Do the Dragons Sense Jon’s Targaryen Heritage?

In the world of Game of Thrones, the connection between dragons and the Targaryen lineage has been a recurring theme. Many fans have wondered if the dragons can sense Jon Snow's true identity as a scion of the House Targaryen. Let's delve into the various theories and evidence.

Thematic Elements and Supporting Evidence

While the official books do not explicitly confirm the dragons' ability to sense Targaryen blood, the thematic elements of Targaryen heritage and the dragons' connection to their bloodline support the idea that the dragons could somehow recognize Jon's true identity.

Episode 6, Season 7: In this episode, Jon is petting a dragon for the first time, suggesting a level of acceptance from the creature. This could imply that the dragon recognizes his bloodline. Chapter 1, Book 3 of Fire and Blood: Dragondrake, the dragon of Jaehaerys I, is said to have killed many Targaryens killed by the Ice Dragon. This implies that the dragons' recognition goes beyond mere blood and into a deeper understanding of their masters. Quaithe's Prophecy: Quaithe, a mysterious Seer, tells Daenerys, "The dragons know." This statement, coupled with Quaithe's explicit reminder to Daenerys about her Targaryen lineage, suggests that the dragons have a way of discerning their masters' true identity.

Alternative Theories

However, there are several counter-theories that challenge the idea of the dragons sensing Jon's Targaryen heritage:

.Unknown Concept: Dragons, being creatures of the realm, might not understand or place importance on the concept of noble bloodlines. They recognize a powerful bloodline but might not understand its historical context. No Explicit Proof: The show has not explicitly confirmed the dragons' ability to identify Jon as a Targaryen. Even when Daenerys rides with the Targaryen soldiers and unsullied, the dragons do not react in any discernible manner to show they recognize Jon. Connectivity with Riders: There are instances where dragons and their riders share a deep connection, similar to the bond between Stark children and their direwolves. This could imply that Drogon's acceptance of Jon is due to a mental connection rather than a direct recognition of his bloodline.

The Dragons’ Reaction to Jon

Several points support the idea that the dragons do recognize Jon as a Targaryen:

Bonded Rider: Drogon, the largest and most powerful Targaryen dragon, seems to accept and even enjoy Jon's company. This could be due to the strong bond formed between rider and dragon. Viserion and Rhaegal: The other Targaryen dragons, Viserion and Rhaegal, are also more accepting of Jon compared to their reaction to strangers. This supports the idea that the dragons recognize his kingly blood. Historical Examples: The story of the dragon rider Nettles, who tamed Sheepstealer by feeding him sheep daily, shows that dragons can form bonds with non-Targaryens. This suggests that the Targaryen line might be a unique case.

Conclusion

The question of whether the dragons can sense Jon's Targaryen heritage remains open to interpretation. While there are compelling supporting arguments and instances where the dragons seem to recognize Jon's lineage, the lack of explicit confirmation from the show leaves room for debate. As Game of Thrones fans continue to explore this mystery, the connection between Jon and the dragons and their apparent recognition of his bloodline will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion.