Dragons once soared over Westeros not in unity, but in bitter battle—turning skies red and castles to ash. The realm was torn between two heirs, and the skies thundered with fire as kin fought kin. The Dance of the Dragons: Civil war of the Targaryens was more than a power struggle—it was a devastating chapter in Targaryen history that reshaped the royal bloodline and weakened the very legacy it sought to preserve. In this article, we unravel the causes, key players, and catastrophic consequences of this legendary conflict that nearly destroyed the dragonlords from within.
What Was the Dance of the Dragons?
The Dance of the Dragons was a deadly civil war between two factions of House Targaryen, fought over the Iron Throne. The conflict began in 129 AC after the death of King Viserys I, who had named his daughter Rhaenyra as his successor. However, many nobles believed a male heir, Aegon II, should take the throne instead, sparking a brutal power struggle.
This war, lasting for several years, became known as the “Dance” because of the fiery battles fought between the Targaryen dragons. The conflict resulted in widespread destruction, with major dragons killed and House Targaryen severely weakened. The war left a lasting scar on the realm, and its consequences were felt for generations, influencing the course of events in Game of Thrones.
The Main Players in the Targaryen Civil War
The Dance of the Dragons was defined by fierce rivalries between key Targaryen figures. Here are the main players who shaped the course of the civil war:
Rhaenyra Targaryen: The daughter of King Viserys I and the designated heir. She was known for her strong will and determination to claim the throne. Rhaenyra’s supporters, known as the Blacks, believed she was the rightful ruler of Westeros.
Aegon II Targaryen: Rhaenyra’s younger half-brother, backed by the Greens. After Viserys I’s death, Aegon II was crowned king by his supporters, sparking the war. He was ruthless in his pursuit of power, often using violence to maintain control.
Daemon Targaryen: Rhaenyra’s uncle and second husband. A skilled warrior and dragonrider, Daemon played a key role in the conflict, leading armies and engaging in dragon battles against the Greens.
Alicent Hightower: Queen and wife of King Viserys I, Alicent was a key figure in supporting Aegon II’s claim. She was the mother of Aegon II, Aemond, and Helaena, all of whom played major roles in the war.
Otto Hightower: The ambitious Hand of the King and father to Alicent. Otto strongly advocated for Aegon II’s ascension, using political maneuvers to undermine Rhaenyra.
These individuals were the core leaders of the war, but the Dance also involved many other influential characters whose actions determined the war’s outcome.
Key Events That Shaped the War
Several key events defined the Dance of the Dragons and determined the war’s course:
The Death of King Viserys I (129 AC): The catalyst for the conflict. When King Viserys I passed away, his chosen heir, Rhaenyra, was opposed by those who believed Aegon II should rule. This divided the realm and set the stage for civil war.
The Coronation of Aegon II: Aegon II’s coronation marked the formal start of the civil war. His supporters, including the Hightowers and the Greens, forced his ascent to the throne, leading to Rhaenyra’s rebellion.
The Battle of Rook’s Rest: One of the most significant battles in the war. Daemon Targaryen and his dragon, Caraxes, led a decisive attack on the Greens, killing one of their key dragons, Vhagar. This victory gave the Blacks a crucial edge early in the war.
The Storming of the Dragonpit: A turning point that devastated the Targaryen forces. The Greens launched an attack on the Dragonpit in King’s Landing, killing several dragons, including the massive Vhagar. This left House Targaryen with fewer dragons to fight the war.
The Death of Rhaenyra: After years of fighting, Rhaenyra was ultimately betrayed and captured. Her brutal death symbolized the end of her claim to the throne and the downfall of the Blacks.
These key events shaped the outcome of the war, leading to immense loss and tragedy for House Targaryen and the realm. Each battle, betrayal, and political maneuver added to the firestorm that became the Dance of the Dragons.
How Dragons Turned the Tide—and Died
Dragons played a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons, and their involvement shaped the war’s outcome in dramatic ways. Both sides relied heavily on their dragons to assert dominance, but the conflict also saw the tragic loss of many powerful creatures.
Dragons as Weapons of War: The Targaryens’ dragons were their greatest strength, used in battle to destroy armies, burn cities, and dominate the skies. Rhaenyra’s forces rode powerful dragons like Syrax and Caraxes, while Aegon II’s side controlled beasts like Vhagar and Sunfyre.
Dragon-on-Dragon Battles: One of the most defining features of the war was the brutal dragon-on-dragon combat. For example, the battle between Vhagar and Arrax, Rhaenyra’s dragon, ended in the death of Arrax and his rider, Prince Lucerys Velaryon, showcasing the deadly nature of these creatures.
The Death of Dragons: The war’s devastating cost was most evident in the death of several dragons. The Storming of the Dragonpit was a major blow, where several dragons were killed or left to die in captivity. By the end of the Dance, House Targaryen’s dragons were nearly extinct, with only a few surviving. The loss of dragons severely weakened their hold over the Iron Throne.
The Symbolic Impact: Dragons were more than just tools of war—they were a symbol of Targaryen power. The loss of so many dragons marked the beginning of the end for the Targaryens, with the dragons never fully recovering, leaving Westeros in an age of dragonless rule.
The dragons not only turned the tide of battle but also marked the tragic and irreversible cost of the Dance of the Dragons—a war fought by fire, resulting in the near extinction of the creatures that defined the Targaryen dynasty.
Themes of Power, Succession, and Prophecy
The Dance of the Dragons isn’t just a story of family betrayal; it explores deeper themes that resonate throughout Game of Thrones and the broader Targaryen history:
Power Struggles: At its core, the war was about the dangerous nature of power and the lengths to which individuals will go to obtain it. Both Rhaenyra and Aegon II sought the throne, but their actions, including betrayal, murder, and manipulation, highlighted how power can corrupt even the noblest hearts.
Succession and Legitimacy: The civil war also posed important questions about succession. Rhaenyra, as the designated heir, believed in the right of inheritance based on her father’s wishes, while Aegon II’s supporters argued that a male heir had a natural right to rule. This conflict reflects the ongoing struggles for legitimate power and the challenges of a patriarchal system, where gender often dictated authority.
Prophecy and Fate: Prophecy played a crucial role, especially with the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, which hinted at the importance of a Targaryen ruling over Westeros to defeat the coming darkness. The Targaryen family’s belief in prophecy, particularly the mysterious visions and predictions surrounding Aegon’s line, created a sense of inevitability about their conflicts. These prophecies often acted as both a motivation and a burden, influencing key decisions and shaping the course of history.
The Dance reflects timeless themes of ambition, power, and destiny, showing how individuals and families can become trapped by their own desires and legacies. These themes continue to shape the fate of Westeros, both in the past and future of Game of Thrones.
How the Dance of the Dragons Connects to Game of Thrones
The Dance of the Dragons has deep connections to Game of Thrones, both in terms of lore and the political struggles that shaped Westeros.
Targaryen Legacy: The events of the Dance directly impact the Targaryen line seen in Game of Thrones. Daenerys Targaryen, who plays a central role in the series, is a descendant of Rhaenyra Targaryen. The war itself set the stage for the eventual downfall of House Targaryen, which culminates in the Mad King’s reign and the eventual rise of Daenerys as the “last dragon.”
The Iron Throne: Much like in Game of Thrones, the fight for the Iron Throne is marked by betrayal, power struggles, and bloodshed. The Dance mirrors the political games and family conflicts that dominate the main series, with each Targaryen vying for control and casting aside morality for power.
Dragons in the Modern Era: The aftermath of the Dance nearly destroyed House Targaryen’s dragons, which had been central to their power. By the time Game of Thrones begins, dragons are extinct, but Daenerys’ revival of them is a key plot point—her dragons echo the lost power that once made the Targaryens invincible.
Targaryen History in House of the Dragon: If you’re watching House of the Dragon, you’ll see direct references to the Dance. Characters like King Viserys I, Rhaenyra, and Aegon II are pivotal figures in the Game of Thrones mythos, with their legacy influencing the political landscape long after their deaths.
The Dance of the Dragons is more than just history—it’s the foundation of much of what happens in Game of Thrones, setting up the Targaryen dynasty’s rise, fall, and its impact on Westeros.
The Aftermath: A Kingdom in Ruin
The Dance of the Dragons left Westeros fractured and House Targaryen irreparably weakened. The aftermath of the war saw the once-mighty Targaryen dynasty crippled by internal strife, the near extinction of their dragons, and widespread destruction across the realm.
Loss of Dragons: The most immediate and visible consequence was the near extinction of dragons. With the death of most of the Targaryen dragons and the destruction of dragon eggs, the power of House Targaryen was significantly diminished. Without dragons, they could never reclaim the strength they once had.
Targaryen Legacy in Shambles: House Targaryen’s internal divisions left it vulnerable. Rhaenyra’s death marked the collapse of her line, and though Aegon II briefly ruled, he too died without leaving a strong heir. The dynasty’s fragmentation led to years of instability, with weak rulers and shifting alliances.
Widespread Destruction: The war devastated the Seven Kingdoms, particularly the capital, King’s Landing. The once-great city was left in ruins, and the consequences of the Dance rippled throughout the realm, leading to a weakened monarchy and a lack of unity among the great houses.
The Long-Term Effects on the Iron Throne: The power vacuum left by the Targaryens’ decline set the stage for future conflicts, including the rise of Robert Baratheon’s rebellion. The Iron Throne, once a symbol of Targaryen dominance, became a seat of constant turmoil, shifting between rival houses and paving the way for the events in Game of Thrones.
In essence, the aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons created a kingdom in ruin—one that struggled to recover from the scars of war, political collapse, and the loss of the Targaryens’ greatest weapon: their dragons.
Fan Theories and What-Ifs
The Dance of the Dragons has inspired countless fan theories and “what-if” scenarios, fueling the imaginations of Game of Thrones fans. Here are some of the most intriguing possibilities:
What if Rhaenyra Had Won?: A common theory suggests that if Rhaenyra had successfully claimed the throne, she could have brought a more unified, stronger Targaryen rule. Many believe that with her on the throne, the dragons would have remained powerful, and the dynasty might have lasted longer, potentially changing the course of Westeros’ history.
What if Aegon II Had Lived Longer?: Another theory revolves around what might have happened if Aegon II had lived long enough to consolidate his power. Could he have rebuilt the Targaryen dynasty, or would his lack of heirs still have led to the house’s eventual decline? Some fans believe his rule might have set the stage for future Targaryen dominance.
The Fate of the Dragons: There’s also speculation about the survival of the Targaryen dragons. Could any of the dragons have survived in secret, only to return in the future? Fans have wondered if remnants of the Targaryen dragonblood could play a significant role in the power struggles of later generations.
The Role of the Hightowers: The Hightowers, who supported Aegon II, are often seen as scheming power-brokers. Some fans theorize that if the Hightowers had not been so heavily involved, the war might have been avoided or resolved more peacefully. Could they have been the true masterminds behind the war’s escalation?
These theories and possibilities show how much the Dance of the Dragons continues to captivate the Game of Thrones fandom. They spark imagination about alternate outcomes and the long-lasting impact of the Targaryen civil war on Westeros.
Where to Learn More
To dive deeper into the Dance of the Dragons and the Targaryen legacy, here are some great resources:
“Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin: This book is the most detailed account of the Targaryen history, including the Dance of the Dragons. It offers an in-depth look at the civil war and the key players involved.
House of the Dragon” (HBO Series): A prequel to Game of Thrones, this show is based on Fire & Blood and brings the events of the Dance to life with stunning visuals, complex characters, and fierce dragon battles.
Targaryen History Wiki: Websites dedicated to the lore of Westeros, like the A Song of Ice and Fire Wiki or The Targaryen Wiki, provide detailed summaries and analysis of the Dance and its aftermath.
YouTube Channels: Channels like Alt Shift X and History of Westeros provide detailed video breakdowns of the Targaryen civil war, offering expert insights and entertaining discussions.
Podcasts: History of Westeros and The Dance of the Dragons Podcast are excellent audio resources for fans who want to dive deeper into the lore and learn more about the key events and characters.
These resources offer both beginner and advanced perspectives, helping you explore the Dance of the Dragons in more detail. Whether you prefer reading, watching, or listening, there’s something for everyone.
Conclusion
The Dance of the Dragons was a catastrophic civil war that changed the course of Westeros’ history. From the devastating loss of dragons to the fractured Targaryen dynasty, the war not only marked the end of an era for House Targaryen but also set the stage for the power struggles that would follow. Themes of power, succession, and prophecy echoed through the conflict, revealing the complexities of leadership and the lengths people will go to for control.
While the war ended in tragedy for the Targaryens, its legacy lives on, shaping the political landscape of Westeros for generations. The impact of the Dance is felt in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and even in the minds of fans who continue to speculate about its alternate outcomes.
By understanding the Dance of the Dragons, we gain insight into the intricate web of power that defines the Targaryen story. The war serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ambition, betrayal, and the hunger for the Iron Throne.