The Tragic (& Idiotic) Reign of Viserys Targaryen
Crusader Chris・24 minutes read
Viserys Targaryen's reign as a tragic figure, focusing on his rise to power, family dynamics, and the growing conflict between rival factions over dragon power, ultimately leading to chaos and unrest in the realm.
Insights
- Paddy Considine's portrayal of Viserys The First Targaryen was pivotal in transforming the character into a tragic figure, garnering significant popularity and praise from George RR Martin, suggesting a potential reimagining of Viserys's history.
- Viserys Targaryen's reign was marked by prosperity and intrigue, with complex family dynamics, succession disputes, and dragon-related conflicts shaping the Targaryen legacy, ultimately leading to a realm-threatening power struggle fueled by rival factions and competing claims to the throne.
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Recent questions
Who was Viserys Targaryen?
Viserys Targaryen was a prominent Targaryen monarch.
What led to the decline of Targaryen power?
Aemon's death in battle against Myrish pirates.
How did Viserys handle the Targaryen succession?
Viserys was chosen over Laenor by the lords.
What caused tension within Viserys's family?
Viserys's marriage to Alicent Hightower.
How did Viserys's health impact his rule?
Viserys's health issues led to political decisions.
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Viserys Targaryen: Tragic Figure of Targaryen History
- Viserys The First Targaryen gained popularity due to Paddy Considine's portrayal, transforming him into a tragic figure.
- George RR Martin praised Considine's portrayal, suggesting a desire to rewrite Viserys's history.
- The video discussed in the text is part of a series on Targaryen monarchs, focusing on book lore.
- Viserys Targaryen was born in the 77th year After Aegon’s Conquest, during a period of peace and prosperity.
- Viserys was the firstborn child of Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen, with his uncle Aemon as the heir to the throne.
- Baelon, Viserys's father, was known as the Spring Prince and Baelon the Brave, with a close relationship with his sister Alyssa.
- Alyssa, Viserys's mother, was a fierce warrior who dueled with wooden swords and later flew dragons.
- Aemon, Viserys's uncle and heir to the throne, died in battle against Myrish pirates, leading to a decline in Targaryen power.
- Viserys claimed Balerion the Black Dread after Aemon's death, symbolizing the Targaryen decline.
- A Great Council was called at Harrenhal to decide on the Targaryen succession, with Laenor and Viserys as key claimants.
12:13
Viserys's Reign: Targaryen Succession and Intrigue
- Jaehaerys's eldest male descendent was Viserys, who was chosen over Laenor by the lords due to his father's claim.
- Viserys was proclaimed Prince of Dragonstone and Heir to the Iron Throne after Jaehaerys's death at 69 in 103 AC.
- Viserys's reign was marked by prosperity, with many Targaryens and dragons alive, and Rhaenyra, the youngest dragonrider, at the center of court.
- Viserys delegated ruling to Otto Hightower, who became Hand of the King, and appointed his brother Daemon to various roles.
- Tragedy struck with Queen Aemma's death, leading Viserys to name Rhaenyra his heir despite precedents favoring male claims.
- Viserys married Alicent Hightower, causing tension with Rhaenyra, and Daemon declared himself King of the Stepstones.
- Rhaenyra married Laenor Velaryon, leading to further conflict with Alicent and Criston Cole's support shifting to Alicent.
- Rhaenyra had children with Laenor while Daemon married Laena Velaryon after a duel with her betrothed.
- Rhaenyra's sons' paternity was questioned, but Viserys acknowledged them as his heirs, with their dragon eggs hatching.
- Rivalry between Rhaenyra's and Alicent's children intensified, while Rhaenyra bonded with Daemon and Laena on Dragonstone and Driftmark.
24:12
Dragon-filled Driftmark: Year of Red Spring
- In 118 AC, Baela and Rhaena were betrothed.
- 120 AC was the Year of the Red Spring, marked by Laena Velaryon's tragic labor and death, followed by the death of her son Laenor.
- Driftmark became a dragon-filled place after Laenor's death, leading to a confrontation between Aemond and Rhaenyra's sons over dragon eggs.
- Viserys aimed to limit dragonriders, but his leniency led to two rival factions with enough dragon power to threaten the realm.
- Viserys, plagued by health issues, appointed Otto Hightower as Hand of the King after Lyonel Strong's death.
- Viserys was outraged by Rhaenyra and Daemon's remarriage, leading to the birth of their son Aegon, causing tension with Alicent.
