Are Daenerys and Viserys Twins? A Deep Dive into Targaryen Relations

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and its television adaptation Game of Thrones, the relationship dynamics between the Targaryen family members are rife with intrigue and complex familial ties. A popular query online is whether Daenerys and Viserys are twins. Let's delve into the facts.

Fact: Viserys is Older than Daenerys

The books and the show clearly state that Viserys is several years older than Daenerys. Indeed, Viserys is old enough to remember their father Aerys when he was still alive. This discrepancy is a notable detail that sets the stage for the complex relationships within the Targaryen family.

Unclear Birth of Aegon

There is a level of ambiguity surrounding a potential figure named Aegon. According to certain lore, Aerys and Rhaella Targaryen had a son named Aegon, who either died in the cradle or was stillborn. However, this is distinct from the character referred to as Aegon within the context of the story. The term 'FAegon' or 'fAegon' likely refers to an alternate version of Aegon in the lore. Regardless, neither Aerys nor the many other Aegons from the Targaryen family are siblings to Daenerys, with the exception of Rhaegar, who is her brother. Hence, Daenerys and her nephew Aegon are closely related but not siblings.

Daenerys and Aegon’s Relationship

This familial relationship has oversight implications, especially considering the incestuous nature of Targaryen marriages. However, the degree of incest is somewhat lessened by the fact that both Aegons are nephews to Daenerys. Aegon VI (Rhaegar's son by Elia Martell) and fAegon (the purported Aegon) are accurately depicted as Daenerys' nephews. The same can be said for Jon Snow, who is both Aegon Targaryen and the namesake of Aegon V, under the Targaryen naming convention.

Viserys and Daenerys’ Closest Blood Relations

In the narrative, both Aegons are Danys nephews, as they are sons of her brother Rhaegar. From a Targaryen perspective, the close blood relationship connotes a marriage of convenience to keep the bloodline pure. However, personal feelings and familial bonds, such as the trust between Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly, can play a significant role.

Jon Snow’s Motivation and Future

As Jon Snow, currently raised as Aegon Targaryen, raises the question of legitimacy. Since his days at the Wall, Jon's goal has been to warn people and prepare for the White Walkers. His decision to consider his true identity as a Targaryen sibling to Daenerys highlights his potential strategic motivation to secure the throne and his people's future. Given Daenerys' 'burn them all' mentality and her disregard for counsel, such as Tyrion Lannister's warning to imprison the Lannister lords instead of burning them, Jon’s motivations for a marriage with Daenerys are clear.

Furthermore, the pending battle at Winterfell, Jon and Daenerys’ possible escape, and the subsequent time they will have to discuss their future together will play a critical role. The idea of a marriage is a plausible outcome, especially if Daenerys is pregnant. This would legitimize Jon's claim and ensure his child's place in the line of succession, thus giving him a stake in her rule and potentially a more stable future.

The real question remains: will Daenerys be willing to give up her crown for Jon Snow, now known as Aegon Targaryen, and the people his people? Samwell Tarly's query in the story, "You gave up your crown for your people. Is she willing to do the same," invites another layer of complexity to this relationship drama. Indeed, it is one of the most intriguing aspects of the Targaryen lineage.