Like every tale spun out of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, the upcoming HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms promises another deep dive into the stormy, silver-haired world of the Targaryens. The show will be set between the chaos of House of the Dragon and the political drama of Game of Thrones.
This show adapts The Hedge Knight, the first novella from Martin’s beloved Tales of Dunk and Egg trilogy. The story follows Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble hedge knight with a big heart, and his unexpected squire, a mischievous boy named Aegon Targaryen — better known by his nickname, Egg.
The timeline sits in a fascinating middle ground. It is long after dragons vanished from the skies, but before the Iron Throne descended into the wars we all know too well. The Targaryens, of course, are the fire-blooded rulers of Westeros. They are dragon riders and silver-haired monarchs.
They are the walking cautionary tales about family trees that never branched far enough. And A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be crawling with them — some noble, some mad, and some somewhere in between. With the series set to debut on January 18, 2026, here’s a look at every Targaryen who could appear — ranked from worst to best — and what makes each of them such a fascinating, fiery mess.
11. Aerion Targaryen
First look at Finn Bennett as Prince Aerion Targaryen in ‘A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS’ 🛡️⚔️🥚
Premiering January 18, 2026 on HBO. pic.twitter.com/TbxVhQBGi0
If there were ever a poster child for “Targaryen madness,” Aerion would be front and center. Known among the smallfolk as “Aerion Brightflame,” he fancied himself part-man, part-dragon, and one hundred percent nightmare fuel. This prince’s idea of fun involved cruelty, pain, and the occasional act of sadistic theater — once even forcing a man to drink wildfire.
In the end, karma came breathing down his neck when Aerion decided to drink wildfire himself, believing it would unlock his “true” dragon form. Spoiler: it didn’t. He’s the second son of King Maekar I and Aegon’s (Egg’s) closest brother in age — though “close” doesn’t exactly describe their relationship. Aerion’s favorite hobby as a child was tormenting Egg, which included killing the boy’s cat and threatening him with physical harm.
His madness wasn’t sudden — it brewed from the start, slowly boiling over until he became one of the most feared princes of his time. When The Hedge Knight story unfolds, Aerion is already making life miserable for everyone. His arrogance and violence lead him to clash with Dunk over the ideals of knighthood. This resulted in a rivalry that defines much of the first tale.
Finn Bennett, best known from True Detective: Night Country, steps into this terrifying role for the HBO series. And honestly, it’s a perfect fit — because it takes a special kind of actor to play a man who thinks setting himself on fire will make him fly. Aerion probably believed sunscreen was for people who lacked dragon blood.
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10. Brynden Rivers (Bloodraven)
Even in a family as colorful as the Targaryens, Brynden Rivers stands out. He is the albino bastard son of King Aegon IV and Lady Melissa Blackwood. Brynden was born with milk-white skin, pale hair, and a distinct red birthmark on his face shaped like a raven — hence his ominous nickname, “Bloodraven.”
Though technically a Targaryen, his mixed lineage and unusual appearance made him an outsider. But he turned that to his advantage. Bloodraven was very cunning and calculating. He was also eerily gifted in the dark arts of foresight and sorcery. He rose through the ranks to become Hand of the King. But his methods were often… let’s say, unconventional. He kept Westeros in check through whispers, spies, and a touch of black magic.
Eventually, his political maneuvering led him to the Night’s Watch, and from there, beyond the Wall — where his story takes a mythic turn. He merged with an ancient tree and became the Three-Eyed Raven, using his supernatural powers to watch over generations to come.
Fans of Game of Thrones might recognize the older version of him as Bran’s mystical mentor — played by Struan Rodger in the original series. In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a younger, flesh-and-blood Bloodraven could appear, showing us how this haunted man became the being who would one day whisper across centuries. Bloodraven proves that even in Westeros, office politics can literally drive you into a tree.
9. Prince Aerys I
Dunk and Egg from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms pic.twitter.com/mzjiT4SzzW
Not all Targaryens need to be wild to be tragic. Prince Aerys I, though less fiery than his relatives, still represents the quieter melancholy of the family. He ruled before the Dunk and Egg era, making him more of a historical shadow hanging over the new story.
Aerys I wasn’t particularly bold or cruel — just detached. He spent much of his time with books and prophecies, which might make him sound wise, but in practice, it left the realm drifting without strong leadership. His reign saw chaos grow from s heer neglect, even as he tried to seek order in ancient scrolls.
He likely won’t appear as a living character in the series. But he could easily show up in flashbacks or mentions. Or maybe he can be seen through the recollections of older knights or historians who remember his reign. He reminds the audience that sometimes, even a weak king like him can be just as dangerous as a mad one.
But one thing is for sure, Aerys I would probably have preferred a good library over the Iron Throne any day.
8. Valarr Targaryen
Oscar Morgan will star as Prince Valarr Targaryen in HBO’s ‘A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS’ 🛡️⚔️🥚
Premiering January 18, 2026! pic.twitter.com/elIiDw9B4I
The eldest son of Prince Baelor Targaryen, Valarr is the classic golden boy — or at least, that’s how he wants to be seen. He’s a skilled fighter, brave, and proud of his royal blood, though he constantly complains that nobody dares to face him fairly in tournaments. When you’re a prince, after all, beating people up tends to come with political consequences.
Valarr, with his lean build and long brown hair streaked with silver, earned the affectionate (and slightly teasing) nickname “The Young Prince.” His younger brother Matarys, by extension, got stuck with the title “The Even Younger Prince” — because Westeros never runs out of creativity.
Beneath his charm, however, Valarr’s life is marked by tragedy. He and his wife, Lady Jena Dondarrion, suffered the loss of three infants, leaving him embittered and aimless. His resentment later grows toward Egg and Ser Duncan after the fallout from events that impact his father’s honor. Valarr spent so long looking for a worthy opponent that life itself decided to beat him first.
He is not really a villain. But Valarr’s pride and frustration keep him from being the hero he wants to be. He’s set to be portrayed by Oscar Morgan in the series.
7. Daeron Targaryen
A post shared by Henry Ashton (@ohhenryashton)
Every family has that one relative who’s seen too much — and for the Targaryens, that’s Daeron the Drunken. The eldest son of King Maekar I, Daeron’s problem isn’t madness or cruelty — it’s prophecy. He is cursed with the “dragon dreams.” It is a rare Targaryen gift. These dreams show glimpses of the future, often in cryptic, terrifying flashes.
He is often haunted by what he sees. This makes Daeron turn to the bottle. His drinking earns him his unflattering nickname. But it also makes him a strangely sympathetic character. He’s more scared than evil, and his weakness has lasting consequences. In The Hedge Knight, it’s Daeron’s cowardly choice to sneak away from a tournament — dragging his little brother Aegon with him — that sets the whole adventure in motion.
If he hadn’t run off, Egg might never have met Ser Duncan. So, in a twisted way, his drunken escapade changes the course of Westeros’ history. Henry Ashton is set to take on the role of Daeron in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. And if he does it right, he could become one of the show’s most quietly heartbreaking characters. And we do know what Daeron’s life motto could and should be: “If you can’t stop the visions, at least blur them.”
6. King Maekar I Targaryen
King Maekar I isn’t your usual storybook ruler. He’s the kind of king who carries both a crown and a chip on his shoulder. The fourteenth man to claim the throne, Maekar didn’t exactly fight for it — fate just ran out of other options. After a few too many royal deaths, the fourth son of King Daeron II suddenly found himself ruling the realm. Talk about an awkward promotion.
He’s a soldier first, a king second, and a people person… never. Maekar is all grit and discipline. He is the kind of ruler who believes fear keeps things running smoother than love ever could. He is not cruel in the way his son Aerion is. But warmth isn’t exactly his strong suit either. He leads life and his people with logic and fights with fire. But yeah, he often misses the human side of ruling.
Underneath that armor of pride and frustration, there’s a man who never asked for the mess. He just inherited it anyway. He is a king who’s just trying to hold it all together. He was trying to do his best while his family fell apart around him.
Sam Spruell stepping into his boots feels just right — sharp, intense, and quietly dangerous. You can already imagine Maekar’s version of family game night: helmets on, tempers up, and someone definitely bleeding by the end.
5. King Daeron II Targaryen
King Daeron II Targaryen was, in many ways, the family oddball. He did not see war as the answer to every problem. Westeros called him “Daeron the Good,” and for once, the nickname actually fit. He ruled with his head instead of his temper, preferring diplomacy over dragonfire. While his ancestors were busy burning bridges (and occasionally people), Daeron was out there signing treaties and making peace. You just know Daeron heard the family motto, “Fire and Blood,” and thought, “Maybe let’s start with paperwork instead.”
His biggest political flex? Bringing Dorne into the realm without shedding blood. It was a historic move — and a controversial one. Half the nobles were horrified that he didn’t just invade the place, while the other half accused him of being too soft. But Daeron didn’t flinch. He knew stability was worth a few angry lords.
He also spent much of his reign cleaning up after his father, King Aegon IV. King Aegon’s disastrous rule left the kingdom looking like a family soap opera gone wrong. Daeron fixed what he could and ruled with reason, even when his half-brother Daemon Blackfyre rebelled. When the war ended, Daeron’s choice to show mercy created as much chaos as his victory itself — because peace never comes easy in Westeros.
If he shows up in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, expect quiet authority and thoughtful words — the kind of king who’d rather use ink than fire.
4. Aemon Targaryen
Aemon proved that wisdom could outshine all that fiery family chaos. Born to King Maekar I, he was the quiet soul in a house full of drama and dragon dreams. While everyone else fought over thrones, power, and pride, Aemon preferred scrolls, silence, and sanity. He was that rare Targaryen who didn’t crave the throne — and that alone probably kept him from going mad like half his bloodline.
He later became the gentle, blind Maester we met in Game of Thrones. But before that, Aemon was a young man torn between heart and duty. He was very kind, clever, and deeply loyal.
In A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, we can get a glimpse of him in his youth. It will be fascinating to see that internal tug-of-war. We will finally be able to see the man he was before the maester. The fire was still there, just tempered by understanding. He knew that the Iron Throne was more curse than crown.
While his kin burned kingdoms, Aemon chose to build wisdom instead. He walked away from power. He did that not because he couldn’t handle it. His decision came because he understood it all too well.
3. Baelor Targaryen
Bertie Carvel has been cast as Baelor Targaryen in 'A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS' pic.twitter.com/KZWjWZL5KE
Every royal family has that one golden child — strong, noble, and annoyingly perfect — and for the Targaryens of this era, it’s Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen. The eldest son of King Daeron II and Lady Myriah Martell of Dorne, Baelor inherited both his father’s sense of honor and his mother’s fiery Dornish spirit. Interestingly, he also got her looks — Baelor’s dark hair made him stand out among the sea of silver-haired kin, a rare trait that turned heads at court.
Baelor Targaryen was never just a pretty face. But we can be totally honest here, the man had that part covered, too. He was also a great warrior. During the Blackfyre Rebellion, he proved his worth on the battlefield. That legendary duel earned him the name “Breakspear.” From that moment, he became the kind of Targaryen who didn’t just talk about honor — he lived it.
By the time The Hedge Knight rolls around, Baelor’s already a legend in armor. He’s the prince people admire. But even the brightest stars burn out, and Baelor’s story carries a quiet sadness beneath all that glory. Bertie Carvel will bring Baelor to life. It’s easy to imagine him balancing the prince’s strength with that calm nobility that made him unforgettable.
2. Aegon “Egg” Targaryen
Our King Aegon of House Targaryen, the Fifth of His Name in HBO’s ‘A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS: THE HEDGE KNIGHT’
Dexter Sol Ansell is Egg! pic.twitter.com/YaPxVlpmie
You can’t really talk about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms without mentioning Egg. He is the bald, sharp-tongued kid. This kid somehow ends up as Ser Duncan the Tall’s squire. At first glance, he looks like another scrappy boy. But under that simple cap is a royal secret. Egg is actually Aegon Targaryen. He is the fourth son of King Maekar I, hiding in plain sight.
Egg is curious, sharp, and a little too brave for his own good. His time on the road shapes him into a ruler who sees the world beyond castle walls. Despite being born low in the line of succession, fate has other plans for him — he eventually sits on the Iron Throne as Aegon V, better known as “Aegon the Unlikely.” His reign later becomes a defining era in Targaryen history, marked by reform and compassion.
In the HBO series, young Egg will be played by Dexter Sol Ansell. Ansell has already made waves with his performance as a young President Snow in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.
Egg represents the rare Targaryen who’s actually likeable from start to finish — someone who values people over power. And that’s saying something for a family that usually prefers dragons to friends. Egg is proof that sometimes the smallest dragon egg hatches the biggest surprise, even in a cruel world.
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1. Princesses Daella & Rhae
Princess Daella Targaryen, Mother of Queen Aemma Arryn#ASOIAF#DaellaTargaryen#AemmaArryn#HouseTargaryen#FireandBlood pic.twitter.com/ZJUCrIzIMU
Daella and Rhae Targaryen were like a cool breeze on a blazing day in a family bursting with tempers, dragons, and way too much pride. They were the gentle daughters of King Maekar I. Their names you don’t often hear in the fiery tales of Westeros. While their brothers fought for thrones, honor, or just attention, these two preferred peace over power.
They weren’t the kind to stir up trouble in court or make grand political moves. No duels, no dragons, no drama — just quiet grace. They were remembered for their kindness, their innocence, and maybe the rare gift of keeping their heads down in a family where everyone wanted a crown.
If they show up in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it’ll probably be in soft, fleeting moments — maybe sitting in a corner during royal councils, offering small smiles while everyone else argues about bloodlines and honor. But even that little glimpse would say a lot.
Their calmness might feel like a breath of fresh air. They are soothing in a world where even love can turn deadly. The characters of Daella and Rhae prove that not every dragon needs to roar.
So, are you excited for the upcoming show? Let us know in the comments.
