Rhaenyra Targaryen: The First Woman to Claim the Iron Throne

Rhaenyra Targaryen was a central figure in the history of House Targaryen. She was the first woman to claim the Iron Throne, igniting the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Her story is one of ambition, betrayal, and tragedy.

Early Life and Heir to the Throne

Born in 97 AC to King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn, Rhaenyra was raised in the Red Keep. She grew up believing she would be the next ruler. Her father named her his heir, an act that was unheard of for a woman in Westeros. She was a skilled dragon rider, bonding with her dragon, Syrax, at a young age.

Despite opposition, Rhaenyra was officially declared Princess of Dragonstone. Her father reaffirmed her claim, requiring lords to swear loyalty. However, this promise would later be challenged.

The Dance of the Dragons Begins

When King Viserys I died in 129 AC, the throne was usurped by Rhaenyra’s half-brother, Aegon II. This act defied the late king’s wishes and shattered the realm into two warring factions: those loyal to Rhaenyra, known as the Blacks, and those supporting Aegon II, called the Greens. The dispute over succession escalated into one of the bloodiest conflicts in Westerosi's history.

Rhaenyra was in Dragonstone when the coup occurred. Upon hearing the news, she was enraged and immediately took action. She convened her council and rallied her supporters, including her uncle-husband, Prince Daemon Targaryen, an experienced warrior and military strategist. The Blacks' faction also included powerful houses such as Velaryon, Blackwood, and Celtigar, all of whom had sworn loyalty to her.

Both sides possessed dragons, making this civil war unlike any other. Rhaenyra’s forces commanded formidable beasts like Caraxes, Syrax, and Meleys, while Aegon II’s supporters wielded the power of Sunfyre, Vhagar, and Dreamfyre. The skies of Westeros became battlefields as dragon fire rained down upon soldiers and cities alike.

The war officially began when Rhaenyra’s forces attempted to take King’s Landing. Her faction launched a series of strategic attacks, capturing key territories and seeking to cut off Aegon II’s allies. Meanwhile, the Greens retaliated with brutal precision, engaging in dragon-to-dragon combat that resulted in devastating losses on both sides. The first major engagement, the Battle of Rook’s Rest, saw Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, riding Meleys, challenge the Greens’ dragons. Though she fought bravely, she was ultimately slain by Aegon II’s Sunfyre and Ser Criston Cole’s forces.

The war dragged on for years, marked by betrayal, shifting alliances, and numerous battles. The devastation was unprecedented, leaving cities in ruins and wiping out many noble bloodlines. The Dance of the Dragons reshaped the Targaryen dynasty forever, proving that even dragons could not guarantee victory in a war fought by ambition and fire.

Rhaenyra’s Rule and Downfall

After years of conflict, Rhaenyra finally took King’s Landing in 130 AC. She sat on the Iron Throne, but her reign was short-lived. The city turned against her due to food shortages and political unrest. Aegon II regrouped and struck back.

Betrayed and desperate, Rhaenyra fled to Dragonstone. There, she was captured by Ser Alfred Broome and handed over to Aegon II. In a cruel twist of fate, she was fed to his dragon, Sunfyre, marking a tragic end to her story.

Legacy of Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra’s death did not mark the end of her cause. Her son, Aegon III, later ascended the throne, fulfilling her claim. Though her reign was brief, she paved the way for future female rulers in Westeros.

Her story remains one of the most compelling in Targaryen history. It is a tale of a woman who fought against societal norms, only to be betrayed by those closest to her.

Final Thoughts

Rhaenyra Targaryen’s life was a mix of power, tragedy, and resilience. She remains an iconic figure, known as the Queen Who Never Was. Her legacy continues to inspire fans of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the throne disputed?

Her half-brother, Aegon II, was crowned king despite her being named heir by their father, leading to a civil war.

What dragon did Rhaenyra ride?

She rode Syrax, a golden-scaled dragon.

How did Rhaenyra Targaryen die?

She was captured and fed to Sunfyre, Aegon II’s dragon.

Did Rhaenyra ever rule Westeros?

Yes, she took King’s Landing in 130 AC but ruled for only a short time before being overthrown.

What is Rhaenyra Targaryen’s legacy?

Her son, Aegon III, later became king, ensuring her bloodline remained on the throne.