a young child) is the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, first husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and legal father to her children Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Seasmoke.[60] He participates in the War for the Stepstones with Seasmoke alongside his father. After he is arranged to marry Rhaenyra, they come to an understanding that they will perform their royal duties together but that Laenor can continue his relationship with his male lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. However, at their royal wedding feast, Joffrey is beaten to death by Ser Criston Cole after Joffrey discovers that Criston is Rhaenyra's secret lover. Ten years later, Rhaenyra's first three sons had all been fathered by her lover Ser Harwin Strong, with Laenor being their father legally so they remain legitimate. He had since taken a new lover, Ser Qarl Correy, and attends his sister's funeral at Driftmark. To strengthen Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne by having her marry Prince Daemon Targaryen, Daemon helps fake Laenor's death which allows him to flee with Qarl on a boat to go into exile in Essos.[61]
- Laena Velaryon (portrayed by Nanna Blondell as an adult, by Savannah Steyn as a teenager, and by Nova Foueillis-Mosé as a young child) is the daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and mother of Lady Baela Targaryen and Lady Rhaena Targaryen. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vhagar. After the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Corlys proposes marrying Laena to King Viserys I Targaryen who refuses due to her young age. She attends the royal wedding feast of her older brother Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and gets the attention of Daemon, later leading to them getting married before they move to Pentos together. Ten years later, during her third pregnancy, she suffers prolonged labor, and after she is unable to deliver she commits suicide by having Vhagar incinerate her. Her funeral is later held at Driftmark, and Vhagar is claimed by Prince Aemond Targaryen. In season 2, she appears during Daemon's mysterious visions while staying in Harrenhal.
- Vaemond Velaryon (portrayed by Wil Johnson) is the younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon and a commander of the Velaryon fleet.[62] He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside his brother. Ten years later, he delivers a eulogy at the funeral of his niece, Lady Laena Velaryon. Six years later, Vaemond petitions to Ser Otto Hightower to name him the heir to Driftmark in the event of his brother's death who had fallen gravely ill. Both King Viserys I Targaryen and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen dispute this, causing Vaemond to insult Rhaenyra, and publicly declare that her children are illegitimate, resulting in Prince Daemon Targaryen decapitating him.
- Joffrey Lonmouth (portrayed by Solly McLeod), also known as the "Knight of Kisses", is a household knight of House Velaryon who is the battle companion and lover to Ser Laenor Velaryon. He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside Laenor. At the royal wedding feast of Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, he reveals to Ser Criston Cole that he is aware of Criston's secret affair with Rhaenyra and is subsequently beaten to death by him. Laenor would eventually name his third son in honor of Joffrey.
- Qarl Correy (portrayed by Arty Froushan) is a household knight of House Velaryon and lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon. Prince Daemon Targaryen secretly conspires with Qarl and provides him with enough gold to allow him and Laenor to run away together. They then fake Laenor's death and flee on a boat to go into exile in Essos.
- Lucerys "Luke" Velaryon (portrayed by Elliot Grihault as a teenager and by Harvey Sadler as a young child) is the second son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Arrax.[63] Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, after discovering that Prince Aemond Targaryen had claimed Laena's dragon Vhagar, Lucerys slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Six years later, Luke is betrothed to his cousin Lady Rhaena Targaryen who together would act as the joint heirs to Driftmark once married. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Luke is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and meets with Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End to ensure that he keeps his father's oath to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne. He is refused however as Aemond had arrived first and arranged a political alliance with Borros through marriage with one of his daughters. After Luke leaves on Arrax, he is pursued by Aemond on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Luke and Arrax, devouring them both.[64] In season 2, Arrax's partial remains are found by Rhaenyra but nothing remained of Luke as he was devoured whole. His funeral is later held at Dragonstone.
- Joffrey Velaryon (portrayed by Oscar Eskinazi) is the third son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Laenor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is bonded to the dragon hatchling Tyraxes. In season 2, he attends his older brother Prince Lucerys Velaryon's funeral at Dragonstone and places one of his toys onto the funeral pyre. After the assassination attempt on his mother, Joffrey and his younger half-brothers Prince Aegon "the Younger" and Prince Viserys Targaryen are sent away from Dragonstone with Lady Rhaena Targaryen to the Eyrie to be under Lady Jeyne Arryn's protection.
- Kelvyn (portrayed by Haqi Ali) is the Maester of Driftmark serving House Velaryon. After Prince Lucerys Velaryon partially blinds Prince Aemond Targaryen, Kelvyn tends to his eye, and later Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's arm when Queen Alicent Hightower wounds her. Six years later, he had been tending to Lord Corlys Velaryon's injuries received during fighting in the Stepstones and reports his condition to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.
King's Landing
- Mellos (portrayed by David Horovitch) is the Grand Maester on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and also serves as his personal physician. During the birth of Viserys' son Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys requests him to perform a c-section on Queen Aemma Arryn, which results in her death. He later brews and delivers moon tea, which is used to abort pregnancies, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen on the orders of Viserys, following her exploits with her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen.[65] Mellos dies off-screen of unknown causes, and Orwyle succeeds him as Grand Maester.
- Lyman Beesbury (portrayed by Bill Paterson) is the Lord of Honeyholt and head of House Beesbury of the Reach. He serves as the Master of Coin on the Small Council of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. Following Viserys' death, he openly opposes Ser Otto Hightower and the other Small Council members when it is revealed that they have conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. When he accuses them of treason, he is accidentally killed by Ser Criston Cole when he shoves Lyman back into his seat, cracking his head on his marble of office, making him the first death during the Dance of the Dragons.[66] In season 2, outraged by Lyman's death, House Beesbury pledges their allegiance to Rhaenyra and directly opposes House Hightower.
- The High Septon (portrayed by Gary Raymond) serves as the head of the Faith of the Seven during the reigns of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. During the Great Council at Harrenhal, he announces that Viserys was chosen as the heir to succeed his grandfather on the Iron Throne. Eleven years later, he attends the ceremony where Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is chosen as Viserys' heir. Two years later, he officiates the marriage ceremony of Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon. Sixteen years later, he is unable to leave Oldtown to attend the coronation of King Aegon II Targaryen due to his advanced age.
- Randyll Barret (portrayed by Frankie Wilson) is a captain of the City Watch of King's Landing during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen. Under the order of his commander, Prince Daemon Targaryen, he rounds up thieves, rapists, and murderers and carries out appropriate punishments.
- Howland Sharp (portrayed by Edward Rowe) is the Royal Huntsman serving House Targaryen during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen. He oversees the royal hunt in the Kingswood during the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen and informs Viserys of the significance of the white hart, a rare type of deer that symbolises royalty.
- Jasper Wylde (portrayed by Paul Kennedy), also known as "Ironrod", is the Lord of Rain House and head of House Wylde of the Stormlands. He serves as the successor to Lord Lyonel Strong as the Master of Laws on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen.[67] After the immediate death of Viserys, Jasper is revealed to be part of a scheme to crown Aegon as king, and is threatened by Queen Alicent Hightower when he defends their reasoning to not include her in their plans. In season 2, following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Jasper dismisses the conflict as a consequence of the ancient feud between House Blackhood and House Bracken. He also insultingly derides the elderly Lord Grover Tully when Orwyle proposes asking for his support, and instead supports the notion of sending word to Lord Ormund Hightower to bring House Hightower forces to help control the Riverlands. Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, when selecting a regent to take over while Aegon recovers, Jasper puts forward Prince Aemond Targaryen as a candidate, who is ultimately chosen.[68] After receiving no word from Lord Dalton Greyjoy, who was approached to fill the vacant position of Master of Ships, Jasper proposes marrying Alicent to him, which she vehemently objects to. Jasper later hears of a rumor that the dragon Seasmoke has been claimed and chooses to confide in Lord Larys Strong, who dismisses the rumor due to the fact it had been passed through word of mouth. He informs Aemond that Tessarion, the dragon bonded to his younger brother Prince Daeron Targaryen, is now big enough to fly and that he will be joining the House Hightower forces as they march to war. He later informs Aemond that numerous Targaryen bastards were ferried to Dragonstone. Angered by this, Aemond orders him to enforce an inspection for all ships entering and departing King's Landing, even after Jasper points out this would disrupt the fishing boats that feed the smallfolk.
- Allun Caswell (portrayed by Paul Hickey) is the Lord of Bitterbridge and head of House Caswell of the Reach.[69] Following King Viserys I Targaryen's death, he is at court among numerous other lords and ladies and reluctantly bends the knee after witnessing Lord Merryweather and Lady Fell be imprisoned for refusing to recognize King Aegon II Targaryen as king. Due to his support of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, he attempts to flee King's Landing but is apprehended by Lord Larys Strong. He is later hanged and labeled a traitor as a warning to those who refuse to swear fealty to Aegon.
- Talya (portrayed by Alexis Raben) is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Alicent Hightower and a spy for Mysaria.[70] She is among the household staff who are rounded up and imprisoned by Lord Larys Strong. Talya is killed off-screen on the orders of Larys, who executes all of the Red Keep's servants to remove suspected spies and traitors.
- Dyana (portrayed by Maddie Evans) is a household servant of Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Helaena Targaryen. After she is raped by Aegon, Queen Alicent Hightower pays her to keep quiet.[71] In season 2, she had since been dismissed from the Red Keep and had become a barmaid at a tavern in the Streets of Silk in King's Landing. She is later visited by Elinda Massey after she sneaks into King's Landing with a message from Mysaria to help incite rumors among the smallfolk.
- Sylvi (portrayed by Michelle Bonnard) is a brothel madam in the Streets of Silk in King's Landing who is frequently visited by Prince Aemond Targaryen. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Aemond takes Ser Criston Cole to Sylvi for information concerning Prince Aegon Targaryen's whereabouts, but she informs them that he isn't there. In season 2, Aemond visits Sylvi and expresses regret over his role in the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon. While conversing with Ulf White in a tavern, she tells him about the lavish parties and banquets the upper class is having while the smallfolk are starving, leading to Ulf openly expressing his discontent on the city streets.
- Eustace (portrayed by Simon Chandler) is a septon of the Faith of the Seven. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Eustace takes the place of the aging High Septon during the coronation of King Aegon II Targaryen and anoints him with sacred oils.
- Lord Merryweather (portrayed by Paul Clayton) is the Lord of Longtable and head of House Merryweather of the Reach. Following King Viserys I Targaryen's death, he is at court among numerous other lords and ladies and refuses to recognize King Aegon II Targaryen as king. After he attempts to leave, he is subsequently imprisoned alongside Lady Fell for treason.
- Lady Fell (portrayed by Miriam Lucia) is the Lady of Felwood and head of House Fell of the Stormlands. Following King Viserys I Targaryen's death, she is at court among numerous other lords and ladies and refuses to recognize King Aegon II Targaryen as king and is subsequently imprisoned alongside Lord Merryweather for treason.
- Blood (portrayed by Sam C. Wilson) is a disgruntled member of the City Watch who has a strong dislike for House Hightower. He is still loyal to the former commander of the City Watch, Prince Daemon Targaryen, who hires him and the ratcatcher Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. Unable to find Aemond, he and Cheese instead kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and decapitate him. Blood is later discovered attempting to flee the Red Keep with Jaehaerys' severed head by Lord Larys Strong. He willingly admits that his accomplice is a ratcatcher, and is beaten to death by King Aegon II Targaryen who sought vengeance for his son's murder.
- Cheese (portrayed by Mark Stobbart) is a ratcatcher who works in the Red Keep. Prince Daemon Targaryen hires him and the City Watch guard Blood to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. After he and Blood instead kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he flees the Red Keep.[72] When Blood is apprehended and confesses that his accomplice was a ratcatcher, Cheese is among the ratcatchers of the Red Keep who are rounded up and hanged on the orders of King Aegon II Targaryen. Following his appointment as regent, Aemond orders the corpses of the ratcatchers to finally be cut down.
- Mujja (portrayed by Samson Kayo) is a denizen of King's Landing and a drinking companion of Ulf White. After hearing rumors that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen was seeking Targaryen bastards to travel to Dragonstone, Mujja and Cley encourage Ulf to go and claim a dragon by reminding him of his purported Targaryen father.
- Cley (portrayed by James Doherty) is a denizen of King's Landing and a drinking companion of Ulf White. After hearing rumors that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen was seeking Targaryen bastards to travel to Dragonstone, Mujja and Cley encourage Ulf to go and claim a dragon by reminding him of his purported Targaryen father.
- Axell Bulwer (portrayed by Eddie Eyre) is a household knight of House Targaryen. He participates in the Battle at Rook's Rest and later heralds their victory as the dragon Meleys' severed head is paraded through the streets of King's Landing.
Dragonstone
- Elinda Massey (portrayed by Jordon Stevens) is the daughter of Lord Gormon Massey and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.[73] She is present for the birth of Prince Joffrey Velaryon, and Rhaenyra's miscarriage following the news of her father's death. In season 2, when Ser Arryk Cargyll attempts to assassinate Rhaenyra, she escapes and gets assistance from Ser Lorent Marbrand and the household guard. She is later sent by Mysaria to sneak into King's Landing to meet with the barmaid Dyana and give her a message to help incite rumors among the smallfolk. She is later instructed to spread word throughout King's Landing that any bastards of Targaryen descent will be snuck out of the city and taken to Dragonstone to try and claim a dragon.
- Gerardys (portrayed by Phil Daniels) is the Maester of Dragonstone serving House Targaryen who advises Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen as part of the Black Council.[74] In season 2, Gerardys informs Rhaenyra of the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and that it is widely believed that she ordered his death. After Addam of Hull manages to claim the dragon Seasmoke, Gerardys is instructed to teach him High Valyrian so he can issue the dragon commands. He later delivers Rhaenyra a message from Ser Simon Strong, who grew fearful that Prince Daemon Targaryen was going to betray her.
- Bartimos Celtigar (portrayed by Nicholas Jones) is the Lord of Claw Isle and head of House Celtigar of the Crownlands who serves on the Black Council. Like House Targaryen and House Velaryon, the Celtigars are of Valyrian descent. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he urges that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen use their greater number of dragons to their advantage. In season 2, after the assassination attempt on Rhaenyra, Bartimos agrees with Lord Gormon Massey's suggestion that she leave Dragonstone for somewhere safer and have the Black Council rule in her stead which she vehemently rejects. Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, Bartimos urges that while Vhagar recovers they push to take King's Landing as it wouldn't be expected of them. He strongly objects to Rhaenyra's proposal of allowing Ser Steffon Darklyn to attempt to claim a dragon. After Steffon's death, he continues to question Rhaenyra's decision-making and is struck by her in front of the castle servants and guards. Bartimos once again objects to Addam of Hull claiming the dragon Seasmoke, insulted by the fact that a lowborn man could claim a dragon.
- Simon Staunton (portrayed by Michael Elwyn) is the Lord of Rook's Rest and head of House Staunton of the Crownlands who serves on the Black Council. In season 2, after Lady Baela Targaryen informs the Black Council of Ser Criston Cole leading an army into the Crownlands, Simon requests to leave Dragonstone so he can return home to defend Rook's Rest which he believes will be a likely target due to it being on the mainland. Simon's assumption was proven correct when Criston and his growing army lay siege during the Battle at Rook's Rest. He leads the defense of Rook's Rest and witnesses the dragon battle between Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, King Aegon II Targaryen, and Prince Aemond Targaryen. Following the battle, and the loss of Rook's Rest, Simon's fate is unknown.
- Alfred Broome (portrayed by Jamie Kenna) is a household knight of House Targaryen who serves on the Black Council.[75] Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he proposes that Rhaenyra take credit for the killing as an act of vengeance for the recent death of her son but is quickly rebuked. Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, he insists that Rhaenyra utilize all her dragons to their immediate advantage, ignorant of the devastation it may cause. Alfred later reprimands Lady Baela Targaryen for not using Moondancer to kill Ser Criston Cole and further urges that they send dragons to defend Rook's Rest after receiving news regarding the Sack of Duskendale. After the Battle at Rook's Rest, Rhaenyra sends Alfred to Harrenhal in an attempt to convince Prince Daemon Targaryen to communicate with her once again. Disappointed with Rhaenyra's inaction, Alfred arrives at Harrenhal, privately meets with Daemon in Harrenhal's godswood, and tries to persuade him to claim the throne for himself. After Rhaenyra arrives at Harrenhal, having been informed of Daemon's meeting with Alfred by Ser Simon Strong, he watches as Daemon pledges himself and his army of rivermen to Rhaenyra and her claim to the throne, causing Alfred to flee.
- Gormon Massey (portrayed by James Dreyfus) is the father of Elinda Massey. He is the Lord of Stonedance and head of House Massey of the Crownlands who serves on the Black Council. After the assassination attempt on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Gormon suggests that she leave Dragonstone for somewhere safer and have the Black Council rule in her stead which she vehemently rejects.
- Gunthor Darklyn (portrayed by Steven Pacey) is the father of Ser Steffon Darklyn. He is the Lord of Duskendale and head of House Darklyn of the Crownlands. Following the Sack of Duskendale, he refuses to swear fealty to King Aegon II Targaryen and is executed by Ser Criston Cole, leading his remaining forces to surrender and join Criston's army.
- Silver Denys (portrayed by Robert Rhodes) is a dragonseed who travels to Dragonstone after learning that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen is seeking Targaryen bastards in an attempt to find new dragonriders. During the Red Sowing, he is the first to step forward and attempt to claim the dragon Vermithor but is instead burned alive.
The Kingsguard / Queensguard
- Ryam Redwyne (portrayed by Garry Cooper) is the aging Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. Ryam dies off-screen of natural causes and Ser Harrold Westerling succeeds him as Lord Commander.
- Erryk Cargyll (portrayed by Elliott Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Arryk Cargyll. He is a member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.[76] Erryk accompanies Arryk in their search for Prince Aegon Targaryen, on the orders of Ser Otto Hightower, so that he may be crowned king. Erryk quickly becomes disgusted by the actions of the Small Council and their plot to crown Aegon as king. He steals Viserys' crown and frees Princess Rhaenys Targaryen from her house arrest so that she can escape King's Landing on her dragon Meleys. Erryk then travels alone to Dragonstone and delivers Rhaenyra her father's crown, swears his allegiance to her, and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, Erryk uncovers Mysaria on a ship after she had fled King's Landing and brings her to Dragonstone. He is later warned by Mysaria that Arryk had snuck onto Dragonstone in an attempt to assassinate Rhaenyra. After confronting and killing his brother, Erryk impales himself on his sword in grief. Erryk and Arryk are then buried together on Dragonstone.
- Arryk Cargyll (portrayed by Luke Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Erryk Cargyll. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen.[76] Following the death of Viserys, Ser Otto Hightower orders Arryk and his brother to locate Aegon. In season 2, following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Ser Criston Cole sends Arryk to assassinate Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen by disguising himself as his brother, but he is confronted and killed by Erryk, who commits suicide soon after. Erryk and Arryk are then buried together on Dragonstone.
- Steffon Darklyn (portrayed by Anthony Flanagan) is the son of Lord Gunthor Darklyn. He is a member of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen and is later the Lord Commander of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.[77] After Viserys' death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Lorent Marbrand and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, he accompanies Rhaenyra disguised as a septon when she infiltrates King's Landing to speak to Queen Alicent Hightower. When he returns with Rhaenyra to Dragonstone, he receives news that his father has been killed following the Sack of Duskendale. Due to his distant Targaryen ancestor and the potential for him to still have Valyrian blood, Rhaenyra requests that he attempt to bond with the unclaimed dragon Seasmoke. Steffon willingly agrees, and after Seamsmoke is called to Dragonstone by a group of dragonkeepers, he is unsuccessful at bonding with the dragon and is burned alive.
- Lorent Marbrand (portrayed by Max Wrottesley) is a member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard.[78] After Viserys' death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Steffon Darklyn and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, he is alerted to Ser Arryk Cargyll's assassination attempt on Rhaenyra and comes to protect her. Fearful of future assassination attempts, he then remains by Rhaenyra's side.
- Martyn Reyne (portrayed by Barney Fishwick) is a companion and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen who he personally appoints to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, he refuses orders to sheathe his sword and attacks the smallfolk before he is overwhelmed. For his actions during the riot, Martyn is expelled from the Kingsguard by Prince Aemond Targaryen but is spared from execution and is sentenced to join the Night's Watch at the Wall alongside Ser Eddard Waters.
- Leon Estermont (portrayed by Ralph Davis) is a companion and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen who he personally appoints to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, Leon maims a rioter and is quickly overwhelmed and stabbed to death.
- Eddard Waters (portrayed by Tok Stephen), also known as "Red Ned", is a hedge knight, companion, and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen who he personally appoints to the Kingsguard following the defection of three Kingsguard to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, he refuses orders to sheathe his sword and attacks the smallfolk before he is overwhelmed. For his actions during the riot, Eddard is expelled from the Kingsguard by Prince Aemond Targaryen but is spared from execution and is sentenced to join the Night's Watch at the Wall alongside Ser Martyn Reyne.
- Rickard Thorne (portrayed by Vincent Regan) is a member of King Aegon II Targaryen's Kingsguard who is assigned as Queen Alicent Hightower's royal protector. After the smallfolk begin rioting in King's Landing when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sends shipments of food to the starving city, Rickard escorts Alicent and Queen Helaena Targaryen from the Grand Sept to safety and is forced to abandon his fellow Kingsguard after they attack the rioters and become overwhelmed. He is later trusted by Alicent to escort her into the Kingswood so she can escape from King's Landing and spend some time alone and away from the city. He later escorts Alicent to Dragonstone so she can meet with Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in secret.
People of Essos
- Craghas Drahar (portrayed by Daniel Scott-Smith), also known as the "Crabfeeder", is a Myrish prince-admiral and leader of the Triarchy, a triple-alliance consisting of the free cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. He wages war against House Velaryon and their large fleet of ships during the War for the Stepstones, which disrupts the Westerosi sea trade. He became infamous for the practice of crucifying and feeding his captured enemies to crabs. During the climactic Siege of Bloodstone, he is bisected by Prince Daemon Targaryen, pushing the Triarchy back to Essos and bringing the war to an end.
- Reggio Haratis (portrayed by Dean Nolan) is the Prince of the Free City of Pentos. He hosts Prince Daemon Targaryen and his family and offers him a permanent residence and land in Pentos in exchange for military assistance in fending off the Triarchy. In season 2, he answers a letter sent by Lady Rhaena Targaryen and agrees to shelter the youngest sons of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen and Prince Viserys Targaryen, at his home in Pentos.
- Sharako Lohar (portrayed by Abigail Thorn) is an eccentric Lysene admiral and the commander of the Triarchy fleet. Residing in the free city of Tyrosh, she agrees to meet with Ser Tyland Lannister when he is sent to negotiate with the Triarchy for their help in breaking the Velaryon Fleet's blockade of King's Landing. After Tyland proves his worth and impresses Sharako by mud-wrestling her, she asks him to sire children through her wives and agrees to join him and bring her fleet to Westeros.
Dragons
- Syrax is an adult dragon with yellow scales hatched to and ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. She also laid a clutch of three dragon eggs on the Dragonmont on Dragonstone that were recovered by Prince Daemon Targaryen.
- Caraxes, also known as the "Blood Wyrm", is an adult dragon with blood-red scales bonded to and ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen. Unlike most dragons, Caraxes' neck and body are much longer and more serpentine-shaped, and his roar is more high-pitched. Historically, he was previously bonded to Prince Aemon Targaryen, the father of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. He participates in the War for the Stepstones.
- Meleys, also known as the "Red Queen", is an adult dragon with scarlet red scales bonded to and ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. She is known as one of the swiftest dragons in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Alyssa Targaryen, the mother of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. When Rhaenys escapes from her house arrest in King's Landing, she uses Meleys to break through the floor of the Dragonpit and interrupt the coronation of King Aegon II Targaryen, before flying away to Dragonstone. In season 2, Meleys takes part in the Battle at Rook's rest and manages to overpower Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre, wounding the dragon until the arrival of Prince Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar who sends Sunfyre tumbling to the ground. After grappling with Vhagar and forcing her to the ground, she is soon killed when Vhagar ambushes and crushes Meleys' neck, killing her and sending Rhaenys plummeting to her death as they crash onto Rook's Rest. After the battle, her head is decapitated and paraded around the streets of King's Landing, much to the horror of the smallfolk.
- Seasmoke is an adult dragon with silver grey scales hatched to and ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon until he fakes his death, and would later be claimed and ridden by the dragonseed Addam of Hull, Laenor's half-brother. He participates in the War for the Stepstones. After Laenor fakes his death and goes into exile, Seasmoke remained on Driftmark riderless and unclaimed. In season 2, Seasmoke had become restless and is called to Dragonstone by the dragonkeepers so that Ser Steffon Darklyn can attempt to claim him. Seasmoke refuses Steffon however and burns him alive, and later chases down Addam on the beaches of Driftmark. After Seasmoke lands and corners Addam, choosing him as his rider, Addam bonds with and claims the dragon.
- Vhagar, also known as the "Queen of All Dragons", is an ancient dragon with deep jade green scales that hatched on Dragonstone following the Doom of Valyria and who was bonded to and ridden by Lady Laena Velaryon until her death, and would then be claimed and ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen. She is the oldest, largest, and most powerful dragon in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon's Conquest and later Prince Baelon Targaryen, the father of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, Aemond approaches the now unclaimed dragon and bonds with her, who accepts him as her rider. Following the death of Viserys, Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands when he pursues Prince Lucerys Velaryon on his dragon Arrax in the skies above Shipbreaker Bay in the Stormlands, resulting in her devouring both Arrax and his rider. In season 2, Vhagar takes part in the Battle at Rook's Rest as part of a plan to lure a dragon to defend the castle while it's under siege and have Vhagar ambush them. When Aemond and Vhagar enter the battle, she is commanded to attack both Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's dragon Meleys and King Aegon II Targaryen's dragon Sunfyre, engulfing the latter in flame and sending him tumbling to the ground. She later grapples with Meleys and despite Meleys initially getting the upper hand, Vhagar is able to crush Meleys' neck and kill her, sending her body plummeting onto Rook's Rest below. Aemond later flies Vhagar to Sharp Point, the seat of House Bar Emmon who are pledged to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and burns it to the ground.
- Balerion, also known as the "Black Dread", was a gigantic and powerful dragon with black scales from Old Valyria who was bonded to and ridden by King Aegon the Conqueror during Aegon's Conquest. He was later bonded to King Maegor the Cruel, the third King of the Seven Kingdoms and Aegon's younger son and later Princess Aerea Targaryen, the elder granddaughter of King Aenys I Targaryen, the second King of the Seven Kingdoms and Aegon's elder son. He would eventually be claimed and ridden by then Prince Viserys Targaryen until Balerion died of old age during the reign of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator. His skull would then be kept deep beneath the Red Keep in King's Landing and Viserys would never ride again.
- Sunfyre, also known as "Sunfyre the Golden", is a young dragon with golden scales hatched to and ridden by King Aegon II Targaryen. Unlike other dragons, he is shown to be able to take commands in the Common Tongue as well as High Valyrian. In season 2, Sunfyre takes part in the Battle at Rook's Rest when Aegon flies him into battle despite protests from his family and the Small Council. He attacks Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys but is quickly outmatched by the larger more experienced dragon. After the arrival of Prince Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar, she engulfs Sunfyre in flame which is severely wounds him, causing Sunfyre and Aegon to sent tumbling to the ground. As they fall, Sunfyre turns to shield Aegon from the impact with his body. Following the battle, Sunfyre remains at Rook's Rest injured, unable to fly, and kept under guard although Aegon believes that he is likely dead.
- Dreamfyre is an adult dragon with pale blue scales bonded to but rarely ridden by Queen Helaena Targaryen. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conqueror, she is one of the older dragons in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Rhaena Targaryen, the eldest daughter of King Aenys I Targaryen. One of Dreamfyre's eggs was chosen to be placed in the cradle of Prince Baelon Targaryen but after Baelon's death, it was stolen by Prince Daemon Targaryen until he surrendered the egg to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
- Tessarion, also known as the "Blue Queen", is a young dragon with dark cobalt scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen.
- Moondancer is a young dragon with pale green scales hatched to and ridden by Lady Baela Targaryen. In season 2, while scouting near King's Landing on Moondancer, Baela spots Ser Criston Cole and his armies advancing through the Crownlands and chases him down before being forced to pull back.
- Vermax is a young dragon with olive green scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.
- Arrax is a young dragon with pearlescent white scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Lucerys Velaryon. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, both Arrax and Lucerys are devoured during an altercation with Prince Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar in the skies above Shipbreaker Bay in the Stormlands, making him the first dragon to be killed during the Dance of the Dragons.
- Tyraxes is a dragon hatchling hatched to Prince Joffrey Velaryon. In season 2, he is sent to the Eyrie, alongside Joffrey, per the request of Lady Jeyne Arryn, who wants a dragon to protect the Vale.
- Stormcloud is a dragon hatching with dark grey scales hatched to Prince Aegon "the Younger" Targaryen. In season 2, he is sent to the Eyrie, alongside Aegon, per the request of Lady Jeyne Arryn, who wants a dragon to protect the Vale. He later leaves the Eyrie with Aegon when they are sent away to be ferried to Pentos onboard the merchant ship the Gay Abandon to be under the protection of Prince Reggio Haratis.
- Vermithor, also known as the "Bronze Fury", is an adult dragon with bronze scales bonded to and ridden by the dragonseed Hugh Hammer. Historically, he was previously bonded to King Jaehaerys the Conciliator, Hugh's grandfather. Following Jaehaerys' death, Vermithor made his lair with Silverwing on the Dragonmont, a large volcano on Dragonstone, where he remained riderless and unclaimed. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conqueror, he is the second-largest dragon in the known world. In season 2, during the Red Sowing, Vermithor is called to Dragonstone by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. After the dragonseed Silver Denys attempts to claim Vermithor, the dragon burns him alive and begins massacring dozens of other dragonseeds until he is confronted by Hugh, who bonds with and claims the dragon.
- Silverwing is an adult dragon with silver scales bonded to and ridden by the dragonseed Ulf White. Historically, she was previously bonded to Queen Alysanne Targaryen, wife of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and Ulf's purported grandmother. Following Alysanne's death, Silverwing made her lair on the Dragonmont with Vermithor where she remained riderless and unclaimed. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conqueror, she is one of the older dragons in the known world. In season 2, during the Red Sowing, Silverwing slumbers within the Dragonmount until Ulf stumbles into her lair. After approaching Ulf but remaining docile, she allows him to bond with and claim her.
- Sheepstealer is an adult dragon with mud brown scales living wild and unclaimed in the Vale.
Wikiwand in your browser!
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
