Do the Dragons Know Jon is Aegon?

In the TV series 'Game of Thrones', dragons are often portrayed as intelligent beings with a keen sense of perception. However, the connection between these magnificent creatures and familial ties, particularly among the Targaryens, is not clearly established. The series hints that dragons predominantly recognize and trust their mother, Daenerys Targaryen, more than other Targaryens.

Jon’s Identity as Aegon Targaryen

While Jon Snow’s identity as Aegon Targaryen is significant for the story, the dragons do not overtly acknowledge this fact. In the show, the dragons seem to be more attuned to Jon’s Valyrian heritage. For instance, Jon had no trouble claiming Rhaegal, and the dragon allowed him to come close and pet it immediately. This suggests that the dragons recognize something about Jon, possibly due to the Valyrian blood coursing through his veins. It is also plausible that the dragons can sense the similar body chemistry and pheromones between Daenerys and Jon, whom she trusts. Consequently, the dragons are more likely to trust Jon as well.

The Dragons' Perception of Jon

When Jon first met the dragons, they allowed him to approach and pet them, indicating that they recognized his Valyrian heritage. Rhaegal, in particular, seems to acknowledge Jon as someone special, but it's more inclined to be a "mom’s special friend" than a rider in the traditional sense. The bond between dragons and their riders is unique; the dragons are primarily loyal to their riders who are usually Valyrian or of Valyrian descent. The Targaryens were the only Valyrian dragonlords to survive the Doom, and their bond with dragons was described as magical. Nevertheless, Jon Snow, despite being Targaryen in blood, does not share this bond.

The Dragons' Enigmatic Nature

The enigmatic nature of the dragons is further highlighted both in the books and in the show. In the TV series, the dragons are often seen as holding back their true knowledge and understanding. The internet is replete with speculation and theories regarding what the dragons might know or suspect. In the books, the dragons are even more enigmatic, and their knowledge remains a mystery. As for Jon, the show-runners made a poetic choice, implying that the dragons might know more than they show. However, in the factual reality of the books, the dragons care about their riders and their riders alone. Other people, even those related to Targaryens, are seen more as food or people to be trusted or not based on their relationship with the rider.

The Dragons and Targaryen Heritage

Many people find it poetic to believe that the dragons know who Jon is. However, beyond recognizing a Valyrian, the dragons don't know or care about Jon's Targaryen heritage. In the show, Jon was able to claim Rhaegal, but it’s unclear how much the dragon understands of Jon's significance. Rhaegal, for example, seems to know what Jon isn't but not who he truly is. The dragons bond with their riders and their riders alone, and this bond is primarily due to the Valyrian heritage of the riders. Any other Targaryen who bonds with a dragon has done so through their own valiant efforts or rather through chance, rather than through shared blood or heritage.

Loading the Dragon Eggs

The show continually reinforces the bond between Targaryens and dragons, portraying them as magical and almost mystical. However, history in the show is filled with instances where Targaryens were killed or eaten by dragons. Furthermore, there are cases where dragon eggs were placed in the cradles of baby Targaryens, and the hatchlings attacked their creators. These events further emphasize the volatile and often dangerous nature of the relationship between dragons and humans.

The Dragons' Perception of Future Rides

When it comes to future rides, only Dracon can bond with them on a deeper level, as is the case with Daenerys Targaryen. Trying to ride other dragons, such as Rhaegal or Viserion, would be dangerous for Jon Snow, as he is not viewed as a legitimate rider by the dragons. The trust and recognition that the dragons have for Jon are conditional and based on his Valyrian connection, not his Targaryen heritage.

Conclusion

In summary, while the dragons in 'Game of Thrones' are portrayed as intelligent and perceptive, their recognition and acknowledgment of Jon Snow’s Targaryen heritage is more symbolic and poetic than factual. The dragons primarily bond with their riders and trust those who are part of their riders' circle of people. Even though the show-makers chose to make a poetic choice regarding the dragons' knowledge, the true picture as per the books remains that dragons see people either as food or riders, and they are not concerned with human heritage beyond their riders.