Rhaenyra + Syrax vs. Daemon + Caraxes
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Published 2022-08-29
Best scene so far.
At the start of the series, there are over a dozen dragons in the possession of House Targaryen, but only four have riders. Prince Daemon rides Caraxes, a large and ferocious beast called the Blood Wyrm out of reverence and fear by alllies and enemies alike. Rhaenyra rides Syrax, a young dragon that hatched in her cradle, guaranteeing an instant bond.
We have yet to see the other two - another young blue-grey dragon named Seasmoke ridden by Laenor Velaryon, probably hatched in the cradle like Syrax. Finally, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen rides Meleys, an old, cunning and powerful red dragon that she inherited from her aunt, Alyssa Targaryen.
This our first glimpse of the fascinating concept of a medieval version of brinksmanship - much like our nukes, Dragons are not only Weapons of Mass Destruction, but Weapons of Mutually-Assured Destruction. If you don't have a dragon, you are completely powerless when facing someone who does. If you both have dragons, any sort of conflict between you could be disastrous - but you still must seem ready and able to use the dragon in order for the deterrent to be deemed credible. For two conflicting factions, both must constantly strive to have the most/biggest dragons.
By simply showing up with a dragon, Rhaenyra showed herself to be vastly more important than any of the King's men - she and Daemon are simply on another level, showcased well in the plot by their switch to High Valyrian.
Notably, Princess Rhaenys and several other characters also have dragons that we have yet to see, which is somewhat surprising