Jon Snow makes his landmark journey to Dragonstone in Season 7, Episode 3, titled “The Queen’s Justice.” This episode marks the highly anticipated first meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, a monumental moment in the Game of Thrones saga.
The Significance of Dragonstone
Dragonstone, a formidable island fortress, holds immense historical and strategic importance within the Game of Thrones universe. Understanding its significance provides essential context for Jon Snow’s arrival and his interactions with Daenerys.
The Targaryen Legacy
Dragonstone served as the ancestral seat of House Targaryen for centuries before their conquest of Westeros. It was the place where Aegon the Conqueror planned his invasion, and it remained a vital stronghold throughout their reign. After Robert’s Rebellion, Dragonstone was where Daenerys and Viserys were taken to escape Robert Baratheon. Therefore, it represents not just a castle, but the Targaryen claim to the Iron Throne.
Strategic Location and Resources
Located off the coast of Westeros, Dragonstone is strategically positioned to control access to Blackwater Bay and, by extension, King’s Landing. Furthermore, it sits atop a vast deposit of dragonglass, a substance known to kill White Walkers. This latter fact is crucial, as Jon Snow desperately needs dragonglass to arm his people against the encroaching threat from the North. Daenerys’ control of Dragonstone gives her control over this vital resource.
“The Queen’s Justice”: A Detailed Recap
Episode 3 of Season 7 is brimming with critical plot developments. However, Jon Snow’s arrival at Dragonstone is undoubtedly the episode’s centerpiece.
The Arrival
Upon receiving Tyrion Lannister’s invitation, Jon, accompanied by Davos Seaworth, sails to Dragonstone. Their arrival is met with skepticism and armed Dothraki warriors. They are disarmed and brought before Daenerys in her throne room.
The Meeting
The encounter between Jon and Daenerys is tense. Daenerys demands Jon bend the knee, acknowledging her as the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Jon, focused solely on the threat of the White Walkers, refuses, arguing that a much larger enemy threatens all of Westeros. Their initial disagreement underscores the conflicting priorities of the two leaders – Jon focusing on the immediate existential threat from the North and Daenerys on reclaiming her birthright.
Tyrion’s Mediation
Tyrion, acting as Hand to the Queen, skillfully attempts to mediate between Jon and Daenerys. He understands both Jon’s integrity and the urgency of the threat from the North. He convinces Daenerys to allow Jon to mine the dragonglass beneath Dragonstone, recognizing the potential value of Jon’s warning. This is a crucial turning point, indicating Daenerys’ growing willingness to trust Jon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jon Snow’s Dragonstone Visit
Here are some frequently asked questions about Jon Snow’s pivotal journey to Dragonstone:
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Why did Tyrion Lannister invite Jon Snow to Dragonstone? Tyrion, recognizing Jon’s honorable nature and strategic importance in the war to come, believed he could be an ally for Daenerys. He also understood the looming threat of the White Walkers and felt Daenerys needed to be aware of it. He hoped to forge an alliance between the two.
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What was Daenerys’ initial impression of Jon Snow? Daenerys was initially skeptical of Jon, viewing him as a Northman and an upstart who refused to acknowledge her claim to the throne. She struggled to believe his stories of White Walkers. She primarily saw him as another claimant to the throne who needed to acknowledge her superior right.
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How did Jon convince Daenerys to let him mine the dragonglass? Jon couldn’t initially “convince” Daenerys. Tyrion, through his influence and understanding of Daenerys’ strategic needs, persuaded her to allow Jon to mine the dragonglass as a goodwill gesture. Jon’s honesty and earnestness eventually contributed to her decision.
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What other important events occurred in “The Queen’s Justice”? Aside from Jon’s arrival at Dragonstone, “The Queen’s Justice” also featured Daenerys’ devastating losses in the Reach, captured by the Lannister army after the siege of Highgarden, and Cersei’s brutal revenge on Ellaria Sand for Myrcella’s death.
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Why is dragonglass so important in Game of Thrones? Dragonglass, or obsidian, is one of the few substances that can effectively kill White Walkers. With the White Walker threat looming larger than ever, controlling the dragonglass reserves is crucial for Westeros’ survival. It’s almost as crucial as Valyrian steel.
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Did Jon and Daenerys develop a romantic connection during their time on Dragonstone? While their initial relationship was fraught with tension, a mutual respect and eventual romantic connection undeniably developed over their time on Dragonstone and subsequent events. This was hinted at early on, even in their initial debates.
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What impact did Varys and Tyrion have on the relationship between Jon and Daenerys? Both Varys and Tyrion played significant roles in shaping the relationship between Jon and Daenerys. Tyrion, acting as a mediator, helped to bridge the gap between their conflicting viewpoints. Varys, while cautious, ultimately recognized the potential of their alliance for the good of the realm.
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How did Davos Seaworth influence Daenerys’ perception of Jon Snow? Davos, with his unwavering loyalty and honest words, served as a crucial advocate for Jon. His sincere description of Jon’s character and leadership helped to sway Daenerys’ opinion and build trust. He painted a picture of Jon as a selfless leader dedicated to protecting his people.
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Why did Jon ultimately bend the knee to Daenerys? Jon eventually bends the knee in Season 8, not during his initial visit to Dragonstone. He did so because he realizes she is the best hope for Westeros and the only one capable of leading the fight against the White Walkers. He also comes to deeply care for her.
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What was the significance of Jon showing Daenerys the cave paintings? The cave paintings discovered on Dragonstone depicted the First Men and the Children of the Forest fighting together against a common enemy – the White Walkers. This served as powerful evidence to support Jon’s claims and demonstrated the need for unity to face the coming threat. It served as visual confirmation of the ancient threat.
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How did the political climate in Westeros affect Jon’s decisions regarding Dragonstone? The instability and infighting among the remaining Great Houses forced Jon to seek allies beyond the North. He recognized that facing the White Walkers required a united front, even if it meant aligning himself with someone with competing claims to the throne.
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What ultimately became of Dragonstone after Daenerys’ death? The fate of Dragonstone after Daenerys’ death is not explicitly stated in the final episodes of Game of Thrones. However, with Bran Stark elected King and the kingdoms now independent, its future likely lies in its historical significance and strategic position, potentially becoming a strategically important point for whoever rules what once was the Seven Kingdoms.