Game of Thrones Family Tree Explained: Targaryen & Lannister Lineage
Among the most influential and powerful families in Game of Thrones are the Targaryens. Famous for their dragons, civil wars, and complex bloodlines, the Targaryen family tree alone is enough to confuse most viewers.
This guide does not just focus on the Targaryens. It also explains the Game of Thrones family tree across other major houses, including the Lannister family tree and the Stark family tree, so you can clearly understand how the characters are related.
- Part 1: Why Is the Game of Thrones Family Tree Complicated?
- Part 2: Family Trees of the Major Houses in Game of Thrones
- Part 3. How to Make a Game of Thrones Family Tree
- Part 4. FAQs About the Game of Thrones Family Tree
Part 1: Why Is the Game of Thrones Family Tree Complicated?
Westeros and Essos are fictional continents where Game of Thrones is set, and the world closely resembles the Middle Ages on Earth. Like many fantasy stories, it has no direct connection to real-world history, yet it includes classic fantasy elements such as swordplay, magic, and mythical creatures like dragons. However, these elements often take a back seat to human drama and political intrigue.
Game of Thrones is an HBO fantasy television series based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, spanning eight seasons and exploring power struggles across these imagined lands.
The reason so many viewers search for the Game of Thrones family tree is simple:
- • Multiple noble houses compete for the Iron Throne
- • Marriages are used for political alliances
- • Illegitimate children and secret bloodlines are common
- • Incest and civil wars complicate inheritance
Because of this, understanding the story without a family tree can be extremely difficult. But don’t worry, the content following will explain every detail for you.
Part 2. Family Trees of the Major Houses in Game of Thrones
Below are the most important families whose bloodlines shape the story.
Targaryen Family Tree (GOT Targaryen Family Tree)
The Targaryen family tree is one of the most complex in Game of Thrones history. Their dynasty ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years.
Targaryen Family Tree Overview
- • Founding Line: House Targaryen originated in Valyria
- • Key Traits: Dragon riders, silver hair, incestuous marriages
- • Main Conflict: Succession disputes and civil war (Dance of the Dragons)
Key Members
• King Jaehaerys I Targaryen – Strengthened the dynasty
• Princess Rhaenys Targaryen – 'The Queen Who Never Was'
• King Viserys I Targaryen – Father of Rhaenyra and Aegon II
• Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen – Central figure in the Targaryen civil war
• Prince Daemon Targaryen – Warrior, dragonrider, Rhaenyra’s husband
• Aemond Targaryen – Alicent’s son, rider of Vhagar
• Daenerys Targaryen – Last known Targaryen heir, 'Mother of Dragons'
Because of constant intermarriage, the GOT Targaryen family tree includes repeated names, overlapping generations, and disputed heirs.
Stark Family Tree (Stark Family Tree in GOT)
The Stark family tree is one of the oldest in Westeros. House Stark rules the North from Winterfell.
Stark Family Tree Overview
- • Founder: Bran the Builder
- • Title: Kings in the North (later Wardens of the North)
- • House Words: "Winter Is Coming"
Main Stark Line (Modern Era)
- • Rickard Stark – Lord of Winterfell
- • Eddard (Ned) Stark – His son, Hand of the King
- • Children of Ned Stark:
1. Robb Stark
2. Sansa Stark
3. Arya Stark
4. Bran Stark
5. Rickon Stark - • Jon Snow – Ned’s adopted son (later revealed Targaryen heritage)
Most viewers searching for the Game of Thrones Stark family tree want to understand how Jon Snow fits into both Stark and Targaryen lineages.
Lannister Family Tree (Game of Thrones Lannister Family)
The Lannister family tree represents wealth, power, and political manipulation.
Lannister Family Tree Overview
- • Seat: Casterly Rock
- • House Sigil: Golden lion
- • Motto: "Hear Me Roar"
- • Unofficial Motto: "A Lannister Always Pays His Debts"
Key Members
- • Tywin Lannister – Patriarch of the family
- • Cersei Lannister – Queen of the Seven Kingdoms
- • Jaime Lannister – Kingslayer, twin of Cersei
- • Tyrion Lannister – The Imp, strategic mind
A major point of interest in the Game of Thrones Lannister family tree is that Cersei’s children are biologically Jaime’s, not King Robert Baratheon’s—an explosive secret that drives much of the series.
Hightower Family Tree (Connected to Targaryens)
House Hightower rules Oldtown and plays a crucial supporting role.
- • Alicent Hightower marries King Viserys I
- • Her children (Aegon II, Aemond) become rivals to Rhaenyra
- • This connection directly impacts the Targaryen family tree
Part 3. How to Make a Game of Thrones Family Tree
With so many characters in Game of Thrones, memorizing all their relationships can be overwhelming. Creating a visual Game of Thrones family tree makes it far easier to keep track. You can use a simple tree chart maker like MindOnMap, which offers ready-made templates to help you quickly input characters’ names and photos. The tool also allows you to customize colors and themes, making your family tree unique and visually appealing. Even if you have no prior experience, the smooth interface ensures you can create a complete chart easily. Additionally, MindOnMap supports collaboration, so you can share your tree and let others contribute in real time.
Steps Using MindOnMap
Go to the family tree maker website and create your MindOnMap account. After that, click the Create Online button. Another web page will appear on the screen. Another option to use the family tree maker is clicking Free Download below to install its desktop version.
Select the New menu on the left web page. Then, click the Mind Map to proceed to the main interface.
To start creating the Game of Thrones family tree, click the Central Topic → House Targaryen (or Stark / Lannister). Then you can insert the name of a character. Also, you can go to the upper interface and click the Image button to add an image from your computer. You can also use the Nodes and Sub-nodes to add more characters to your family tree. Use Theme to add background colors.
When you finish making the family tree, save the final output. Click the Save option to save the output in your MindOnMap account. To collaborate with others, click the Share option. Also, hit the Export button to save the family tree with other formats.
Part 4. FAQs About the Game of Thrones Family Tree
Why is the Game of Thrones family tree so complicated?
Because of political marriages, incest, illegitimate children, and frequent wars between noble houses.
What is the Targaryen family tree in Game of Thrones?
It traces the dragon-riding dynasty from ancient Valyria to Daenerys Targaryen, including civil wars and succession disputes.
How are the Lannisters related to the Iron Throne?
Through Cersei Lannister, who becomes queen, and her children who sit on the throne.
How many Great Houses are there in Game of Thrones?
There are nine Great Houses, alongside hundreds of lesser noble families.
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones family tree is one of the most complex in modern television history. Understanding the Targaryen, Stark, and Lannister family trees helps viewers follow the story, character motivations, and political conflicts.
If you want a clear and visual way to organize these relationships, using a family tree tool like MindOnMap makes the process simple and effective.
