HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’s Ill-Advised Dead Dragon Parade Both Captured and Destroyed a Major Targaryen Mythos

As a longtime resident of Westeros and someone who has witnessed the reigns of many kings and queens, I cannot help but be deeply affected by the recent turn of events regarding House Targaryen and their dragons. I have always held a deep reverence for these magnificent creatures, having grown up hearing tales of their power and majesty from my elders. The dragonlords of Old Valyria were legends in our history books, and the stories of Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters changing the course of our world with fire and blood were etched into our collective consciousness.


“Mark my words, this is a black omen.”
“Tis an abomination.”
“I thought the dragons was gods.”

Criston Cole attempted to capitalize on his side’s win at Rook’s Rest by organizing a public demonstration with the captive head of Meleys in King’s Landing. He believed this spectacle would generate support for Aegon’s cause, similar to how the death of Prince Jaehaerys had ignited the people’s loyalty. However, this miscalculated move backfired as the populace, who hold dragons in high esteem due to their reverence for these creatures as divine beings, turned against them instead. This mishap serves as a warning of potential challenges for the dragonriders in “House of the Dragon.”

Prior to the Targaryen family’s arrival at Dragonstone around two centuries before “House of the Dragon,” the people of Westeros were already aware of dragons due to their dominance in Old Valyria, where dragonlords ruled and subjugated much of Essos. The fear of dragons was universal as they possessed immense power. However, it wasn’t until Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters arrived with their dragons that Westeros truly recognized the unrivaled might of “living fire.” As Arya Stark was told by Tywin Lannister on “Game of Thrones,” Aegon revolutionized warfare. In simpler terms, people in Westeros had heard tales of dragons and their power before, but they fully understood the true extent of it only when Aegon and his sisters came with their dragons.

As a gamer, I’ve come to appreciate how “House of the Dragon” has skillfully depicted another reason House Targaryen managed to rule over Westeros with more than just military might. The common folk’s reaction to Meleys’ demise subtly highlighted this aspect. You see, in my experience as a gamer, the Targaryens weren’t just conquerors; they earned the people’s acceptance.

As a devoted fan, I’d describe it this way: In the realm of ancient lineages, steeped in traditions dating back millennia, we dwell. These noble houses held an unyielding grip on their insular continent, Westeros, for eons. Yet, no external force had ever succeeded in merging its diverse kingdoms under a single rule.

The crowd’s awe at Meleys’ smoking dragon head underscored the deep-rooted affection and fear of the common folk towards these mythical creatures. Dragons provided safety and unique allure to Westeros and its inhabitants. No other place in the world could boast such magnificent beasts. With dragons by their side, Westeros seemed untouchable, a prized possession. Perhaps even surpassing the esteemed Valyrian Freehold of old due to the abundance of these extraordinary creatures.

As a devoted fan, I’d put it this way: Riding dragons set the Targaryens apart from other rulers in Westeros. They seemed more like divine beings than mere monarchs. However, we forget that gods don’t perish, and the people of Westeros were harshly reminded of this fact when they witnessed the lifeless body of Meleys. She wasn’t an old dragon; it was Vhagar who ended her life with a single bite. The reality hit hard: dragons are not invincible.

Encountering that truth head-on devastated the commonly held beliefs about dragons and House Targaryen. Meleys’ demise didn’t signify the Greens’ power, but rather their weakness. Cole’s actions merely illustrated Hugh the blacksmith’s wisdom: dragons are no different than any other living beings – they’re just flesh and blood.

The Targaryen dynasty is torn apart by two factions, each vying for control over the Iron Throne, a symbol of power created by Aegon and his dragons. We were led to believe that these majestic creatures and their riders were divine beings, bestowing god-like status on House Targaryen. However, the inexperienced Hand of the King, Criston Cole, has shattered this illusion. He’s shown the common folk that dragons aren’t as extraordinary as we believed, and neither are their riders who rule over us.

When people who believed their rulers were divine beings with the power to shield them from harm discover that these beings are mortal and can die just like everyone else, both the Greens and the Blacks will face this reality.

I, an avid fan and staff writer at TopMob, can’t help but express my opinion critically towards Criston Cole. Feel free to connect with me on Twitter @burgermike or Bluesky for more discussions. Additionally, you’ll often find me weighing in on rankings of the Targaryen kings.

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2024-07-15 23:33