Who Is Daenerys Targaryen?
Daenerys is the youngest child of Aerys II Targaryen (“the Mad King”), born on Dragonstone in the middle of a storm shortly after her family’s exile from Westeros during Robert’s Rebellion. She never meets her father, who is killed before her birth, and grows up entirely outside the kingdom her family once ruled — a detail that shapes her entire arc as an outsider fighting to reclaim something she never actually experienced.
Family and Siblings
Her older brothers are Rhaegar Targaryen (Jon Snow’s biological father, killed at the Trident) and Viserys Targaryen (killed by Khal Drogo after mistreating Daenerys during their exile). By the time Daenerys is born, both are already gone — she is, functionally, the last of her direct line for most of her early life, until Jon Snow’s true identity is later revealed.
Marriage and the Birth of Her Dragons
Daenerys marries Khal Drogo, a Dothraki khal, in a political arrangement orchestrated by her brother Viserys. Following Drogo’s death, she famously hatches three dragon eggs — Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion — becoming the first person in generations to raise living dragons, and earning her the title “Mother of Dragons.”
Connection to Jon Snow
Daenerys is Jon Snow’s aunt. Jon, born Aegon Targaryen, is the son of her brother Rhaegar and Lyanna Stark — a relationship neither of them is aware of when they first meet. Their romantic relationship, once the truth becomes known, becomes one of the show’s most debated plot points, though Targaryen family customs historically treated close-relative marriage as standard practice.
FAQ
Who are Daenerys Targaryen’s parents?
Aerys II Targaryen (“the Mad King”) and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, who was also his sister.
How is Daenerys related to Jon Snow?
His aunt — Jon’s biological father, Rhaegar, was her older brother.
Did Daenerys have any biological children?
She had one son, Rhaego, with Khal Drogo, who died shortly after birth.