This relationship explainer clarifies the family of Prince Baelor Targaryen within the context of A Song of Ice and Fire. As a son of King Viserys II and a brother to several key figures, Baelor occupies a central but sometimes misunderstood position in the Targaryen lineage.
Here you will find a focused breakdown of his parentage, siblings, marriage to Jena Royce, and his role as a predecessor to later monarchs. The article emphasizes verified textual references and consistent genealogical sources to support durable understanding of his place in the family tree.
Prince Baelor Targaryen at a Glance
Prince Baelor Targaryen is a mid-era Targaryen prince in the royal line that eventually leads to the Targaryen kings on the Iron Throne. He is the third son of King Viserys II and Jaela, and the younger brother of King Daeron I and King Aemon the Dragonknight. His marriage to Jena Royce produces at least one son, Tarleton, extending the family into the later Targaryen and Royce lines. Understanding these connections is essential to tracing both the political and dynastic implications of the Targaryen family in the books.
Parentage and Birth Order
Baelor’s parentage is recorded with relative clarity in the source material. His father is Viserys II Targaryen, who himself is a son of King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alysanne. His mother is known as Queen Jaela, sometimes referenced in materials as a lady of House Royce before her marriage. Birth order places Baelor as the third son among the children of Viserys II, behind his older brothers Daeron and Aemon. This birth order shapes his path in the story, as neither kingship nor a prominent marriage alliance initially seem likely, yet his line continues through his son.
Viserys II Targaryen: Short Rule, Clear Lineage
Viserys II plays an important role as the connecting figure between the long reign of Jaehaerys I and the more turbulent period that follows. Though his own kingship is brief, his children become central to the later narrative. Listing his known children with their approximate birth sequence provides a clearer picture of Baelor’s position.
| Child | Name | Notable Role |
|---|---|---|
| First Son | Daeron I Targaryen | Young King, conquered Dorne |
| Second Son | Aemon the DragonknightRenowned knight, served the Faith | |
| Third Son | Baelor Targaryen | Prince, married Jena Royce |
| Daughter | Naerra Targaryen | Married into House Tully |
Marriage and Children
Prince Baelor Targaryen enters into a marriage with Jena Royce, a union that links House Targaryen with a major noble house from the Vale. Though this marriage is not as prominently featured as some others in the series, it produces at least one son who carries forward the family name and claims of both houses.
Known Children of Baelor and Jena
- Tarleton Targaryen – son, potential heir in minor lines and later marriage alliances
Beyond Tarleton, texts suggest the possibility of other children, but these are either not confirmed or not explicitly named in the primary materials available to readers. For clarity in genealogical diagrams, Tarleton is treated as the only well-attested son in most reliable summaries.
Position in the Targaryen Line
Baelor’s position in the Targaryen family tree places him between the generation of his father, Viserys II, and the next generation of Targaryen rulers and nobles. His older brothers, Daeron I and Aemon, are far more prominent in the narrative, yet his line survives through his son Tarleton, who in turn connects to later branches of the family. This continuity is an important aspect of the broader Targaryen genealogy, ensuring that the family remains present in the story even when individual princes are not at the forefront.
Notable Relatives and Descendants
| Relative | Relationship | Historical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen | Grandfather | Long-reigning king, known for stability |
| Daeron I Targaryen | Brother | King who attempted to conquer Dorne |
| Aemon the Dragonknight | Brother | Celebrated knight, member of the Kingsguard |
| Tarleton Targaryen | Son | Key link in minor branches and marriage pacts |
Summary
Prince Baelor Targaryen is a significant figure in the Targaryen family tree due to his steady lineage and role as a bridge between his older brothers and later generations. His marriage to Jena Royce, his son Tarleton, and his position as the third son of Viserys II help explain how minor branches of the family persist through the major events of the books. By focusing on clear relationships and documented descent, this explainer provides a reliable overview of Baelor’s family connections.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were Prince Baelor’s parents?
Prince Baelor’s father was King Viserys II Targaryen, and his mother was Queen Jaela. Viserys II is the son of Jaehaerys I and Alysanne, placing Baelor two generations below the long-reigning king.
Did Prince Baelor ever become king?
No, Baelor never ascends to the throne. His older brothers precede him, and his own son Tarleton does not claim the throne during the main events of the books. His role remains that of a prince and founding link in later family branches.
Who were Prince Baelor’s siblings?
His known siblings include Daeron I Targaryen and Aemon the Dragonknight. A sister, Naerra, also appears in the family records and plays a minor role in later marriage alliances.
Is there any evidence of other children for Baelor and Jena?
The primary textual sources mention Tarleton as their only clearly identified son. Other children are neither confirmed nor detailed in the main narrative materials.