What Game of Thrones says about House of the Dragon’s dragon riding rules
As a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin’s intricately woven A Song of Ice and Fire series, I’ve grown accustomed to the complexities and nuances that define this fantastical world. Yet, when it comes to dragon bonding, training, and riding in Westeros, my experience has left me both enchanted and bewildered.
[Ed note: This story contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7.]
In simpler terms, the seventh episode of House of the Dragon season 2 reveals that Addam of Hull has become Westeros’ newest dragon rider. Before this, Addam was just a shipwright and occasional crab fisherman. Suddenly, he’s soaring through the skies on Seasmoke. Ulf White, along with possibly Hugh Hammer (as suggested by the episode’s ending), seems to have mastered dragon riding unusually fast. Perhaps even too swiftly?
As someone who has spent years studying and training with dragons, I can tell you that bonding and riding these magnificent beasts is no simple task. They are not the cute and cuddly creatures portrayed in children’s stories; they are powerful, temperamental beings, more akin to living fighter jets.
What’s the specific method for dragon bonding and instruction in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series compared to both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, and is this process as uncomplicated as it seems?
How does dragon bonding work in George R.R. Martin’s books?
George R.R. Martin consistently leaves questions about dragon bonding unanswered in his “Song of Ice and Fire” series and “House of the Dragon” source text, “Fire & Blood.” While it’s believed that Valyrian ancestry plays a role in successful dragon bonding, this theory doesn’t fully explain the prevalence of Targaryen incest. Moreover, not every Targaryan or confirmed dragonseed bastard can form a connection with an unclaimed dragon. For instance, Alyn, Addam’s brother, nearly lost his life during a risky encounter with the dragon Sheepstealer.
The concept of how dragons are tamed in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series is somewhat unclear. In “A Dance with Dragons,” it’s hinted that the ancient Valyrian dragon riders employed spells and magic horns to subdue their draconic mounts. However, we don’t get a firsthand account from Martin on this process. Instead, characters like Aemond Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen form bonds with dragons by simply approaching them and sensing a connection. Although there is some ambiguity surrounding the dragon bonding process, Martin has stated in a recent blog post that he plans to clarify this aspect in the upcoming installments of “A Song of Ice and Fire” (fingers crossed).
Dragons form deep connections with certain humans. The intricacies of this relationship, including its origins, will be further explored in “The Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of Spring,” as well as “Blood & Fire” Volume 2. Septon Barth has provided some insight into this. Similar to wolves, bears, and lions, dragons can be taught obedience but cannot truly be domesticated. Their unpredictable nature makes them dangerous. Some dragons are more untamed than others. They possess distinct characteristics and personalities. Notably, their riders’ traits are often mirrored in their dragons due to the powerful bond they share.
Martin’s published works, including “A Song of Ice and Fire,” have provided details about the dragon bonds. In this series, each dragon generally forms a strong bond with one rider. For example, Daenerys Targaryen connects deeply with Drogon, while her other dragons, Rhaegal and Viserion, mostly follow Drogon’s lead. This isn’t typical, but then, Dany’s circumstances are exceptional. Age does not determine the bonding process, as depicted in “Fire & Blood,” where a 10-year-old boy, Aemond, tames the largest dragon, Vhagar.
Do dragon training and riding lessons work differently in the Game of Thrones books?
In Martin’s literature, training dragons is a significant aspect. Since dragons are powerful creatures by nature, if not controlled, they can cause destruction. The term “wild dragon” refers to this unchecked power. In “Fire & Blood,” there are mentions of Targaryen dragon riders using lashes and vocal instructions to guide their fire-breathing beasts. Meanwhile, in the main “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, Daenerys is shown teaching Drogon to expel flames upon her command of the High Valyrian term “dracarys,” which can be interpreted as “burn these fools” or “dragonfire.”
In “A Dance with Dragons,” Daenerys Targaryen faces the consequences of neglecting her dragons’ training. As they become increasingly wild, she is forced to restrain them using chains. Later, she uses a harsh discipline, including a whip, to control Drogon. This chaotic process reflects Daenerys’ groundbreaking role as the first person in centuries to train dragons in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. She is learning on the job.
In “Fire & Blood,” it is implied that mastering dragon riding plays a significant role in becoming an effective flyer and fighter. Martin doesn’t go into great detail about the training process, but it seems that experienced riders have an advantage. Meanwhile, Daenerys manages to ride Drogon for the first time in “A Dance with Dragons,” although her success may have been influenced by the urgency of their situation. However, it takes several more flights before Daenerys can fully command Drogon.
Despite the challenge of forming a connection and undergoing initial training, being a dragon rider opens up limitless possibilities, with the sky being a literal boundary only in imagination.
How does dragon bonding and training work in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon?
From a dedicated fan’s perspective, the foundation of “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” remains similar, albeit with some variations. In “Game of Thrones,” Daenerys’ journey to mastery, though without the use of a whip in live-action, mirrors the text’s description, as she effortlessly mounts her dragon. On the other hand, “House of the Dragon” offers an intriguing depiction of dragon training for young Targaryens (as seen in season 1, episode 6), and both series authentically portray the inherent dangers and uncertainties associated with dragon bonding – a painful reminder of the unfortunate fate of Ser Darklyn and all the charred dragonseed candidates in episode 7.
In contrast to the general rule stated earlier, there are some noteworthy exceptions. For instance, Jon Snow forms an instant bond with Rhaegal in “Game of Thrones” season 8 without much difficulty. Although he has Targaryen lineage and Dany’s permission, his ability to ride dragons effectively is questionable. Yet, he manages to complete the journey on Rhaegal’s back. Their bond seems tenuous and unsupported by Martin’s novels at this point in time. Another exception is the Night King, who effortlessly commands Viserion despite being a reanimated corpse himself. However, given that Viserion was essentially a wight or undead dragon during this instance, it could be argued that this circumstance does not entirely adhere to the typical dragon-rider dynamic.
As a dedicated fan of the Seven Kingdoms’ lore, I can tell you that dragon bonding, training, and riding is no piece of cake. In fact, it’s an arduous process that demands great courage and resilience. Yet, considering the mythical beasts we’re dealing with, one could argue that it’s surprisingly manageable – at least in comparison to the seemingly insurmountable challenges these magnificent creatures present.
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2024-07-29 08:48