The HBO series Game of Thrones tragically witnessed the deaths of two of Daenerys Targaryen’s beloved dragons: Viserion and Rhaegal. Viserion met his end in the Season 7 finale, “The Dragon and the Wolf,” while Rhaegal was killed in Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks.”
Dragon Deaths in Game of Thrones: A Chronicle of Loss
The death of a dragon in Game of Thrones wasn’t merely a plot point; it was a seismic shift in the power dynamics of Westeros and beyond. These magnificent creatures, symbols of Targaryen might and harbingers of war, became vulnerable, reminding viewers that even the most formidable forces are subject to mortality. Their demise resonated deeply with fans, marking pivotal moments in the series’ narrative.
Viserion’s Icy End: “The Dragon and the Wolf”
Viserion’s death is arguably the more shocking of the two. In “The Dragon and the Wolf,” Jon Snow and his “suicide squad” journey beyond the Wall to capture a wight and present it to Cersei Lannister as proof of the Night King’s threat. During a desperate retreat, the Night King hurls an ice spear, striking Viserion in the neck. The dragon plunges into the frozen lake, his death marking a victory for the Night King and a profound loss for Daenerys. But that wasn’t the end of Viserion’s story. The Night King subsequently raises Viserion as a wight dragon, turning him into a weapon of destruction.
Rhaegal’s Ambush: “The Last of the Starks”
Rhaegal’s death in “The Last of the Starks” is perhaps the more controversial of the two, due to the tactical questions surrounding it. Daenerys, aboard Drogon, flies alongside Rhaegal towards Dragonstone after the Battle of Winterfell. Euron Greyjoy, lying in wait with the Iron Fleet, unleashes a barrage of scorpion bolts. Rhaegal is struck multiple times, plummeting into the sea. This scene was criticised for its perceived implausibility, as the Iron Fleet was seemingly able to surprise Daenerys’ dragons despite her aerial superiority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragon Deaths in Game of Thrones
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the fate of dragons in Game of Thrones, providing deeper insight into their role, their demise, and their impact on the overall narrative.
1. Why Were Daenerys’ Dragons So Important?
Daenerys’ dragons were exceptionally important because they represented the return of magic and overwhelming power to a world that had largely forgotten them. They were living weapons, capable of incinerating armies and tearing down fortifications. They provided Daenerys with a significant military advantage and were a symbol of her claim to the Iron Throne. More than that, they were her children, and her bond with them was integral to her character.
2. How Did the Night King Turn Viserion Into a Wight Dragon?
The Night King possessed the power to reanimate the dead, even exceptionally powerful creatures like dragons. After Viserion fell into the frozen lake, the Night King used his power to raise him as a wight. This involved imbuing Viserion’s corpse with icy magic, effectively turning him into an undead weapon controlled by the Night King.
3. What Were the Differences Between Viserion Before and After Becoming a Wight Dragon?
The most obvious difference was Viserion’s physical appearance. As a wight, his flesh rotted away, revealing bone and decayed tissue. His eyes turned a piercing blue. More importantly, his fire was replaced with icy blue flames that could shatter structures instantly. He also became completely subservient to the Night King’s will, lacking any of the independent thought or loyalty he showed Daenerys.
4. How Did the Deaths of the Dragons Impact Daenerys?
The deaths of Viserion and Rhaegal had a profound impact on Daenerys. The loss of Viserion, especially, struck her hard, as it was the first major loss she had suffered in a long time. These deaths contributed to her growing sense of isolation and paranoia, ultimately playing a role in her descent into madness in the final season. They also reduced her military power significantly, making her conquest of Westeros much more difficult.
5. What Were the Scorpion Bolts That Killed Rhaegal?
Scorpion bolts were large, powerful projectiles launched from ballista-like weapons called scorpions. These weapons were designed specifically to kill dragons. They were able to pierce dragon scales and inflict significant damage. In “The Last of the Starks,” Euron Greyjoy’s Iron Fleet used scorpions to devastating effect, ambushing Daenerys and Rhaegal.
6. Why Didn’t Daenerys See Euron’s Fleet Coming?
This is one of the most heavily criticised aspects of Rhaegal’s death. Many viewers found it implausible that Daenerys, flying on Drogon, could be ambushed by Euron’s fleet. The show offered no clear explanation, leading to speculation about plot contrivances or simply poor writing in the final season. It raised questions about Daenerys’ tactical awareness and the overall consistency of the narrative.
7. Did the Deaths of Viserion and Rhaegal Affect the Outcome of the Great War Against the Night King?
Yes, Viserion’s death and subsequent reanimation directly impacted the Great War. As a wight dragon, Viserion was instrumental in the Night King’s destruction of the Wall, allowing the White Walkers and their army of the dead to enter Westeros. This dramatically changed the course of the war, forcing the living to confront an even greater threat.
8. Did Drogon Survive Game of Thrones?
Yes, Drogon was the only one of Daenerys’ three dragons to survive the entirety of Game of Thrones. He incinerated the Iron Throne after Jon Snow killed Daenerys and then flew off with her body. His final whereabouts are unknown, although it is implied that he took her to Volantis, the ancestral home of the Targaryens.
9. Could Anyone Else Have Ridden a Dragon Besides Daenerys?
In Game of Thrones, only those with Targaryen blood were traditionally able to ride dragons. This was linked to their shared ancestry and magical connection. However, Jon Snow, revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, was also able to ride Rhaegal, confirming his Targaryen heritage.
10. What Happened to the Remaining Dragon Eggs After Daenerys Hatched Her Three?
The fate of any remaining dragon eggs in the world is never explicitly stated in the series. It’s possible that more eggs exist somewhere in Essos, but their discovery is never explored. The hatching of Daenerys’ dragons was considered a miraculous event, implying that dragon eggs were exceptionally rare and difficult to hatch.
11. Were There Other Dragons in Game of Thrones History?
Yes, before the events of the show, dragons were commonplace in Westeros under the Targaryen dynasty. They played a crucial role in Aegon the Conqueror’s conquest of the Seven Kingdoms. However, dragons gradually died out, eventually becoming extinct. The last dragon, during the reign of Aegon III Targaryen, was a sickly creature that never flew and died young.
12. How Did Dragon Death Affect the Political Landscape of Westeros?
The death of dragons, especially Viserion becoming an ice dragon under the Night King’s control, profoundly shifted the balance of power in Game of Thrones. Beforehand, Daenerys had a clear advantage. Dragon deaths leveled the playing field and introduced new vulnerabilities. The final blow of Rhaegal’s death highlighted these, which made it more important than ever to have a different solution for resolving the conflict when the dragon’s power was no longer overwhelming.