Rhaegal, one of Daenerys Targaryen’s beloved dragon children, meets his tragic end in Season 8, Episode 4, titled “The Last of the Starks.” This devastating loss significantly impacts Daenerys’ emotional state and strategic decisions leading up to the series’ controversial conclusion.
The Death of a Dragon: Context and Significance
The death of Rhaegal isn’t just a casualty of war; it represents a significant shift in the power dynamics of Westeros and a pivotal moment in Daenerys Targaryen’s character arc. He was brutally shot down by Euron Greyjoy’s Iron Fleet using specially designed scorpion bolts. This marked the first time in Game of Thrones history that a dragon was defeated so decisively by a non-magical weapon, demonstrating the vulnerability of these seemingly invincible creatures and altering the rules of engagement in the final conflicts.
Prior to his demise, Rhaegal played a crucial role in the Battle of Winterfell, fighting alongside Drogon and Jon Snow (revealed to be Aegon Targaryen) against the Night King and his army of the dead. His survival of that epic battle only made his sudden and unceremonious death all the more shocking and impactful.
The loss of Rhaegal fueled Daenerys’ increasing paranoia and isolation. Coupled with the political machinations against her and the death of Missandei, it contributed to her descent into madness and the eventual destruction of King’s Landing. In essence, Rhaegal’s death served as a catalyst for the dramatic and often debated events that followed.
The Aftermath and Impact on Daenerys
The immediate impact of Rhaegal’s death was palpable. Daenerys witnessed the event firsthand, leaving her visibly shaken and emotionally scarred. The loss was not just strategic; it was deeply personal. Dragons are not merely weapons to the Targaryens; they are considered extensions of their family, symbols of their power, and remnants of their ancestral heritage.
The strategic ramifications were also considerable. With only Drogon remaining, Daenerys’ aerial superiority was severely diminished. This forced her to reconsider her attack plans on King’s Landing and ultimately contributed to the impulsive and devastating choices she made.
Many viewers interpret Rhaegal’s death as a turning point for Daenerys. While she always possessed a fierce determination and a strong sense of justice, the compounding losses, including Rhaegal, exacerbated her pre-existing tendencies towards ruthlessness and paranoia, culminating in her transformation into the “Mad Queen.”
Euron Greyjoy and the Scorpion Technology
The effectiveness of the scorpions, the dragon-killing siege weapons wielded by Euron Greyjoy, was a point of contention among viewers. Some felt it was unrealistic that these weapons could so easily bring down a dragon, while others argued that it demonstrated the ingenuity of human engineering and the evolving nature of warfare.
The Giant Ballista, dubbed “Scorpion,” were powerful crossbow-like weapons designed to fire massive bolts capable of piercing even the toughest armor. Euron Greyjoy’s Iron Fleet deployed these weapons to devastating effect, catching Daenerys by surprise as she approached Dragonstone. The precise aiming and sheer power of the bolts proved fatal to Rhaegal.
The introduction of the scorpion technology represented a significant development in the Game of Thrones universe. It highlighted the ongoing struggle between magical forces and human ingenuity, showcasing how technological advancements could potentially challenge even the most formidable mythical creatures.
Rhaegal’s Legacy and Symbolic Significance
Despite his relatively brief appearances in the later seasons, Rhaegal played a significant role in the narrative. He was named after Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’ older brother and Jon Snow’s biological father. This connection symbolically linked Jon Snow to the Targaryen lineage and hinted at his claim to the Iron Throne.
Rhaegal’s death not only diminished Daenerys’ power but also shattered the hopes of those who believed in her as a benevolent ruler. His demise became a symbol of the increasing darkness and tragedy that permeated the final season of the show.
Ultimately, Rhaegal’s legacy is one of lost potential and tragic circumstances. He represented a powerful force for good, capable of defending the innocent and challenging oppressive regimes. His death, however, served as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of war and the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rhaegal’s Death
H3: What weapon killed Rhaegal?
Rhaegal was killed by scorpion bolts fired from the Iron Fleet’s ships, commanded by Euron Greyjoy. These were large, specially designed bolts fired from powerful crossbow-like weapons.
H3: Why was Rhaegal so vulnerable to the scorpion bolts?
Several factors contributed to Rhaegal’s vulnerability. Firstly, Daenerys was caught off guard, and Rhaegal was flying low, making him an easier target. Secondly, the scorpion bolts were powerful and specifically designed to pierce dragon scales. Finally, Rhaegal was likely weakened from the Battle of Winterfell.
H3: Did Rhaegal die instantly?
No, Rhaegal did not die instantly. He was struck by multiple scorpion bolts, causing him to fall from the sky and eventually succumb to his injuries in the sea. The agonizing death visibly impacted Daenerys.
H3: Where did Rhaegal die?
Rhaegal died in the sea off the coast of Dragonstone. His body plunged into the water after being struck by the scorpion bolts.
H3: How did Euron Greyjoy know where Daenerys would be?
The show doesn’t explicitly state how Euron knew Daenerys’ exact location. However, it’s implied that he had spies or informants providing him with intelligence on her movements, potentially through Qyburn’s network.
H3: Could Daenerys have prevented Rhaegal’s death?
Many fans believe Daenerys could have prevented Rhaegal’s death by being more cautious and utilizing scout ships to detect potential threats. Her overconfidence and lack of reconnaissance were major contributing factors.
H3: How did Rhaegal get his name?
Rhaegal was named after Rhaegar Targaryen, Daenerys’ older brother and the father of Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen). This naming convention was a tradition followed by Daenerys for her dragons.
H3: Was Rhaegal the only dragon to die in Season 8?
No, Viserion had already died in the previous season (Season 7) when he was killed by the Night King and subsequently reanimated as a wight dragon. Drogon was the only surviving dragon by the end of the series.
H3: What impact did Rhaegal’s death have on Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen)?
While the show doesn’t explicitly focus on Jon’s reaction, Rhaegal was named after his father. The death represents a further loss of Targaryen heritage and another reason to distrust Daenerys’ increasing instability. Jon, who had ridden Rhaegal previously, likely felt a personal connection to the dragon.
H3: Why was Rhaegal’s death so controversial among fans?
The controversial aspects stem from what some fans perceive as the rushed pacing and questionable writing choices of Season 8. The ease with which Rhaegal was killed, without any warning or strategic preparation on Daenerys’ part, felt out of character to some viewers.
H3: Did Rhaegal ever breathe fire?
Yes, Rhaegal breathed fire on numerous occasions, most notably during the Battle of Winterfell against the Night King’s army. He used his fire to defend Winterfell and burn wights.
H3: What was the significance of Jon Snow riding Rhaegal?
Jon Snow riding Rhaegal confirmed his Targaryen heritage. Dragons are traditionally ridden by Targaryens, and the fact that Rhaegal allowed Jon to ride him solidified his claim to the Iron Throne in the eyes of many.