Did Daenerys Targaryen's Dragons Represent Her Late Male Relatives in 'Game of Thrones'?

In the popular television series, Game of Thrones, the story of Daenerys Targaryen and her three dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, captured the imaginations of countless fans. Many wondered if there was any deeper significance behind the names the Mother of Dragons gave to her dragons. Let's dive into the fascinating details of the naming conventions and explore the possible connections between Daenerys' male relatives and her dragon companions.

Famously Naming Her Dragons

When Daenerys Targaryen emerged from the fiery ruins of Meereen, she was finally reunited with her three dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. As fans delved into the backstory of the dragons, it was intriguing to learn about the names assigned to each one. There were whispers and theories about the significance behind these names, especially in relation to Daenerys' familial ties and personal storylines.

The Specific Names and Their Meanings

Drogon, the first and dominant of the three, was named after her late husband, Khal Drogo, the great warrior who led the Dothraki tribe. This naming choice was symbolic, as it served as a tribute to the man she once loved and the tribal leader who played a significant role in her life. Khal Drogo’s legacy was deeply etched into Daenerys' heart, and naming her most powerful dragon after him was a way to honor his memory.

Rhaegal and Viserion, the final two dragons, were named after Daenerys’ deceased brothers, Rhaegar and Viserys. Rhaegal, the middle dragon, drew its name from her fallen brother and inheritor, Rhaegar. Rhaegar was a figure of great importance to Daenerys, as he was her father’s heir before his untimely death in the Lannister's[1]

Viserion, the smallest and last-born of the dragons, was named after her brother Viserys, the younger brother and a key figure in their escape from the Targaryen stronghold of Dragonstone. Viserys played a significant role in the journey of his sister and her survival until he tragically died in the Yellow Summer shootout[2]

Interpretations and Symbolism

The connection between Daenerys' male relatives and her dragons sparked a lot of discussion among fans and critics. Many interpreted the names as a form of honoring, mourning, or even as a projection of Daenerys' own inner struggles and past traumas. From a storytelling perspective, the names also added a layer of depth to the dragons, making them more than just fantastical creatures but also a reflection of Daenerys' personal history.

Moreover, the naming pattern could be seen as a way for Daenerys to keep her family members close even in the afterlife, by giving her dragons names that still resonated with their names and legacies. The dragons, then, became a living symbol of her family, her past, and the sacrifices made by those who came before her.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daenerys Targaryen did not give her dragons names that symbolized fire. Instead, she chose to name them after her dead male relatives, honoring her husband and brothers. This decision was both a tribute and a way to continue the memory of her family members in her journey towards power and unity. Through her dragons, Daenerys kept their spirits alive, symbolizing her resilience and the enduring impact of her lost loved ones.

Notes

Rhaegar Targaryen died in the Red Wedding, a brutal massacre during the War of the Five Kings. Viserys Targaryen died in the Yellow Summer in a shootout with the sand thieves who had stolen the crucial army camp banners from him.