The Targaryens, the dragonlords of Valyria, and later kings of Westeros, are inextricably linked to dragons. Their history is intertwined with these majestic, fire-breathing creatures, making the question of how many dragons they possessed a fascinating one. This article delves into the known history of Targaryen dragons, exploring their rise, fall, and eventual resurgence, examining the numbers, names, and significance of these powerful beasts.
The Dragonlords of Old Valyria and the Conquest of Westeros
The Targaryens were not the only dragonlords of Valyria, but they were the only dragonlord family to survive the Doom. Their connection to dragons predates their arrival in Westeros by centuries. Before the Doom, dragons were relatively numerous in Valyria, though they weren’t exactly pets. They were powerful weapons, and symbols of status and control, carefully managed and bonded with through specific Targaryen bloodlines.
The precise number of dragons present in Valyria before its destruction is unknown. Historical accounts only mention the Targaryens and their five dragons fleeing to Dragonstone. These dragons were instrumental in Aegon the Conqueror’s successful invasion of Westeros.
Aegon, his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, and their dragons, Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes, are central to understanding the Targaryen dragon count. These three dragons were the power behind Aegon’s claim and his ability to unify six of the Seven Kingdoms under his rule.
The Conquest era saw the Targaryen dragon population thrive. New dragons were born and trained, solidifying the Targaryen dynasty’s dominance. The dragons became synonymous with Targaryen power and legitimacy.
The Height of Targaryen Dragon Power
During the early reign of the Targaryen dynasty, the dragon population peaked. King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, also known as the Old King or the Conciliator, reigned for nearly sixty years, during which the Targaryen dragons flourished. This era represents the zenith of Targaryen dragon power.
Historical records suggest that during Jaehaerys’s reign, the Targaryens had around a dozen dragons, maybe even a few more. This number fluctuates depending on births and deaths, but this period marks the peak of their dragon numbers in Westeros. These dragons were not just symbols of power, but also powerful weapons that maintained the peace and solidified Targaryen rule.
These dragons were housed in the Dragonpit in King’s Landing, a massive structure built to contain these magnificent creatures. However, the Dragonpit’s construction would later contribute to their downfall.
This golden age of dragons saw the birth of some truly magnificent creatures. Vermithor, Bronze Fury, ridden by Jaehaerys himself, grew to be one of the largest dragons ever seen. Silverwing, ridden by Queen Alysanne, was another notable dragon of this period.
The dragons played a vital role in maintaining Targaryen power and enforcing their rule. They served as deterrents against rebellion and symbols of Targaryen legitimacy. The sight of a dragon soaring overhead was enough to quell unrest and maintain order.
The Dance of the Dragons and the Decline
The Targaryen dynasty’s fortunes began to change with the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war fought over the succession to the Iron Throne. This war, fueled by ambition and treachery, pitted Targaryen against Targaryen, and dragon against dragon. The consequences were devastating.
The Dance saw a significant decline in the dragon population. Many dragons were killed in battle, while others died from injuries or neglect. The war also disrupted the breeding programs, further impacting the number of dragons.
By the end of the Dance, the number of dragons had dwindled drastically. Many notable dragons perished, including Seasmoke, ridden by Addam Velaryon, and Arrax, ridden by Lucerys Velaryon. The losses were catastrophic, not only in terms of dragon numbers but also in the knowledge of dragon lore and training.
The Dance of the Dragons was a turning point in Targaryen history. The dynasty never fully recovered from the losses incurred during the war, and the dragons, once symbols of their power, became increasingly rare and fragile.
The loss of dragons weakened the Targaryens’ grip on the Iron Throne. Rebellions became more frequent and difficult to suppress, and the dynasty’s authority was gradually eroded. The Dance marked the beginning of the end for the Targaryen reign.
The Last Dragons and Their Demise
After the Dance of the Dragons, the remaining dragons were shadows of their former selves. They were smaller, weaker, and less fertile. The Targaryens struggled to maintain their numbers, but their efforts were largely unsuccessful.
The last Targaryen dragon, a sickly, deformed creature, died during the reign of Aegon III, also known as Aegon the Dragonbane. This dragon’s death marked the end of an era, severing the Targaryens’ direct connection to the creatures that had once defined their dynasty.
The cause of the dragons’ decline is attributed to multiple factors, including inbreeding, disease, and confinement within the Dragonpit. The Dragonpit, while intended to house the dragons, ultimately proved to be a prison, stifling their natural instincts and hindering their ability to thrive.
The loss of dragonlore also played a significant role. As the number of dragons dwindled, the knowledge of how to train and care for them was gradually lost. The Targaryens were unable to pass on the secrets of dragon riding, further contributing to their demise.
With the extinction of dragons, the Targaryens lost their most potent weapon and their most powerful symbol. Their rule became increasingly precarious, and their authority diminished. The dynasty’s decline was accelerated by the absence of the creatures that had once made them invincible.
The Legacy of Targaryen Dragons: A Summary
Although the dragons disappeared for centuries, their legacy lived on in the myths, legends, and stories that shaped Westeros. The memory of the Targaryen dragons served as a constant reminder of their dynasty’s former glory and the power they once wielded.
To summarize the Targaryen dragon count across various periods:
- Pre-Conquest Valyria: Unknown, but likely dozens, possibly hundreds.
- Aegon’s Conquest: 3 (Balerion, Vhagar, Meraxes).
- Height of Power (Jaehaerys I): Approximately 12-15.
- Dance of the Dragons: Numbers fluctuated wildly, with significant losses on both sides.
- Post-Dance: A few weak dragons dwindled until extinction.
It’s crucial to remember that the numbers are approximate. Historical records are incomplete, and the number of dragons varied constantly due to births, deaths, and the chaos of war. However, the trend is clear: a decline from abundance to complete extinction.
The Resurgence: Daenerys Targaryen and Her Dragons
Centuries after the death of the last Targaryen dragon, Daenerys Targaryen emerged, carrying the hope of restoring her family’s legacy. In Essos, she acquired three dragon eggs, gifts given to her on her wedding to Khal Drogo. These eggs, believed to be petrified, hatched in a funeral pyre, birthing three new dragons into the world.
These dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, represent the resurgence of dragonkind and the re-emergence of Targaryen power. Daenerys, as their mother, forged a deep bond with them, becoming the first dragonrider in centuries.
Drogon, named after her late husband, was the largest and most formidable of the three. Rhaegal, named after her brother Rhaegar, and Viserion, named after her brother Viserys, were equally powerful and majestic.
Daenerys’s dragons grew rapidly, quickly becoming symbols of hope and fear. They played a crucial role in her conquest of Slaver’s Bay and her eventual journey to Westeros.
The dragons’ return to Westeros signaled a new era of conflict and upheaval. Their presence reignited old fears and sparked new ambitions. The Targaryen dynasty, once thought to be extinct, had returned, bringing with it the power of dragons.
The Fate of Daenerys’ Dragons
Daenerys’s dragons ultimately met tragic ends. Viserion was killed by the Night King and resurrected as a wight dragon, serving the forces of the dead. Rhaegal was killed by Euron Greyjoy during Daenerys’s invasion of Westeros.
Drogon, the last surviving dragon, destroyed the Iron Throne after Daenerys’s death, and then flew away with her body, disappearing to the east. His current whereabouts are unknown, leaving the possibility open for the future of dragons in the world.
Daenerys’s dragons, while powerful and magnificent, were ultimately victims of war and political intrigue. Their story serves as a reminder of the destructive potential of power and the fragility of life.
Even though they are gone, the legacy of Daenerys’ dragons lives on. They proved that dragons could be resurrected and that the Targaryen connection to these creatures could be rekindled. They have become a symbol of hope for the future, suggesting that the age of dragons may not be over.
In conclusion, determining the precise number of Targaryen dragons is difficult due to incomplete historical records. However, we can trace their evolution from Valyrian prominence to near extinction, and then to a resurgence with Daenerys. While the exact number remains a mystery, the impact of these magnificent creatures on the history of Westeros is undeniable.
How many dragons did the Targaryens definitively possess throughout their history in Westeros?
The Targaryens, from their arrival in Westeros until the end of their reign, possessed a substantial number of dragons. While not all dragons were fully grown or ridden, historical records and accounts suggest that the Targaryens owned, hatched, or discovered over twenty dragons. This number includes famous dragons like Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, Meraxes, Vermithor, Silverwing, Caraxes, Meleys, Sunfyre, and many others that contributed to the Targaryen dynasty’s power.
Estimating the precise number is challenging due to incomplete records and the dragons that died young or were never named. Some dragons were born during the Dance of the Dragons and perished without playing significant roles. However, based on textual evidence from primary sources like “Fire & Blood” and “The World of Ice & Fire,” a reasonable estimate places the total number of Targaryen-owned dragons somewhere between twenty and thirty throughout their reign, encompassing those born on Dragonstone and later in the Dragonpit of King’s Landing.
What was the largest dragon the Targaryens ever controlled, and what made it so formidable?
Balerion, the Black Dread, holds the distinction of being the largest dragon ever ridden by a Targaryen. Born in Valyria and brought to Westeros by Aegon the Conqueror, Balerion was a behemoth of immense size and power. His scales were black as night, his fire could melt stone, and his shadow could engulf entire towns. His sheer size and age granted him unmatched durability and destructive capabilities.
Balerion’s age and experience contributed significantly to his formidable nature. He had spent decades soaring through the skies, engaging in countless battles, and growing to an unprecedented size. The combination of his immense physical power and the fear he instilled in his enemies made him an unparalleled weapon for the Targaryens, cementing their dominance during the Conquest and beyond.
How did the Targaryens acquire their dragons initially, and where did they keep them?
The Targaryens originally acquired their dragons in Valyria, a land known for its dragonlords and their mastery over these magnificent creatures. As one of the dragonlord families, the Targaryens possessed the ability to hatch and raise dragons, a skill likely passed down through generations and tied to Valyrian magic and rituals. These dragons were initially kept in Valyria, presumably in specialized dragon lairs or within the volcanic landscape.
After the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens fled to Dragonstone, bringing with them their remaining dragons. Dragonstone served as their ancestral seat and a haven for their dragons for many years. Later, when Aegon the Conqueror established King’s Landing as the capital, the Targaryens constructed the Dragonpit, a massive structure designed to house their dragons within the city, allowing for easier control and accessibility.
Why did the Targaryen dragons eventually die out, and what factors contributed to their decline?
The decline and eventual extinction of the Targaryen dragons stemmed from a multitude of factors. One significant reason was their confinement within the Dragonpit. This enclosure, while intended for control, restricted their natural environment and freedom, likely affecting their health and breeding patterns. The size of the dragons born within the Dragonpit grew smaller over time, indicating a weakening of their bloodline.
Furthermore, the Targaryens’ own actions and the changing political landscape contributed to the dragons’ demise. The Dance of the Dragons, a civil war fought between Targaryen factions, decimated the dragon population. After the Dance, fewer and fewer dragons were successfully hatched, and those that did survive were significantly weaker. The belief in magic also waned, potentially affecting the rituals and practices that supported dragon breeding, ultimately leading to their extinction during the reign of Aegon III.
What role did dragon eggs play in the Targaryens’ attempts to maintain their dragon numbers?
Dragon eggs were crucial to the Targaryens’ efforts to sustain their dragon population. Targaryen tradition involved placing a dragon egg in the cradle of a newborn Targaryen, hoping to forge a connection between the child and the dragon that would eventually hatch. These eggs represented the potential for new dragons and the continuation of the Targaryen dynasty’s power.
However, the Targaryens’ understanding of how to successfully hatch dragon eggs diminished over time. Rituals were performed, and various methods were attempted, but the success rate plummeted after the Dance of the Dragons. The inability to consistently hatch eggs contributed significantly to the decline in dragon numbers, highlighting the Targaryens’ struggle to maintain their dragon-riding legacy.
Were there any Targaryens who refused to ride dragons, and if so, why?
Yes, there were Targaryens who never rode dragons. While dragonriding was considered a prestigious and integral part of Targaryen identity, not every member of the family bonded with or claimed a dragon. Some Targaryens simply lacked the connection or affinity necessary to successfully bond with a dragon, which was essential for riding.
In some cases, Targaryens chose not to ride dragons due to personal preference or fear. For example, some Targaryens held positions that kept them away from Dragonstone or the Dragonpit, making it difficult to form a bond with a dragon. Additionally, the increasing rarity and fragility of dragons in later generations may have deterred some Targaryens from risking the life of a dragon that was already vulnerable.
Is there any evidence to suggest that dragons could potentially return to the world, even after the Targaryens’ decline?
While the Targaryen dragons seemingly vanished from the world, there have been hints and prophecies suggesting their potential return. The hatching of Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragon eggs centuries after the last dragons died in Westeros provides concrete evidence that dragons are not entirely extinct and that dragon eggs can still be viable under the right circumstances.
Furthermore, certain characters within the narrative hold beliefs and pursue actions based on the hope or possibility of dragons returning. These beliefs, coupled with the resurgence of magic in the world, fuel speculation and intrigue about the future of dragons in Westeros and beyond, suggesting that the possibility of their return remains a significant element of the story.