Aegon the Conqueror and His Dragons: An Examination of Legends and Realities

Introduction

Aegon the Conqueror, also known as Aegon I Targaryen, is a central figure in the mythical and historical lore of Westeros. His dragons have been a key part of his legendary conquest, leading many to wonder about their fate and longevity. This article explores the history of Aegon's dragons, examining the evidence from George R.R. Martin's books and HBO's Game of Thrones.

Aegon's Dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes

At the start of his conquest, Aegon the Conqueror rode three dragons: Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes. Balerion was Aegon's personal dragon, a majestic creature that served him loyally. Balerion lived for at least 200 years, making him a significant figure in the reign of Jaehaerys I.

Vhagar, flown by Aegon's sister and wife, Visenya, survived the Conquest and lived until the Dance of Dragons, estimated to be around 181 years old. Vhagar ultimately met her demise in battle in the west of Westeros. Meraxes, carried by another sister and wife, Rhaenys, was 62 years old when she and her rider perished in Dorne during Aegon's failed Conquest of Dorne in 10 AC.

These dragons were considerably larger than Drogon, the dragon famously ridden by Daenerys Targaryen. The legacy of Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes is a testament to Aegon's formidable power and the enduring legacy of his conquest.

The Fate of Aegon's Dragons

Since the end of Aegon's conquest, only Balerion and Vhagar remain. Balerion died of old age, having lived a full two centuries. Vhagar, too, perished in battle, suggesting that while dragons could live for centuries, they were not immune to the dangers of war.

It is important to note that the dragons of Aegon's era were a unique generation. Neither Aerys I Targaryen nor Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King, had dragons in their possession. Aerys II was born after the dragons had already become extinct. Therefore, neither of these kings, not even the Mad King, could have had dragons during their reigns. The extinction of dragons was a known event in the narrative, occurring roughly 200 years before the time of the Mad King Aerys II.

Deagons and the Resurgence of Dragons

It is worth mentioning that the term used in the article, such as "deagons," is not a recognized word. A mythological creature mentioned by George R.R. Martin is the "Drogon," a Targaryen dragon, but there is no mention of a "Deagoon." It is possible that this term is a misspelling or a creative invention. However, according to Martin's lore, dragons were extinct for centuries before the events of the show and novels. It was only with the discovery of dragon eggs and the efforts of a Maester named Aemon that the last three dragons were resurrected, creating the Drogon and others awakened from the last clutch of eggs.

This resurgence of dragons by Aemon and others contributed to the Targaryen's efforts to secure their seat on the throne. The story of the resurrection of dragons and their awakening is central to the narrative and underscores the significance of the dragons in Westeros' history.

Conclusion

Aegon the Conqueror's dragons, Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes, were a symbol of his power and legacy. However, their ultimate fate reflects the broader narrative of the Wastros' history, which spans thousands of years of magic, war, and the gradual extinction of the species. The dragons played a crucial role in the early Targaryen conquests, but their eventual extinction marked the decline of an era and the rise of new challenges and legends.