The concept of dragonriders in A Song of Ice and Fire is deeply entwined with the history of the Valyrian Freehold, a once-mighty empire renowned for its advancements in magic, sorcery, and dragonlore. The dragonriders of Valyria, often born of the noble dragonlord families, possessed the unique ability to bond with and ride dragons, creatures of immense power and intelligence. The Targaryens, though not the most dominant among these families, are the most notable survivors who fled to Westeros just before the cataclysmic event known as the Doom of Valyria.
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| Dragonriders of Old Valyria |
The Targaryen Legacy in Westeros
Upon settling on Dragonstone, the Targaryens preserved their dragonriding heritage long after the Doom had erased it elsewhere. Through their dragons, they eventually conquered and unified the Seven Kingdoms. The dragonriders were crucial in establishing and maintaining the power dynamics in Westeros, showcasing their dragons as both symbols of awe-inspiring power and as actual instruments of war during the Targaryen conquest and subsequent reigns.
Dragonrider Mechanics: Bonding and Riding
Dragonriders in the series bond with their dragons in a process that is mystical, suggesting that a special, perhaps blood-related, affinity with dragons is necessary. This bond is exclusive and strong, preventing others from riding the dragon without the rider's permission. The actual mechanics of riding involve special saddles and chains, but it's the metaphysical connection that defines the true dragonrider.
Cultural and Historical Impact of Dragonriders
Throughout the history of Westeros and the narrative of "A Song of Ice and Fire", dragonriders have shaped the political, cultural, and military landscape. From Aegon the Conqueror's establishment of the Iron Throne to Daenerys Targaryen's role in the ongoing power struggles in both Essos and Westeros, dragonriders bring a transcendent element to the human dramas of the series. Their presence often shifts the tide of entire wars, underlines the return of magic to the world, and heralds significant change.
The Decline and Resurgence of Dragonriders
The history of dragonriders follows a trajectory of rise, fall, and resurgence. Post-Doom, the decline in the number of dragons and the eventual death of the last Targaryen dragons marked a temporary end to the age of dragonriders—until Daenerys Targaryen miraculously hatches three dragon eggs. Her emergence as a dragonrider rekindles the mystic power and political upheaval associated with dragonriders, echoing the legendary feats of her ancestors.
Unique Aspects of the Dragonriders
Dragonriders of "A Song of Ice and Fire" are set apart by their mystical connection with their dragons, the ancient and powerful creatures of the series. This connection goes beyond mere utility and enters the realm of a profound bond that influences not only the riders' personal destinies but also the fate of the entire realm. This unique aspect of the dragonriders adds a layer of complexity and mystique to the narrative, intertwining with themes of power, legacy, and destiny.
Dragonriders in ASOIAF: A Unique Bond
In ASOIAF, dragonriders share a mystical bond with their dragons, rooted in their Valyrian heritage, which is believed to involve both blood magic and ancient sorcery. This bond is singular and profound, allowing a dragonrider to control his dragon with near-telepathic command and deep mutual understanding. This connection goes beyond mere utility—it is a shared destiny that ties the rider’s fate to their dragon. Such an intense relationship underscores the dragons' intelligence and sentient nature, elevating them from mere beasts to equal partners in the bond.
The Elder Scrolls: Dragons and the Dragonborn
"The Elder Scrolls" series introduces the concept of the Dragonborn, a mortal born with the soul of a dragon. This unique trait allows the Dragonborn not only to speak the language of dragons but also to absorb their souls, gaining their power. Unlike the dragonriders of ASOIAF, the Dragonborn does not ride dragons traditionally but can bend them to their will through the use of the "Bend Will" shout. This dynamic speaks more to conquest than partnership, emphasizing the Dragonborn’s role as a predator to dragons rather than a companion or equal.
Forgotten Realms: Draconic Sorcerers and Dragon Riders
In the "Forgotten Realms", dragons are often seen as god-like beings with their own complex societies. Some humans in this universe, known as draconic sorcerers, claim descent from dragons and possess magical abilities derived from their draconic lineage. There are also dragon riders, such as those from the Dragonlance saga, who form bonds with their dragons through a lifelong partnership, similar to the Targaryens. However, these relationships often stem from mutual respect and a shared commitment to a cause, rather than the magical bonding seen in ASOIAF.
Malazan Book of the Fallen: Soletaken and Eleint
"Malazan Book of the Fallen" by Steven Erikson introduces Soletaken, beings who can shapeshift into dragons. This transformation is both a physical and spiritual journey, deeply personal and often fraught with danger. The Eleint, the true dragons of the Malazan world, are beings of immense power and ancient origin, involved in the world’s cosmic affairs. Riders or bondsmen of dragons are rare and usually occur through conquest or subjugation, contrasting sharply with the hereditary and mystical bonds seen in ASOIAF.
The Transcendence of Dragonriders Across Universes
The concept of dragonriders across these fantasy universes often reflects broader themes of power, heritage, and destiny. While ASOIAF focuses on the legacy and bloodline aspect, tying the fate of kingdoms to that of their dragonriders, other universes emphasize the spiritual and transformative journey of becoming akin to or controlling a dragon. The "Forgotten Realms" offers a middle ground, with dragon riders sharing a more egalitarian and mutually respectful relationship with their dragons.
The dragonriders of "A Song of Ice and Fire" are unique in their profound, almost sacred bond with their dragons, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and the looming threat of annihilation. This contrasts with the more individualistic and spiritually oriented journey of the Dragonborn in "The Elder Scrolls", the god-like reverence of dragons in "Forgotten Realms", and the complex, often morally ambiguous nature of transformation in "Malazan". Each universe uses the motif of the dragon and its rider to explore themes of power, identity, and transcendence, reflecting the wide-ranging symbolism of dragons in fantasy literature.
The below table displays all characters from this race that have been included in The Arena. Pride and Prophecy has more detailed information on other races across fantasy universes.
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