In the latest episode of House of the Dragon, the narrative takes a fascinating turn as it confirms that Addam of Hull has become Westeros’ newest dragon rider. This transformation occurs almost instantaneously; one moment, Addam is a humble shipwright and crab fisherman, and the next, he is soaring through the skies on the back of Seasmoke. The rapidity with which characters like Ulf White and potentially Hugh Hammer also take to dragon riding raises eyebrows. It begs the question: is mastering the art of dragon riding really as simple as it appears?
Traditionally, dragon bonding and riding are depicted as complex processes that require time, patience, and a deep connection between rider and dragon. These are not the friendly, trainable creatures from the How to Train Your Dragon series; they are fierce, unpredictable beasts akin to living fighter jets. The expectation would be to witness numerous failed attempts at bonding, much like the unfortunate fate of Ser Steffon Darklyn in episode 6. However, the current season showcases a surprisingly high success rate with minimal on-screen training, leaving viewers puzzled.
To understand the dynamics of dragon bonding and training, it is essential to explore the lore established in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and how it translates into the television adaptations. The books provide limited clarity on the specifics of dragon bonding, leaving much to interpretation. Valyrian heritage appears to be a significant factor, potentially explaining the Targaryen penchant for incestuous relationships. However, even those with Targaryen blood do not guarantee a successful bond with dragons. For instance, Addam’s brother Alyn faces near-fatal consequences when he encounters a dragon named Sheepstealer.
The ambiguity surrounding dragon bonding is further complicated by references in A Dance with Dragons, which mention that the dragon riders of Valyria utilized spells and magic horns to establish their connections with dragons. Yet, Martin does not provide firsthand accounts of these methods. Instead, the bonding process is portrayed as a personal journey where individuals approach riderless dragons to see if they can connect. Martin has promised to clarify the intricacies of dragon bonds in the forthcoming installments of the series, indicating that dragons, much like other creatures, can be trained but never fully tamed.
In the existing literature, a one-rider-per-dragon system is emphasized. Daenerys Targaryen, for example, bonds with Drogon, her most formidable dragon, while Rhaegal and Viserion follow his lead without forming a true bond with Daenerys. This unique situation is not typical, but it highlights the complexities of dragon relationships. Age does not seem to hinder the bonding process, as evidenced by Aemond Targaryen claiming the massive dragon Vhagar at just ten years old.
When it comes to dragon training, the books depict a more rigorous approach. Targaryen dragon riders are shown using whips and verbal commands to control their dragons. Daenerys, in her journey, teaches Drogon to respond to the command “dracarys,” which translates to “burn them.” The consequences of inadequate training are evident, as Daenerys must chain her dragons when they become unruly. This chaotic training process underscores the challenges of managing such powerful creatures.
In the adaptations, the portrayal of dragon riding remains consistent with the source material. Game of Thrones captures Daenerys’ struggles and triumphs in training her dragons, while House of the Dragon introduces scenes of young Targaryens attending dragon school. However, there are notable exceptions. Jon Snow’s bond with Rhaegal in the final season of Game of Thrones occurs with remarkable ease, raising questions about the consistency of the bonding process. His experience, while brief, contrasts sharply with the more complex journeys of other characters.
The question remains: how difficult is it to bond with, train, and ride a dragon in Westeros? While it is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, the current narrative suggests that it may be easier than one would expect. The rapid mastery of dragon riding by characters like Addam, Ulf, and Hugh raises eyebrows and invites scrutiny into the established lore.
As the story unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the implications of these swift transitions into dragon riding. The ease with which characters bond with dragons may serve to enhance the narrative’s excitement, but it also risks undermining the depth and complexity that has characterized the world of Westeros. The balance between thrilling spectacle and grounded storytelling is delicate, and the choices made by the creators will shape the audience’s perception of dragon riding in this rich and intricate universe.
In conclusion, House of the Dragon presents a compelling exploration of dragon riding, suggesting that the process may be quicker to master than previously believed. As the series continues to unfold, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the dynamics of dragon bonding and training evolve, and whether the lore will be expanded upon in future episodes. The journey of Addam and his fellow dragon riders is just beginning, and the skies of Westeros are poised for further adventures.
Source: HBO
