Main characters
Viserys I Targaryen
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.
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 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 no longer 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, Aemond, Laena, 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 begins the reconstruction of Harrenhal to garrison his growing army and is later informed that House Bracken was defeated by 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.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Emma D'Arcy as an adult and by Milly Alcock as a younger Rhaenyra) 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 no longer 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 Conquerer'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, in order to match the strength of Vhagar.
Otto Hightower
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 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 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]
Corlys Velaryon
Corlys Velaryon (portrayed by Steve Toussaint), also known as the "Sea Snake", is the husband of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and the father of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Lady Laena Velaryon. 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 the Hand of the Queen on Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Black Council. [17] Following the Great Council of 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 resigns 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 of Hull who saved his life in the Stepstones. [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.
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 publically 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]
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 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. Many years later, one of her spies Talya, is 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. After Daemon breaks his promise to free Mysaria, Rhaenyra later chooses to release her instead. [23] Before she leaves however, she spots Ser Arryk Cargyll who had snuck onto Dragonstone and warns Ser Erykk Cargyll 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 later 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.
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 Conquerer, 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. 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.
Alicent Hightower
Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Olivia Cooke as an adult and by Emily Carey as a younger Alicent) 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 grandchild 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.
Harrold Westerling
Harrold Westerling (portrayed by Graham McTavish) is a member of the Kingsguard under King Jaehaerys the Conciliator and King Viserys I Targaryen. During Viserys' reign, he succeeds Ser Ryam Redwyne as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. [26] He later resigns his position in the Kingsguard in protest when he discovers that the majority of the Small Council had conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
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 the 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.
Jason Lannister
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 during the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen.
In season 2, Jason relays through his brother that he pledges his support to Aegon and musters the armies of the Westerlands to prepare for war.
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.
Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon
Jacaerys 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, Jacaerys 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 Conquerer's dream regarding the "Prince That Was Promised". Following the Battle at Rook's Rest, Jacaerys travels to the Twins and secures the allegiance of House Frey, without his mother's knowing. When he returns to Dragonstone, Jacaerys 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.
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 the Master of Coin 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.
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. After Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre are knocked out of the sky by Rhaenys, Aemond engages her but despite Rhaenys 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.
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.
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 has yet to hatch. [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.
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.
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.
Hugh Hammer
Hugh Hammer (portrayed by Kieren Bew) is the husband of Kat and a blacksmith from King's Landing. Hugh is commissioned by the Crown to manufacture scorpion ballistas 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. [42]
Alyn of Hull
Alyn of Hull (portrayed by Abubakar Salim) is the older brother of Addam of Hull. He is a sailor in the Velaryon fleet and saved Lord Corlys Velaryon's 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.
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]
Addam of Hull
Addam of Hull (portrayed by Clinton Liberty) is the younger brother of Alyn of Hull and a shipwright for the Velaryon fleet. He reunites with his brother at Driftmark after Alyn spent many months fighting in the Stepstones and later sees the dragon Seasmoke flying overhead. [43]
Ulf White
Ulf White (portrayed by Tom Bennett) is a dragonseed and denizen of King's Landing. He is the purported illegitimate son of Prince Baelon Targaryen, the father of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen. [42]
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]
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.
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.
Simon Strong
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. Duing the reconstruction of Harrenhal, Simon requests that the Crown should pay for the work, over his ow house, due to the fact that Larys removed the treasury after the death of Lord Lyonel.
