Why Was House Targaryen So Sparse During King Aerys II’s Reign?

During King Aerys II Targaryen's reign, commonly known as the Mad King, House Targaryen faced significant challenges and reductions in numbers. The reasons behind this can be traced through a combination of historical events, the actions of the Mad King himself, and the political climate of the time.

Historical Context

The Targaryens had already faced considerable losses in the past, including the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. This conflict had severely diminished their numbers, setting the stage for further declines during Aerys II's reign.

Aerys II's Actions

Aerys II was known for his erratic and violent behavior, often direly affecting the survival of the Targaryen lineage. His paranoia and cruelty led to the deaths of many potential heirs and supporters, including members of his own family. For instance, Aerys II had a habit of executing those close to him, leading to a significant drop in the number of Targaryens who could have potentially inherited the throne.

Political Turmoil

The political climate in Westeros was unstable and fraught with growing tensions between noble houses. The climactic movement of power made it particularly dangerous for the Targaryens, who found themselves increasingly isolated and threatened. This atmosphere of uncertainty and hostility contributed to the decline of the Targaryen bloodline.

Marriage and Succession

Aerys II's marriage to his sister Rhaella produced only two surviving children, Rhaegar and Viserys, along with a daughter, Daenerys, born after the fall of the Targaryen dynasty. The Targaryen tradition of marrying within the family to keep bloodlines pure also limited the number of offspring, leading to a further reduction in the numbers.

Additionally, Aerys II's personal health did not allow for a prolific family line. After Rhaegar, Aerys and Rhaella experienced multiple stillborn children before Viserys and Daenerys were born. This pattern highlighted the fragility of the Targaryen bloodline and the limited number of potential heirs capable of carrying on the dynasty.

The Fall of House Targaryen

Ultimately, the combination of these factors led to the downfall of House Targaryen during Roberts Rebellion. This event, which resulted in the deaths of Aerys II and many of his immediate family members, left only a few survivors, further exacerbating the scarcity of the Targaryen line.

Impact and Consequences

The Targaryens either died or went extinct through the male line. This means that many characters in the series have at least a great-grandfather that was a Targaryen, but their grandmother did not pass on the Targaryen name. Two key events, the Great Spring Sickness and Summerhall, significantly contributed to these losses. The Great Spring Sickness killed off thousands, including numerous Targaryens, while Summerhall saw a large family gathering where almost everyone died, further thinning the Targaryen bloodline.