House of the Dragon: Who is the father to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children?

As a prequel series to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon was always going to have family at its core. Still, the parentage of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children concerning their fathers is messy, to say the least.

House of the Dragon Season 2 arrived in June 2024, and we’re gearing up for the Dance of the Dragons. That means even more chaos is coming, and we can’t wait.

As the battle to be the next Targaryen king (or queen) wages on, the death of Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys, has sparked all-out war.

It may be one of the best TV shows around, but House of the Dragon sure is complex. So, let’s get to the bottom of Rhaenyra’s children and carry out some paternity tests.

Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children in order

Rhaenyra gives birth to six children: Jacaerys, Lucerys, Joffrey, Viserys II, Aegon III, and Visenya.

Sadly, Visenya dies during childbirth, so only five of Rhaenyra’s children make it through childhood.

Rhaenyra’s children in order:

• Jacaerys Velaryon (born 114 AC, died 130 AC)
• Lucerys Velaryon (born 115 AC, died 129 AC)
• Joffrey Velaryon (born 117 AC, died 130 AC)
• Viserys II Targaryen (born 122 AC, died 172 AC)
• Aegon III Targaryen (born 120 AC, died 157 AC)
• Visenya Targaryen (born 129 AC, died 129 AC)

HBO

Lucerys was infamously killed by Aemond and Vhagar in the House of the Dragon Season 1 finale. His death leads to the war between the Greens and the Blacks we see in Season 2.

Children from her first marriage

Rhaenyra has three children from her first marriage to Laenor Velaryon: Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. However, their biological father is Ser Harwin Strong.

HBO

When Rhaenyra gets married to Laenor, the pair agree: Rhaenyra can sleep with whoever she pleases, while Laenor can engage in a relationship with his lover, Joffrey Lonmouth.

Rhaenyra makes the most of this deal and has an affair with Harwin, the captain of the City Watch in King’s Landing. Her children bear a striking resemblance to Harwin, with their dark hair raising suspicion that they are not Laenor’s children.

Legally, the three boys are registered as Laenor’s offspring, though it is believed he and Rhaenyra never consummated their marriage.

Rhaenyra and Daemon’s children

The relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon produces three children: Viserys II, Visenya, and Aegon III. There is no question about the paternity of these children.

Rhaenyra and Daemon begin their love affair when she is a teenager, sharing a kiss in secret during a night in the underground brothels of King’s Landing.

Later, when Laenor fakes his death and flees Dragonstone, Rhaenyra quickly marries Daemon. They have three children together, though Visenya, their second-born, is stillborn.

Viserys II and Aegon III have bright, white hair, the standard for any pure-blood Targaryen child.

So, that clears up the paternity of Rhaenyra’s children. If you want more from Game of Thrones, dive into the Seven Kingdoms with our guides on Blood and Cheese, the House of the Dragon viewership figures, or explore some House of the Dragon fan-fiction.