Daenerys Targaryen first allows her dragons limited freedom, but not a full-scale “release” as many envision, in Season 3, Episode 4, “And Now His Watch Is Ended.” This crucial moment marks a turning point for Daenerys, showcasing her burgeoning power and her increasingly complex relationship with her children.
Daenerys’ Dragons: From Chains to Freedom?
Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, are arguably the most iconic and powerful creatures in the Game of Thrones universe. Their existence alone shifts the balance of power in Westeros, and the moment Daenerys permits them to use their full destructive capabilities is a pivotal moment in the series. Understanding the timeline and context of their initial releases is crucial to grasping Daenerys’ character arc and the subsequent consequences.
The initial freeing of the dragons, while not a complete “release” into the wild, is significant. Prior to this, they were largely kept under close watch and control. While never explicitly stated, the episode implies Daenerys’ growing trust in her dragons, particularly Drogon, as the catalyst for allowing them more freedom.
The “And Now His Watch Is Ended” event is not their final release, however. This comes much later, with varying degrees of freedom granted to each dragon depending on circumstances and Daenerys’ strategic needs. Some dragons are allowed to roam freely, while others are chained up for different periods. We’ll explore these specific instances in more detail later in the article.
FAQs: Decoding Daenerys and Her Dragons
Here are some frequently asked questions that help further illuminate Daenerys’ relationship with her dragons and their moments of release.
What motivated Daenerys to initially let her dragons out in “And Now His Watch Is Ended”?
The motivating factor was complex, woven into the plot of the episode. Daenerys used her dragons as leverage during a business transaction with the slave trader Kraznys mo Nakloz. She offered Drogon in exchange for the Unsullied army. However, she secretly ordered the Unsullied to kill the slave masters and free the slaves. The act of releasing Drogon was not just about obtaining the army, but also about freeing the Unsullied from slavery. It was a calculated move demonstrating her strategic mind and her commitment to abolishing slavery.
How did Daenerys control her dragons before and after this initial release?
Before the events in “And Now His Watch Is Ended,” Daenerys primarily controlled her dragons through maternal bonds and instinct. They were still relatively young and receptive to her commands. After this initial release, her control shifted. While her bond remained strong, the dragons became more independent and their actions became more unpredictable. As they grew, they required a combination of her commands, their own instincts, and the bond they shared to be managed effectively. We see instances of them acting on their own, both to protect her and to satisfy their primal urges.
Did any other characters influence Daenerys’ decision to free her dragons, and how?
Ser Jorah Mormont and Missandei both played significant roles in influencing Daenerys. Jorah provided counsel on Westerosi politics and warfare, indirectly shaping her understanding of power and the strategic value of the dragons. Missandei, as her translator and confidante, helped her navigate the complex negotiations and understand the injustices of slavery, which fueled her desire to use the dragons as tools of liberation. Their unwavering loyalty and wise counsel helped shape Daenerys’ decisions throughout her journey.
What immediate consequences followed Daenerys’ letting Drogon out to claim the Unsullied?
The immediate consequence was the successful acquisition of the Unsullied army. Daenerys, now with a formidable fighting force, quickly seized control of Astapor. This victory significantly boosted her confidence and her belief in her ability to conquer Westeros. The event also sent a clear message to her enemies: Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons were a force to be reckoned with.
How did the dragons’ growth and behavior change after “And Now His Watch Is Ended”?
After the initial release, the dragons grew exponentially in size and power. Their behavior became more unpredictable and aggressive. They started acting more independently, exhibiting hunting behaviors and asserting their dominance. This increased independence presented new challenges for Daenerys, who had to adapt her leadership style to manage these increasingly powerful creatures.
When did Daenerys chain up her dragons and why?
Daenerys chained up Rhaegal and Viserion in Season 4, Episode 10, “The Children,” after Drogon kills a child. This was a painful decision for her, showcasing her struggle to balance her love for her dragons with her responsibility as a leader. It highlighted the devastating potential of her dragons and the consequences of their unchecked power.
What are the specific instances of Daenerys using her dragons in battle throughout the series?
Daenerys uses her dragons extensively in battle throughout the series. Here are a few key instances:
- Meereen: Daenerys utilizes her dragons to defend Meereen from its enemies.
- Against the Lannister Army (Season 7): Daenerys ambushes the Lannister army with Drogon, inflicting massive casualties. This showcases the dragons’ devastating power on the battlefield.
- Beyond the Wall (Season 7): Daenerys flies north to rescue Jon Snow and his party from the White Walkers, resulting in the death of Viserion.
- The Battle of Winterfell (Season 8): The dragons play a crucial role in the Battle of Winterfell against the Night King’s army.
How did the loss of Viserion impact Daenerys’ decisions and state of mind?
The loss of Viserion was a devastating blow to Daenerys. Not only did she lose one of her “children,” but Viserion was also turned into a wight dragon by the Night King, further amplifying the pain and horror of the situation. This loss contributed to her increasing paranoia and her belief that she had to use extreme measures to secure her claim to the Iron Throne. It arguably accelerated her descent into madness.
What significance do the dragons’ names (Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion) hold?
Each dragon’s name is connected to important figures in Daenerys’ life. Drogon is named after her deceased husband, Khal Drogo; Rhaegal after her brother, Rhaegar Targaryen; and Viserion after her other brother, Viserys Targaryen. These names serve as constant reminders of her past, her family, and the losses she has endured.
Did Daenerys ever regret unleashing her dragons on Westeros?
While it’s impossible to know Daenerys’ true feelings with absolute certainty, her actions in the final season suggest a level of regret and inner turmoil. The destruction she wrought on King’s Landing clearly weighed heavily on her, suggesting that she may have questioned the methods she employed to achieve her goals. However, her commitment to her vision ultimately drove her actions.
How did the citizens of Westeros react to the presence of Daenerys’ dragons?
The people of Westeros had mixed reactions to Daenerys’ dragons. Initially, they were awed and fearful. Some saw them as symbols of Targaryen power and a justification for Daenerys’ claim to the throne. Others viewed them as dangerous and destructive creatures that threatened their lives and livelihoods. This fear and uncertainty contributed to the resentment and ultimately, the rebellion against Daenerys’ rule.
What ultimately happened to Drogon and Rhaegal?
As discussed previously, Viserion was killed by the Night King and reanimated as a wight. Rhaegal was killed by Euron Greyjoy’s fleet using scorpions in Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks.” Drogon, devastated by Daenerys’ death at the hands of Jon Snow, destroyed the Iron Throne and flew away with her body in Season 8, Episode 6, “The Iron Throne.” His whereabouts after this are unknown, but many believe he returned to Valyria, the ancestral home of the Targaryens and dragons.
A Legacy of Fire and Blood
Daenerys’ decision to initially permit her dragons limited freedom in “And Now His Watch Is Ended,” and her subsequent reliance on them throughout her conquest, fundamentally reshaped the political landscape of Westeros. While her intentions were often noble, the destructive potential of her dragons ultimately contributed to her downfall. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of power, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the enduring legacy of fire and blood in the Game of Thrones saga.