Among the complex and often tragic family trees within George R.R. Martin’s Targaryen lore, the union between Laena Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen stands out as a key chapter. Their brief but impactful marriage added new branches to the ever-burning fire of House Targaryen. Though not the most politically dominant of alliances, their relationship symbolized both ambition and loss. The children born from this union Baela and Rhaena Targaryen play significant roles in the unfolding saga of the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. Understanding the legacy of Laena and Daemon’s children offers deeper insight into the power dynamics, dragon-riding lineage, and emotional undercurrents that fuel the conflicts of Westeros.
The Marriage of Laena Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen
Before exploring their children, it’s essential to understand the background of their parents. Laena Velaryon was the daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, known as the Queen Who Never Was. Her bloodline carried both Valyrian nobility and political ambition. Prince Daemon Targaryen, the rogue prince, was a brother to King Viserys I and one of the most unpredictable figures in Targaryen history. He was a skilled warrior, an experienced dragonrider, and a man who constantly walked the line between duty and chaos.
Their marriage was based more on passion and shared ambition than strategic alliance, though it did serve to connect two of the most powerful Valyrian houses. Together, they lived for a time in Pentos, away from court politics, and raised their children in relative peace. However, their story would take a tragic turn, ultimately shaping the future of their daughters.
Laena’s Tragic Death
Laena’s death during childbirth was a harrowing moment that deeply affected both Daemon and their daughters. In the lore, she attempted to die as a dragonrider commanding her dragon Vhagar to burn her, echoing the Valyrian ideals of death over weakness. Her death left Baela and Rhaena motherless at a young age and set the stage for their father’s later marriage to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Baela Targaryen The Bold Daughter
Baela, the elder of the twins, inherited much of her parents’ strength and fire. She was bold, outspoken, and passionate a true dragonseed who took after her father. Baela bonded with the dragon Moondancer and became one of the youngest dragonriders of her generation.
Role in the Dance of the Dragons
Baela played an active part in the Targaryen civil war. As the stepdaughter of Rhaenyra Targaryen, she was closely aligned with the Black faction. Her most notable involvement was her duel against Aegon II’s forces during the Dance of the Dragons. She even faced off against her uncle’s dragon, showing extreme bravery despite the dangers. Her loyalty to her family and her dragon made her a symbol of Targaryen pride and resilience.
- DragonMoondancer, a swift and agile dragon.
- AllegianceSupporter of the Blacks (Rhaenyra’s cause).
- PersonalityFiery, loyal, and courageous.
Rhaena Targaryen The Dreamer
Rhaena, the younger twin, had a more reserved and thoughtful disposition compared to Baela. Though she was initially unable to bond with a dragon, her character was marked by sensitivity and quiet strength. Rhaena’s path diverged from her sister’s, but she remained influential in her own right.
Challenges and Choices
Rhaena’s lack of a dragon early in life set her apart from other Targaryen children. However, she later claimed the dragon Morning, a young and beautiful creature. Rhaena’s loyalty to her mother’s memory and her role in raising the next generation of Targaryens after the war made her significant in preserving the family’s legacy.
- DragonMorning, one of the last dragons of her time.
- AllegianceSupporter of the Black faction.
- Character traitsCompassionate, wise, and resilient.
Relationship with Their Stepmother Rhaenyra
After Laena’s death, Daemon married Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne. This union merged their respective families, creating a complicated web of step-sibling dynamics. Baela and Rhaena were raised alongside Rhaenyra’s sons from her previous marriage, adding tension and complexity to the family structure.
Despite the political motivations behind the marriage, both Baela and Rhaena remained loyal to Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons. Their alliances were not merely familial they were forged in blood and shared purpose. The sisters became integral parts of the Black faction’s narrative and contributed significantly to the legacy of House Targaryen.
Legacy and Importance in Targaryen History
The children of Laena and Daemon hold an important place in Targaryen history. While they may not have worn crowns or sat on the Iron Throne, their actions helped shape the course of events during one of Westeros’s most critical conflicts. They symbolize the fusion of two Valyrian bloodlines Targaryen and Velaryon and the enduring legacy of dragonriders.
Baela and the Velaryon Legacy
Through her marriage to Prince Joffrey Velaryon (Rhaenyra’s son), Baela helped maintain the Velaryon bloodline’s influence. Though Joffrey died young, Baela’s courage and status as a dragonrider gave her a prominent role in the realm’s politics. Her bloodline, like her spirit, endured through turbulent times.
Rhaena and the Survival of Dragons
Rhaena’s bond with Morning represented the continuation of the dragon legacy. As dragons began to dwindle after the civil war, her bond with Morning served as a glimmer of hope. Rhaena later took part in raising orphaned Targaryen children and preserving the Valyrian traditions, making her one of the key custodians of her house’s future.
Reflections on Their Parentage
Baela and Rhaena inherited both the strength and the sorrow of their lineage. Laena’s bravery and nobility combined with Daemon’s ambition and unpredictability created a volatile mix that manifested differently in each daughter. They were not merely products of their parents’ legacy; they forged their own paths, leaving an imprint on Targaryen lore.
Lessons from Their Lives
- ResilienceBoth sisters overcame tragedy and uncertainty, growing into leaders in their own right.
- LoyaltyTheir unwavering support for their family and beliefs defined their choices during the war.
- Balance of Fire and WisdomBaela’s fierce determination and Rhaena’s thoughtful guidance created a unique balance.
The story of Laena and Daemon’s children Baela and Rhaena Targaryen is one of quiet strength, tragic loss, and unyielding legacy. They played crucial roles during the Dance of the Dragons and served as symbols of the old Valyrian way, when dragonriders shaped the fate of Westeros. Through fire, blood, and loyalty, Baela and Rhaena carried forward the spirit of their parents, proving that even in the shadows of greater conflicts, individual courage can shape history.