Early Life And Succession

Rhaenyra Targaryen: The Half-Year Queen

Early Life and Succession

Rhaenyra Targaryen was born as the first-born child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn. Known as the "Realms' Delight" in her youth, Rhaenyra was initially favored as the heir to the Iron Throne due to the lack of male successors.

Daughter and Heir to Viserys I

Rhaenyra's status as heir was reinforced when her mother died during childbirth and Viserys remarried and had only sons. However, the birth of her half-brother Aegon II challenged her claim to the throne.

Civil War and Death

Upon Viserys's death, Rhaenyra and Aegon II both declared themselves monarchs, leading to the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra, supported by the Blacks faction, briefly seized King's Landing but was overthrown and killed by Aegon II's forces six months later.

Conclusion

Rhaenyra Targaryen's reign as the Half-Year Queen was a tumultuous and bloody chapter in Westerosi history. Her claim to the Iron Throne, despite being the eldest child of Viserys I, was bitterly contested by her half-brother, leading to a devastating civil war that left a lasting impact on the Targaryen dynasty and the realm itself.