The Faith of the Dragonlords: What Religion are Targaryens?
For fans of George R.R. Martin's epic "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, and its hit television adaptation "Game of Thrones," the Targaryens are an iconic and unforgettable family. Known for their silver hair, purple eyes, and mastery of dragons, they ruled Westeros for centuries. But when it comes to their beliefs, a common question arises: What religion are Targaryens?
The answer is not a simple one-word reply. The Targaryens, as a dynasty originating from the lost Valyrian Freehold, carried with them ancient traditions and beliefs. However, over their long reign in Westeros, their faith evolved and was influenced by the cultures they encountered. Ultimately, their religious identity is a complex tapestry woven from their Valyrian heritage and their assimilation into Westerosi society.
Valyrian Origins and the Old Gods of Valyria
Before their arrival in Westeros, the Targaryens were a prominent house in Valyria, a vast empire on the continent of Essos. The Valyrians possessed a distinct culture and religious practices. While the specifics are not fully detailed, it is understood that they worshipped a pantheon of deities, often associated with celestial bodies and elemental forces. These were the Old Gods of Valyria. Evidence suggests their beliefs involved a reverence for dragons, which they considered sacred creatures, and possibly a belief in magic and prophecy as inherent parts of their divine connection.
Key aspects of their Valyrian faith included:
- Dragon Worship: Dragons were not merely beasts of war for the Valyrians; they were deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs. They were seen as divine manifestations or sacred companions.
- Celestial and Elemental Deities: Their gods were likely tied to the sun, moon, stars, and powerful natural forces, reflecting the magical and awe-inspiring nature of their homeland.
- Magic and Prophecy: Valyrians were renowned for their mastery of magic, particularly fire magic, and their ability to see into the future. These abilities were likely considered gifts from their gods or inherent spiritual powers.
The Dragonstone Era and the Seeds of Change
When Aegon the Conqueror, a Targaryen, led his dragons to Westeros and began the conquest, the family brought their Valyrian heritage with them. They established their seat of power on Dragonstone, an island rich in volcanic activity and ancient Valyrian ruins. During this period, their Valyrian beliefs remained strong, but the realities of ruling a new land began to exert influence.
While they maintained their unique customs, they also started to adapt. They were a conquering force, and integrating into Westerosi society, even as rulers, required some degree of understanding and accommodation of the existing religious landscape.
The Dominance of the Faith of the Seven
As the Targaryens consolidated their rule over Westeros, their religion gradually shifted towards the predominant faith of the Seven Kingdoms: the Faith of the Seven. This polytheistic religion, which worships seven aspects of a single god (the Father, the Mother, the Warrior, the Maiden, the Crone, the Smith, and the Stranger), was deeply ingrained in Westerosi culture.
The Targaryens, especially those born in Westeros and those who sought to solidify their legitimacy and appease their subjects, increasingly adopted and patronized the Faith of the Seven. This adoption was not necessarily a complete abandonment of their Valyrian roots but a pragmatic and political assimilation.
Notable influences of the Faith of the Seven on the Targaryens include:
- Marriage Customs: Targaryens began to conform to the marriage traditions dictated by the Faith of the Seven, though they famously retained their tradition of incestuous marriage between siblings to keep the "blood of the dragon" pure. This was a significant deviation from the Faith's teachings and a testament to the enduring strength of their Valyrian identity.
- Religious Festivals: They participated in and honored the festivals and holy days of the Faith of the Seven.
- Patronage of the Faith: The crown often supported the construction of septs and the High Septon, demonstrating their commitment to the dominant religion.
The Internal Conflict: Valyrian Blood vs. Westerosi Faith
It's crucial to understand that the Targaryens never entirely shed their Valyrian heritage. Even as they outwardly embraced the Faith of the Seven, a sense of their unique, almost divine, nature persisted. This is particularly evident in their belief in their own destiny and their inherent connection to dragons, which was a cornerstone of their Valyrian identity.
This created an internal tension. Were they devout followers of the Seven, or did they still hold onto their ancient Valyrian beliefs in secret? The historical record suggests a duality. They were kings and queens who understood the political power of religion and thus presented themselves as followers of the Faith of the Seven. However, their actions, their justifications for power, and their very identity were often rooted in their Valyrian lineage and its perceived divine favor.
Key points of this duality:
- The "Blood of the Dragon": This concept, central to Valyrian identity, suggested a special lineage, almost supernatural in its attributes. This belief often superseded conventional religious doctrines.
- Prophetic Dreams and Visions: Targaryens were known for experiencing prophetic dreams and visions, a trait often linked to their Valyrian magical heritage rather than the doctrines of the Faith of the Seven.
- Aegon the Conqueror's Vision: Aegon's famous dream, which foretold the long night and the coming of the Others, was a significant motivation for his conquest. This vision was not presented as a revelation from the Seven but as an innate, inherited foresight.
Conclusion: A Syncretic and Evolving Faith
In essence, the religion of the Targaryens is a fascinating blend of their ancestral Valyrian faith and their adopted Westerosi religion, the Faith of the Seven. They were not purely one or the other. They navigated this religious landscape with a pragmatic approach, outwardly conforming to the dominant faith while internally holding onto the core tenets of their Valyrian heritage, particularly their belief in their unique bloodline and their destiny.
Their history demonstrates a significant evolution from the Old Gods of Valyria to a more syncretic faith that incorporated elements of the Faith of the Seven. However, the whispers of ancient Valyrian magic, dragon power, and prophetic destiny always remained a powerful undercurrent, defining their unique place in the history of Westeros.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Targaryens practice their Valyrian religion in Westeros?
While the Targaryens publicly acknowledged and patronized the Faith of the Seven to integrate with Westerosi society, it's believed they maintained some private practices and beliefs related to their Valyrian heritage. This might have included personal rituals, continued reverence for dragons, and a strong belief in their inherent magical abilities and prophetic dreams.
Why did Targaryens adopt the Faith of the Seven?
The adoption of the Faith of the Seven was largely a strategic and political move. By embracing the dominant religion of Westeros, the Targaryens aimed to legitimize their rule, gain the support of the populace and the Faith's hierarchy, and foster a sense of unity across the Seven Kingdoms. It was a way to signal their commitment to their new homeland.
Did Targaryens believe they were gods?
While not explicitly stating they were gods, Targaryens certainly believed they were divinely chosen and possessed a superior bloodline – the "blood of the dragon." This gave them a sense of inherent right to rule and a unique connection to powerful forces, which could be interpreted as a form of divine favor or even a quasi-divine status in their own eyes.
Were there any Targaryens who strictly followed the Faith of the Seven?
Many Targaryens outwardly conformed to the Faith of the Seven, participating in its rituals and upholding its traditions. However, their core identity and their belief in their unique destiny often stemmed from their Valyrian heritage. It's rare to find a Targaryen who completely shed their Valyrian roots and solely identified with the Faith of the Seven without any influence from their ancestral beliefs.
