The idea that only those with Targaryen blood can ride dragons in the world of Game of Thrones is a common one, but the full truth is a bit more complex. There are a few key questions around this topic that are worth exploring:
Why do people think only Targaryens can ride dragons?
The Targaryens were the original dragonlords of Valyria, and their close ancestral bond with dragons is well known. After the Doom of Valyria, the only dragons left in the world were those under the control of the Targaryens. For many generations after that, the Targaryens continued breeding and riding dragons while no other family could claim the same. This created the widespread belief that Targaryen blood was special and gave an innate ability to bond with dragons.
Have any non-Targaryens ridden dragons?
Yes, there are a few documented cases of non-Targaryens riding dragons both in the past and present of Game of Thrones:
- Nettles – A dragonseed (bastard descendant of the Targaryens) who rode the dragon Sheepstealer during the Dance of the Dragons.
- Ulf the White – An ancestor of House Reyne who rode a dragon during the Dance of the Dragons.
- Quentyn Martell – Tried to tame and ride the dragon Viserion but was burned alive in the attempt.
- Jon Snow – Though secretly the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, believed himself to be Ned Stark’s bastard but successfully rode the dragon Rhaegal.
So while rare, dragons have been ridden by those without obvious Targaryen ancestry.
What enables people to ride dragons then?
Rather than Targaryen blood alone allowing one to ride a dragon, there are a few more factors at play:
– Having Valyrian descent – Being a descendant of the ancient Valyrian dragonlords makes dragons more likely to bond with you. While the Targaryens were the most prominent, other families like the Velaryons also had Valryian ancestry.
– Being a “dragonseed” – Those born of a Targaryen parent and someone without Valyrian blood were called “dragonseeds”. They had enough dragon ancestry to potentially bond with dragons.
– Warg abilities – Having the innate magical ability known as “warging” can help form a mental bond with a dragon. Both the Starks and wildlings are known to have strong warg abilities.
– Personality and boldness – Dragons are attracted to strong, determined personalities who show little fear. An ambitious or brave spirit that reaches out to be chosen can override bloodlines.
– Training and familiarity – Exposure to dragons from a young age, learning to train them, forms a familiarity. Those accustomed to interacting with dragons have better chances.
So in summary, while Targaryen blood certainly helps, it alone does not limit who can ride a dragon. Other ancestry, dragonseeds, wargs, and personality factors come into play.
Historical Cases of Non-Targaryens Riding Dragons
Here is a more detailed look at some of the most prominent historical examples of those without Targaryen blood successfully bonding with and riding dragons:
Nettles the Dragonseed
Nettles was a young dragonseed (of part Targaryen descent) during the Dance of the Dragons. She was a servant girl who became a dragonrider, taming and mounting the dangerous dragon Sheepstealer. Nettles lacked the typical Valyrian features of the Targaryens, indicating she had distant ancestry. Yet she had a fierce, fearless personality that helped bond strongly with her dragon. She flew Sheepstealer as a formidable military weapon during the civil war.
Ulf the White
Ulf the White was an ancestor of House Reyne who famously rode the dragon Sliverwing at the Battle of the Gullet during the Dance of the Dragons. Originally a steward in service to House Targaryen, he went on to bond closely with the dragon and became a dragonrider for the Greens faction in the war. He had no Targaryen ancestry but as a direct descendant of the Valyrian explorer Elissa Farman, had enough innate Valyrian blood connection to dragons to ride one.
The Valyrian Dragonlords
The Valyrian Freehold was originally founded and ruled by the ancient dragonlord families who controlled and rode dragons. Not all of them were direct ancestors of the Targaryens. 40 different noble families of dragonlords existed, including houses Velaryon, Celtigar, and Belaerys. The blood of Old Valyria – not just House Targaryen – had strong bonds with dragons.
| Dragonlord Family | Ancestry | Notable Dragons |
|---|---|---|
| Velaryon | Valyrian | Seasmoke, Silverwing |
| Celtigar | Valyrian | Arrax |
| Belaerys | Valyrian | Terrax |
capabilities Beyond Bloodline Required for Dragonriding
While Valyrian bloodlines offer an advantage, dragons are intelligent, free-willed beasts that ultimately bond with those that demonstrate certain strengths:
Strong Personality and Ambition
Dragons are attracted to humans with strong wills, determination, andburning ambition. They seek out bold individuals whose personality meshes with their own dominant nature. Lacking Targaryen ancestry can be outweighed by an indomitable spirit that impresses a dragon. Those confident and daring enough to approach and treat dragons as equals stand a good chance of bonding.
Lack of Fear
Fearlessness, or at least the ability to master one’s fear, is key to earning a dragon’s respect. Dragons are alpha predators at the apex of the food chain. They will not accept any signs of weakness or submission from the humans who wish to ride them. A steely courage and total self-control in a dragon’s presence is needed.
Emerging Warg Abilities
Wargs have the innate magical ability to enter the minds of animals and control their actions. People with warg blood have demonstrated dragonriding abilities despite no Targaryen lineage. The Starks are descended from the First Men, among the earliest known wargs. Jon Snow is able to ride Rhaegal likely due to his Stark mother passing down latent warg genetics.
Early Exposure and Training
Familiarity from a young age with dragons also forms a strong bond. Those who are accustomed to interacting with dragons, learn how to care for them, and train them from hatching build close relationships. This early exposure can allow non-Targaryens to ride dragons as familiar companions later in life.
Conclusion
While the Targaryen ancestry offers an advantage when it comes to dragonriding abilities, it is not the only factor at play. Other Valyrian descendants, those with some Targaryen blood, wargs exhibiting mental bonds, and those with suitable personalities and training have proven able to successfully ride dragons. The bond between human and dragon is complex and magical, and cannot be guaranteed simply by bloodline alone. With the right combination of ancestral heritage, personality strengths, and learned skills, it remains possible for select non-Targaryens to form partnerships with dragons.