Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion, die in episodes four and six of season eight respectively, while Drogon survives the series. This pivotal loss marks a significant turning point in the series, impacting Daenerys’ actions and shaping the outcome of the final episodes.
The Fall of Viserion: A Frozen Tragedy
The White Walker’s Conquest
Viserion, initially a cream and gold-scaled dragon, meets his tragic end in season seven, episode seven, “The Dragon and the Wolf.” While attempting to rescue Jon Snow and his companions from the White Walkers beyond the Wall, Viserion is struck down by the Night King with an ice spear. This moment is devastating not only for Daenerys but also for the strategic balance of power in Westeros. The Night King’s acquisition of a dragon, reanimated as a wight dragon, drastically alters the landscape of the Great War.
Wight Viserion’s Role
The wight Viserion plays a crucial role in the destruction of the Wall, allowing the Army of the Dead to invade the Seven Kingdoms. His blue flames, a chilling echo of his former life, melt the ice barrier, signifying a monumental victory for the Night King. This event sets the stage for the epic Battle of Winterfell and further underscores the dire threat posed by the undead.
Rhaegal’s Unceremonious End: A Naval Ambush
Euron’s Iron Fleet Strike
Rhaegal, distinguished by his green and bronze scales, succumbs to a brutal attack in season eight, episode four, “The Last of the Starks.” While Daenerys and Drogon are flying towards Dragonstone, they are ambushed by Euron Greyjoy’s Iron Fleet, equipped with scorpion bolts designed to pierce dragon scales. Rhaegal is struck multiple times, plummeting into the sea in a shocking and devastating display.
Impact on Daenerys
Rhaegal’s death profoundly impacts Daenerys, fueling her paranoia and sense of isolation. The loss of another of her “children” further isolates her and deepens her conviction that she must seize the Iron Throne at any cost. This event is a significant catalyst in her descent towards madness and her ultimate decision to burn King’s Landing.
Drogon’s Survival: The Last Dragon Standing
Drogon’s Fury and Grief
Drogon, the largest and most fearsome of Daenerys’ dragons, witnesses both Viserion and Rhaegal’s demise. While he initially escapes Euron’s ambush, the death of Rhaegal enrages him, contributing to the fiery destruction of King’s Landing in the following episode.
The Final Act: A Symbolic Departure
After Daenerys’ death at Jon Snow’s hand, Drogon melts the Iron Throne, a symbol of power and conflict, before flying east, carrying Daenerys’ body. This act symbolizes the futility of the game of thrones and the destructive nature of power. Drogon’s departure leaves the fate of dragons in Westeros uncertain, suggesting a potential future beyond the reach of human ambition and conflict.
FAQs: Unveiling the Dragon Lore
Here are some frequently asked questions that address various aspects of the dragons’ deaths and their broader significance in Game of Thrones:
FAQ 1: Why were the dragons so vulnerable to human weapons in season 8?
The dragons’ vulnerability in the later seasons is primarily attributed to the scorpion bolts, large, powerful projectiles specifically designed to pierce dragon scales. While dragons are incredibly resilient, these weapons, combined with precise aiming, proved fatal. Additionally, the dragons’ sizes varied; Rhaegal and Viserion were significantly smaller than Drogon, making them easier targets. The element of surprise also played a significant role, especially in Rhaegal’s ambush.
FAQ 2: Could Daenerys have prevented Rhaegal’s death?
Potentially. Greater caution and reconnaissance would have significantly increased their chances. Daenerys’ grief and urgency to reach Dragonstone may have contributed to her lack of vigilance, making them vulnerable to Euron’s ambush. Flying at a higher altitude and employing scouts might have detected the Iron Fleet in time.
FAQ 3: What impact did Viserion’s transformation into a wight dragon have on the Great War?
Viserion’s transformation was a game-changer. His ability to breathe blue flames and destroy the Wall allowed the Night King and his army to bypass the most formidable defense in Westeros. This event significantly escalated the threat posed by the undead and forced the living to confront an enemy they believed to be contained.
FAQ 4: Why didn’t Drogon die?
Drogon was the largest and arguably strongest of Daenerys’ dragons. He also possessed the most experience in battle, having fought in numerous conflicts alongside Daenerys. While he faced significant risks, his size, strength, and combat experience likely contributed to his survival. Luck also played a role; he evaded the initial volley of scorpion bolts that fatally struck Rhaegal.
FAQ 5: What happened to the Iron Throne after Drogon melted it?
The melted Iron Throne symbolized the end of the power struggle for the Iron Throne as it had existed. With the throne destroyed, the old system of hereditary succession was effectively nullified, paving the way for a new form of government. The act underlined the idea that the pursuit of power, as represented by the throne, had led to immense suffering and destruction.
FAQ 6: What is the significance of Drogon flying East with Daenerys’ body?
The significance is multifaceted. It suggests a return to the ancestral homeland of the Targaryens, possibly to Valyria. It also represents a final act of respect and mourning from Drogon towards his mother. Some speculate it hints at Drogon laying Daenerys to rest in a place of ancient Targaryen importance or even attempting to resurrect her using Valyrian magic.
FAQ 7: Were the dragons’ deaths necessary for the plot?
That’s a subject of much debate among fans. From a narrative perspective, their deaths heightened the stakes, fueled Daenerys’ emotional distress, and ultimately contributed to her descent. However, some argue that Rhaegal’s death, in particular, felt rushed and served primarily as a plot device to diminish Daenerys’ power and justify her later actions.
FAQ 8: How were the dragons raised and trained?
Daenerys raised the dragons from eggs, forming a unique bond with them. She learned to control them through a combination of her Targaryen heritage, her maternal instincts, and her commands in High Valyrian. However, the dragons were never fully “trained” in the traditional sense; they were powerful, sentient creatures with their own wills and instincts.
FAQ 9: Could the dragons have been used more strategically in the war against the White Walkers?
Arguably, yes. Some argue that a more coordinated and strategic use of the dragons, particularly in scouting and reconnaissance, could have given the living a significant advantage. However, factors such as weather conditions, limited visibility, and the dragons’ vulnerability to the Night King’s ice spears presented significant challenges.
FAQ 10: What is the future of dragons in the Game of Thrones universe?
With Drogon’s departure to the East, the future of dragons in Westeros remains uncertain. The possibility remains that other dragons exist in Essos, or that Drogon could eventually reproduce. However, without Daenerys, the knowledge of how to nurture and control dragons might be lost, making their return to prominence unlikely.
FAQ 11: Why were Daenerys’ dragons so important to her?
Beyond their strategic value as weapons of war, the dragons represented a connection to Daenerys’ Targaryen heritage and a symbol of her power and resilience. They were also her “children,” a connection she deeply cherished, especially after losing her husband and unborn child.
FAQ 12: Is it possible that there are other dragons undiscovered?
While not explicitly stated in the series, the history of dragons suggests that it is entirely possible that other dragons exist, perhaps in remote or unexplored regions of Essos. The world of Game of Thrones is vast, and the ancient history of dragons is rich with untold stories, leaving room for speculation about undiscovered species or hidden nests.