Who Owns the Dragon Rhaegal Targaryen?

In the vast realm of A Song of Ice and Fire, the political and magical battlefield that is Westeros, the concept of ownership over a living, breathing dragon like Rhaegal Targaryen is complex and multifaceted. This article will explore the various claims and realities surrounding Rhaegal's ownership, delving into the past and present circumstances.

Daemon Targaryen’s Legacy

Long before Rhaegal hatched from his egg, he was destined for greatness within the Targaryen household. His father, Daemon Targaryen, was a notorious and powerful figure in the Night's Watch. Daemon himself had a storied lineage, and his legacy was passed down through generations.

After the deaths of his parents and his brother, Aegon Targaryen, Daemon's heirs inherited a wealth of Targaryen assets, including the dragon eggs that would one day hatch Rhaegal. These eggs were not merely relics; they were the very promises of future power and heroes.

Illyrio Mopatis’s Gift

Illyrio Mopatis, the cunning High Myrathi, recognized the potential of Rhaegal and his siblings. As a diplomat and one of the closest allies of House Targaryen, Illyrio saw fit to gift the eggs to Daenerys Targaryen upon their marriage to Marcus Underhouse. This act symbolized a strengthening of their political ties, a bonding through blood and magic.

When Daenerys and Marcus were wed in Qarth, the eggs were a significant part of the wedding ceremony. It was a grand gesture, intended to ensure the safety and growth of the eggs until Rhaegal and his siblings were ready to claim their destinies.

The Mysteries of Ownership

However, as Rhaegal and his brothers hatched and grew, it became clear that owning a dragon was not merely about the past lineage or the magical bond. Dragons are powerful and independent creatures, capable of instinctual survival and decision-making. These dragons are intelligent and capable of burning through vast quantities of materials, which makes traditional notions of ownership seem quaint and impractical.

When Daenerys Targaryen, now the Mother of Dragons, was forced to keep the dragons locked up for various reasons, it raised the question of who truly owned the dragons. The answer is not straightforward:

Prior Claims: Daemon Targaryen, as the father, had a strong claim to the eggs and their eventual offspring. Family Inheritance: The eggs belonged to the Targaryen family, even if they were temporarily under other guardians. Political Gifts: The eggs, and therefore the dragons, were initially a gift from Illyrio Mopatis to Daenerys, representing political and familial ties. Parental Rights: Daenerys, as the current guardian and mother, has a caretaker role but lacks strict ownership. Dragon Instincts: The dragons themselves have instincts that guide their actions, not bound by human ownership.

Conclusion: A Complicated Ownership

The true ownership of Rhaegal Targaryen, like much of the Targaryen lineage, is a complex web of history, politics, and personal rights. While Rhaegal and his siblings had a storied lineage and were once Illyrio's gifts, the reality of their current situation and the dragons' own willing or unwilling actions mean that the concept of ownership is more nebulous than it appears on the surface.

In the end, whether Rhaegal is "owned" by Daemon, Daenerys, or the magic of the egg itself is a matter of perspective and context. The true ownership of a dragon lies in the balance between tradition and reality, and in the inherent complexity of such powerful beings.