The Song of the Dragon

The Song of the Dragon is a motif that runs through A Dance with Dragons, appearing in the dreams of Tyrion Lannister and in the prophecies of the red priests. It represents the return of House Targaryen's power and the central role of Daenerys Targaryen's dragons in the coming war for Westeros.

Dreams and Prophecies

Tyrion Lannister first dreams of the song while traveling with Illyrio Mopatis across the Flatlands. After drinking fire wine, he falls asleep and dreams of dragons, recalling how as a lonely child in Casterly Rock he would ride dragons through the night, pretending to be a lost Targaryen princeling. The dream is a premonition of the dragons he will soon encounter, and it fills him with a sense of wonder and anticipation.

Later, on the Shy Maid, Tyrion dreams of a battle where he fights alongside Barristan Selmy and Bittersteel, with dragons wheeling across the sky. In this dream, he has two heads, both noseless, and he kills his father and brother Jaime. The dream reflects his inner turmoil and his desire for revenge against his family.

The Red Priests' Prophecy

The red priests, particularly Benerro in Volantis, preach that Daenerys Targaryen is Azor Ahai reborn, a hero who will deliver the world from darkness. They see her dragons as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, and they call for war against the slavers who oppose her. The song of the dragon is thus a call to arms, a promise of salvation, and a threat to the established order.

Symbolism and Significance

The Song of the Dragon is more than just a literal song; it is a symbol of the Targaryen dynasty's return to power. It represents the hope of the oppressed and the fear of the powerful. For Daenerys, it is her birthright and her destiny. For her enemies, it is a warning of the fire and blood that will come. The motif underscores the central conflict of the novel: the struggle between the old world of slavery and tyranny and the new world of freedom and justice that Daenerys represents.