Princess Rhaenyra: The Determined Heir
As the central figure of the show, Rhaenyra’s look evolves with her status. Look for the intricate, often numerous braids woven into elaborate updos, a style she adopts more seriously as she ages. Her hairstyles aren't just decorative; they project power
and her claim as the rightful heir. While other Targaryens might have simpler styles, Rhaenyra’s hair is practically a crown in itself. She carries herself with a constant, weary determination, her face often set in a look of strained resolve. Think ‘burdened but unbowed.’ She's usually at the center of council meetings or political maneuvering, and her dragon is the elegant, golden Syrax. If the blonde in question looks like she’s carrying the weight of the entire realm on her shoulders, it’s probably Rhaenyra.
Prince Daemon: The Rogue with the Smirk
If you spot a Targaryen with an unmistakable air of chaotic energy and a knowing smirk, you’ve found Daemon. His hair is often shorter than the others, or pulled back messily, as if he’s just returned from a skirmish or a flight on his fearsome dragon, Caraxes (the long, red one). Daemon’s key identifier is his attitude. He’s the embodiment of Targaryen exceptionalism and entitlement, moving with a predator’s grace. Always look for his signature weapon: the Valyrian steel blade Dark Sister, which he often carries or uses with lethal proficiency. While other Targaryens posture, Daemon acts. He’s either brooding in a corner, challenging authority, or casually committing an act of violence. He’s the bad boy of the family, and his look reflects it.
King Aegon II: The Reluctant Usurper
Aegon is the Targaryen who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else. His hair is often styled in a looser, less kempt fashion than his relatives, sometimes falling into his eyes. His defining feature is his perpetually sullen or debauched expression. Before he’s crowned, he’s usually found with a wine cup in hand, a resentful slouch in his posture, and a general vibe of petulant dissatisfaction. He doesn’t have the focused ambition of Rhaenyra or the dangerous charisma of Daemon. Instead, he radiates the energy of a man forced into a role he never wanted and is woefully unprepared for. His dragon is the magnificent Sunfyre, said to be the most beautiful in the world, a stark contrast to his own grim demeanor.
Prince Aemond: The One with the Eyepatch
Thankfully, the showrunners gave us a massive visual cue for Aemond. If you see a Targaryen with a leather eyepatch, congratulations, you've found him. It’s his single most defining feature, covering the sapphire he placed in his eye socket after losing it in a childhood fight. Beyond the patch, Aemond is all sharp angles and menacing stillness. He has long, straight silver hair that he keeps simple, letting his imposing height and scar do the talking. He rarely smiles and speaks with a deliberate, chilling calm. He is also bonded to the largest and oldest dragon in the world, the terrifying Vhagar. When in doubt, look for the eyepatch—it’s the ultimate Targaryen cheat code.
Queen Helaena: The Gentle Prophet
Helaena is the family’s gentle, eccentric soul. Her hair is often styled softly, with intricate but less severe braids than Rhaenyra’s, sometimes adorned with insect-like jewelry. This is your biggest clue: Helaena is almost always preoccupied with her collection of spiders and bugs, and her dialogue is peppered with strange, prophetic non-sequiturs that others ignore. She has a dreamy, detached quality, her gaze often fixed on something no one else can see. While the rest of her family is consumed by power, Helaena exists in her own world. She is married to her brother Aegon and her dragon is Dreamfyre. Look for the woman who seems to be speaking in riddles and observing a spider on her hand during a tense family dinner.
Reference Point: Daenerys, The OG
And let's not forget the Targaryen who re-ignited our love for platinum blondes. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, etc., etc. Her look is distinct from her ancestors. Her most iconic feature is her ever-growing set of braids. Following Dothraki tradition, her braids signify her victories; by the end of the series, her hair is a complex tapestry of her journey. She's the Mother of Dragons, plural—if you see three dragons (Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion), you're looking at Dany. Her style is less Westerosi court and more a fusion of Essosi cultures, marking her as an outsider reclaiming her heritage.
