Dragonbone

Dragonbone is the skeletal remains of dragons, a material that has become exceedingly rare since the extinction of the creatures in Westeros over a century ago. It is prized for its unique combination of physical properties: it is as strong as steel, yet lighter and far more flexible, and it is utterly impervious to fire. These qualities make it a substance of great value, sought after for the crafting of exceptional weapons and items of power.

Properties and Crafting

The most celebrated use of dragonbone is in the crafting of bows. As Tyrion Lannister reads in a book during his journey north, dragonbone bows are greatly prized by the Dothraki, as an archer so armed can outrange any wooden bow. The material's strength and flexibility make it ideal for this purpose, creating a weapon of superior power and range. Beyond bows, dragonbone is also used for other items, such as the hilt of a distinctive Valyrian steel dagger, a weapon that becomes a key piece of evidence in the conflict between the Starks and Lannisters. The material's dark, often black, color is noted, a result of its high iron content.

Key Occurrences and Associations

Dragonbone appears in several significant contexts throughout the narrative. The most prominent is the Valyrian steel dagger with a dragonbone hilt, which is used in the attempt on Bran Stark's life. This dagger, originally owned by Petyr Baelish and won by Tyrion Lannister in a wager, becomes a central object of suspicion and accusation. Its dragonbone hilt marks it as a weapon of great value, making its presence in the hands of a common assassin a point of suspicion. The material is also associated with the Targaryen legacy. Viserys Targaryen fastens his hair with a dragonbone brooch, a small but telling detail that connects him to the lost power and heritage of his house. The very rarity of dragonbone underscores the decline of magic and the Targaryen dynasty in the world.

Symbolic and Thematic Significance

Dragonbone serves as a potent symbol of a lost age of power and magic. Its presence in the story often signals a connection to the Targaryen past or to objects of great value and danger. The material's imperviousness to fire is a direct link to the dragons themselves and to the Targaryen claim of being the blood of the dragon. The dragonbone bow, prized by the Dothraki, represents a fusion of the material's legendary properties with the martial culture of the horselords. The dragonbone-hilted dagger, meanwhile, becomes a physical nexus for the central conflict, a weapon whose very material speaks to the high-stakes game of thrones being played. In a world where dragons are gone, dragonbone is a tangible reminder of what was lost, and a rare, coveted resource that can still shape the fate of kingdoms.