Maekar Targaryen is the fourth son of King Daeron II Targaryen and brother to Daeron, Aerys I, and Aemon. This relationship guide explains his place in the Targaryen family tree, his marriage to Betha Blackwood, and the roles his children and descendants played in later Westerosi history. Understanding Maekar helps clarify competing claims during the War of the Roses and the eventual rise of the Baratheons. Below is a focused breakdown of his lineage, key relationships, and lasting impact on the royal succession.
Immediate Family and Birth Order
Maekar belongs to a large and consequential generation of the Targaryen dynasty. Clarifying his siblings and parents is essential before tracking his own offspring and alliances.
Core Lineage
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Father | King Daeron II Targaryen | Canonical lineage |
| Mother | Queen Myriah of House Martell | Canonical lineage |
| Older Brothers | Daeron (heir), Aerys I | Canonical lineage |
| Younger Brother | Aemon the Dragonknight | Canonical lineage |
| House | Targaryen | Canonical lineage |
Marriage and Spouse
Maekar’s marriage to a noble from the Stormlands strengthened southern ties and brought important political alliances into the family. He married Betha Blackwood, daughter of Lord Tytos Blackwood, uniting a branch of the Targaryens with a powerful riverland house. This alliance added both military retainers and regional legitimacy to his descendants’ claims.
Spouse Profile
- Name: Betha Blackwood
- House: Blackwood of Raventree Hall
- Region: The Riverlands
- Notable relatives: Ancestors of notable river lords and future marital links to rebellious houses
Children and Direct Descendants
Maekar and Betha had several children whose fates shaped regional politics and succession disputes. The most historically prominent is Daemon Blackfyre, whose claim led to major civil conflicts. Their other children reinforced local power structures through marriage and wardships.
Notable Offspring
| Name | Role / Notability | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Daemon Blackfyre | Founder of the Blackfyre pretenders | Led multiple rebellions |
| Aegor Rivers (Bittersteel) | Military leader and Blackfyre supporter | Exile and continued conflict |
| Daeron | Held regional command | Less prominent in major wars |
| Other sons and daughters | Married into various houses | Scattered loyalties in the Wars of the Roses |
Siblings and Extended Relations
Maekar’s brothers became kings in succession, placing him in the center of court politics. His relationship with Aemon, in particular, stands out for piety and military reputation. These sibling dynamics influenced decisions on succession, wards, and marriage offers.
Brothers at a Glance
| Brother | Reign / Status | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Daeron | Died young; named heir | Military promise, early death |
| Aerys I | King, paranoid and intense | Reign marked by suspicion |
| Aemon | The Dragonknight, maester candidate | Piety and battlefield valor |
| Maekar | Never king; father of claimants | Warrior and politically connected |
Place in the War of the Roses and Succession
Although Maekar never sat the Iron Throne, his descendants became central to the Wars of the Roses in the Riverlands and Crownlands. The Blackfyre Pretenders repeatedly challenged the Baratheon-Targaryen hybrids, creating a long shadow over the realm. His line served as a focal point for legitimacy disputes well into the civil wars.
Legacy and Fictional Portrayal
Maekar appears in background lore and historically inspired timelines more than in major scenes. Later books and show materials mention his martial reputation and the threat posed by his sons. In fan discussions, he is often framed as a capable warrior whose lack of kingship defined a branch of the family that consistently contested the throne.
Conclusion
Maekar Targaryen exemplifies how influential non-royal princes could shape politics through alliances, marriage, and offspring. His ties to House Blackwood, his conflicted relationship with his siblings, and the enduring challenge of his son Daemon illuminate important fault lines in Targaryen history. Understanding these connections helps map the broader family tree and the roots of later conflicts in Westeros.