'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon': How Targaryen's Iron throne ascension differs from Westeros succession rules
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After a long wait, fans' anticipation has finally ended. The first episode of multi-starrer historical prequel saga ‘House of the Dragon’ which focuses on the peak to the rock-bottom journey of House Targaryen premiered globally on August 21, 2022, on HBO and HBO Max. Whilst in the first episode, we saw the epic introduction of all the main characters within House Targaryen which is Kings landing. The first episode instantly took us all into the crux of the conflict which arises after King Viserys I Targaryen’s (Paddy Considine) wife Queen Aemma (Sian Cooke) death alongside the death of his newborn son. After the King is in traumatic grief, he ends up breaking the custom and names his only daughter Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock / Emma D’Arcy) as the next successor and female queen to Iron Throne. This decision angers the traditionalist factions at Westeros.
Now whilst we await the second episode which would be premiering this weekend, we would be taking a brief glance at key differences in Iron Throne succession within House Targaryen when compared with the rest of traditionalist Westeros.
RELATED ARTICLES
'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon': Will the Stark family play a pivotal role in HBO show?
Inheritance Laws in rest of Westeros
According to Westeros.org, whilst inheritance laws of seven kingdoms in Westeros are not clearly defined, male preference for an heir is expected in most cases. But it is not deemed compulsory for most nobles. A man's eldest son is his heir which is then followed by his second son, third son, and so on. In theory, the youngest son is followed in the line of succession by the eldest daughter who comes after her sisters in birth order within the traditional hierarchy of Westeros. A man’s daughter inherits before her father’s brother. Interestingly, a lord also has the option of naming one of his younger sons' heir also passing over his elder children or naming the child of another as his heir. When there is no clear heir that moment claims can be presented to the King within the rest of the seven kingdoms of Westeros.
The only exception is Dorne. There, no distinction is made between sons and daughters. Instead, children inherit in order of birth regardless of gender, according to the Rhoynish custom. In the case of an inheriting female ruler to the throne in Westeros, her last name will be passed on to her children, instead of the name of her husband. When a ruling lord dies and leaves no clear heir, his widow might lay claim upon the throne and rule until her own death for instance Lady Donella Hornwood and Lady Barbrey Dustin. In case of death, she might officially announce an heir by herself.
Inheritance of Iron Throne in House Targaryen
The inheritance rights of females with regard to the Iron Throne have changed over the years, as a result of several power struggles. Females have, over the years, been declared heir to the throne, both directly and indirectly. When King Aegon I Targaryen's eldest grandchild Princess Rhaena Targaryen was born in 23 AC, she was regarded as second in line to the throne after her father Prince Aenys Targaryen. Upon the birth of Aenys's second child, Prince Aegon Targaryen, Aegon became the first in line after Aenys. When King Maegor I Targaryen was still childless in 47 AC, he named his niece princess Aerea Targaryen, as his heir. Within 105 AC, post the death of his newborn son, King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) named his only daughter Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock / Emma D’Arcy) as his heir. King Viserys had the lords of the realm swear their solidarity and loyalty to Rhaenyra. He staunchly denied changing the line of succession even after the birth of three sons in a second marriage to Lady Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey / Olivia Cooke).
When Lady Alicent bore three sons to her husband King Viserys I, that moment she expected the King to change the line of succession and make their son Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) the next ruler of Westeros but it didn’t happen. This angered her a lot. Post King Viserys' death, the traditionalist faction dismissed the decision made by the late King and instead crowned Aegon II as the rightful heir to rule on the Iron Throne of Westeros. At that moment the biggest and nastiest bloodied civil war named ‘Dance of the Dragons’ sparks off between Princess Rhaenyra and King Aegon II. Princess Rhaenyra has a team of black who swore to support her whilst King Aegon II has a team of green who promised to support and defend him in this war. This war changes things drastically as the House Targaryen falls down into ashes despite being the most powerful dynasty since the entire Targaryen family is competing with each other for gaining the Iron Throne of Westeros.
‘House of the Dragon’ first episode is streaming now on HBO Max and Disney + Hotstar. The second episode which has been titled 'The Rogue Prince' is going to premiere globally on August 28, 2022, Sunday at 9 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.