The Death of the Dragons

This thread traces how civil war, human revolt, and political collapse bring the last dragons close to extinction.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Age of Dragon Power

Dragons at Their Peak Many Riders The Targaryen family and its kin possess more dragons than at any earlier point in the dynasty’s history. Power Becomes Fragile The apparent abundance depends on inherited eggs and successful bonds. Political rivalry turns a dynastic advantage into a danger to the dynasty itself.

Dragons Fight Dragons

A Civil War in the Sky Family Against Family Dragonriders fight on behalf of rival claimants, destroying beasts and riders on both sides. The Cost of Superiority Dragonfire can win battles but also makes every conflict more destructive. The family’s greatest weapon becomes a means of self-annihilation.

The Wild and Unclaimed Dragons

Riders Are Sought Dragons Without Masters Several dragons remain unclaimed on Dragonstone, while wild dragons live beyond the castle’s control. A New Political Gamble The crown recruits dragonseeds, expanding access to the dragons but weakening the idea that only the royal family can command them.

The People Storm the Pit

Dragons Face a Mob Popular Anger Turns Violent The Shepherd’s followers attack the Dragonpit, where chains and confined space prevent the dragons from using their usual advantage. Five Dragons Die The mob kills the pit dragons and Syrax. The event shows that the dynasty’s supernatural image cannot protect its creatures from a determined population.

A World Without Dragons

Dragon Power Fades The Dance’s Survivors The few surviving dragons are lost, die, or fail to produce a lasting new generation. A Historical Turning Point The last dragons die during Aegon III’s reign. The dynasty retains its crown but loses the force that once made conquest possible.

Before 129 AC, under Viserys I

129–130 AC, during the Dance

Late 129 AC, during the Sowing

130 AC, during the riots in King’s Landing

131–157 AC, through Aegon III’s reign