The Targaryen dynasty in George R.R. Martin’s books is a good reflection of the complexities of human existence. Arguably the most iconic house in Westeros, Targaryens comprises individuals of remarkably mixed traits and characters – from wise and noble rulers struggling with common human flaws to extremely tragic figures that eventually descended into complete madness.
This list contains the Targaryens that stand out as particularly infamous or “worst” due to their cruelty, madness, or disastrous actions or undertakings. In most cases, these Targaryens are remembered for their negative impact on the realm and their actions left deep scars on the history of Westeros.
Here are the 7 worst Targaryens that lived:
7. Viserys III Targaryen
Viserys III Targaryen, often referred to simply as Viserys or “Viserys The Beggar King” in some online fandom, is the brother of Daenerys Targaryen with whom he fled Westeros following Baratheon’s rebellion.
Viserys was physically and emotionally abusive towards his younger sister, Daenerys Targaryen. He often belittled her, calling her derogatory names like “little whore,” and threatened her with violence. His cruelty is evident when he tells her that he would let an entire army of men rape her if it would help him reclaim the Iron Throne, demonstrating his lack of empathy and his willingness to sacrifice her well-being for his own ambitions.
Viserys III Targaryen was a deeply flawed character: his cruelty, delusions of grandeur, incompetence, and abusive behaviour and his obsession with power, combined with his lack of the qualities necessary to attain it, made him a tragic and pitiable figure, ultimately leading to his demise. His death marked a turning point for Daenerys, freeing her from his influence and allowing her to begin her own journey toward power.
6. Aemond Targaryen
Aemond Targaryen aka “One-Eye Aemond” was a key figure in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Aemond’s aggressive and vengeful nature is most evident in his conflict with his nephew, Lucerys Velaryon. This rivalry began when Lucerys, as a child, slashed Aemond’s eye with a knife during a fight, leading to Aemond losing his eye. Aemond never forgave Lucerys and harboured a deep grudge, which ultimately led to one of the most infamous incidents in the Dance of the Dragons.
Aemond’s most notorious act was the killing of Lucerys Velaryon. During the civil war, Aemond chased Lucerys on dragonback, resulting in a confrontation over Storm’s End. Aemond, riding Vhagar, the largest and most fearsome dragon alive, pursued Lucerys and his smaller dragon, Arrax. Whether he intended to kill Lucerys or merely frighten him, the outcome was fatal. Vhagar killed both Lucerys and Arrax, making Aemond a kinslayer, one of the most heinous acts in Westerosi culture. This event escalated the conflict and deepened the blood feud between the Targaryen factions.
5. Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Elder and Aegon the Usurper was the sixth Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne, following the death of his father, Viserys I Targaryen, who had chosen a different heir – his older half-sister, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Aegon II usurped the Iron Throne from his half-sister Rhaenyra Targaryen, despite their father, King Viserys I Targaryen, having named Rhaenyra as his heir. This act of usurpation was a significant betrayal and a primary cause of the civil war. Aegon’s decision to seize the throne disregarded his father’s wishes and led to a bloody conflict between the supporters of Rhaenyra and his own faction.
Aegon II’s rule during the Dance of the Dragons was marked by brutality and ruthlessness. He and his supporters committed numerous atrocities during the war, including the execution of Rhaenyra’s allies and the burning of towns and castles. His actions contributed to the widespread devastation that left much of the realm in ruin.
One of Aegon II’s most infamous actions was the brutal execution of his half-sister Rhaenyra. After Rhaenyra was captured, Aegon ordered her to be fed to his dragon, Sunfyre, in a horrific display of power. This act of kinslaying is one of the most notorious events of the Dance of the Dragons and solidified Aegon’s reputation as a cruel and vindictive ruler.
Aegon II Targaryen’s crime of usurping the throne, his ruthless actions during the Dance of the Dragons, and his poor leadership contributed to the widespread destruction and loss of life in Westeros. His decisions and behaviour during the Civil War left a dark legacy, and his reign is remembered as one of the most turbulent and tragic periods in the history of the Targaryen dynasty.
4. Aerion Targaryen (“Aerion Brightflame”)
Prince Aerion Targaryen, also known as Aerion the Monstrous or Aerion Brightflame was the second son of King Maekar I Targaryen. Aerion never ruled as king but was a prince known for his extreme cruelty and madness.
Aerion was infamous for his sadistic behaviour, believing that he could transform into a dragon by drinking wildfire. This delusion led to his death after he consumed the substance, proving to be fatally wrong. Aerion’s actions and mental instability contributed to the Targaryen’s reputation for madness.
3. Aegon IV Targaryen
Aegon IV Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Unworthy, was the 11th Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. His reign was considered one of the worst in the history of Westeros.
Known for his hedonistic and irresponsible rule, Aegon IV was infamous for his numerous mistresses with whom he sired numerous illegitimate children. He legitimized these kids on his deathbed, sowing the seeds for the Blackfyre Rebellions. His reign was marked by corruption, decadence, and neglect of the kingdom. His reign left the realm weakened and divided, leading to generations of conflict after his death.
2. Maegor I Targaryen
Maegor I Targaryen, also known as Maegor the Cruel, was the third Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne. The son of King Aegon I Targaryen and his elder sister-wife, Queen Visenya Targaryen, Maegor I Targaryen is remembered as one of the most brutal and tyrannical rulers in Westerosi history.
Maegor I usurped the throne from his nephew Aegon and ruled with an iron fist, using terror to maintain control. He ruthlessly crushed his enemies, executed his own supporters, and killed members of his own family. His reign saw the construction of the Red Keep, which was completed with the deaths of the builders to keep its secrets. Maegor’s cruelty led to widespread rebellion, and he was eventually found dead on the Iron Throne, impaled on its blades, though the exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery.
1. King Aerys II Targaryen (“The Mad King”)
King Aerys II Targaryen, also known as “The Mad King” was the 16th Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne. Although his rule began benevolently, he later succumbed to the madness caused by his increasing paranoia. He was eventually deposed by Lord Robert Baratheon in a civil war.
Due to centuries of inbreeding to keep their bloodline pure, many Targaryens were predisposed to madness. The last Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne before Robert’s Rebellion, Aerys II’s reign was marked by increasing paranoia and cruelty.
He became infamous for his brutal executions, including burning people alive with wildfire. His madness and tyrannical behaviour led to widespread unrest and ultimately sparked Robert’s Rebellion, which ended the Targaryen dynasty’s rule in Westeros. Aerys was killed by Jaime Lannister during the Sack of King’s Landing, earning Jaime the nickname “Kingslayer.”
