House of the Dragon explores the Truth, so debunking Targaryen Dragon Riding Myth.
House Targaryen has been revered as the only real dragonlords for millennia; their claim to the throne supported by the conviction that only they possessed the blood magic to control and ride dragons. Deeply ingrained in Westerosi history, this myth was the pillar of their power, driving among the people of the realm fear, jealousy, and adoration. But House of the Dragon season 2 exposes a truth buried behind the well crafted story of the Targaryen dynasty, so challenging this long-held belief.
Dragon Riding Challenge the Bloodline Myth Not Exclusive of Targaryens
The most recent episodes of the show show Rhaenyra Targaryen, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, desperately needing dragonriders. Rhaenyra is left devoid of riders for the unclaimed dragons including Vermithor, Silverwing, Seasmoke, Cannibal, Grey Ghost, and Sheepstealer following the deaths of Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys and Daemon Targaryen's absence. Her past attempts to claim a dragon almost cost Rhaena her life, underscoring the risk this practice entails. Rhaenyra has to look outside the Targaryen name to ensure her power and survive the approaching Dance of the Dragons.
Uncovering the Hidden Lineage: The Power of the Dragonseed
Rhaenyra's search for dragonriders brings her to people who might be able to ride a dragon despite not being direct descendants—those with a secret relationship to House Targaryen. This investigation first presents the idea of "dragonseeds," people with traces of Valyrian blood, like the children of Corlys Velaryon, whose parents wed into the Targaryen dynasty. The show implies that although a strong Valyrian bloodline might be a factor, it is not absolutely necessary for dragonriding. This disclosure undermines the well crafted myth of Targaryen superiority.
Revealing the Truth: Deversing the Written Histories
Mostly slanted in favor of House Targaryen, the Valyrian histories have presented a picture of exclusivity and dominance. Their story, which has been painstakingly preserved for millennia, holds that only those with pure Valyrian blood may ride dragons. But the events of House of the Dragon season 2 expose how far-from accurate the histories are. One of Rhaenyra's sons, Jace, notes in episode five the written histories are rife with embellishment and intended to support the power of the Targaryen dynasty.
Dragonriders of House of the Dragon: Who Will Mount to Ride
The Fire & Blood book by George R. R. Martin offers understanding of those who will finally claim and ride dragons during the Dance of the Dragons. Some of the key dragonseeds and dragons they will claim have already been discussed in House of the Dragon:
Addam Of Hull ( bastard son of Corlys Velaryon) will claim Seasmoke.
Hugh Hammer, the king's Landing smith, will ride Vermithor.
Riding Silverwing will Ulf White, the purportedly bastard son of Baelon Targaryen.
The Dragonseeds: A New Chapter in the History of Westeros
The arrival of dragonseeds riding in House of the Dragon marks a change in the power relations. It not only questions the myth of Targaryen uniqueness but also adds to the Dance of the Dragons' new element of uncertainty and unpredictability. Their presence begs issues regarding the actual degree of Targaryen control over dragons and the possibility for alliances with non-Targaryen armies. For those trying to oppose the Targaryen dynasty, the dragonseeds start to represent hope since they show that lineage and power can be more flexible and changeable than first thought.
Viewers are left to question what other secrets are buried within the well constructed stories of Westeros as House of the Dragon keeps untangling the truth behind the Targaryen dynasty. The show's readiness to question accepted wisdom and investigate the subtleties of power relations will surely enthralls viewers for next seasons.
