Sorry, Daenerys: George R.R. Martin Loves This Targaryen More
Since the release of House of the Dragon, fans have debated who is the greatest character in the Targaryen dynasty, but the author of the original books has his own preference.
Summary:
- House of the Dragon introduced many other fascinating members of the Targaryen bloodline
- The family tree is convoluted, but extremely interesting
- George R.R. Martin has his own opinion on who is the greatest Targaryen of all time
The TV series Game of Thrones introduced a huge number of characters during its eight-season run from 2011 to 2019, and every fan has their own favorites.
But Daenerys Targaryen, brilliantly portrayed by Emilia Clarke, one of the last remaining members of the once-great house, remained one of the most popular choices, at least until the show's creators completely ruined her character in the embarrassing final season.
And how could she not be, with a distinctive look spiced up with stunning white hair, a mark of the Targaryen bloodline, amazing character growth, and Clarke's outstanding charisma.
The Tangled Family Tree
However, the House of the Dragon prequel TV series, the first season of which was released in 2022, introduced many more of Daenerys' relatives, as it is set almost two centuries before the original series, when House Targaryen was still very influential.
Of course, with so many new faces now at the forefront of the story, it reignited fan debates about who is the best character in the new series and which house deserves more fan support (the "Greens," House Hightower, or the "Blacks," House Targaryen), dividing viewers into two factions.
It also sparked arguments about who is the best character in the entire troubled Targaryen family tree, considering that Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, played by Emma D'Arcy and Matt Smith, respectively, who can be considered two of the most important characters in the new series, are both quite fascinating.
Despite being a niece and an uncle, the two share an incestuous love in the classic manner of medieval royal houses, and the fact that Daemon has basically been grooming Rhaenyra since she was young only adds a layer of creepiness to their relationship.
Moreover, both are quite complex characters who make a lot of morally questionable choices throughout the first season of House of the Dragon, making their reasons and motivations even more interesting.
However, some fans have other favorites in the family, such as King Viserys I, played by Paddy Considine, or any of his children born to Alicent Hightower, with the most notable being Aegon II and Aemond, who have radically different personalities (yes, we admit that the Targaryen family tree is extremely convoluted and confusing).
Aegon II is an immature brat who prefers to spend his time drinking to the point of blackout and having sex with prostitutes and servants until he is made king against his will.
Aemond is a completely different breed, despite being his brother, as he is cold, calculating, and ruthless, more like his uncle Daemon.
The Creator's Own Choice
But A Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin has his own favorite among the members of the white-haired family, which he revealed in one of the interviews.
According to the author, due to his "notorious love for gray characters," he personally prefers Daemon Targaryen, who is "one of the grayest characters in all of Westeros."
Surprisingly, this is in line with the opinion of many fans, as Daemon's morally ambiguous "bad boy" nature, perfectly conveyed and enhanced by Matt Smith's charisma, made him a truly outstanding character, so it's hard not to be fascinated by him.
The release date for House of the Dragon season 2 hasn't been announced yet, but the filming was completed before the Hollywood strike, so it will see the light of day sooner or later.