Viserys Targaryen

Creation

Daniel Abraham, along with Tommy Patterson and Tom Hallman, adapted the popular series "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin into the comic book medium. The character of Viserys Targaryen first appeared in Game of Thrones #1.

Current Events

Viserys Targaryen was the son of Aerys II ("The Mad King") and Rhaella Targaryen, and, as such, held a claim to the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms.

During Robert Baratheon's rebellion, and after Viserys' brother Rhaegar Targaryen's defeat in battle, Viserys and his mother fled from King's Landing to Dragonstone (their ancestral seat of power). However, Aerys II was soon after killed by Jaime Lannister and Robert assumed the title of King of the Seven Kingdoms in his stead. Rhaella died giving birth to Daenerys Targaryen. Finding themselves wanted by the new king's regime, Viserys and Daenerys fled Westeros in self-imposed exile across the narrow sea. They found themselves in Braavos, having been smuggled by Ser Willem Darry, who was still loyal to the Targaryen house. They remained there until Ser Willem's death, when they, once again, found themselves unwanted (having been evicted by the late Ser's servants). Afterwards Viserys and Daenerys wandered the Free Cities in search of aid to recapture the throne from the Baratheon usurper. It was during this period that Viserys came to be known as "The Beggar King", and Viserys started to deeply resent his younger sister- blaming her for their plight. This was the first indication of his deteriating mental health (an illness that his father shared), often referring to himself as "the dragon" and urging Daenerys not to anger him.

Viserys and Daenerys then travelled to Pentos, where they met a sympathizer by the name of Illyrio Mopatis. Knowing that they desired an army to invade Westeros, Illyrio suggested that Daenerys be married to Khal Drogo, a powerful horselord of the Dothraki people who offered such an army. Despite his need of an army, Viserys was resentful in giving Daenerys to a "barbarian". Viserys, not trusting the promise of the Khal, travelled with the Khalasar. Many weeks pass, and Viserys is certain that Drogo does not intend to fulfill their agreement, which only exacerbates his unpleasant nature. Ser Jorah Mormont, himself an exile from Westeros, tries to explain that the Khal considers Daenerys a gift, and the army - the returned favour- is also a gift, which he would return in his own time. Naturally, Viserys dismissed this idea, and grew steadily more impatient for his demand- taking out most of his impatience on his sister, the new Khaleesi (Queen). An attempt to threaten Daenerys to persuade her husband to give him his army led to Viserys losing the use of a horse to travel. This insult (as the Dothraki held the ability to ride a horse highly) led to Viserys being labelled as the "Sorefoot king" or Khal Rae Mhar. Later, Drogo offered the use of a cart to Viserys, and he accepted - unaware that riding in the cart was a greater insult reserved for the young, old and the crippled. This earned him the title of "the Cart King" (Khal Rhaggat).

Upon arriving at Vaes Dothrak, a city which the Dothraki considered sacred, Viserys become drunk and violent. He once again confronts Drogo on his lack of army, and pulls out a sword. As Vaes Dothrak is sacred ground for the Dothraki, it is forebidden that blood should be spilt there. Drogo, angered by Viserys threat, ordered for a golden crown to be made and Viserys, who believed he was finally getting his reward, became delighted at this revelation. However, Drogo melts down a golden medallion belt into a boiling pot, waits for it to become molten, then pours it over Viserys. Finally giving Viserys the crown he so desired, whilst not spilling a drop of blood.

Other Media

Novels

The character of Viserys Targaryen was created by George R.R. Martin in his fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire"; the first book of which was published in 1996, under the title of "Game of Thrones". The character is much the same as the comic book adaption.

Television

Viserys Targaryen appeared in the HBO television series of "Game of Thrones", adapted from the popular fantasy series by George R.R.Martin. He is played by Harry Lloyd.