Did Rhaegar Targaryen Ever Ride a Dragon?

Over the centuries, the legend of Rhaegar Targaryen has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Many questions have persisted, one of the most popular being, did Rhaegar Targaryen ever ride a dragon? Specifically, could he have mounted Viserion, his dragon brother, as the story is often depicted in fan discussions?

Feudal Love and the Targaryen Dynasty

Given the deep-rooted love within the Targaryen dynasty and the close bond between family members, there is a prevalent belief that Rhaegar might have attempted to ride Viserion during his younger years. However, as the series progresses and we delve into the intricate political and magical contexts of Westeros, this romantic notion is tested against the harsh realities of the medieval world.

Targaryen Dragons and the Storm

When Rhaegar Targaryen faced the relentless fury of the storm on the Trident, even a mighty dragon would have been terrified. The Dragonstrike Storm, portrayed as a biblical cataclysm, was said to have brought devastation and terror. It was a storm so formidable that it earned the title of The Demon of the Trident.

Though the name suggests a supernatural entity, King Aerys II Targaryen was often referred to as such, nicknames like The Mad King and Ak??? 1 further emphasize the chaos and destruction. However, it is notable that Rhaegar, known as Thunder and Lightning, faced this perilous storm head-on without the aid of a mount. The description of him as a rider of a thunderstorm underscores his courage and resilience in the face of such a formidable and unpredictable entity.

The Last Dragon and His Legacy

Rhaegar Targaryen is often referred to as the Last Dragon, yet he never rode a dragon himself. Instead, his legacy and the belief in the unbroken connection between Rhaegar and his dragons often circulates in the folklore of Westeros. His sister Elia Martell, in particular, is known to have a deep bond with dragons, as she rode one of the last Targaryen dragons, Balerion the Black Dread.

The unique bond between a dragon and its rider is a critical aspect of the lore. As dragons can only bond with one rider at a time, Rhaegar, being dead for over a decade when Viserion was born, could not have mounted his younger sibling's dragon. Moreover, when Daenerys Targaryen recaptured Dragonstone, she and her remaining dragons rekindled the extinct lines, bringing back the era of dragonry in Westeros.

Conclusion

While Rhaegar Targaryen never rode Viserion, he did attempt to ride a thunderstorm, a reflection of his prowess and daring. His legacy lives on through the stories of his siblings, particularly Daenerys, who brought the dragons back to the realm. Whether this ride was successful or not, the tale of Rhaegar Targaryen's attempt to conquer the untamed storm remains an enduring part of Westerosi lore.