With tensions between Rhaenyra and Alicent increasing every day on House of the Dragon, fans can already see how much chaos the Targaryen Civil War is about to cause. Not only will it see kingdoms divided between Team Black and Green, but fans are also about to see the dragons pitted against one another too (which will likely be seen in a series of blood-filled battles).
While the Targaryens are a family line who are incredibly fearsome with their dragons and political plotting, unfortunately, their greatest downfall was themselves. Due to the fears they have, there have been several occasions where the Targaryens allowed these anxieties to make some poor decisions. Even 150 years down the line, they don't appear to have learned their lessons as history repeated itself with Daenerys and her brother, Viserys.
Viserys Targaryen Greatest Fear Was Losing The Throne
Before audiences were introduced to their scheming ancestors, Viserys was the original schemer of House Targaryen. First seen in season 1 of the original Game of Thrones, he's the orchestrator of Dany's marriage to Khal Drogo, and set plans into motion for taking King's Landing back from the Baratheons once he has the army.
Although he is not in Game of Thrones for long, fans are quick to see that he has huge insecurities about being forgotten and not getting the throne. Ultimately, his biggest fear comes true when he is overthrown in power by the Khal once his jealousy over Dany and Drogo's attention to their child takes over him. This, of course, leads to his demise, as Khal gives him a molten crown of his own, which kills him instantly.
Daenerys Targaryen Greatest Fear Was Turning Out To Be Her Father, Aerys
It would be remiss to not discuss the sole Targaryen viewers know and love from the original series, and while Daenerys shares similarities with HOTD's Rhaenyra, she has complex fears of her own. The promise of Dany's birthright and her claim to the Iron Throne propel her on her journey to conquer Westeros. Working hard to prove that she can be a fair and strong ruler, it was clear that Daenerys' greatest fear is becoming like her father, Aerys, the Mad King.
However, as season 8 showed us, Dany's lust for power culminated in her being the dragon Westeros was taught to fear. Despite her mercy and goodwill toward freeing the enslaved, she was fated to make the same mistakes as her Targaryen forebearers on their own quest for power. While many claim her villainous decision was a sharp turn for shock value, it was the result of her fears coming to fruition, and becoming the 'Mad Queen' she swore she'd deny.
Rhaenys Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Losing Her Family
Sister to the king, Rhaenys, married to Corlys Velaryon, once had aspirations of ascending the throne herself when her father transferred power. Cast aside as members of the royal family, Rhaenys, played to perfection by actor Eve Best, saw another chance for glory when her son Laenor marries Rhaenyra. However, as the years have progressed, fans have seen some of her priorities change.
For Rhaenys, her greatest fear has been about losing her family. After the death of her daughter, Laena, Rhaenys has become extremely protective of her loved ones and has tried her best to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. Unfortunately, it looks like her fears are coming true after she witnessed the "death" of her son, Laenor, in Episode 7.
Aemond Targaryen Greatest Fear Is That He Won't Live Up To The Family Name
Aemond is Alicent and Viserys' third and youngest son, who spends most of his time yearning for a dragon that befits the Targaryen name.
While the children of the queen and princess of Westeros are just being introduced, they all have begun to develop wishes and fears of their own. Aemond's fear stems from his desire to be a dragon rider like his brothers. However, the pressure to be like the fiercest warriors in his family has great repercussions (as seen in episode 7). The fears of Alicent and Rhaenyra's children will surely propel them toward infamy or demise in the war to come.
Helaena Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Getting Lost In Her Family Drama
Helaena is the only daughter of Viserys and Alicent, and is poised to become an important player in Dance of the Dragons. Although she hasn't been responsible for the tension between the family, it's clear that she may end up having a bigger role to come.
It is possible Helaena is a dreamer and her prophetic speeches likely give way to things that will happen. Based on episode 6, it's quite obvious that Helana is not at all akin to her warring brothers and cousins. Her biggest fear, as evidenced by episode 7's reveal, is being embroiled in family politics, like a marriage to her brother Aegon.
Aegon Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Upsetting His Loved Ones, Particularly, Alicent
Aegon is the eldest son of Alicent and Viserys Targaryen, and he continues to be coached for taking the throne. When the audience first meets Aegon, he taunts his younger brother in a cruel way. Criston Cole edges him toward violence against his cousin, which he does so without remorse.
Aegon's few scenes see him in a less-than-positive light. His actions in episode 6 and 7 are reminiscent of a spoiled prince, one who is easily manipulated by those in power. While impressionable, Aegon is less than kind, and his greatest fears have to do with upsetting those who can give him as much freedom as possible.
Daemon Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Losing Power
The golden-haired brother to the king, Daemon Targaryen, is as violent and unpredictable as he is captivating. Daemon is as fierce in King's Landing as he is on the battlefield, and he's not one to shy away from a challenge, especially when he knows he'll likely be the victor.
With all of Daemon Targaryen's fearless qualities, his worst fear is losing his power. Daemon's nature stems from his innate princely birthright, and need for power. His arrogance, carefree habit of taking what he wants, and his bond with Rhaenyra and Viserys, all come from his position in the world. Without position, and access to power, Daemon would lose his identity.
Viserys Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Not Having An Heir
Viserys is not nearly as scheming as the men surrounding him, and his serene and genteel nature opposes those who are steering him in particular political directions. While it's clear his health is rapidly declining, with lesions and sores plaguing him every new episode, death is not his greatest fear, but leaving the world without an heir.
While Viserys' increasingly declining health is a barrier to his ruling as king of all Westeros, his biggest fear is leaving the world without ensuring his rich Targaryen line. As early as the Episode 1, Viserys put the life of his wife Aemma to ensure his heir's survival. While he's been exceptional at teaching Rhaenyra the basics of ruling, he tries to instill goodwill into his grandsons once they get on to scheme and plot, which rarely goes his way.
Rhaenyra Targaryen Greatest Fear Is Losing Her Birthright
Over the six episode run so far, Rhaenyra has proven herself to be a resourceful and driven heir to the throne. Milly Alcock infused Rhaenyra with fierce ambition, but with Emma D'Arcy stepping into the role for the remaining episodes, they are sure to leave fire and blood in their wake.
Rhaenyra's formative years are full of navigating her role as heir to the Iron Throne, and her uncertain future causes much fear in her. The political and moral machinations set upon her by Criston Cole and Alicent render her cautiously optimistic about her claim the Iron Throne, as well as setting her sons upon it in her stead. Her fear of losing all the ambition her birthright promises, and therefore the protection of the crown against those who wish her harm, is likely to weigh upon her decisions moving forward.