Prepare to witness heart-wrenching scenes in the forthcoming Dance of the Dragons, the central theme of HBO's House of the Dragons. The rift within the realm sets the stage for the clash between Queen Rhaenyra and her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen, escalating into a brutal conflict where dragons are the weapons of choice.
The trailers for House of the Dragon hint at dragon-mounted warriors unleashing chaos in the names of Rhaenyra and Aegon II. The toll of this war, especially on the common people, ultimately leads to the violent upheaval known as the Storming of the Dragonpit. While this event is poised to be a pivotal moment in the series, the looming question remains - which dragons will meet their demise in the Dragonpit.
Unrest in King's Landing
Insights from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon
The Dance of the Dragons plunges the realm into chaos as the Greens and the Blacks, along with their allies, engage in political turmoil. The Targaryen rulers based in King's Landing and Dragonstone fail in their responsibilities, leading to growing discontent among the masses towards Aegon II and Rhaenyra's leadership. The continuous cycle of offensives, alliances, and counter-alliances pushes the patience of King's Landing's citizens to the edge, culminating in the tragic Storming of the Dragonpit.
King's Landing has a history of civil disturbances, as evidenced in HBO's Game of Thrones series, particularly during the riot sparked by the departure of Princess Myrcella Baratheon to Dorne. The subsequent chaos, depicted in season 2, highlights the consequences of power struggles and wars initiated by the ruling class, resulting in violence among the common people.
The Shepherd's Role in the Dance of the Dragons
The aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons sees the commoners of King's Landing rebelling against the Targaryens due to the Shepherd's incitement. This mysterious figure, associated with the Faith of the Seven, ignites a revolt against Queen Rhaenyra, gaining support by demonizing the Targaryen dragons. The Shepherd's influence peaks during the Riot of King's Landing, following Queen Helaena's tragic death, further fueling the anti-dragon sentiments among the populace.
Understanding the Storming of the Dragonpit
In 130 AC, the Shepherd leads a group of dragonslayers, referred to as his 'lambs,' into the Dragonpit under the guise of 'salvation.' The Targaryen misrule, coupled with the Shepherd's manipulation, drives the mob to believe that killing the dragons is the key to saving the city. Amidst this chaos, Rhaenyra Targaryen and her sons witness the devastation caused by the Shepherd's followers, with tragic consequences for the dragons.
The Tragic Demise of Five Dragons in the Dragonpit
Syrax
Syrax, the she-dragon loyal to Rhaenyra, meets a heartbreaking end as she rejects Prince Joffrey Velaryon and perishes amidst the chaos of the Dragonpit. Instead of breathing fire, Syrax resorts to gruesome physical attacks before meeting her demise.
Tyraxes
Tyraxes, the dragon of Prince Joffrey, faces a tragic fate within the Dragonpit, succumbing to the turmoil caused by the invading mob.
Shrykos
Chained and defenseless, Shrykos, the small she-dragon, falls victim to the chaos within the Dragonpit, meeting her end at the hands of a vengeful woodsman.
Morghul
Morghul, another dragon within the Dragonpit, faces a tragic fate at the hands of an armored assailant, leading to a devastating outcome.
Dreamfyre
Dreamfyre's sorrowful demise mirrors the tragic fate of her rider, Queen Helaena, as she succumbs to the chaos within the Dragonpit, resulting in a heartbreaking end for both dragon and rider.
As the events unfold, the Dragonpit becomes a tragic stage for the demise of these majestic creatures, embodying the heart-wrenching consequences of power struggles and manipulation.