Navigating the Dragons' Limitations: An Analysis of Silverwing and Daenerys’ Dragons in Game of Thrones

The differences in the abilities of Alysanna's dragon, Silverwing, and Daenerys Targaryen's dragons in relation to flying north of the Wall can be attributed to both narrative choices and the mythos surrounding dragons in George R.R. Martin's world. This article explores the underlying reasons and thematic significance of these differences.

Silverwing and the Wall

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, Silverwing is known to be a dragon that lived during the time of Alysanna Targaryen, a.k.a. Princess Alysanna Targaryen. The lore suggests that dragons are sensitive to magic and the presence of White Walkers which are more potent north of the Wall. This sensitivity may contribute to Silverwing's inability to fly there. The Wall not only serves as a physical barrier but also acts as a boundary between the realms of magic and the mundane.

Daenerys Dragons

By the time of Daenerys Targaryen, the nature of magic and the dragons themselves has evolved. Daenerys' dragons are depicted as powerful and resilient, able to withstand various magical influences including those present in the colder northern regions. This might suggest that they are less affected by the magical boundaries that impact earlier dragons like Silverwing. The AFTI (After Falcon Theory in Interstellar) suggests that the dragons of Daenerys are more potent and less restricted by the same magical boundaries that limit Silverwing.

Narrative and Thematic Choices

The differences between the dragons can also be seen as a way to illustrate the changing nature of magic and dragons in Westeros. Daenerys' dragons symbolize the resurgence of magic and the Targaryen legacy, while Silverwing represents an earlier, perhaps more vulnerable era of dragons. The narrative and thematic choices reflect the series' exploration of legacy, evolution, and the cyclical nature of power.

Discrepancy Between Books and Show

In the show Game of Thrones, certain elements are simplified or altered for narrative pacing and clarity. While the show does not delve deeply into the lore regarding Silverwing's limitations, it does highlight the power of Daenerys' dragons in various contexts, including their ability to fly anywhere without the same restrictions. Showrunners made intentional choices to adapt the material to television, often condensing or altering complex lore to fit the show's pacing and narrative needs.

The Dragons Simply Didn't Like the North?

Another perspective suggests that the dragons simply did not like the colder northern regions. Dragons, as creatures bred in fire, may have resented the cold and inhospitable conditions to the north. Silverwing and the others were old dragons, while Daenerys' dragons were young and perhaps less accustomed to the conditions. The theory that they ate less but just hated it north of the Wall aligns with the idea that dragons, like any living creature, are sensitive to their environment and may have natural inclinations that limit their mobility.

In conclusion, the differences between Silverwing and Daenerys' dragons are intentional plot points that reflect the evolving lore of dragons and magic in the series rather than a direct discrepancy between the books and the show. The dragons' limitations serve to enhance the narrative and thematic depth of the series, providing viewers with a rich exploration of the world of Westeros and the role of dragons within it.

Note: This article is an analysis and interpretation of the series and does not claim to be an official source for canon lore.