What is 200 years before Game of Thrones?
The world of Westeros is filled with a rich history, and one of the most intriguing aspects of the Game of Thrones universe is the time period 200 years before the events of the show. This era is known as the Targaryen dynasty, and it’s a crucial part of the series’ backstory. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 200 years before Game of Thrones, exploring the key events, characters, and themes that shaped the world we know today.
The Targaryen Dynasty
The Targaryen dynasty began with the arrival of Aegon the Conqueror, a powerful dragonlord who united the Seven Kingdoms under his rule. Aegon’s conquests led to the establishment of King’s Landing as the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and the Targaryen dynasty continued for generations, with each ruler building upon the accomplishments of their predecessors.
House of the Dragon
One of the most significant events in the 200 years before Game of Thrones is the rise of House of the Dragon, a prequel series that explores the history of House Targaryen. The show is set 300 years before the events of Game of Thrones and follows the story of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen, as she navigates the complexities of royal politics and family dynamics.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra is a key figure in the Targaryen dynasty, and her story is central to the events of House of the Dragon. She is the firstborn child of King Viserys I Targaryen and his wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, and is known for her beauty, intelligence, and ambition. Rhaenyra’s desire to claim the Iron Throne leads her to make some difficult choices, which ultimately lead to her downfall.
Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Uncrowned, is Rhaenyra’s half-brother and the second son of King Viserys I Targaryen. Aegon is a cunning and ruthless individual who is determined to claim the Iron Throne for himself. He is the main antagonist of House of the Dragon and is responsible for the downfall of Rhaenyra and her family.
The Dance of the Dragons
The Dance of the Dragons is a pivotal event in the 200 years before Game of Thrones, and it is a central plot point in House of the Dragon. The Dance of the Dragons is a civil war that erupts between the supporters of Rhaenyra and Aegon II, and it lasts for several years, causing widespread destruction and chaos throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
Key Events
Some of the key events that occurred 200 years before Game of Thrones include:
- The death of King Viserys I Targaryen, which sets off a chain of events that leads to the Dance of the Dragons.
- The birth of Rhaenyra’s son, Aegon III Targaryen, who becomes the King of the Seven Kingdoms after the Dance of the Dragons.
- The death of Aegon II Targaryen, which brings an end to the Dance of the Dragons and sets the stage for the events of Game of Thrones.
Characters
Some of the key characters that play a significant role in the 200 years before Game of Thrones include:
- Rhaenyra Targaryen: The daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and the firstborn child of the royal family. She is ambitious and determined to claim the Iron Throne.
- Aegon II Targaryen: The half-brother of Rhaenyra and the second son of King Viserys I Targaryen. He is cunning and ruthless, and is determined to claim the Iron Throne for himself.
- King Viserys I Targaryen: The ruler of the Seven Kingdoms and the father of Rhaenyra and Aegon II. He is a just and fair ruler, but his death sets off a chain of events that leads to the Dance of the Dragons.
Themes
Some of the key themes that are explored in the 200 years before Game of Thrones include:
- Power and Ambition: The struggle for power and ambition is a central theme in the 200 years before Game of Thrones. Rhaenyra and Aegon II are both driven by their desire to claim the Iron Throne, and their ambition leads them to make difficult choices.
- Family Dynamics: The relationships between family members are a crucial part of the 200 years before Game of Thrones. Rhaenyra and Aegon II are half-siblings, and their rivalry is a central plot point in House of the Dragon.
- War and Destruction: The Dance of the Dragons is a pivotal event in the 200 years before Game of Thrones, and it is a central plot point in House of the Dragon. The war leads to widespread destruction and chaos throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
Conclusion
The 200 years before Game of Thrones is a rich and complex era in the world of Westeros, filled with complex characters, events, and themes. The rise of House of the Dragon has shed new light on this period, and has given fans a deeper understanding of the world that we know today. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the series or just discovering the world of Westeros, the 200 years before Game of Thrones is an essential part of the story that is sure to captivate and intrigue.