Why Did 'Asoiaf Aegon I' Marry His Sisters In The Books?

In A Song of Ice and Fire, Aegon I Targaryen—often called Aegon the Conqueror—married both of his sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys, primarily because of Targaryen tradition and political strategy. The Targaryens, originally from the Valyrian Freehold, had long practiced sibling marriage to keep their bloodline “pure” and maintain their distinct dragonrider heritage. Valyrians believed their dragonlord families were almost a separate race, with a special connection to dragons that could weaken if they intermarried with outsiders. By marrying his sisters, Aegon followed the customs of his ancestors and reinforced the idea that the Targaryens were different from other Westerosi lords.

Politically, these marriages also consolidated power within the family at a time when they were about to launch a massive military campaign to unite the Seven Kingdoms under one rule. Marrying outside the family could have created competing claims or dangerous alliances that might later challenge Aegon’s authority. By keeping the royal bloodline contained, Aegon minimized the risk of powerful in-laws demanding influence or territory.

There was also a practical aspect in terms of governance. Each sister had different strengths—Visenya was stern, politically astute, and a skilled warrior, while Rhaenys was charismatic, diplomatic, and beloved by the people. By marrying both, Aegon bound them directly to his reign and made sure their talents were used in service of the crown. It also meant that all three could ride dragons and act as a unified front in both war and politics, which was crucial during the conquest.

So in short, Aegon’s marriages to Visenya and Rhaenys were not simply personal choices—they were a calculated blend of cultural tradition, political necessity, and strategic advantage, rooted in both the old Valyrian ways and the practical demands of building a dynasty in Westeros.

Let's cut through the fantasy tropes - Aegon's sister-wives in 'ASOIAF' were the original power trio. This wasn't about romance; it was about creating a dynasty that couldn't be divided. By marrying both sisters, Aegon ensured no rival houses could gain influence through marriage alliances with his queens. The books show how this prevented the kind of noble infighting that plagued later rulers like Aenys and Maegor.

Their dragons Vhagar and Meraxes were just as important as political tools. Each sister having her own dragon meant the Targaryens could project power in multiple locations simultaneously, something no other house could match. The books hint this arrangement worked because the siblings shared a unified vision - they weren't just family, they were co-conquerors who trusted each other implicitly. Later Targaryen incest caused madness and rebellion, but Aegon's generation shows how it can stabilize a regime when handled right. Martin's genius is making us understand why this abhorrent practice made strategic sense in their world.