In the fictional world of Game of Thrones, dragons were believed to have been extinct for centuries until Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragons miraculously hatched from fossilized eggs. From then on, the Targaryens, who were believed to be the only ones with the ability to hatch and bond with dragons, were recognized as the only dragon riders.
However, as the story progresses, it was revealed that anyone could potentially ride a dragon if the creature allowed them. This was exemplified when Jon Snow, a non-Targaryen, rode Rhaegal, one of Daenerys’s dragons, during the Battle of Winterfell.
In the same vein, it is believed that the bond between a dragon and its rider is not solely based on bloodline but also on trust and mutual respect. The dragons, though intelligent creatures, were proven to have their individual preferences and personalities. They may have their own criteria and requirements for selecting a rider, whether Targaryen or not.
Moreover, it was shown in the last season that Rhaegal was wounded and eventually killed by Euron Greyjoy, a non-Targaryen who was able to use his giant crossbow to strike surprise on Rhaegal, who was unprepared for the attack. This revealed that dragons are not invincible, and can be killed by any well-prepared enemy attacker, regardless of their bloodline.
Therefore, while Targaryens were traditionally known as the only ones who can ride dragons, it is possible for a non-Targaryen to do so if they earn the trust and respect of the dragon. The bond between a dragon and its rider goes beyond the concept of bloodline and is based more on mutual understanding and willingness to undertake actions for the greater good.
Table of Contents
Who rode dragons other than Targaryens?
Throughout the history of Westeros, there have been various instances where individuals other than the Targaryens were able to ride dragons. However, it is important to note that Targaryens are the only ones with a strong history of dragon-riding, as they were the ones who possessed dragons for centuries.
One of the most notable non-Targaryen dragon riders in the history of Westeros was Nettles, who was a commoner and a member of House Shepherd. Nettles was able to tame and ride a wild dragon named Sheepstealer during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. She proved her worth by using Sheepstealer to drive off enemies and even set a trap to capture another dragon.
Another dragon rider who was not a Targaryen was Hugh The Hammer, who was a leader of the peasant uprising known as the Shepherd’s Crusade. He was able to ride a dragon during his rebellion, but it didn’t end well for him as he was ultimately defeated by the forces of the Targaryen King, Aegon II.
In addition to Nettles and Hugh The Hammer, there are various other examples of people who were able to ride dragons but only temporarily or under certain circumstances. For instance, Bran Stark was able to warg into a dragon and fly around in his dreams, while Daario Naharis was able to briefly ride one of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons in the TV show.
While Targaryens were the primary dragon riders in Westeros, there have certainly been instances where others have been able to ride or tame dragons for a brief period, displaying their own unique qualities and abilities in the process.
Who was the other dragon rider?
The identity of the other dragon rider can depend on various contexts since there are several stories and mythologies that involve dragons and their riders. In the context of the popular fictional series, “Eragon,” the other dragon rider was revealed to be named Murtagh. He was introduced as the son of Eragon’s former friend, Brom, who was believed to have died before the start of the series.
However, it was revealed later that Murtagh was captured and tortured by the antagonist, Galbatorix, who compelled him to become his loyal follower.
Murtagh was subsequently revealed to be a dragon rider, having been bonded with an equally formidable dragon named Thorn. Unlike Eragon, who voluntarily joined the dragon riding order out of his own choice, Murtagh was bound to fight for Galbatorix against his will. He bore several internal conflicts and battles between his loyalty to his former friends, Eragon and Saphira, and his duty to Galbatorix.
He eventually turned against Galbatorix and fought alongside Eragon and the other protagonists to overthrow the antagonist’s reign.
Outside of the fictional world, several cultures and mythologies have their versions of dragon riders. In ancient Chinese mythology, the Yellow Emperor was believed to have ridden on a dragon to ascend to heaven, earning the title of a divine entity. Similarly, in Greek mythology, the god Apollo was associated with dragon riding as part of his sun-god persona.
Other notable dragon riders in mythology include the Viking warrior, Sigurd, and the Mesopotamian god, Marduk, among others.
The identity of the other dragon rider can depend on the context of the story being told. In “Eragon,” the other dragon rider was Murtagh, while various mythologies have their versions of dragon riders, being gods or heroes who rode on dragons to achieve great feats.
Did all Targaryens have purple eyes?
All Targaryens were known for their distinctive features, which included silver hair and purple eyes. The books and TV show, Game of Thrones, depict the Targaryen family members as having these unique traits, making it a defining characteristic of the family. However, it is important to note that not all Targaryens were born with purple eyes.
Some Targaryens, particularly individuals who were born out of incestuous relationships or who intermarried with other houses, may have inherited different facial features or eye colours.
It is known that the purple eyes are linked to the Targaryen’s Valyrian ancestry, a place where it is believed that the characteristics were commonplace. It was said that the close proximity of marriages between Valyrian families reinforced their unique physical traits, such as the silver hair and purple eyes.
These were seen as both signs of Valyrian ancestry and a show of the family’s superiority over the Westerosi people.
Moreover, it is believed that the magical properties of Valyrian steel also contributed to the unique features of the Targaryen family. Valyrian steel was made in Valyria and the weapon was also believed to be connected to the magic that surrounded the area. It is possible that this magic was also responsible for giving Targaryens their distinctive appearance.
It is generally believed that all Targaryens had purple eyes as it was a defining feature of the family due to their Valyrian ancestry, as well as the magical properties of Valyrian steel. However, there is a possibility that some Targaryens may not have had purple eyes due to marrying outside of the family or simply inheriting different facial features.
How do Targaryens not burn?
The Targaryens are known in the world of the Game of Thrones as a unique family that is immune to fire. This gift was first attributed to the legendary Targaryen figure, Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Daenerys Stormborn, who walked into the flames of the funeral pyre of her late husband, Khal Drogo, and came out unscathed, holding three dragon eggs and three newly hatched dragons on her shoulders.
However, it is important to understand that the Targaryens are not immune to fire and can burn just like any other human. This was evident in the death of Daenerys’ brother, Viserys Targaryen, who was killed when molten gold was poured over his head. Additionally, during the Battle of Summerhall, where King Aegon V Targaryen and his children died, it was recorded that the king and his son, Prince Duncan, died in the fire, which suggests that Targaryens are not immune to fire.
Therefore, the ability of Targaryens to withstand fire is not a genetic trait, but rather an exceptional trait that occurs once in a while, especially during blood magic rituals. It could also be attributed to the magic present in certain Targaryen artifacts, such as the Valyrian steel swords, which have been known to withstand fire, as well as the magical bond between Targaryen blood and dragons, which gives them the ability to command the powerful creatures without being harmed.
While the Targaryens are not fully immune to fire, they have a unique ability to withstand fire in exceptional circumstances. The cause of this ability is not completely understood, but it is believed to be linked to either their magical artifacts or their fondness for dragons, which has a magical bond with Targaryen bloodline.
Who can control dragons in Game of Thrones?
In the world of Game of Thrones, only individuals known as Targaryens possess the ability to control and ride dragons. The origin of their ability is attributed to their family’s bloodline, which is said to be closely connected to the creatures of old Valyria. Dragons were a staple part of Targaryen culture, and they formed a bond with these magical creatures.
This bond was a key power dynamic that helped the Targaryens conquer the Seven Kingdoms, as their dragons helped them forge alliances and win battles.
Daenerys Targaryen is a perfect example of someone who has demonstrated the ability to control dragons. In the series, she is shown to form a close emotional bond with her three dragons, which grow from hatchlings to formidable beasts under her care. She is also able to control them, using verbal commands and through her telepathic link with her children.
Her ability to tame these powerful creatures helps her become a powerful player in the world of politics and warfare in the Seven Kingdoms.
The ability of Targaryens to control dragons, however, isn’t absolute or guaranteed. While all Targaryens are born with the potential ability, it requires a level of innate magical power, as well as the physical and mental strength to handle the dragons. Some individuals in their family’s line have been unable to control dragons, and others have tried and failed.
While Maester Aemon Targaryen of the Night’s Watch suggests that anyone may have the potential to become a dragon rider, it is highly unlikely to happen for those outside the Targaryen bloodline.
The power to control dragons is a unique and highly valuable asset for anyone seeking to dominate the Seven Kingdoms. Only the Targaryens possess this ability, which has given them a massive advantage throughout history. While their power is diminished by the dwindling number of dragons in the world, the potential for a Targaryen to control a dragon remains a formidable force that can tip the balance of power in Game of Thrones.
How did the Targaryens control their dragons?
The Targaryens’ control over their dragons was due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the Targaryens were descendants of the Valyrians, who had tamed and controlled dragons in the past, and they had inherited some of the Valyrians’ knowledge and techniques for controlling and communicating with their dragons.
Secondly, the Targaryens had spent centuries breeding and training their dragons to make them more docile and easier to control. They had also developed a strong bond with their dragons through regular contact and feeding, which helped to establish a trust and understanding between them.
Thirdly, the Targaryens had developed a system of dragon-riders, in which they would pair a trained dragon with a skilled and experienced rider. The dragon-riders were responsible for training and overseeing their dragons, as well as communicating with them using a special language that only the dragons and their riders could understand.
The riders were also trained in combat strategies and tactics, allowing them to wield their dragons in battle effectively.
Finally, the Targaryens also had a set of rules and regulations in place to ensure that their dragons remained obedient and under control. For instance, they forbade their dragons from attacking humans or livestock without their permission, and they would punish any rogue or disobedient dragons severely.
They also kept a close watch on their dragons, regularly inspecting their health and behavior to ensure that they were not becoming unruly or dangerous.
The Targaryens’ control over their dragons was a result of their strong knowledge, breeding, training, trust, organization, and regulation of their dragons, as well as their skilled and dedicated dragon-riders, who were able to wield their dragons in battle effectively. It is these factors that allowed the Targaryens to maintain their control over their dragons for centuries and become one of the most powerful and fearsome Houses in Westeros.
Why are only some Targaryens immune to fire?
In the world of Game of Thrones, Targaryens are known to be a powerful and influential family with a unique ability of being immune to fire. However, this does not necessarily mean that every Targaryen has the same trait as we have seen in the show.
According to George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series on which the show is based, being immune to fire is not a genetic trait specific to the Targaryens but rather an extraordinary ability that only a few members of the family possess. This ability is believed to be connected to the magical powers that surround the dragons, which were the key companions of House Targaryen for years.
The Targaryens, who were the last surviving family of Dragonlords, were said to be able to communicate and control dragons, which gave them a tremendous advantage over their enemies during battles. The connection to dragons might have also bestowed upon them the ability to withstand fire, as dragons are immune to flames as well.
Despite being immune to fire, it is important to note that Targaryens are not entirely invincible. We have seen in the show that they can still be injured, poisoned or killed in other ways.
The ability to resist fire is not something that all Targaryens have, but only a select few members of the family possess the trait, which is likely linked to their connection with dragons and the magical powers that come with it.
Why only Valyrians ride dragons?
The reason why only the Valyrians ride dragons is rooted in the history and mythology of the world of the Game of Thrones. According to legend, the Valyrians were a race of powerful sorcerers who lived in the Valyrian Freehold, an ancient empire located in the eastern regions of Essos. These people had a special affinity for dragons, which they bred and trained to become their loyal companions and weapons of war.
It is said that the Valyrians discovered dragon eggs in the fourteen flames, a chain of active volcanoes in the Valyrian Peninsula. Using their magical powers and knowledge, they were able to tame these creatures, which had previously been wild and uncontrollable. Over time, the Valyrians learned how to breed and manipulate the dragons to create different breeds and sizes that suited their needs.
Not everyone was able to master the art of dragon-riding, however. The Valyrians believed that only people with Valyrian blood could bond with dragons and ride them effectively. They viewed their own ancestry as superior to that of other peoples and believed that their magical prowess was part of what made them worthy of riding dragons.
It’s important to note that not all Valyrians were dragonriders, just as not all people are skilled horseback riders. Only a select few had the innate ability to understand and communicate with these powerful beasts. In fact, even within the Valyrian society, dragonriders were considered a special caste, with their own customs and traditions.
After the Doom of Valyria destroyed the empire, the Valyrian bloodline became diluted, and dragon-riding became all but extinct. However, some of the Targaryens, a Valyrian family who had fled to Westeros centuries earlier, still retained the ability to ride dragons. They were able to keep their bloodline pure through inbreeding and continued to rule through the power of their dragons until the last of them died out.
Only Valyrians were able to ride dragons due to the special relationship these people had with them. Their mastery of magic and dragon breeding gave them the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate with these fearsome creatures effectively. Additionally, Valyrians believed that their own bloodline was crucial in establishing this bond, which made dragon-riding a skill that was passed down through generations of their society.
Why are the Targaryens the only ones that can ride dragons?
The Targaryens are the only ones that can ride dragons in the world of Game of Thrones because of their unique genetic heritage and history. The Targaryens are a family line that has a very distinct bloodline that stretches back thousands of years. They are known as the “Dragonlords” because of their unique ability to tame and ride dragons, which are the largest and most terrifying creatures in the world of Game of Thrones.
The reason that the Targaryens can ride dragons is because of their bloodline. According to the Game of Thrones lore, the first Targaryen to ride a dragon was Aegon the Conqueror, who conquered the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros with his three dragons: Balerion, Meraxs, and Vhagar. The Targaryens are the only family line in Game of Thrones that has the special ability to ride dragons because their bloodline was infused with magic and mystical powers that allowed them to bond with and control these mythical creatures.
Over the centuries, the Targaryen family line has become synonymous with dragons. They were the only ones who ever rode dragons, and they used these fearsome beasts as weapons of war, as well as tools for conquering and ruling the Seven Kingdoms. The Targaryens bred and trained dragons for generations, and they passed down their knowledge and skills to their children.
As the Targaryen family continued to interbreed and pass on their bloodline, the ability to ride dragons became more and more ingrained into their genetics. Eventually, it became impossible for any other family line to ride dragons because they did not have the special genetic traits that allowed them to bond with these creatures.
The Targaryens are the only ones that can ride dragons because of their unique genetic heritage, their long history of riding and training these creatures, and their close relationship with dragons that has been passed down for generations. Their dynasty has become synonymous with dragons, and they are the only ones that can tame and control these mythical creatures.
Why can Jon Snow touch the dragons?
Jon Snow, also known as Aegon Targaryen, can touch the dragons due to his Targaryen bloodline. Targaryens are known for their ability to tame and ride dragons, as they have a unique connection to these creatures.
In the show, it’s also hinted that Jon’s connection to the dragons may be due to his lineage as a direct descendant of Rhaegar Targaryen, the older brother of Daenerys Targaryen. He is also the son of Lyanna Stark, which makes him an heir to the Iron Throne and has a close relation with the Starks.
Furthermore, Jon has proven his bravery and love for Daenerys and her cause, which could also contribute to his ability to interact with the dragons. Throughout the series, it’s been shown that dragons can sense a person’s intentions and emotions, and they are more likely to trust and obey those who they feel a connection with.
In short, Jon Snow’s ability to touch the dragons can be attributed to his Targaryen bloodline and his close relationship with Daenerys, which has created a bond between him and the dragons.
Why are Targaryens connected to dragons?
The Targaryens are connected to dragons because of their long-standing association with House Targaryen’s sigil, which features a dragon. According to the history of Westeros, House Targaryen originated from Valyria, an ancient city located in the Essos region of the continent. Valyrians were known for their mastery of magic and sorcery, and there is evidence to support the idea that they were able to tame and control dragons.
House Targaryen was founded by Aegon Targaryen and his sisters, who invaded Westeros with their three dragons in a campaign known as the Conquest. During the invasion, the Targaryens used their dragons to conquer the kingdoms of Westeros and establish their own rule. The dragons became symbols of their power and dominance over the people of the Seven Kingdoms.
After the Conquest, House Targaryen continued to use dragons to maintain their authority over the realm. The Targaryen dynasty lasted for over 300 years, and dragons were a crucial part of their reign. The Targaryens formed close bonds with their dragons, even naming them and often riding them into battle.
The dragons became a part of the Targaryen family, and their deaths were treated with great sorrow.
However, as time passed, the Targaryens’ connection to dragons faded. The last known Targaryen dragon died during the reign of King Aegon III, and the Targaryens slowly lost their power and influence. By the time of Robert’s Rebellion, dragons had become a myth and a symbol of the Targaryens’ former greatness.
The Targaryens are connected to dragons because they used them as a symbol of their power and dominance over the Seven Kingdoms. The dragons were a crucial part of the Targaryen dynasty and were used to maintain their rule. Despite their eventual decline and disappearance, the Targaryens’ connection to dragons remains an important part of their history and legacy.
Why can the Knight King ride a dragon?
The Knight King’s ability to ride a dragon can be attributed to two main factors: his supernatural powers as a White Walker, and the magical properties of the dragons themselves.
Firstly, as a White Walker, the Knight King possesses a range of powers that allow him to control elements of nature and raise the dead. It’s likely that he has used these powers to overcome the innate resistance of dragons towards beings other than their riders. We have seen him raise an army of undead wights and even bring a dragon back from the dead with a single touch, so it’s not far-fetched to imagine that he could exert his will over a living creature like a dragon.
Secondly, dragons have a deep connection with magic and the mystical forces that permeate the world of Game of Thrones. It’s established in the show’s lore that dragons are creatures of fire and blood, born out of a magical event involving the sacrifice of a Targaryen. As such, they are imbued with supernatural abilities, including the power to sense and bond with certain individuals.
In the case of the Knight King, it’s possible that he has somehow managed to forge a bond with the undead dragon Viserion using his powers. Alternatively, he could have coerced or enchanted the beast through some form of dark magic or sorcery. Either way, it’s clear that the Knight King’s ability to ride a dragon is tied to the magical properties of these creatures, as well as his own formidable powers as a White Walker.
The Knight King’s ability to ride a dragon is one of the most striking and memorable aspects of his character. It serves as a chilling reminder of the threat he poses to the inhabitants of Westeros, and highlights the pivotal role that magic and fantasy play in the show’s narrative.
Do you need Valyrian blood to tame a dragon?
According to the lore of the popular television series ‘Game of Thrones’, individuals with Targaryen blood possess an innate ability to bond with and ride dragons. However, it has not been explicitly stated whether one necessarily needs Valyrian blood to tame a dragon.
In the series, the Targaryens were the ancient family of dragonlords who first brought dragons to Westeros. They are known for their physical appearance – silver hair and violet eyes – and their ability to ride dragons. However, there have been examples of individuals without Valyrian blood taming and riding dragons.
One such example is Daenerys Targaryen’s adviser and confidant, Missandei, who was born in Naath, an island in the Summer Sea. She is far from being of Valyrian descent – her skin is dark, and her hair is black. Yet, she was able to approach, touch, and communicate with Drogon, one of Daenerys’ three dragons.
Another example is Victorion Greyjoy, brother of Balon Greyjoy, who has been sent to Slaver’s Bay to find Daenerys and make her his queen. In the books, he carries a horn known as the Dragonbinder, which is said to be able to control dragons. It is said that only those with “dragon blood” can sound the horn and control dragons.
Whether this means Valyrian blood or something else altogether is unclear.
There are also instances of individuals who possess some distant Valyrian ancestry but do not carry the Targaryen name, taming dragons. For example, Nettles, a commoner in the Riverlands, tamed and rode Sheepstealer, one of the wild dragons, during the dance of the dragons, a civil war that occurred in Westeros during the Targaryen dynasty.
Thus, based on the above examples, it seems that Valyrian blood is not absolutely essential for taming and riding dragons. While the ability to bond with and control dragons may be easier for those with Targaryen ancestry, other factors such as spirit, determination, and maybe even a hint of magic, may play a role in the ability to tame and control these beasts.
Whose dragon is vhagar?
Vhagar is a dragon from the fictional world of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. Vhagar is one of three dragons ridden by the infamous Targaryen siblings, Visenya during the Targaryen Conquest of Westeros.
Visenya and her siblings, Rhaenys and Aegon, were heirs to the Targaryen dynasty, a family of dragonlords who had ruled the Valyrian Freehold before its destruction. After the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens fled to the western continent of Westeros, where they conquered the Seven Kingdoms and established their own dynasty.
Vhagar was initially ridden by Visenya’s nephew, Prince Aemond Targaryen, during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. However, Aemond was eventually killed in battle, and Vhagar was claimed by Aemond’s half-brother and rival, King Aegon II Targaryen.
During the Dance of the Dragons, Vhagar was responsible for numerous deaths and destruction, including the death of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. After the war, Vhagar was ridden by several other Targaryens, including Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and Prince Aegon the Younger.
Vhagar was a powerful and feared dragon, responsible for much of the Targaryen dynasty’s success and devastation. Despite being initially ridden by Visenya, Vhagar’s legacy is primarily associated with the chaos and destruction of the Dance of the Dragons.
