Anyone who has watched Game of Thrones can tell you this: When a Targaryen is born, the world flips a coin. But the Targaryens of the series -- even those whose coin flip didn't end favorably -- all have a massive impact on how the history of Westeros unfolds. And for that reason, House Targaryen has also had a lasting impact on fans.
Whether you love Daenerys and her ancestors or hate them, it's hard to deny how iconic they are, both within the world of Westeros and within the show's fandom. And those who pledge allegiance to House Targaryen certainly aren't apologizing for it. In fact, many of them have their love for Dany and her dragons tattooed to their skin.
Here are 10 Targaryen tattoos only devoted Game of Thrones fans will get.
If I Look Back, I Am Lost
This Daenerys quote didn't make it into HBO's television adaptation, but fans of George R.R. Martin's novels will recognize it. Daenerys repeats this mantra to herself as she climbs onto the pyre with her three dragon eggs at the end of the first book. Essentially, she knows that if she thinks too much about the consequences, fear will win out and she won't go through with it.
Of course, fans of the books and the show know that Daenerys does follow through -- and that she winds up with three dragons as a result of it. It seems not looking back worked out for her in the end.
Three Dragons
Speaking of Dany's three dragons, this tattoo pays homage to Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. To someone who hasn't watched the series, the tattoo may just look like random dragon artwork. But Game of Thrones fans will recognize the colors of the dragons and immediately make the connection.
It's worth noting that Viserion wasn't always blue. This ink captures his transformation into the Night King's steed -- a terrifying development if there ever was one.
Mother Of Dragons
After eight seasons of Game of Thrones, it's hard to remember a time Daenerys didn't have her dragons. But back in season one, all she had were three supposedly fake dragon eggs, courtesy of Illyrio Mopatis. This tattoo turns those eggs into some gorgeous body art.
While the coloring of the eggs is slightly off from that of the eggs in the show, the bright tones paired with the flowers give this ink a tropical feel. And in case fans don't notice where the eggs are from, the piece has "Mother of Dragons" -- one of Dany's many titles -- framing it, just to be sure.
Mhysa
Daenerys becomes a mother to many over the course of Game of Thrones, and that includes the slaves she freed in Yunkai. At the end of season three, after she's liberated the city, its people come out and begin calling her "Mhysa," which means mother in Ghiscari.
This tattoo gives a nod to that name for Daenerys, while turning it into a typical "Mom" tattoo -- it's got the heart and everything!
Kill Your Masters
"Kill your masters" is a phrase that can hold many meanings, though for Daenerys, it's a pretty literal saying. She destroyed the masters of Slaver's Bay to free its people, and this tattoo combines that quote with an image of her and her dragons to salute that.
Of course, for the person getting such a tattoo, "masters" can refer to any number of things -- and that's part of what makes this tattoo so inspirational.
Be A Dragon
When Daenerys arrives on the shores of Westeros, she heeds Tyrion's advice and is hesitant about attacking the people she's come to rule. Fans know this strategy doesn't work out well for her, and Olenna Tyrell knew it as well -- hence why she tells her new queen to "be a dragon."
This tattoo pays homage to that moment, and it includes some gorgeous art of Dany's three dragons while doing so. (It's also got the Dragon Queen's favorite saying, making for a well-rounded Targaryen tattoo if there ever was one.)
Dracarys
Speaking of Daenerys' favorite saying, it's hard to deny that "Dracarys" has become a powerful and iconic phrase among Game of Thrones fans. Not only does it symbolize all the times Dany and her dragons defeat their enemies, but it's Missandei's last word -- a plea that ultimately leads to Daenerys destroying King's Landing.
Even if "Dracarys" doesn't always take on a positive meaning, though, it's become representative of much of what House Targaryen stands for -- and that seems to be reason enough for many fans to get it inked onto them.
The Conquerer
To those who don't watch Game of Thrones, this tattoo could be an illustration of any woman with braided hair -- but fans of the series know better. This artwork captures Dany's third-season look, from the blue cape she wears while conquering Slaver's Bay to the braided hairstyle she's become known for.
This tattoo keeps things subtle, not offering up any quotes or House Targaryen sayings to clarify what it's an image of. Fans of the show will get it, and those who aren't as invested might not.
Assault On King's Landing
The final season of Game of Thrones finally sees Daenerys flying what remains of her forces -- and her dragons -- to King's Landing. Things don't go as planned, but it's an iconic and gorgeous moment before the Greyjoy fleet intervenes, and it's understandable that someone might get it tattooed to them.
This piece does a nice job of providing detail when it comes to the city in the background, as well as when it comes to illustrating Drogon and Rhaegal. And that's something any true fan can appreciate.
All Things Targaryen
While some of the tattoos on this list nod to House Targaryen in more subtle ways, this arm sleeve references just about everything to do with the house of the dragon -- and devoted fans will catch every detail that relates back to Daenerys and her family.
Not only does this include all three of Dany's dragons during various stages of their journeys, but it shows off a dragon egg, the Targaryen sigil, and the Dragon Queen herself. Whoever got this is clearly a big fan of House Targaryen -- and really, can we blame them?