Dance of the Dragons
Introduction
The "Dance of the Dragons" refers to a significant civil war in the fictional world of Westeros, as depicted in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and its supplementary materials. This conflict, which took place during the Targaryen dynasty's rule, is a pivotal event in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. It was a brutal and devastating war of succession between rival factions of House Targaryen, primarily between the supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen and those of her half-brother Aegon II Targaryen. The war is named for the dragons that both sides used in combat, leading to widespread destruction and the eventual decline of dragonkind.
Historical Context
The Targaryen dynasty, originally from the Valyrian Freehold, established their rule over Westeros with the Conquest of Aegon I. The Targaryens maintained their power through their dragons, which were crucial to their military dominance. By the time of the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryens had ruled for over a century, and the line of succession had become a contentious issue.
The Seeds of Conflict
The seeds of the Dance of the Dragons were sown during the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen. Viserys I had named his daughter, Rhaenyra Targaryen, as his heir, a decision that was initially accepted by the lords of Westeros. However, the birth of Viserys's son, Aegon II, to his second wife, Alicent Hightower, created a rival claimant to the throne. The court was divided into two factions: the "Blacks," who supported Rhaenyra, and the "Greens," who supported Aegon II.
The Outbreak of War
Upon the death of King Viserys I in 129 AC, the conflict erupted into open war. The Greens, led by Alicent Hightower and Ser Otto Hightower, swiftly crowned Aegon II as king, bypassing Rhaenyra's claim. In response, Rhaenyra declared herself queen and established her court at Dragonstone, supported by her husband, Daemon Targaryen, and several powerful houses.
Key Battles and Events
The Dance of the Dragons was marked by several key battles and events, each contributing to the war's destructive nature.
The Battle of the Gullet
One of the earliest and most significant naval engagements was the Battle of the Gullet. Rhaenyra's forces, seeking to secure the Narrow Sea, clashed with Aegon II's fleet. The battle was notable for the involvement of dragons, with Rhaenyra's dragon Syrax and Aegon II's Sunfyre playing crucial roles. The outcome was a pyrrhic victory for Rhaenyra, as both sides suffered heavy losses.
The Storming of the Dragonpit
The Storming of the Dragonpit was a catastrophic event in King's Landing, where a mob, incited by religious zealots, attacked the Dragonpit, a massive structure housing several dragons. The ensuing chaos led to the deaths of several dragons and marked a turning point in the war, highlighting the vulnerability of dragonkind.
The Second Battle of Tumbleton
The Second Battle of Tumbleton was another pivotal engagement, where Rhaenyra's forces, led by the dragonriders Hugh Hammer and Ulf the White, betrayed her cause and switched sides. This betrayal had a significant impact on the war's progression, as it weakened Rhaenyra's position and bolstered Aegon II's forces.
The Decline of Dragons
The Dance of the Dragons had a profound impact on the Targaryen dynasty and the fate of dragons in Westeros. The war resulted in the deaths of numerous dragons, including some of the most powerful and ancient ones. The loss of these creatures diminished the Targaryens' military might and marked the beginning of the end for dragons in Westeros.
The Aftermath
The war concluded with the death of Aegon II and the ascension of Rhaenyra's son, Aegon III, to the throne. Aegon III, known as the "Dragonbane," presided over a period of relative peace but was unable to prevent the extinction of dragons. By the end of his reign, the last of the Targaryen dragons had died, leaving only their skeletal remains as a testament to their former glory.
Cultural and Political Impact
The Dance of the Dragons had lasting cultural and political repercussions in Westeros. The war exposed the fragility of Targaryen rule and set a precedent for future succession disputes. It also led to a reevaluation of the role of dragons in warfare, as their use had resulted in significant collateral damage and loss of life.
Changes in Governance
In the aftermath of the war, the Targaryens implemented several changes to prevent future conflicts of a similar nature. The Great Council of 136 AC established clearer succession laws, emphasizing the importance of male primogeniture. This council also sought to reduce the influence of ambitious courtiers and factions within the royal court.
Legacy in Westerosi Culture
The Dance of the Dragons became a cautionary tale in Westerosi culture, often cited as an example of the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and civil strife. Bards and storytellers immortalized the conflict in songs and tales, ensuring that its lessons were passed down through generations.