Rhaegar Targaryen was the crown prince of the Seven Kingdoms, a figure whose decisions altered the course of Westerosi history. His secret marriage to Lyanna Stark sparked a civil war, and his death on the Trident ended his dynasty’s rule. This guide explores who he was, how he died, his family tree, his portrayal in Game of Thrones, and the lingering questions about his dragons and prophecies.
Who is Rhaegar Targaryen?
Rhaegar Targaryen was the firstborn son of King Aerys II Targaryen, known as the “Mad King,” and his sister-wife Queen Rhaella. Born in 259 AC during the Tragedy of Summerhall, he was the heir apparent and held the title Prince of Dragonstone. He was widely popular among the smallfolk and earned the moniker “The Last Dragon” for his efforts to restore the Targaryen legacy.
Unlike many Targaryens, Rhaegar was a skilled warrior, a gifted harpist, and deeply obsessed with prophecy. He was described as having silver-gold hair and piercing indigo or violet eyes, typical of Valyrian bloodlines. His actions, particularly his relationship with Lyanna Stark, are central to the conflict that unfolds in A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, eldest son of King Aerys II, heir to the Iron Throne.
Killed by Robert Baratheon at the Battle of the Trident during Robert’s Rebellion.
Son of Aerys II and Rhaella, brother of Viserys and Daenerys, father of Rhaenys, Aegon, and Jon Snow.
Portrayed by Wilf Scolding in Game of Thrones (Season 6, 7).
Key Insights
- Rhaegar Targaryen is a central yet off-screen character whose actions triggered the main conflict of the series.
- His death at the Trident ended the Targaryen dynasty’s direct rule over the Seven Kingdoms.
- Rhaegar’s marriage to Elia Martell and later secret union with Lyanna Stark are key to understanding Jon Snow’s parentage.
- He was a skilled warrior, a harpist, and obsessed with prophecy, particularly regarding the “prince that was promised.”
- Despite limited screen time, Rhaegar remains one of the most discussed and debated characters among fans.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Prince Rhaegar Targaryen |
| Title | Prince of Dragonstone, Crown Prince |
| Born | ~259 AC (After Conquest) at Summerhall |
| Died | ~283 AC at the Battle of the Trident |
| Parents | King Aerys II Targaryen (father), Queen Rhaella Targaryen (mother) |
| Siblings | Viserys Targaryen (brother), Daenerys Targaryen (sister) |
| Spouses | Elia Martell (first wife), Lyanna Stark (second wife, secret) |
| Children | Rhaenys Targaryen, Aegon Targaryen (with Elia), Jon Snow (with Lyanna) |
| Dragon | Unknown – no dragon confirmed in canon; some theories suggest he rode a dragon named Balerion or Vermithor but no evidence. |
| Actor | Wilf Scolding (Game of Thrones) |
How Did Rhaegar Targaryen Die?
Rhaegar died in single combat against Robert Baratheon at the Ruby Ford during the Battle of the Trident. This battle was the decisive engagement of Robert’s Rebellion. As the commander of the royalist forces, Rhaegar crossed the river to face Robert, whose forces were significantly larger.
During the duel, Robert struck Rhaegar with a massive warhammer, impaling his chest armor so severely that the rubies embedded in his breastplate popped off and scattered into the river. This is how the ford earned its name. Rhaegar’s body was later burned according to Targaryen customs.
Rhaegar’s role in Robert’s Rebellion was to lead the royalist army against the rebel forces of Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark, and Jon Arryn. The outcome of the battle effectively ended the Targaryen dynasty’s direct royal line, allowing Robert to claim the Iron Throne.
His death triggered the fall of King’s Landing and the exile of his surviving siblings, Viserys and Daenerys. In the books, it is said that Rhaegar fought valiantly and honorably, but he was ultimately no match for Robert’s raw power and fury.
What is Rhaegar Targaryen’s Family Tree?
Rhaegar’s family is central to the political conflicts of the series. His father was Aerys II Targaryen, the “Mad King.” His mother was Rhaella Targaryen, Aerys’s sister-wife. Rhaegar had two siblings: a younger brother, Viserys, who later claimed the title of “Exiled King,” and a sister, Daenerys, who becomes the “Mother of Dragons.”
Marriages and Children
Rhaegar’s first marriage was to Elia Martell, a Dornish princess, in 280 AC. They had two children together: a daughter named Rhaenys and a son named Aegon. Both children were brutally murdered in King’s Landing after Robert’s Rebellion by Ser Gregor Clegane.
Later, Rhaegar secretly married Lyanna Stark after obtaining an annulment from Elia. This union produced a son, Jon Snow (later revealed as Aegon Targaryen), who was raised as the bastard of Eddard Stark. The secret marriage is confirmed in the show, but the books leave the nature of their relationship ambiguous.
| Relationship | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Aerys II Targaryen | Known as the “Mad King” |
| Mother | Rhaella Targaryen | Aerys’s sister-wife |
| Brother | Viserys Targaryen | Later became the “Exiled King” |
| Sister | Daenerys Targaryen | The “Mother of Dragons” |
| First Wife | Elia Martell | Dornish princess; married in 280 AC |
| Children (with Elia) | Rhaenys & Aegon | Both murdered in King’s Landing after Robert’s Rebellion |
| Secret Wife | Lyanna Stark | Married secretly after annulment from Elia |
| Son (with Lyanna) | Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen) | Raised as Ned Stark’s son; revealed as Rhaegar’s true son in the show |
Rhaegar’s connection to Daenerys is that of an older brother. He died before she was born, but his legacy and the decisions he made directly shaped her path to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Who Played Rhaegar Targaryen in Game of Thrones?
Rhaegar Targaryen was portrayed by actor Wilf Scolding in the HBO series Game of Thrones. Scolding, a relatively new face to the franchise, was cast specifically for the flashback sequences that revealed Jon Snow’s true parentage.
In Which Episode Does Rhaegar Targaryen Appear?
Rhaegar appears primarily in flashbacks and visions. His key appearances include:
- “The Red Woman” (Season 6, Episode 1): Daenerys’s vision of Rhaegar and Lyanna.
- “The Queen’s Justice” (Season 7, Episode 7): Daenerys’s vision confirming their marriage.
- “The Iron Throne” (Season 8, Episode 6): Brief mentions and visions confirming Jon Snow’s lineage.
Despite his limited screen time, Scolding’s portrayal of Rhaegar has been well-received by fans and critics. His performance captures the character’s melancholic and noble demeanor, as well as the tragedy of his fate.
Did Rhaegar Targaryen Have a Dragon?
This question remains one of the most debated topics in the fandom. In the books, Rhaegar is depicted as a skilled horseman and knight, but no specific dragon is named as his mount in the provided source texts. In the Game of Thrones TV series, Rhaegar is never shown riding a dragon.
In the lore of A Song of Ice and Fire, Targaryen princes typically bonded with dragons, but Rhaegar’s death occurred before the main events of the series where dragon riding becomes prominent for the younger generation. It is possible he rode a dragon of his own, but this has not been confirmed.
While some fan theories suggest Rhaegar rode a dragon named Balerion or Vermithor, there is no concrete evidence in the books or show to confirm this. The phrase “The Last Dragon” is used metaphorically to refer to Rhaegar himself, not a literal dragon mount.
Rhaegar is often referred to as the “Last Dragon” symbolically, representing the end of the Targaryen dynasty’s direct line of power before Daenerys’s return. His connection to dragons is thus more metaphorical than literal.
Timeline of Rhaegar Targaryen’s Life
The following timeline outlines the major events in Rhaegar’s life, drawn from both book lore and the show:
- ~259 AC: Born at Summerhall during a tragic fire that also claimed King Aegon V.
- ~274 AC: Becomes a skilled warrior and wins the tourney at Harrenhal.
- ~280 AC: Marries Elia Martell of Dorne.
- ~281 AC: Birth of his daughter, Rhaenys.
- ~282 AC: Birth of his son, Aegon.
- ~282 AC: Meets Lyanna Stark at the Harrenhal tourney; later “kidnaps” her.
- ~283 AC: Robert’s Rebellion begins. Rhaegar leads the royal forces.
- ~283 AC: Battle of the Trident; Rhaegar is killed by Robert Baratheon.
- ~283 AC: Lyanna dies in childbirth with Jon Snow at the Tower of Joy.
- 302 AC (Show): Rhaegar appears in flashbacks (Season 6, 7).
What Remains Uncertain About Rhaegar Targaryen?
Despite extensive lore, several aspects of Rhaegar’s life remain unclear or disputed between the books and the show.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Rhaegar died at the Trident; his children with Elia were killed; he married Lyanna; Jon Snow is their son. | Whether Rhaegar had a dragon – no dragon named in main canon; some deleted scenes suggest he rode a dragon but not confirmed. |
| The nature of his relationship with Lyanna is presented as an elopement in the show. | In the books, whether Lyanna was abducted or went willingly remains ambiguous; the show depicts a secret marriage, but books leave it less clear. |
| Rhaegar was obsessed with the prophecy of the prince that was promised. | His exact prophetic dreams and the full extent of his role in the prophecy have not been fully revealed by George R.R. Martin. |
What is Rhaegar Targaryen’s Narrative Role?
Rhaegar serves as a tragic hero in the story. He is a well-meaning but deeply flawed prince whose actions, driven by love and prophecy, led to a devastating war. His obsession with the prophecy of the prince that was promised drove him to pursue Lyanna, believing their child would be the savior of the world.
Symbolically, Rhaegar represents the old Targaryen mystique: music, prophecy, and tragedy. He stands in stark contrast to Robert Baratheon, whose brutal killing of Rhaegar becomes the catalyst for his own reign and the subsequent decline of the Baratheon dynasty. Ultimately, Rhaegar’s most significant legacy is his son, Jon Snow, who becomes the secret heir to the Iron Throne.
Key Quotes About Rhaegar Targaryen
“Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaegar died.”
– Jorah Mormont (Show, Season 5)
“He was the last dragon.”
– Viserys Targaryen (Book, A Game of Thrones)
“Prince Rhaegar loved his Lady Lyanna, and thousands died for it.”
– Daenerys Targaryen (Show, Season 7)
Summary: Who Was Rhaegar Targaryen?
Rhaegar Targaryen was the crown prince of the Seven Kingdoms, a warrior, a harpist, and a man driven by prophecy. His actions ignited Robert’s Rebellion and led to the downfall of his own dynasty. His secret marriage to Lyanna Stark produced Jon Snow, the hidden heir to the Iron Throne, making Rhaegar one of the most influential characters in the entire series, even though he dies before the main story begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rhaegar Targaryen kidnap Lyanna Stark?
According to the show, Rhaegar and Lyanna were in love and married secretly. In the books, it is still ambiguous but widely believed to be an elopement.
Was Rhaegar Targaryen the father of Jon Snow?
Yes, both book and show confirm that Rhaegar is Jon Snow’s biological father, with Lyanna Stark as his mother.
What was Rhaegar Targaryen’s relationship with Elia Martell?
Elia was his first wife and mother of his first two children, Rhaenys and Aegon. The marriage was political but apparently respectful.
What prophecies were associated with Rhaegar Targaryen?
Rhaegar believed in the prophecy of the prince that was promised and thought his son Aegon might be the one. He later became convinced that his child with Lyanna was the promised prince.
What was Rhaegar Targaryen’s fighting ability?
He was considered a highly skilled swordsman, but he was defeated by Robert Baratheon at the Trident.
Who is Rhaegar Targaryen’s brother?
His brother is Viserys Targaryen, who later became known as the “Exiled King” and attempted to reclaim the Iron Throne.
Who is Rhaegar Targaryen’s sister?
His sister is Daenerys Targaryen, the “Mother of Dragons” and the last surviving Targaryen sibling.
Where was Rhaegar Targaryen born?
He was born at Summerhall during the Tragedy of Summerhall in 259 AC.
Is Rhaegar Targaryen related to Aegon Targaryen?
Yes, Rhaegar’s son with Elia Martell was named Aegon, and his son with Lyanna Stark was also revealed to be named Aegon in the show.
What is Rhaegar Targaryen’s connection to Robert’s Rebellion?
His relationship with Lyanna Stark, which was perceived as a kidnapping, was the direct catalyst for Robert’s Rebellion against the Targaryen crown.
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Sarah Mills is Managing Editor at Southampton Wire, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.