In Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 6, titled “Beyond the Wall,” the ice dragon that fell was Viserion, one of Daenerys Targaryen’s beloved dragons. This catastrophic loss marked a significant turning point in the series, forever altering the balance of power.
The Context of Viserion’s Demise
The fateful episode saw Jon Snow and his motley crew venturing beyond the Wall to capture a wight, aiming to prove the existence of the White Walkers to Cersei Lannister. Their plan went awry when they became surrounded by the Night King’s massive army of the dead. Daenerys, upon receiving a raven detailing their peril, arrived with her three dragons – Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion – to rescue them.
A fierce battle ensued, with the dragons wreaking havoc on the undead hordes. However, the Night King, armed with an ice spear, seized the opportunity and launched it with devastating accuracy. Viserion was struck down, plummeting into the frozen lake, a truly shocking and heart-wrenching moment for viewers and Daenerys alike.
The Aftermath: A Dragon Turned Against His Own
The tragedy didn’t end with Viserion’s death. In a chilling twist, the Night King raised Viserion from the icy depths, transforming him into a wight dragon, effectively adding a formidable weapon to his already terrifying arsenal. This resurrected Viserion breathed blue flames, shattering the Wall in the season finale and allowing the Army of the Dead to pour into Westeros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Viserion’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing the significance and implications of Viserion’s tragic fate:
What exactly caused Viserion’s death in Season 7, Episode 6?
Viserion was killed by the Night King, who hurled an ice spear at him with incredible precision. The spear pierced Viserion’s neck, causing him to fall from the sky and sink beneath the frozen lake.
Why was Viserion the dragon targeted by the Night King?
While it’s impossible to know the Night King’s exact reasoning, several factors likely contributed. Perhaps Viserion was positioned in a way that made him a more accessible target than Drogon, who was typically closer to Daenerys. Or, the Night King may have been opportunistic, seizing the chance when it presented itself. The reality remains that all three dragons were vulnerable, and Viserion happened to be the one in the line of fire.
How did the Night King manage to kill a dragon with an ice spear?
The ice spear was no ordinary weapon. Crafted from ice using unknown magic, it possessed immense power and piercing capability. The spear’s design and the Night King’s exceptional aim allowed it to penetrate Viserion’s thick scales and cause a fatal wound. Furthermore, the Night King’s ability to sense and exploit vulnerabilities likely played a crucial role.
Was Daenerys aware of the Night King’s ability to raise the dead?
No, Daenerys and her advisors were unaware of the Night King’s ability to resurrect the dead, including animals. This power came as a complete shock and a devastating blow, as it transformed a creature she loved into a weapon against her.
How did Viserion’s transformation into a wight dragon impact the war against the White Walkers?
Viserion’s transformation drastically shifted the balance of power. He became a weapon of mass destruction, capable of breaching the Wall and unleashing the Army of the Dead upon Westeros. His blue flames were also significantly more destructive than regular dragon fire, proving immensely effective against fortifications and human defenses.
What color was Viserion’s fire before and after his death?
Before his death, Viserion breathed cream and gold-colored fire, reflecting his scales. After being resurrected by the Night King, his fire turned a chilling blue, signifying his corrupted nature and the magic that animated him.
How did Daenerys react to the loss of Viserion?
Daenerys was devastated by Viserion’s death. She considered her dragons her children and losing one was a profound personal tragedy. This loss further fueled her determination to defeat the Night King and protect humanity, but it also left her vulnerable and grieving.
Did Viserion’s death have any impact on the relationship between Daenerys and Jon?
Yes, Viserion’s death strengthened the bond between Daenerys and Jon. Daenerys witnessed Jon’s bravery and selflessness during the ordeal, while Jon saw Daenerys’s genuine compassion and grief. This shared experience deepened their respect and affection for each other, paving the way for their romantic relationship.
How did the other characters react to Viserion becoming a wight dragon?
The other characters were horrified and deeply concerned by Viserion’s transformation. They understood the immense threat he posed and realized the war against the White Walkers had become even more challenging. The sight of a dragon, once a symbol of hope and power, turned into a weapon of destruction filled them with dread.
Could Viserion be considered “alive” as a wight dragon?
While Viserion’s body was animated by the Night King’s magic, he was not truly alive. He was essentially a puppet, devoid of his former consciousness and instincts. He became a tool of destruction, controlled by the Night King’s will.
Did Viserion’s death and resurrection change Daenerys’ strategy in the war against the dead?
Absolutely. The resurrection of Viserion made it abundantly clear that the war against the dead was not just about fighting an army of wights, but also about dealing with magical threats and preventing the Night King from further expanding his forces through resurrection. This experience pushed Daenerys to prioritize eliminating the Night King above all else, recognizing him as the source of the entire threat.
What ultimately happened to Wight Viserion?
Wight Viserion was eventually destroyed in the Battle of Winterfell in Season 8, Episode 3, “The Long Night.” He was killed by Arya Stark, who managed to sneak up on the Night King and kill him with a Valyrian steel dagger. With the Night King’s demise, all wights, including Viserion, immediately collapsed and died, returning to lifelessness. This moment marked a crucial victory for the living, signifying the end of the immediate threat posed by the Night King and his army.
Conclusion: The End of a Magnificent Creature
The death and subsequent reanimation of Viserion stand as one of the most impactful and emotionally resonant events in Game of Thrones. It served as a stark reminder of the Night King’s power and the terrible stakes involved in the battle for Westeros. The loss of this magnificent creature profoundly affected the characters and the narrative, ultimately shaping the course of the series’ conclusion. The fall of Viserion remains a tragic testament to the brutal realities of war and the insidious nature of the forces arrayed against the living.