The Hidden Valyrians of Westeros Beyond the Targaryens

Among the myriad noble houses of Westeros, the legacy of the ancient Valyrians continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of Westerosi history. While the Targaryen family is undoubtedly the most prominent among these descendants, other Valyrian bloodlines exist, albeit in diminished stature. This article delves into the lesser-known Valyrian families that have enriched the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and A Song of Ice and Fire.

House Velaryon: Ancestral Ties to Valyria

One of the most well-known Valyrian families, House Velaryon, boasts a lineage that traces back to the Valyrian Freehold. This noble house is closely tied to the esteemed Targaryens, who also fled the doomed city of Valyria.

The Velaryons are renowned for their seafaring prowess, wealth, and maritime influence. Their role in preserving their ancestral fleet shows their strong connection to the old Valyrian ways. House Velaryon and the Targaryens share a silver-white hair trait, a distinctive feature of the Valyrian bloodline.

Other Lesser-Known Valyrian Families

While House Velaryon contains the largest and most recognized Valyrian bloodline outside the Targaryens, there are several other lesser-known noble families with Valyrian roots:

House Qoherys

House Qoherys, though now extinct, was once a powerful house with a connection to the Valyrian ancestry. These family ties, while not as pronounced in the current era, have contributed to the historical richness of Westeros.

House Celtigar

Similar to House Qoherys, House Celtigar is another noble family with Valyrian heritage. Although their influence has waned over the centuries, their legacy still resonates within the realm.

Unveiling Possible Connections in the Realms Beyond

It is not uncommon for the descendants of Valyrians to be scattered across the vast expanse of Westeros and beyond. Some of these connections are speculated to exist in the realms far beyond the traditional borders of the Seven Kingdoms.

Volantis: The city of Volantis, located in Essos, was a crucial hub for the old Valyrian empire. During the reign of Jaeherys and Alysanne, the Targaryen founder, a bride from the Targaryen family fled to Volantis. If it is true that she kept her name and bore children, it stands to reason that there may be a significant number of Valyrian descendants in the region.

In addition to these families, there are whispers of promising descendants that might hold Valyrian blood. Notable among these are the speculated heritage of:

Jon Snow

- Suggested by some to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, Jon's lineage remains a subject of intense speculation and debate.

Young Griff (Aegon VI)

- Believed by many to be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Princess Elia Martell, Aegon's potential existence adds another layer of intrigue to the Valyrian heritage in Westeros.

However, the true identities of these individuals remain shrouded in mystery until George R.R. Martin provides more definitive answers. For now, these tales continue to captivate the imaginations of fans worldwide.

Beyond the Great Houses: The Presence of Bastards

Valyrian blood is also found among the less formalized nobility, particularly in the form of bastards. While bastards in Westeros are often raised by their illegitimate parents or fostered out, some may possess Valyrian heritage through their parentage. For instance, Gendry Baratheon, a bastard of House Baratheon, has been revealed to have Targaryen ancestry through his father. This connection undoubtedly adds another dimension to the speculate lineage of the trueborn Targaryens.

The presence of Valyrian bastards also highlights the enduring influence of the old empire, even among the lower echelons of Westerosi society.

In conclusion, while the Targaryens remain the most prominent representatives of the Valyrian bloodline, other noble houses and even the less formalized nobility still carry the legacy of the ancient Freehold. The true extent of this influence within Westeros and beyond remains a fascinating area of exploration for both readers and fans of the a Song of Ice and Fire series.