‘House of the Dragon’: Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is ‘the Queen Who Never Was.’ Here’s her backstory
This story contains spoilers for HBO’s “House of the Dragon.”
The Targaryen family drama at the center of “House of the Dragon” is about to get even more intense.
Following the death of King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), Episode 9 of the HBO series follows Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) efforts to have Prince Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) crowned as the next King and Lord of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) having been the official heir for years, the Green Council concludes with the coronation of King Aegon II.
Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) are not going to be happy.
The Hightowers also disrespect the Queen Who Never Was — who really should be called “the Queen Who Should Have Been” — Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) in their plotting to ensure Aegon’s coronation. Unsure of where Rhaenys’ allegiance lies, the Hightowers hold her prisoner until her support can be guaranteed. But Princess Rhaenys proves she is a true Targaryen, not to be underestimated. During Aegon’s coronation, she makes her way to her dragon, breaks out of the Dragonpit and flies out of King’s Landing. Could she be headed to inform Princess Rhaenyra?
Here’s a brief refresher on Rhaenys’ biography:
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What is her place on the Targaryen family tree?
Princess Rhaenys is named after her great-great-grandmother, Queen Rhaenys Targaryen, the younger sister and wife of King Aegon I (who was also married to his older sister Visenya). Also known as Aegon the Conqueror, he was the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms who united the realm with the help of his sisters by displaying their Targaryen might and forcing the previously independent monarchs to bend their knee.
Aegon I and Rhaenys’ only son, Aenys, succeeded his father as king and was the second Targaryen to rule from the Iron Throne. King Aenys I’s son, Jaehaerys, was the king whose succession troubles were depicted in the first episode of “House of the Dragon.”
Princess Rhaenys is the only child of Jocelyn Baratheon and Prince Aemon Targaryen, the eldest of King Jaehaerys I’s children to make it to adulthood and thus his named heir. Unfortunately, the realm’s beloved King Jaehaerys — who was married to his sister, the Good Queen Alysanne — outlived most of his children and all of his obvious heirs.
That lineage seems pretty straightforward for a Targaryen
Not really. Princess Rhaenys’ great-grandmother on her father’s side is also her grandmother on her mother’s side.
How did she become known as “the Queen Who Never Was”?
Because she was passed over as a candidate to succeed King Jaehaerys I, her grandfather, for being a woman. Since the ascension of King Aegon I, male Targaryen children had inherited the Iron Throne. The candidacy of any female children had not previously been much of an issue because any daughters that would have a claim were generally married to their brothers and they ruled together.
Princess Rhaenys’ father, Aemon, was the Prince of Dragonstone and King Jaehaerys’ named heir. When Aemon was killed, some thought his only child Rhaenys would be the next in line for the Iron Throne. But Jaehaerys instead named Aemon’s younger brother Prince Baelon his heir, thus creating the precedent that even for Targaryens, successions should follow male lines (according to Targaryen lore, this upset Jaehaerys’ wife Queen Alysanne, who believed women should have just as much a right to become the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms). Baelon, King Viserys’ father, would also die before ascending to the throne.
Does she have a dragon?
Yes. Princess Rhaenys’ dragon is named Meleys, also known as the Red Queen. According to the books, Meleys was the dragon first ridden by Rhaenys’ aunt, Princess Alyssa Targaryen (King Viserys’ mother).
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Remind us about her marriage.
Princess Rhaenys is married to Lord Corlys Velaryon of Driftmark, who is also known as the Sea Snake for his seafaring abilities. They had two children, Laena and Laenor.
House Velaryon, which also traces its ancestry to Valyria, is one of House Targaryen’s longtime allies. The Velaryons are one of the wealthiest families in Westeros and boast the biggest navy in the realm.
Any other interesting Princess Rhaenys facts?
King Aegon II’s coronation in “House of the Dragon” Episode 9 takes place in the Dragonpit, which is why Princess Rhaenys was able to get to her dragon for that stare down with the new king and his mother, Alicent Hightower.
The Dragonpit is located on top of the Hill of Rhaenys, one of the three hills of King’s Landing, named after Aegon the Conqueror’s wife Queen Rhaenys. An apt place for any Targaryen named Rhaenys to display her might.
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