Which dragon died in Got?
For fans of Game of Thrones (often affectionately shortened to "Got" by its dedicated fanbase), the fate of Daenerys Targaryen's dragons is a central and often heartbreaking element of the saga. These magnificent, fire-breathing creatures were not just beasts of war; they were the embodiment of Targaryen power and Daenerys's greatest asset in her quest for the Iron Throne. However, the path to power in Westeros is fraught with peril, and not all of Daenerys's beloved dragons survived the journey.
The Dragons of Daenerys Targaryen
Before we delve into who met their end, it's crucial to remember the three dragons Daenerys hatched in the Dothraki Sea from seemingly petrified eggs:
- Drogon: The largest and most formidable, Drogon was named after Daenerys's deceased husband, Khal Drogo. He was fiercely loyal to her and often acted as her primary protector and steed.
- Rhaegal: Named after Daenerys's eldest brother, Rhaegar Targaryen, Rhaegal was a formidable dragon, though often less prominent than Drogon.
- Viserion: Named after Daenerys's brother, Viserys Targaryen, Viserion played a significant role in the dragons' tragic fates.
The First Dragon to Die: Viserion
The first of Daenerys's dragons to perish was Viserion. His demise was a pivotal moment that dramatically shifted the balance of power and brought the threat of the White Walkers into sharper focus.
The Night King's Victory
Viserion died during the Battle of Winterfell, specifically in the episode titled "The Long Night." This epic clash saw the living forces of Westeros, led by Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, arrayed against the Army of the Dead, commanded by the Night King.
During the fierce aerial battle between the dragons and the undead, the Night King, perched atop Viserion after seizing control of him, hurled an ice spear. This devastating projectile struck Viserion in the chest, causing him to plummet from the sky and crash into the frozen ground. His death was a crushing blow to Daenerys and a significant victory for the forces of darkness.
However, Viserion's story didn't end with his death. In a shocking turn of events, the Night King resurrected Viserion as an undead dragon, its eyes glowing with an eerie blue light. This reanimated Viserion, now under the Night King's command, unleashed his icy breath upon the walls of Winterfell, paving the way for the dead to overwhelm the living.
The Second Dragon to Die: Rhaegal
The second dragon to meet his end was Rhaegal. His death occurred significantly later in the series, during Daenerys's campaign to conquer Westeros and claim the Iron Throne.
Ambush at Dragonstone
Rhaegal's demise happened in the episode titled "The Last of the Starks." Daenerys and Jon Snow were flying on Drogon and Rhaegal, respectively, when they were ambushed by a fleet of Euron Greyjoy's ships near Dragonstone. The Iron Fleet, equipped with powerful scorpion ballistae, proved to be a deadly threat to the dragons.
Euron's archers managed to land several devastating shots with the scorpions. One of these bolts struck Rhaegal in the neck, causing him to fall from the sky and into the sea below. Despite Daenerys's efforts to protect him, Rhaegal was mortally wounded and subsequently died.
The death of Rhaegal was another significant loss for Daenerys, not only in terms of military power but also emotionally, as she had lost another of her "children." This event further fueled her descent into madness and ruthlessness.
What About Drogon?
Fortunately for Daenerys, Drogon, her most loyal and powerful dragon, survived the events of Game of Thrones. While Drogon was present during both Viserion's and Rhaegal's deaths, he was not directly targeted or killed in the same manner.
In the series finale, after Daenerys is killed by Jon Snow, Drogon, in a display of grief and rage, breathes fire upon the Iron Throne, melting it into a molten mess. Following this, Drogon gently nudges Daenerys's lifeless body and then flies away with her, presumably heading east towards the lands of Essos. His ultimate fate after this point is left ambiguous, but he is the sole surviving dragon from Daenerys's clutch.
In Summary:
To directly answer the question: Viserion and Rhaegal were the two dragons that died in Game of Thrones.
Viserion:
- Died in: "The Long Night" (Season 8, Episode 3)
- Cause of Death: Struck by an ice spear thrown by the Night King.
- Post-Death Fate: Reanimated by the Night King as an undead dragon.
Rhaegal:
- Died in: "The Last of the Starks" (Season 8, Episode 4)
- Cause of Death: Mortally wounded by scorpions fired by Euron Greyjoy's fleet.
- Post-Death Fate: Died from his wounds after falling into the sea.
The deaths of these dragons were critical plot points, shaping the narrative and the characters' journeys in profound ways. They represented a tangible loss of power for Daenerys and underscored the brutal realities of the war for the Iron Throne.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Viserion die?
Viserion died when the Night King, who had taken control of him, was on his back. The Night King threw an ice spear, striking Viserion in the chest, causing him to fall from the sky and perish. He was later resurrected as an undead dragon.
Why did Rhaegal die?
Rhaegal died because he was ambushed by Euron Greyjoy's Iron Fleet. The fleet was equipped with powerful ballistae known as scorpions, which fired large bolts. One of these bolts struck Rhaegal, inflicting fatal wounds that led to his death.
Were there other dragons that died?
No, only Viserion and Rhaegal died. Drogon, the third dragon, survived the series and flew away with Daenerys's body after her death.
How many dragons did Daenerys have in total?
Daenerys hatched three dragon eggs and raised three dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. These were the only dragons that appeared and played significant roles in the series.
