
Rhaenyra Targaryen was a strong and determined ruler who made a powerful name for herself in late 12th century Westeros. Though her story is not well known, it serves as an important moment in history as her death cemented the path to the Iron Throne for House Baratheon.
The events leading up to her death are just as fascinating as the death itself. In 129 AC, Rhaenyra agreed to marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, a distant relative of hers with no claim to the throne. This enraged her half-brother Aegon II, who had long sought to replace their father, King Viserys on the Iron Throne and eventually drove him over the edge with rage. As tensions between Rhaenyra and Aegon II rose, they collided in war after Rhaenyra refused to step down from power. At this point, many of Westeros’ most powerful houses sided with vanities side – forming two great factions that served at odds throughout all of Westeros.
In 130 AC many battles erupted both on land and at sea - one of them is known famously today as The Battle Of The Raven's Point. This battle was highly successful for Aegon II's forces; they were able to strike down many dragon lords serving Rhaenyra's side including Irrizarrioo (Rhaena Blackwood). The remains entirely outmatched and ultimately defeated by her brother’s forces despite her best efforts which resulted in most of them being killed or captured by House Veerys’ knights led by Ser Addam Velaryoo - who she identified as a traitor to his own house- during this fight.
Ultimately, this defeat would be fatal for Rheanyra Targaryen - she was taken into captivity where she wasn't buried until 141 AC - due from starvation or lack of proper medical attention following an apparent fall from Dragonbinder while trying however it may be debated whether she actually died then or before but both accounts are well documented by sources of Westerosi history such as “The Princess And Queen: The Duck Of Dowager". As gruesomely ironic ending- it can be said that Rhaenyra died how she lived: fighting fiercely against injustice until her very last breath point blank that much can be stated about this character certainly shaped much of what would later come after generations witnessing news downfall even inspiring characters like Daenerys Targaryan - Her name will forever remain alive in veins midst Westerossi dynasties.
On a similar theme: Daemon Targaryen Die
What circumstances led to Rhaenyra Targaryen's death?
The death of Rhaenyra Targaryen was a tragedy that had many complex and significant influences. To answer the question “what circumstances led to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s death?”, it is essential to first look at the political and familial framework which surrounded her life.
Rhaenyra was an ambitious woman with a devotion to securing the Iron Throne for herself and her family. Her claim as the daughter of King Viserys I, her mother Rhaenys's brother-in-law, made her a formidable competitor against other candidates vying for the throne. However, this ambition eventually became a source of conflict between House Baratheon and House Targaryen due to their respective desires for power over Westeros. As a result of this rivalry, civil war broke out between them; The Dance of Dragons was fought over who would rule after Viserys I's demise.
Unfortunately for Rhaenyra, she had no support from either side in this war and instead found herself caught in an unfortunate predicament where she found herself vulnerable to both sides' attacks. After losing control to handpicked commanders on one front lines and continuous military defeats at other front lines, in particular during The Whispers Rebellion insurgency near Kings Landing which caused House Barbarthon seek revenge by hosting public demonstration known as 'Fury', she decided that peace could only be achieved by negotiating with Aegon II who held absolute military power following his victory at Gray Sheep Field Battle in Second Battle Of Tumbleton.
However, Aegon II soon ordered what has been known as The Storming Of Dragonstone event which resulted with imprisoning Rheayna by executing her children that were present at time while what remained loyal supporters were largely executed or imprisoned as well cause vast destruction throughout fortress island since its defences weren't fully operational yet never true form knowing this forces led by Aegon II weren't immune to conflicts either ending with his own death shortly afterwards leaving victorious forces completely commanderless allowing remaining forces loyal to holed up Lord Borros remaining escape off shore but ultimately leading fate marked path towards Rhaneya execution despite best efforts from allies still remains mystery but undoubtedly being horrible when recognized circumstances leading towards it carried day must say better things spoken about than done probably leaving deep regret all parties involved but most tragically Rhaneya now remembered famous sentence “‘Sisters should not fight ruin one another."
Who killed Rhaenyra Targaryen?
When it comes to one of the most controversial topics in the entire Game of Thrones series, there is one question that will never stop stirring up conversations between fans and viewers alike: "Who killed Rhaenyra Targaryen?"
The answer to this compelling question lies not with a single person, but an unlikely combination of those involved in her death. Rhaenyra’s end began with Viserys Targaryen—her father and King of Westeros. When his chief advisor Jon Connington urged him to first exile then execute his daughter, King Viserys responded by arresting her as a prisoner. While held captive, she was indiscriminately attacked by both Baratheon loyalists and Velaryon forces until she could no longer move or defend herself. This initial spark drove her murder that followed shortly after.
The second individual involved was Aegon II—Rhaenyra’s younger brother who was vying for the Iron Throne in the great civil war known as The Dance of the Dragons. A power-hungry participant who manipulated both allies and enemies alike to gain his own personal advantage, Aegon II either gave or received orders that resulted in Rhaenyra's ultimate demise—commanded from afar by either him or those loyal to him on his behalf.
Finally, we cannot forget about Ser Criston Cole—an enigmatic knight who fought on behalf of House Velaryon during The Dance of Dragons yet still acted justly when it came to matters concerning life and death during wartime. Having promised Rhaenyra safe passage through enemy lines to go ‘wherever she wanted’ if ever released from captivity; Cole subsequently made good on this promise until he realized at the last moment he hoisted her onto Ser Carion Barkstone's back where they intended murdered instead voluntarily escorted away; confirming that responsibility for Rhaenyras death rested squarely upon Ser Crositon Coles shoulders instead!
So while many believed it was one single person responsible for killing Rhaenyra Targaryen, ultimately it took a powerful combination between Viserys Targaryen, Aegon II and Criston Cole for such tragedy come true—marking yet another dark chapter in Westeros most tumultuous history.
Intriguing read: Person Dies
Who succeeded Rhaenyra Targaryen as ruler of Westeros?
House Targaryen’s ninth ruler was a woman, Rhaenyra Targaryen. She reigned from 129 AC to 131 AC, however her reign was a short-lived one. After her death a dynastical struggle and civil war called the Dance of the Dragons began to decide who would become the new ruler of Westeros. Out of this chaotic battle emerged one victor; Jaehaerys I Targaryen who would rise to power and become the tenth king of House Targaryen as well as ruler of all of Westeros.
Prince Jaehaerys was born in 129 AC during his mother's reign over Westeros and became King after being crowned at King's Landing in 131 AC when he was just two years old and succeeded from Rhaenyra's son, Aegon II. As a young king, he had not expected to have much power or sway but proved quite capable once put into power for his age. He immediately set out to settle the civil war by peacefully ending the dancing which had consumed much of Westeros in suffering for over two years prior.
King Jaeharrys wasn't just successful at putting an end to the fighting throughout Westeros, he also began building alliances with other powerful Houses such as House Baratheon and Greyjoy that gave Targaryen influence more stability across lands they ruled or looked protectively over within their domains. He worked hard throughout his reign on infrastructure projects such as repairing castle walls and fortifying troops which helped build up trust among peasants living under their rule, earning him great amounts of admiration throughout his many realms while still maintaining a fair reputation among those outside them.
The people crowning Prince Jaeharrys I looked upon him with great hope that he'd be able to survey over peaceful rulemakings within Westeros now that The Dance was finished; expectations met by peace under his rule until an expedited death caused by illness in 157AC after 26 years holding onto prosperous leadership passed away leaving five children as heirs that would now have control for what brings us up to Cersei Lannister currently ruling during Daenerys late arrival onto oscene shores near Dragonstone sparking back up revivals of ongoing feuds between Houses unwilling play on terms they didn't set so many years ago when Kingsgreeted lands at King's Landing with whistful murmurs.. When looking back on what happened after Rhaenyra’s sudden passing it’s easy see why almost all chose wisely in selecting whom should take seat against Blackfyre ambitions sitting upon Iron Throne come time make decision determining future House Targaryen today...
What battles did Rhaenyra Targaryen fight during her reign?
Rhaenyra Targaryen was the first reigning queen of Westeros and notably the only female ruler of the Seven Kingdoms during The Dance of Dragons, one of the most dangerous events in Westerosi history. During her brief reign, Rhaenyra fought many battles, both on and off the battlefield, in a bid to secure her throne and protect the Targaryen legacy.
The first battle Rhaenyra fought began before she took her place on the Iron Throne. Upon her father Viserys’ death, there was dispute between Rhaenyra's faction and that of her half-brother Aegon II over who should reign as king.. This dispute rapidly escalated into full-scale war between their forces which came to be known as The Dance of Dragons. Despite a strike from Balerion leading to victory at Summerhall for Team Aegon II, it ultimately ended in failure for him with himself being killed by his dragon Vhagar who favored Team Rhaenyra.
Though victorious, this victory would not bring peace for long as more battles broke out between them soon after with both sides suffering great losses with dragons and armies meeting death in fierce conflicts such as Gembyte Sea Massacre where Rhaenyra's forces lead by Ser Addam Marbrand sank Aegon II's navy near Dragonstone resulting in thousands dead despite only few losses on their side due to ferocity of dragons Vsarion & Seasmoke amongst other fierce tactics used by them during combat.
On legal grounds too Queen Rhaenyra fought mightily against House Baratheon when they challenged her right to rule Westeros at Kingsmoat court where she argued uniquely using incontrovertible evidence that left claimants speechless ending humiliating trial that could have decided whole future of Seven Kingdoms thanks to timely intervention by Ser Oswell Wyld whose idea gave validity to argument made by Queen further reinforcing her claims about succession war against Aegon II making sure none can challenge rest of tenure spent Lord Norreys particularly kept challenging limits set by House so it wasn't an easy fighting throughouther reign yet she put up fight against all odds making sure she wouldn't be overthrown quietly even after everything going horribly wrong around her time serving only one unified purpose remaining on throne inspite odds stacked against succeeding at every step taken unlike her half brother who gave up losing will power fight enemies based off time clashed previously & letting them make bold moves challenging throne weakening own chances staying king hardly putting up any fight back giving away leverage which eventually costed him dear sacrificing very life honor & integrity commanded being rightful heir rumble like never before setting examples inspiring ages come generations go setting same standards upholding tradition heading dynasty ahead live ancestors had spirits lives something Queen did extraordinarily well never relenting enterprising every odd scoring glorious victories despite odds stacked against doing wonders while saving kingdom honour integrity protecting legacy dynasty cementing rightfully ones firm seat Iron Throne secured fanatically brilliantly through thick thin.
Consider reading: Time Dies Aldi Open
What was the cause of the civil war commonly known as 'The Dance of the Dragons'?
The Dance of the Dragons, otherwise known as The Great Council of 101 AC, was an outbreak of civil war that occurred in Westeros during the Targaryen Dynasty. This period was one of some of the most destructive and bloody battles ever fought in Westeros, and it lasted nearly five years.
It all began when King Aegon II disputed his sister Rhaenyra's right to be crowned Queen when their father died. His reasoning was that even though Rhaenyra was the eldest child born from their father's first wife, it should still have been him to take over the throne since he had been born from his father's second official marriage—even though Rhaenyra had a few years on him in age.
This sparked a full-blown struggle between Aegon II and his siblings for the Iron Throne before ultimately leading to war amongst those loyal to each brother and sister's claims for the crown. Various powerful lords supported each side financially and militarily through wars that consisted solely of several royal houses facing off against each other throughout Westeros; like dragon against dragon, this is where this civil war earned its infamous nickname - The Dance of The Dragons.
The casualties mounted up quickly; not only were many nobles killed or maimed but unfortunately, dragons were being slaughtered too as they burned many towns and cities ruthlessly with their flames whilst under orders from either side during battle. Eventually after nearly five years both sides called for a truce which concluded with King Aegon III accepted as king by both sides who declared that Targaryens would never fight each other openly again. But sadly enough much devastation languished upon Westeros in those five most violent years--lives were torn apart forever and knowledge painfully learned regarding power struggles amongst house loyalties--never again would Westeros witness such spectacle not until Robert's Rebellion and ultimately putting an end to hundreds more lives with yet another civil War in 17th century Westeros known now as Robert’s Rebellion eventually revealing us today whom survives and rules; House Lannister’s Tywin & Cersei currently holding on reigns over all wills within Westerosi borders!
Explore further: Father Stu Die
Sources
- https://www.cbr.com/rhaenyra-targaryen-game-of-thrones/
- https://leedaily.com/2022/10/10/rhaenyra-targaryen/
- https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-fans-take-to-twitter-discuss-westeross-emergency-contraception-052822765.html
- https://popculture.io/house-of-the-dragon-plot-targaryen-civil-war-explained/
- https://firstcuriosity.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-how-did-all-dragons-die-in-targaryen-civil-war/
- https://www.thedigitalfix.com/game-of-thrones/house-of-the-dragon-who-kills-rhaenyra-targaryen
- https://wikiofnerds.com/why-are-the-riverlands-important-in-the-dance-of-the-dragons/
- https://www.westeros.org/News/Tag/Rhaenyra+Targaryen/
- https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php/Dance_of_the_Dragons
- https://firstcuriosity.com/entertainment/who-are-rhaenyra-targaryens-children-and-who-ruled-westeros-after-her/
Featured Images: pexels.com