House of the Dragon: Every Main Character’s Age (2024)

Although their narratives are largely the same, the timeline of the Dance of the Dragons differs in House of the Dragon and Fire and Blood, the George R.R. Martin novel that it is based on. House of the Dragon has the Dance starting later than in the books, putting it around the year 132 AC. In addition, some character ages have been changed from what they were in the story.

These changes have a few benefits. For one, House of the Dragon's younger characters can have more time to mature and become competent enough for the war to come. Second, it allows characters to have different dynamics not explored in the books, such as the relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Overall, the ages of House of the Dragon's cast allow them to play a cohesive role in the Dance of Dragons, solidifying it as an important part of the multi-generational war taking place in Westeros.

10 Otto Hightower Has Been Manipulating Events for Decades

Age: 70-79

Born sometime between 53 and 62 AC, Otto Hightower is one of the oldest characters in House of the Dragon, being between seventy and seventy-nine years old. Ironically, he is also the instigator of many of the problems of the show. It was he who sent Alicent to Viserys while he was grieving the loss of his first wife, Aemma. He did this, hoping that Alicent would make Viserys fall in love with her due to her kindness and beauty. His plan succeeded, and Otto immediately began preparing for the day that a Targaryen son with Hightower blood would be born so he could sit him on the Iron Throne.

Whether Otto wanted to rule through him, or simply wanted the honor and glory of having his descendants be royalty is unclear, but it is certain that he was doggedly determined to make it happen. He relentlessly pursued any avenue to discredit Rhaenyra, until it finally became too much for even King Viserys to ignore. Unfortunately, Otto did not stay away for very long, and once again resumed plans to seize power for his grandson, Aegon. If he hadn't tried to manipulate events in his family's favor, there likely wouldn't be a Targaryen civil war.

9 Larys Strong's Age Is Also an Enigma

Age: Unknown

Interestingly, neither the show nor the book gives an exact age for Larys Strong, the creepy spymaster at Alicent Hightower's employ. It can be surmised that, given how he was an adult by the time he first met Alicent, he is likely in his late forties or early fifties by the time of the Dance of the Dragons. He might prove to be the most important member of the Greens, despite not being a warrior nor having a dragon.

Larys' true gift is in his ability to maintain a spy network and to manipulate events in his favor. He has already maintained a deal between himself and Alicent where he gets certain favors from her in exchange for information. With a war at hand, Larys will likely be looking for whatever angle that can benefit him the most. Having Westeros' greatest spymaster at her disposal is an asset Alicent will be unable to turn away, though she may secretly wish to.

8 Aegon Targaryen Is a Teenage King

Age: 19

Aegon never expected or wanted to be king, and one can imagine how much pressure was thrust upon him at the age of nineteen when his mother handed him a crown. Aegon was born in the year 113 AC, and his birth changed everything for the line of succession among the Targaryens. To many, his birth meant Viserys finally had a legitimate heir, but the former king refused to bend on the matter of naming Rhaenyra as his heir, believing she was best suited for the role.

Ironically, Aegon echoed this sentiment, not wanting to be king. He could see that his own mother's interest in him was due to his position and how he could be used to cast Rhaenyra down. However, when the time came to claim the throne, he seemed to relish the adulation. Perhaps this will motivate him to put more effort into being the Greens' chosen king. Of course, given what's known about his lesser qualities thus far, it is also possible he'll be a terrible king.

7 Prince Aemond Targaryen Is Younger Than Most Realize

Age: 16-17

Given how much he's accomplished, it is shocking to realize that Prince Aemond Targaryen is only around sixteen to seventeen years old. Born around 115 to 116 AC, Aemond is the second of King Viserys I's sons, and arguably the most dangerous of them all. Aegon II was something of a constant disappointment growing up, preferring to drink and slake his many lusts. Aemond was different, seeing his brother's failings and resolving to be better.

Even the loss of an eye did nothing to stop him, as Aemond claimed Vhagar, the largest of the Targaryen dragons when he was only a child. He then spent the next few years training under Ser Criston Cole, potentially instilling in him the skills necessary to overcome his uncle, Daemon Targaryen, in combat. That being said, Aemond is still a teenager and has already inadvertently jumpstarted the war because of his need for vengeance. If he does not rein in these lesser qualities, he will be an even bigger threat to the Green cause than Rhaenyra will be.

6 Princess Rhaenys Targaryen Is the Oldest Living Targaryen

Age: 60-69

While Princess Rhaenys has never been to war, she is no less fierce than any Targaryen. Born between 63 to 72 AC, Rhaenys might be the oldest living Targaryen at this time, being between sixty to sixty-nine years old. While she has never been to battle herself, Rhaenys is an expert rider, having spent so much time flying on her dragon that she can likely contend with the best of the Targaryen dragon riders in combat.

In addition, Rhaenys brings the dragon, Meleys, to the table. Nicknamed "the Red Queen" Meleys is the fastest dragon in Westeros and many estimate that this particular dragon has the best chance of battling the massive Vhagar in combat because she can outfly the ancient creature. Rhaenys also brings the loyalty of House Velaryon, as well as those who believe she should have been named Queen decades ago, making her a formidable ally for Rhaenyra.

5 Lord Corlys Velaryon Has Decades of Experience as a Sailor

Age: 70-79

Lord Corlys Velaryon of Driftmark might be one of the most famous men in Westeros today, and certainly went down in the annals of history as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, sailors of all time. The show's timeline places his date of birth between 53 and 62 AC, putting him at seventy to seventy-nine years old once the Dance of the Dragons began. His age does little to detract from the advantages of having him on the side of the Blacks.

Through Lord Corlys, Rhaenyra's forces have the greatest fleet in Westeros on her side, as well as the added support of the Targaryens who coupled with Velaryons in the past, such as Corlys' twin granddaughters, Baela and Rhaena. In addition, Corlys is the survivor of multiple battles and nine great voyages across the world. Corlys also possesses experience working alongside dragon riders in war, so he'll know best how to prepare the soldiers following the Targaryens and maximize their offensive capabilities.

4 Ser Criston Cole Has Spent Years Preparing for War

Age: 40-49

Interestingly, Ser Criston Cole's exact date of birth is unknown, being placed somewhere between the years 83 to 92 AC. Book lore states he was born in the year 82 AC, but given that there have been several divergences from the source material, it seems unlikely that this is the case in House of the Dragon.

Ser Criston Cole is one of the foremost knights on the side of the Greens, and he is fiercely loyal to Alicent Hightower. Cole's biggest claim-to-fame is defeating Damon Targaryen in a fight, even if this was due to Daemon's hubris distracting him. After this, Cole would go on to train Prince Aemond and lend aid to Alicent Hightower, making him one of Rhaenyra and Daemon's biggest opponents.

3 Daemon Targaryen Is Older Than Some But Still Just as Deadly

Age: 51

Though he may be one of House of the Dragon's older characters, Daemon Targaryen's age by no means affects his skills. Born in the year 81 AC, Daemon is 51 years old by the events of House of the Dragon's core narrative. History remembers him as the most dangerous man in Westeros at the time, an with a reputation like that, it is hard to imagine that having him on the side of the Blacks will be anything but a liability.

Daemon is a lifelong dragon rider, bonded to one of the fiercest of the Targaryen dragons, Caraxes. In addition, he has been to war with his dragon, so he knows how best to utilize the Blacks' biggest advantage in the war. As Rhaenyra's husband, and the father of two of her children, Daemon is firmly committed to Rhaenyra's side, but only time will tell if his wild nature becomes more of a hindrance in the war.

2 Alicent Hightower Was Made Younger for the Show

Age: 34

• Alicent Hightower was born in 98 AC.
• She is 34 years old.

Alicent Hightower was born in the year 98 AC, making her thirty-four years old once the Dance of the Dragons began. Technically, Fire and Blood claims that Alicent is older than this. However, since Fire and Blood is an in-universe history book, it was likely subject to alterations by parties that wished to convey a specific narrative. After all, it would be more appealing to the realm for King Viserys to have married someone older than the girl Alicent was in the show.

More than that, her show age made her the perfect companion to a young Rhaenyra, adding an element of tragedy to the inevitable conflict to come. The two were close when they were girls, and just prior to Viserys' death there was the possibility that Alicent might have been able to reconcile with Rhaenyra, but that was not meant to be.

1 Rhaenyra Targaryen Has Had Two Decades to Prepare for the Throne

Age: 35

Though Rhaenyra seems ready for the fight ahead of her, she is still only thirty-five years old. Born in the year 97 AC, Rhaenyra was never intended to be the Queen of Westeros. Although she was Viserys I's beloved daughter, Rhaenyra was initially meant to marry an appropriate lord and strengthen the ties of House Targaryen to the rest of Westeros.

Events outside of her control thrust Rhaenyra into the position of prominence that many grew to resent her for. She was given the unenviable task of proving that a woman could lead the country, and while that was a long way off when she was fourteen, now twenty-one years later she has claimed the title, but not the throne. In the two decades since, one can only hope she has properly prepared to fight for her claim.

House of the Dragon

TV-MA

Drama

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Two centuries before the events ofA Game of Thrones,House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone.

Release Date

August 21, 2022

Cast

Jefferson Hall , Eve Best , David Horovitch , Paddy Considine , Ryan Corr , Bill Paterson , Fabien Frankel , Graham McTavish , Olivia Cooke , Gavin Spokes , Sonoya Mizuno , Steve Toussaint , Matt Smith , Matthew Needham , Rhys Ifans , Emma D'Arcy , Milly Alco*ck

Main Genre

Drama

Website

https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon

Franchise

Game of Thrones

Characters By

George R. R. Martin

Cinematographer

Alejandro Martinez, Catherine Goldschmidt, Pepe Avila del Pino, Fabian Wagner

Creator

George R. R. Martin, Ryan J. Condal

Distributor

Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution

Filming Locations

Spain, England, Portugal, California

Main Characters

Queen Alicent Hightower, Ser Harrold Westerling, Lord Corlys Velaryon, Grand Maester Mellos, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Ser Criston Cole, Lord Lyonel Strong, Ser Otto Hightower, Lord Jason Lannister/Ser Tyland Lannister, King Viserys I Targaryen, Mysaria, Lord Lyman Beesbur, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Ser Harwin Strong, Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, Larys Strong

Production Company

Bastard Sword, Cross Plains Productions, Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO

Sequel

Game of Thrones

Sfx Supervisor

Michael Dawson

Story By

George R. R. Martin

Number of Episodes

10

Network

HBO Max

Streaming Service(s)

Max