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Viserys I Targaryen was the fifth king of the Targaryen dynasty to sit on the Iron Throne.

Early lifeEdit

Viserys was the grandson of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne. Jaehaerys lived to such an old age that he outlived his own son and heir, and upon his death in 129 AL it was Viserys who inherited the crown.

Reign and marriagesEdit

Viserys ruled during a time of peace and plenty. His grandparents had spent most of their lives and reigns ordering the realm, encouraging peace and diplomacy between the kingdoms. His rule was remarkably free from incident, and may be the most peaceful of any king of the unified Seven Kingdoms to date.

Viserys' first marriage to was to an Arryn of the Vale, who gave him a daughter, Rhaenyra. When Viserys' wife died without further issue, it was expected that Rhaenyra would succeed him as the first ruling queen of Westeros. To this end, he kept her close during council meetings and audiences, schooling her in the art of rulership.

Some years later, Viserys remarried to a younger, healthier lady of House Hightower who gave him three sons and a daughter in rapid succession. Rhaenyra, ten years older than her eldest half-brother Aegon, did not anticipate them disputing her succession, and neither did Viserys, for he continued to treat Rhaenyra as his heir.

DeathEdit

Viserys died in 129 AL and it was anticipated that Rhaenyra would inherit. Instead, Ser Criston Cole of the Kingsguard instead took King Viserys' crown and gave it to his son Aegon, who claimed the Iron Throne as Aegon II. Rhaenyra disputed this, triggering the civil war known as the Dance of Dragons.

Character and appearanceEdit

Viserys was a pleasent man, raised in a time of great prosperity. He was plump, friendly and fair, known for his sense of humour. He doted on his children, particularly his eldest daughter.

Viserys was not a warrior, and tended to wear silks in dark colours reflecting his house sigil. He had a bushy silver-gold moustache, but no beard. He wore his grandfather Jaehaerys' simple crown.