In House of the Dragon, the Targaryen family’s relationship with power is at the heart of the story, intricately woven into every political maneuver, family feud, and dragon battle. As rulers of Westeros, the Targaryens possess an unparalleled level of authority due to their dragons and their Valyrian bloodline. However, this power comes at a steep cost, as the series vividly explores how the pursuit and preservation of control ultimately fractures the family and threatens their rule.
The Targaryens see themselves as divinely chosen rulers, bolstered by their dragons, which symbolize their dominance over the Seven Kingdoms. This belief drives their obsession with maintaining a pure bloodline, leading to strategic (and often incestuous) marriages. Yet, as House of the Dragon reveals, the internal struggles for power within the family are as dangerous as external threats. The series centers on the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, where rival factions—each claiming the Iron Throne—tear the family apart.
Characters like Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen highlight differing interpretations of power. Rhaenyra, as the named heir, sees her claim to the throne as her birthright and seeks to rule with a mix of diplomacy and strength. Daemon, on the other hand, embodies a more aggressive, chaotic approach to power, viewing violence and dominance as essential tools for control. Their conflicting strategies reveal how fragile the Targaryens’ hold on power truly is, as loyalty within the family falters in the face of ambition.
The series also examines the cost of power. The Targaryens’ use of dragons to enforce their rule is both their greatest asset and their greatest vulnerability. As the civil war progresses, it becomes clear that even dragons cannot save them from the self-destruction that unchecked ambition brings. In this sense, House of the Dragon portrays power not as a gift, but as a curse—one that consumes the very family it elevates.
This complex relationship with power not only defines the Targaryens but also sets the stage for the eventual fall of their dynasty, adding layers of tragedy and depth to their story. The Targaryens’ rise and fall remind viewers that power, when pursued without restraint, leads to division, destruction, and ultimately, downfall.