Long before the events of Game of Thrones, Westeros, the world created by George R.R. Martin, faced its darkest era during the Long Night, when the White Walkers invaded the realm. The First Men and the Children of the Forest united to defeat them, and the Wall was built to protect the kingdoms from future threats.

Centuries later, Aegon Targaryen arrived with his dragons and conquered most of Westeros, forging the Iron Throne and establishing the Targaryen dynasty. The family would rule for generations, but internal conflict eventually led to the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating civil war that pitted Targaryen against Targaryen and nearly wiped out the dragons.

Years afterward, the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg unfolded across the realm. Egg would later become King Aegon V, whose reign ended in the tragic fire at Summerhall. The disaster claimed many lives but coincided with the birth of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen.

Rhaegar’s actions would spark Robert’s Rebellion, the war that ended nearly three centuries of Targaryen rule. Robert Baratheon emerged victorious and took the Iron Throne, ushering in a new era.

Fifteen years later, the events of Game of Thrones began. Rival kings fought for power, dragons returned to the world, and the White Walkers reemerged from beyond the Wall. After years of war and upheaval, Westeros entered a new chapter under the rule of Bran Stark, bringing one of the most epic sagas in fantasy history to a close. 

Watch House of the Dragon season three every Monday, exclusive on HBO Max. New episodes drop weekly.