Rhaenyra Targaryen, the central figure of HBO’s House of the Dragon, had six children across two marriages. Her first three sons-Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey-were officially born to Laenor Velaryon, though many in Westeros believed Ser Harwin Strong was their biological father. After marrying Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra had two sons, Aegon III and Viserys II, along with a stillborn daughter, Visenya. Their lives and claims to the Iron Throne became the driving force behind the brutal Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
TL;DR: Family Tree of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Children
| Child | Official Father | Believed Biological Father | Dragon | Fate |
| Jacaerys Velaryon | Laenor Velaryon | Harwin Strong (rumored) | Vermax | Killed during the Dance |
| Lucerys Velaryon | Laenor Velaryon | Harwin Strong (rumored) | Arrax | Killed by Vhagar |
| Joffrey Velaryon | Laenor Velaryon | Harwin Strong (rumored) | Tyraxes | Died during the Dance |
| Aegon III Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | Stormcloud | Became King |
| Viserys II Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | None recorded | Became King |
| Visenya Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | Daemon Targaryen | None | Stillborn |
Rhaenyra Targaryen Children Explained
Few characters in House of the Dragon have a family tree as important to Westerosi history as Rhaenyra Targaryen. While her own claim to the Iron Throne sparked the Dance of the Dragons, it was the question surrounding her children-and whether they were legitimate heirs-that transformed a royal succession dispute into one of the bloodiest wars in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.
Across her two marriages, Rhaenyra had six children. Some became dragonriders, some died tragically during the civil war, and two eventually ruled the Seven Kingdoms as kings.
Here’s a complete breakdown of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children, who their fathers were, which dragons they rode, and what ultimately became of them.
How Many Children Did Rhaenyra Targaryen Have?
Rhaenyra had six children in total.
Her children were:
- Jacaerys Velaryon
- Lucerys Velaryon
- Joffrey Velaryon
- Aegon III Targaryen
- Viserys II Targaryen
- Visenya Targaryen (stillborn)
Although Visenya never survived childbirth, she remains an emotionally significant part of Rhaenyra’s story, symbolizing the devastating cost of the Dance of the Dragons before the war had even fully begun.
Who Were the Fathers of Rhaenyra’s Children?
Rhaenyra’s children came from two marriages, though the true parentage of her eldest sons has long been debated.
Children Officially Born to Laenor Velaryon
Rhaenyra married Laenor Velaryon to strengthen the alliance between House Targaryen and House Velaryon.
During their marriage, she gave birth to three sons:
- Jacaerys Velaryon
- Lucerys Velaryon
- Joffrey Velaryon
Officially, all three boys were recognized as legitimate heirs of Laenor Velaryon. However, unlike both of their parents, they possessed brown hair and features that resembled Ser Harwin Strong rather than the silver-haired Valyrian appearance associated with the Targaryens and Velaryons.
Although no official declaration was ever made, many nobles believed Harwin Strong was the boys’ biological father. King Viserys I fiercely defended his daughter’s children, declaring accusations of bastardy to be treason.
The controversy surrounding their birth would eventually become one of the Greens’ strongest political arguments against Rhaenyra’s succession.
Children with Daemon Targaryen
Following Laenor’s departure and presumed death, Rhaenyra married her uncle, Daemon Targaryen.
Together they had:
- Aegon III Targaryen
- Viserys II Targaryen
- Visenya Targaryen (stillborn)
Unlike her older sons, these children were universally accepted as legitimate Targaryens, further strengthening Rhaenyra’s royal bloodline.
Jacaerys Velaryon
Birth Order
First son and Rhaenyra’s eldest child.
Dragon
Vermax
Why He Matters
Jacaerys, commonly known as Jace, was groomed from childhood to become Rhaenyra’s heir. Despite persistent rumors regarding his parentage, he displayed many qualities expected of a future king.
He proved intelligent, politically capable, and willing to fight for his mother’s claim.
During the Dance of the Dragons, Jace successfully secured alliances with several powerful houses by personally traveling across Westeros on dragonback. His diplomatic efforts became one of the Blacks’ greatest early successes.
His leadership convinced many nobles that ability mattered more than rumors about his birth.
Jace’s Legacy
Although Jace never became king, many historians within George R. R. Martin’s fictional world consider him one of the greatest “what if” rulers in Targaryen history because of his intelligence and maturity.
Lucerys Velaryon
Birth Order
Second son.
Dragon
Arrax
Lord of Driftmark
Luke became heir to Driftmark after Lord Corlys Velaryon chose to recognize him despite ongoing rumors about his parentage.
This decision angered Vaemond Velaryon and further deepened divisions inside House Velaryon.
The Death That Started the War
Lucerys’ death remains one of the most shocking moments in both Fire & Blood and House of the Dragon.
Sent as an envoy to Storm’s End, Luke encountered Aemond Targaryen riding the enormous dragon Vhagar.
The confrontation quickly spiraled out of control. Although Aemond initially intended only to frighten his nephew, Vhagar ignored her rider’s commands and attacked Arrax.
Both Lucerys and Arrax were killed over Shipbreaker Bay.
Luke’s death destroyed any remaining chance of peace between the rival Targaryen factions and marked the true beginning of the Dance of the Dragons.
Joffrey Velaryon
Birth Order
Youngest of Rhaenyra’s sons with Laenor.
Dragon
Tyraxes
Unlike his older brothers, Joffrey spent much of his childhood during wartime.
Although still very young when conflict erupted, he desperately wished to help defend his mother’s cause.
His story later becomes one of the most heartbreaking chapters of the Dance of the Dragons, demonstrating how even children were consumed by the civil war.
Aegon III Targaryen
Birth Order
First son with Daemon Targaryen.
Dragon
Stormcloud
Aegon III was born into war and witnessed unimaginable tragedy while still a child.
His experiences left permanent emotional scars that shaped his future reign.
After years of devastating conflict, Aegon eventually ascended the Iron Throne following the deaths of nearly every major claimant in the civil war.
His reign focused less on conquest and more on rebuilding a kingdom shattered by dragonfire.
Because the last dragons continued to disappear during his rule, history remembers him as The Dragonbane.
His survival ultimately ensured the continuation of House Targaryen.
Viserys II Targaryen
Birth Order
Youngest surviving son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen.
Dragon
Unlike several of his brothers, Viserys II is not known to have ridden a dragon during the Dance of the Dragons.
Captured During the War
As the civil war intensified, Viserys was sent away from Westeros for his safety alongside his brother, Aegon III. During the voyage, their ship came under attack by the Triarchy. Viserys was believed to have been killed or lost at sea after being taken captive.
For years, many in Westeros assumed the young prince was dead.
However, he had actually survived and spent years in captivity across the Narrow Sea before eventually returning home.
His unexpected return restored another legitimate branch of House Targaryen and strengthened the royal succession after the devastation of the Dance.
Viserys II Becomes King
Although he spent much of his life serving as Hand of the King and advising younger rulers, Viserys II eventually ascended the Iron Throne himself.
His reign was relatively brief, but he was widely regarded as an intelligent administrator who helped stabilize the kingdom after decades of political unrest.
His descendants would continue the Targaryen dynasty for generations, making him one of the most important surviving members of Rhaenyra’s family.
Visenya Targaryen
Rhaenyra’s Only Daughter
Visenya was the only daughter conceived by Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen.
Sadly, she was stillborn.
According to Fire & Blood, Rhaenyra went into premature labor shortly after learning that her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen, had been crowned king in King’s Landing. The emotional shock and stress surrounding the usurpation are believed to have contributed to the tragic birth.
The loss of Visenya marked the beginning of an incredibly painful chapter in Rhaenyra’s life.
Which of Rhaenyra’s Children Become King?
Out of all of Rhaenyra’s children, two eventually rule the Seven Kingdoms.
Aegon III
After the Dance of the Dragons ended, Aegon III inherited a kingdom devastated by years of war. His reign focused on restoring stability rather than expanding power. He became known as The Dragonbane because the last dragons gradually disappeared during his rule.
Viserys II
Years later, Viserys II also ascended the Iron Throne. Although his reign lasted only a short time, he had already spent decades helping govern the realm as Hand of the King. His administrative skill made him one of the most capable rulers of the later Targaryen dynasty.
The fact that both brothers eventually became kings demonstrates that, despite the enormous losses suffered during the Dance, Rhaenyra’s bloodline ultimately continued to rule Westeros.
Why the Legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s Sons Was So Controversial
One of the central conflicts in House of the Dragon revolves around whether Rhaenyra’s first three sons were truly fathered by Laenor Velaryon.
Several factors fueled the rumors:
- They lacked the distinctive silver-blond Valyrian hair seen in both parents.
- Their appearance closely resembled Ser Harwin Strong.
- Laenor’s lack of interest in women led many nobles to question whether he could have fathered the boys.
- Alicent Hightower and the Greens repeatedly used these rumors to undermine Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne.
Despite the widespread speculation, King Viserys I never wavered in his support. He publicly declared Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey to be legitimate heirs and punished anyone who openly accused them of bastardy.
Legally, the boys remained Velaryons throughout Viserys’ reign.
Why Rhaenyra’s Children Are So Important to House of the Dragon
Rhaenyra’s children are more than supporting characters-they are the heart of the succession crisis.
Every major political decision in House of the Dragon is influenced by questions surrounding their legitimacy, inheritance, and survival. The deaths of Lucerys and later Jacaerys dramatically escalate the civil war, while Aegon III and Viserys II ensure that Rhaenyra’s lineage survives long after the conflict ends.
Their stories also highlight one of the series’ central themes: the devastating cost of dynastic ambition. Nearly every child in the Targaryen family is forced into a conflict they did not create, and many pay for it with their lives.
Final Thoughts
Although the Dance of the Dragons claims the lives of several of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children, her legacy ultimately endures. Her eldest sons become symbols of the brutal succession crisis, while her younger sons carry House Targaryen into the future as kings.
Understanding the lives of Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon III, Viserys II, and Visenya provides crucial context for both House of the Dragon and the wider history of Westeros. Their triumphs, tragedies, and sacrifices shaped the future of the Iron Throne and left an enduring mark on the Targaryen dynasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children did Rhaenyra Targaryen have?
Rhaenyra had six children: Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Aegon III, Viserys II, and her stillborn daughter Visenya.
Who is believed to be the biological father of Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey?
Although officially recognized as Laenor Velaryon’s sons, many characters believe Ser Harwin Strong was their biological father.
Which of Rhaenyra’s children became kings?
Both Aegon III Targaryen and Viserys II Targaryen eventually ruled the Seven Kingdoms.
Which dragon did Lucerys ride?
Lucerys Velaryon rode the young dragon Arrax.
Why was Rhaenyra’s daughter Visenya stillborn?
Visenya was delivered prematurely after Rhaenyra learned that Aegon II had been crowned king. The emotional trauma surrounding the usurpation is believed to have contributed to the tragic stillbirth.
Did all of Rhaenyra’s children survive the Dance of the Dragons?
No. Several of her children died during the civil war. Only Aegon III and Viserys II survived to adulthood and later became kings.