House of the Dragon: Can Only Targaryens Claim Dragons? Explored

Fire and Blood, an internal history book, discloses that the Targaryens, Balaerys, and Aurion were the three identified rulers over dragons in Old Valyria. The connection between these clans and dragons remains a mystery, with widespread assumptions pointing towards the use of blood magic. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that the Targaryens were not the most influential family in Old Valyria; their dragonlord status does not automatically equate to significance.

1. It’s worth noting that only the Targaryens managed to survive the destruction of Valyria and claim the title of dragonlords. They were able to establish themselves on Dragonstone following this event. A century later, Aegon Targaryen and his sisters would harness the power of dragons and conquer Westeros. Although House Velaryon was originally from Old Valyria, they didn’t possess dragonlord status. However, through marriage, several members of House Velaryon were able to ride dragons alongside the Targaryens. After the Doom, the Targaryen’s dragons became a symbol of their dominance across the world.

How can non-highborn Targaryens ride dragons?

To ride a dragon, it’s required that one has the Old Valyrian ancestry in their veins. The House Targaryen once ruled Westeros, but after marrying outside their lineage, Jace and Rhaenyra are now on a quest to discover new dragon riders. They come across a group of individuals, referred to as dragonseeds, who claim to be the bastards of the Targaryen family. These newfound relatives provide the foundation for their ongoing search for potential dragonriders.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: Dragonseed is the term for individuals who are believed to be descendants of House Targaryen or House Velaryon, but they aren’t highborn. This group includes the non-noble Targaryens. Rhaenyra’s decision to grant a dragon to anyone who could ride one was a desperate move on her part, as she disregarded the longstanding message of blood superiority among the Targaryens. With Aemond acting as regent for Aegon II, the Greens held a clear advantage due to the fact that most of Team Black’s dragons were not being utilized.

1. In the seventh episode of House of the Dragon season 2, Rhaenyra learns that Jace’s notion of noble lords and ladies with Valyrian blood might not be as far-fetched as initially thought. Addam of Hull’s claim to Seasmoke made her question this assumption. Yet, unbeknownst to Rhaenyra, Addam and Alyn are actually the sons of Corlys Velaryon, while Ulf and Hugh, who also claimed dragons, are Targaryen bastards as well.

Is Valyrian blood necessary to ride a dragon?

1. In both “Fire & Blood” and “A Song of Ice and Fire,” it hasn’t been found that any dragonriders can claim a lineage outside of Old Valyria. This doesn’t necessarily mean that Valyrian blood is essential for riding dragons. Instead, the Targaryens have leveraged this belief to bolster their power, especially in Westeros, since they are the House of the Dragon and form bonds with these awe-inspiring beasts.

1. In the first episode of House of the Dragon’s initial season, Rhaenyra underscores the crucial role dragons play in the Targaryen dynasty of Westeros, suggesting their rule transcends that of ordinary men. Nevertheless, it remains undetermined whether bonding with a dragon is exclusive to those of Valyrian descent or if it’s connected to blood magic in A Song of Ice and Fire. The enigmatic universe created by George R.R. Martin captivates readers due to the flexibility in interpreting magical system rules and the potential for multiple deities.