The Role and Significance of Rhaegal the Dragon in Game of Thrones

Rhaegal, often overshadowed by his more powerful sibling Drogon, played a crucial albeit secondary role in the narrative of Game of Thrones. This article explores the key moments and importance of Rhaegal, his interactions with Euron Greyjoy, and his eventual fate.

Background and Backgrounders

Showrunners of Game of Thrones had to navigate a complex narrative landscape, often sacrificing minor plotlines to keep the main storylines intact. In this context, Rhaegal fell under the category of a secondary arc that could not be fully expunged due to his critical role in Daenerys Targaryen's backstory. Unlike Drogon, who is essential for Daenerys's military and personal goals, Rhaegal’s narrative utility was less definitive.

Rhaegal's primary importance stemmed from his imprisonment in the darkened portion of the Meereen Pyramid, preventing further harm to the local populace. When used during the Slaver attack, Rhaegal and his sibling Viserion served as symbolic rather than strategic assets, setting the stage for further, more significant developments.

The Narrative Utility of Rhaegal

Rhaegal's role in the show was multifaceted. The showrunners likely knew what was planned for him in the books, indicating that his storyline was designed to expand the audience's understanding of the larger narrative. A notable event in his storyline is his supposed snipping by Euron Greyjoy. This act could refer to Euron's book counterpart, who has a horn known as Dragonbinder, potentially allowing him to control or subdue other dragons. Considering Euron's character, this interaction suggests a darker outcome, consistent with his cruel intentions.

Additionally, Rhaegal's appearance in the Winterfell battle foreshadowed his probable fate. Given G.R.R. Martin's style, it is plausible that Rhaegal would be among the casualties, mirroring the balanced and realistic portrayal of dragons as formidable yet not invincible creatures. This event aligns with the show's depiction of dragons, highlighting their strategic importance in battles without overstating their power.

Interactions and Fates of Rhaegal and Viserion

Both Rhaegal and Viserion were imprisoned in the darkened part of the Meereen Pyramid. This move was strategic, aiming to prevent further destruction of local populations in Meereen. When active, they served primarily as symbolic figures during the slaver attack, rather than as fighting units.

In contrast, Drogon, the largest and most powerful of the three dragons, was Daenerys's primary mount and the driving force of her military campaigns. Drogon's placement at the forefront of Daenerys's military operations underlines his importance in the show. This contrast highlights the strategic value of each dragon and their individual roles in the broader narrative.

Conclusion

While Rhaegal may not have been central to the primary storyline, his presence and eventual fate were carefully considered by the showrunners. His role as a secondary, though significant, character reflects the complexity of Game of Thrones's narrative, blending crucial plot elements with thematic depth. Whether in imprisonment, symbolic attacks, or eventual battle casualties, Rhaegal’s significance lies in his role within the greater framework of the Targaryen saga.