When it comes to Game of Thrones, the dragons are undoubtedly some of the most iconic and beloved features of the show. From their impressive size and strength to their fiery breath and unique personality traits, these dragons have captured the hearts of fans all over the world.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Game of Thrones dragons, exploring the different species, their names, and their characteristics. We’ll also delve into the history of dragons in Westeros, the significance of dragon eggs, and the symbolism behind these mythical creatures.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about these impressive beasts, read on for a fiery guide to the skies of Westeros.
Dragon Species in Game of Thrones
Dragons in Game of Thrones are fascinating creatures that play a significant role in the story. There are three distinct dragon species in the show, each with unique characteristics and abilities.
Westerosi Dragons
The first dragon species are the Westerosi dragons. These are the dragons that Daenerys Targaryen possesses and are the most commonly seen in the show. Westerosi dragons are massive creatures, weighing in at around 30 tons. They have a wingspan of almost 80 feet, making them formidable opponents in battle. Their scales are black or red and are almost impenetrable to any weapon. Westerosi dragons can breathe fire, which they use to incinerate their enemies.
It is important to note that Westerosi dragons are a type of wyvern. Wyverns have two legs and two wings, whereas classical depictions of dragons have four legs and two wings.
The Dragon of Meereen
The second dragon species is the dragon of Meereen. This dragon is owned by Daenerys Targaryen’s advisor, Tyrion Lannister. The dragon of Meereen is much smaller than the Westerosi dragons, with a wingspan of around 20 feet. This dragon is a much more vibrant green hue, unlike the black and red coloration of the Westerosi dragons. The dragon of Meereen has not been seen using fire breath in the show.
Ice Dragons
The third and final dragon species in Game of Thrones are the ice dragons. Ice dragons are legendary creatures that have not been seen on the show. According to legend, they are much larger than Westerosi dragons and are capable of breathing streams of freezing cold air instead of fire. It is also said that their scales are made of ice instead of the usual hard scales of other dragon species.
Now that you know about the different dragon species in Game of Thrones, let’s take a closer look at their unique characteristics and abilities.
Dragon Names and Characteristics
Dragons in Game of Thrones are known for their distinct characteristics, and each one has its own unique name. From Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion to Balerion, Meraxes, and Vhagar, the dragons of Westeros are renowned for their power and fiery breath.
But it’s not just their names that set them apart. The dragons in Game of Thrones are individually distinct in terms of their physical characteristics and abilities.
| Name | Breath Type | Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Drogon | Fire | Ferocity and intelligence |
| Rhaegal | Green Fire | Strength and agility |
| Viserion | Blue Fire | Night vision and ice-breathing |
Drogon, the largest and most aggressive of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, has been known to incinerate entire armies with his fire breath.
Rhaegal, named after Daenerys’s brother Rhaegar, has a distinctive green color and is known for his strength and agility in flight.
Viserion, previously one of Daenerys’s dragons until he was killed and resurrected by the Night King, has blue-colored flames and can breathe ice.
Each dragon’s unique characteristics and abilities play a significant role in the show’s storyline, highlighting the careful attention to detail that the creators have paid to these mythical creatures.
The History of Dragons in Westeros
Dragons have a long and storied history in the world of Westeros. They were once prevalent throughout the continent, with each of the Seven Kingdoms having their own dragonriders. However, their power led to their downfall.
During the Targaryen conquest of Westeros, Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters brought three dragons with them: Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes. These dragons were instrumental in their ability to conquer the Seven Kingdoms, as they proved to be nearly invincible on the battlefield.
However, the last dragon died during the reign of Aegon III, and with it came the end of the dragonriders’ reign. The few dragon eggs remaining were either destroyed or lost, leading many to believe that dragons were extinct.
That was until Daenerys Targaryen hatched three dragons from fossilized eggs in the funeral pyre of her husband, Khal Drogo. These dragons were named Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal.
Under Daenerys’ leadership, the dragons grew to be powerful weapons, and played a pivotal role in battles against the Lannisters and the Night King. Their strength and intelligence proved to be a game-changer in the war for the Iron Throne.
However, with the death of Daenerys and the subsequent disappearance of Drogon, the fate of dragons in Westeros remains uncertain.
“The last dragon died during the reign of Aegon III, and with it came the end of the dragonriders’ reign.”
The Significance of Dragon Eggs
Dragon eggs are an integral part of the Game of Thrones universe, and their discovery sets in motion the eventual return of the dragons to Westeros.
According to the lore, dragon eggs are as hard as stone, and their shells come in a variety of colors. The colors are said to reflect the type of dragon that will hatch from them.
Daenerys Targaryen is gifted three dragon eggs during her wedding to Khal Drogo, and they become a crucial element in her journey to becoming the mother of dragons.
It is believed that the dragon eggs have immense magical power, and the prophecy of the Prince that was Promised is tied to the hatching of dragon eggs.
The dragon eggs also have a significant economic value, with a single dragon egg being worth a fortune. This is why they are often sought after by people looking to gain power or wealth, and why they are a central plot device in the story.
The Symbolism of Dragons in Game of Thrones
Dragons have played a crucial role in the Game of Thrones universe, not only as powerful weapons of war and tools of conquest, but also as symbols of royalty, power, and mythology. The dragons are often associated with the Targaryen family, who used them to conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms for many years before their extinction.
However, the dragons in Game of Thrones are not just mere animals, but representations of various symbolic meanings and beliefs. One of the most prominent symbolic meanings of dragons in Game of Thrones is power and destruction. As Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons grew in size and strength, they became more formidable and lethal weapons, capable of destroying entire armies and cities with their fiery breath. Their power and destruction define their strength and influence on the Game of Thrones universe.
“What is power without the ability to protect the ones you love?” – Daenerys Targaryen
The dragons are also connected to mythology and legend in the Game of Thrones universe. The legend of Azor Ahai, the hero who will be reborn to defeat the darkness and save the Seven Kingdoms, is closely linked to the dragons. This legend states that Azor Ahai will wake dragons from stone, referring to the hatching of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon eggs.
Furthermore, the dragons in Game of Thrones represent rebirth and resurrection. The extinction of the dragons left a void in the world, and their eventual rebirth under Daenerys Targaryen’s leadership symbolizes a new era of magic, mythology, and power.
Overall, the dragons in Game of Thrones are much more than just powerful creatures – they embody deep symbolic meanings and beliefs, representing power, destruction, mythology, rebirth, and resurrection.
The Dragon Riders of Westeros
The bond between a dragon and its rider is one of the most important relationships in Game of Thrones. Dragons are fierce creatures, and it takes a special kind of person to gain their trust and ride them into battle.
Daenerys Targaryen is perhaps the most famous dragon rider in Westeros, having hatched three dragons from their eggs and tamed them as her own. She used her dragons to conquer cities and armies, and they were an essential part of her rise to power.
| Dragon | Rider |
|---|---|
| Drogon | Daenerys Targaryen |
| Rhaegal | Jon Snow |
| Viserion | The Night King |
Other notable dragon riders in the history of Westeros include Aegon Targaryen, who conquered the Seven Kingdoms with his three dragons, and his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, who rode their own dragons into battle. The Valyrians were also known for their dragon-riding prowess, using their dragons to conquer most of the known world before the Doom of Valyria.
The bond between rider and dragon is not just one of convenience, but of true companionship. As Daenerys Targaryen once said, “They’re my children, and they’re the only children I’ll ever have.”
Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/240590805068425204/
FAQ About Game of Thrones Dragons
As one of the most iconic elements of the popular HBO series, Game of Thrones dragons have become a topic of fascination for fans around the world. Here are some frequently asked questions about these incredible creatures:
What are the sizes of Game of Thrones dragons?
The size of Game of Thrones dragons varies by species and age. The Westerosi dragons, for example, can reach up to 80 feet in length, while the dragon of Meeren tends to be smaller. The size of Viserion, one of Daenerys’ dragons, increased significantly after he was resurrected by the Night King.
What are the strengths of Game of Thrones dragons?
Game of Thrones dragons possess a range of impressive abilities, including the ability to breathe fire, ice, or poisonous gas, depending on their species. Additionally, their scales are practically impenetrable, making them extremely difficult to kill. They are also capable of carrying riders through the air with great speed and agility.
What are the limitations of Game of Thrones dragons?
Despite their many strengths, Game of Thrones dragons do have certain limitations. For one, they can be injured, particularly by weapons made of Valyrian steel or dragonglass. Additionally, they require a considerable amount of food to maintain their size and strength, which can pose challenges for their riders. And, of course, they can be susceptible to the control of others, as seen in the case of Viserion, who was turned into an undead wight by the Night King.
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