Understanding Rhaegar Targaryen's Connection to Dragons: Myths and Prophecy

One of the most intriguing aspects of the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire is the deep-rooted connection between the Targaryen dynasty and their symbol—the dragon. From a young age, Rhaegar Targaryen would have known and internalized the rich mythology surrounding the Targaryens and their legendary heritage.

The Targaryen Mythology and Symbolism

Westerosi houses and their supporters are often associated with specific symbols. The Starks are denoted by a wolf, the Tyrells by a rose, and the Greyjoys by a kraken. However, among all these houses, the Targaryens stand out with their dragon emblem, which they take to a level of literal belief. As a Targaryen, Rhaegar would have been taught from a young age about the Targaryen mythology, which includes the idea that dragons were not just symbols but were integral to their ancestry.

Birth and Mythical Prophecies

One of the pivotal moments in Rhaegar's life, which ties into this myth, is his birth at Summerhall. Aegon V, the current Targaryen king at the time, attempted to hatch a dragon at Summerhall, an endeavor that would have been influenced by prophecies. It is highly likely that Aegon V heard about a prophecy from someone, perhaps the Ghost of High Hart, which fueled his decision to carry out the egg-hatching attempt. However, the attempt tragically failed, leading to Aegon V’s death along with several other individuals.

Rhaegar's Belief in Prophecy

Rhaegar's own beliefs and actions in life reflect his deep engagement with these mythical prophecies. At one point, he believed he was the Prince That Was Promised, a title he thought he deserved due to his birth during the Summerhall Tragedy and the symbolism associated with the event. This belief in destiny led him to think that, for the greater good, the deaths of certain key individuals were necessary so that he could be born and fulfill his prophesied role.

The Power of Prophecy

Despite the tragic consequences following the Summerhall fiasco, there is a precedent of prophecies being fulfilled in a metaphorical sense. It is possible that Rhaegar's birth could metaphorically complete the prophecy that a "dragon" would be hatched at Summerhall. He may have deduced this himself, leading to his melancholic reflection on the event, given his perceived responsibility for the deaths that preceded it.

Prophecy and Myth in the Targaryen Family

Several other members of the Targaryen lineage are documented to have been referred to as "dragons," including Baelor the Breakspear and Aegon V. This suggests a more formal connection to the concept of a prophetic dragon, as opposed to the more casual use of the term among some like Viserys.

Conclusion

From myth to prophecy, Rhaegar Targaryen's connection to dragons is a profound and complex narrative element in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. His birth at Summerhall and his subsequent obsession with fulfilling prophecies are deeply intertwined, making him a figure of significant interest to those who delve into the intricate layers of Westerosi history and lore.