The world of Game of Thrones is vast and complex, filled with unforgettable characters. House of the Dragon goes deeper into Targaryen’s history, introducing us to Queen Visenya Targaryen.
Visenya wasn’t just the sister of Aegon the Conqueror, she was a powerful warrior and political mind in her own right. Following Valyrian tradition, she married her brother Aegon, and together they conquered Westeros with the help of their dragons.
Visenya wasn’t just a wife on the battlefield; she was a skilled fighter who wielded the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister and rode the mighty dragon Vhagar.
Deeply Rooted in the ‘House of the Dragon’ is Visenya Targaryen’s Fearless Legacy
Visenya’s influence went beyond war. She was a ruthless and pragmatic ruler, helping to solidify Targaryen’s power. She’s credited with creating the Kingsguard and even conquering the Eyrie, the Vale’s seat of power, simply by flying there on Vhagar! Her son, Maegor the Cruel, inherited much of her ruthlessness.
Visenya may not be a main character in Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon, but her legacy is felt throughout the Targaryen line. Both Arya Stark and Rhaenyra Targaryen mention her as a role model. In House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra even named her stillborn daughter Visenya.
In season 2 episode 5, Rhaenyra studies a book with a picture of Visenya. She talks about Visenya wielding Dark Sister and riding Vhagar, both now in the hands of men – Aemond with Vhagar and Daemon with Dark Sister.
Rhaenyra is clearly inspired by Visenya’s strength and frustration she wasn’t taught to fight. Visenya is a rare example of a warrior queen, and her values of strength, ambition, and dominance echo in her descendants.
Understanding Visenya’s role is key to appreciating the power struggles and the Targaryen bloodline’s importance in House of the Dragon.
