The Dragonkeepers, a group within the House of the Dragon responsible for caring for the Targaryen dragons, are surrounded by fascinating mythology. In Season 2 Episode 7, Rhaenyra calls upon commoners with Valyrian ancestry to take part in the Sowing of the Seeds, an event that aims to establish a connection with the untamed dragons living in the caves of Dragonstone.
The episode effectively showcases the rapid escalation of violence during the Sowing as Vermithor eliminates potential riders. However, it also delves into a thought-provoking subplot exploring the significance of dragons in Westerosi society.
The dragons, a defining emblem that distinguishes the royal family of House Targaryen from the common folk and other noble houses of Westeros, bear the responsibility of preserving the kingdom’s legacy and governing its people.
The exclusivity of riding dragons holds great importance. By allowing the general public access to them, Rhaenyra undermines this exclusivity and makes a weighty decision. The challenge posed by Jacaerys Velaryon and the refusal of the Dragonkeepers to participate in the Sowing only add to the significance of this decision.
1. What is the Origin Of The Dragonkeepers?
To prevent similar theft in the future, King Jaehaerys I, her uncle, founded the Dragonkeepers as a task force responsible for overseeing the dragons in King’s Landing upon her eventual return and demise. This group, consisting of dozens of members, was tasked with protecting the dragons of the Targaryen family.
This suggests that the Dragonkeepers have a strong foundation and are deeply rooted in their traditions, having been around for nearly a hundred years at the start of the Dance of the Dragons.
The TV adaptation of the book portrays the Dragonkeepers in a different manner. While the book describes them as men clad in black armor adorned with dragon scales, the TV version shows them wearing light robes and sporting shaved heads, giving them a monk-like appearance. Moreover, in contrast to the sword-wielding Dragonkeepers in the book, the show’s version carries dragon glass daggers and wields long staffs.
2. What do Dragonkeepers do and how do they do it?
The Dragonkeepers’ main objective is to preserve the Targaryen dragons, which they achieve through various means. They protect the dragonpit in King’s Landing, preventing any potential dangers or intruders from gaining access.
In Fire & Blood, they also monitored Princess Viserra Targaryen, who would bring young men to the dragons and offer herself sexually to anyone brave enough to put their head in a dragon’s mouth.
This illustrates their dedication to their work, even when given different orders by a Targaryen.
The concept of a strict code followed by Dragonkeepers is emphasized in House of the Dragon, highlighting their significance beyond being mere servants of the royal palace. These individuals are born into their roles and taught from a young age to fulfill their duties, which they view as a spiritual calling.
The Dragonkeepers in “The Red Sowing” emphasize the belief that the royal Targaryen lineage holds a sacred claim to the dragons, and that the power of these creatures should not be underestimated by commoners.
The Dragonkeepers are instructed in the art of communication with dragons and are fluent in High Valyrian.
When a Targaryen rider wishes to ride their dragons, it is likely that they rely on them to assist with feeding and rousing the creatures. Those who dare to take part in the House of the Dragon are putting themselves in significant danger, as it is not unreasonable to believe that some of the dragons may be difficult to handle. Given the immense risk involved, it is understandable that these individuals would be extremely dedicated to their duties and hold a strong belief in Targaryen superiority.
3. What Happens To The Dragonkeepers?
Between the events of House of the Dragon and the original show, the Dragonkeepers had vanished and there were no dragons in Westeros for over a century. This ultimately led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty, which had ruled for generations.
The Storming of the Dragonpit is the most probable event that occupies the majority of them, happening amidst the riots in King’s Landing towards the end of the Dance when Rhaenyra recaptures the city.
Many commoners are killed in their attempt to slay the dragons during the Storming of the Dragonpit at King’s Landing.
As the Dragonkeepers utilize the dragons’ aid to fend off the mob, they too meet their demise. Countless human casualties occur, and unfortunately, several dragons also meet their end. This heartbreaking event will surely go down as one of the most tragic moments in House of the Dragon.
4. About House Of The Dragon
The upcoming series House of the Dragon is a prequel to the popular Game of Thrones on HBO, adapted from George R. R. Martin’s novel, Fire & Blood.
House of the Dragon, set three hundred years prior to the events of Game of Thrones, will depict the reign of the Targaryen family in Westeros before the demise of the dragons. The series will chronicle the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which ensued between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra as they vied for the throne following the passing of their father, Viserys I.
The series features an all-star cast including Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish. The show is skillfully directed by Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik
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