In 2019, the Game of Thrones fanbase criticized the final season for its rushed plots and character arcs. Despite this, the first spin-off, House of the Dragon, premiered on August 21, 2022, with more spin-offs in the works as of March 2024.
The focus of the initial spin-off is on the Targaryens and their dragons, delving into the captivating bond between them. For the people of Westeros, the allure of dragons is intertwined with the Targaryens, who share a unique and deep connection with these majestic creatures.
The Targaryen Dynasty Begins
Lord Aenar Targaryen, the progenitor of House Targaryen, established their rule in Westeros by settling on Dragonstone. Aenar's decision to leave Old Valyria was influenced by his daughter Daenys the Dreamer's prophetic vision of the Doom. This led the Targaryens to Dragonstone, bringing along dragons like Balerion the Black Dread. The Doom's aftermath left the Targaryens as the sole surviving noble family.
Viserys I Targaryen, the last rider of Balerion, mentions in House of the Dragon the significance of dragons like Vhagar and Meraxes, born during the Century of the Blood. These dragons, along with Balerion, played a pivotal role during and after Aegon's Conquest, shaping the history of Westeros.
Dragons Beyond Dragonstone
The Targaryen Dragon Count
During Rhaenyra Targaryen's time, House Targaryen possessed ten adult dragons as their dominion neared a century. Notable dragons like Syrax, Meleys, Seasmoke, and Vhagar were crucial in various Targaryen unions and events. The tradition of placing dragon eggs in Targaryen cradles continued, ensuring the bond between dragons and Targaryens.
As conflicts arose, Targaryen heirs like Aegon and Rhaenyra's sons received dragon eggs. The ensuing war saw the loss of dragons, including casualties like Jacaerys and Vermax. The Targaryen legacy intertwined with dragons faced challenges as the war unfolded, revealing intricate family ties and betrayals.
The Era of Fading Dragons
Most adult dragons perished during the conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, leaving only a few survivors like Morning and Silverwing. The decline of dragons marked the end of an era, with Aegon III earning the moniker 'Aegon the Dragonbane.' Subsequent attempts to hatch dragons resulted in tragedy, leading to the end of dragon rule.
Daenerys Revives Dragons
Daenerys Targaryen resurrects dragons in Game of Thrones, hatching three eggs and raising Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal. The dragons play crucial roles in battles, but their destinies take tragic turns. Despite the dragons' power, their storylines intertwine with loss and sacrifice, shaping the fate of Westeros.
The Targaryen legacy, marked by dragons, continues in the upcoming season 2 of House of the Dragon, promising further exploration of this mystical bond.