In the epic saga of Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen, often referred to as Dany, played a pivotal role in her journey to reclaim her throne in Westeros. One significant scene that captivated fans was Dany’s attempt to save Jon Snow and his comrades at Hardhome. Despite having three dragons, the question remains: why didn't Dany use all three dragons? Why did she only ride Drogon, while leaving Rhaegal behind?
The Plot at Hardhome
In the episode titled "Beyond the Wall," Dany and her dragons arrive at Hardhome to retrieve Jon Snow and the surviving members of the Night's Watch. This scene is crucial because it marks a turning point in the show's narrative. The writers chose to have Dany ride on Drogon, with Viserion accompanying her, while leaving Rhaegal behind. This strategic decision had far-reaching implications for the storyline.
Rhaegal's Ignorance at Hardhome
It is important to note that the scene at Hardhome is not when Dany tries to save Jon Snow. The episode predominantly focuses on the Night's Watch members and their struggle to survive the encroaching White Walkers. Dany and her dragons only appear later in the narrative, and their role is more limited to the rescue mission. As the episode progresses, Viserion is killed by the White Walkers, leaving Drogon as the lone dragon to return to Dragonstone.
Books vs. Show
One explanation for why Dany didn't use Rhaegal at Hardhome is rooted in the discrepancies between the TV adaptation and the source material by Rick Grigg and the renowned George R. R. Martin. In the books, a dragon rider can ride only one dragon in a lifetime, while a dragon can have multiple riders. This rule did not exist in the television series, which likely contributed to the decision to only use Drogon.
Writerly Intent?
Another critical factor is the writerly intents behind this decision. The showrunners chose to emphasize the importance of Drogon for several reasons. Firstly, Drogon is the most powerful and loyal of the three dragons, symbolizing Dany's rising power and authority in the north. Secondly, the journey to Hardhome was more about survival and strategy, where using all three dragons would complicate the mission and detract from the main plot.
Debate and Internals
Interestingly, the creators of Game of Thrones openly debated this decision in behind-the-scenes interviews. Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have mentioned that they faced challenges in managing the narrative flow and decision-making, particularly regarding the use of multiple dragons in such a pivotal scene. Despite the limitations, they aimed to stay true to the visual and thematic elements of the series.
Fan Theory and Discontent
The decision to leave Rhaegal behind has sparked much fan debate and controversy. Many fans wondered why Dany wouldn't use all three dragons, especially given her Targaryen heritage and the symbolic power associated with her three dragons. This question has led to discussions about the authenticity of the dragon dynamics and the narrative choices made by the showrunners.
Creative Choices
Ultimately, the creative choices made by the showrunners were multifaceted. They had to balance the need for a compelling narrative with the constraints of the available resources and the grander storytelling goals of the series. In the context of Hardhome, the use of Drogon alone was not only a tactical decision but also one that highlighted the legitimate strengths and sacrifices required in the battle against the White Walkers.
Conclusion
The decision to only have Dany ride on Drogon during the mission to Hardhome was a strategic and creative choice that served to enhance the drama and thematic elements of the episode. Whether or not the writers "didn't know what they were doing" remains a matter of personal interpretation, but it is evident that their choices were intentional and thoughtfully crafted. Moving forward, this decision has left a lasting impact on the narrative and continues to spark conversations among fans of the show.