Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

Who is the Mad King in House of the Dragon? An Important Game of Thrones Connection Explained

Recommended Videos

House of the Dragon has finally premiered, and for Game of Thrones fans, the Targaryen family is put on full display, although almost 200 years before the events of the hit HBO drama. In the series, we see the ruling kingdom of Westeros in its former glory as it is about to enter its decline before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. The ruling members of the family come at a crossroads as King Viserys I struggles to produce a male heir, and they must decide the course of action for who should succeed him on the Iron Throne should he pass. This family has its fair share of drama, power struggles, and premonitions, culminating in the fate of the Mad King, but Who is the Mad King in House of the Dragon? Read on to find out!

Who is the Mad King in House of the Dragon?

Mad-King-Aerys-II-Targarayen

The Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, does not appear in House of the Dragon, and remains largely only mentioned or appears in flashbacks in the Game of Thrones series. House of the Dragon takes place nearly 193 years before the events of GoT, well before Aerys’ time, but his lineage is present in the royal family, preserved for generations by inbreeding. In addition to his descent into madness being brought on by the inbreeding tradition, it is foreshadowed by the genuine power struggles that take place in this series, as King Viserys I has to make a crucial decision about the line of succession to the throne. Only read on if you are comfortable with spoilers of the series lore!

The last spoiler warning is here! The events in this series culminate in a massive civil war that breaks down the mighty presence of House Targaryen, once having as many as 18 dragons, down to few, and then none. Given how the show is seemingly altering canon a tad, however, this could change, but it would explain their weakened state by the events of GoT.

Who is the Mad King? An Important Game of Thrones Connection Explained

House-of-the-Dragon-Rhaenyra

Additionally, concern for the Mad King, his obsession with fire, setting his victims ablaze, and ultimate wildfire likely stemmed from this sudden decline in dragon presence before he took the throne. But then again, he also had wildfire planted throughout Kings Landing and intended to catch himself in the blaze, to be reborn a dragon, so his reasoning was suspect at best. He would ultimately be stabbed in the back by his kingsguard, Jaime Lannister. Aerys II’s paranoia is well-documented in the series, and his disdain for those he sees as a challenge to his status proves to be his downfall, an element he shares in common with HotD character Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith.

This concludes our coverage of The Mad King in House of the Dragon! Be sure to check out our entertainment column for more stories like this!

House of the Dragon premiered on August 21, 2022, on HBO. You can stream the series on HBO Max.


Attack of the Fanboy is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of J.R. Waugh
J.R. Waugh
J.R. is a Staff Writer with AOTF and has been covering gaming and entertainment in the industry since 2022. Along with a B.A. in History from the University of Cincinnati, he has studied at the University of Birmingham, UK, and part of his M.A. at the University of Waterloo. You'll find J.R. particularly at home writing about the hottest manga and anime. He is highly passionate about horror, strategy, and RPGs, and anything about Star Trek or LOTR. When not ranting about fan theories or writing guides, J.R. is streaming his favorite RPGs and other forgotten gems.
twitter