Understanding the Realism of Daenerys' Dragon in Game of Thrones: Why She Evaded Balista Shots

Game of Thrones captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate narrative and memorable scenes. One such scene drew significant scrutiny and criticism - Daenerys' dragon, Drogon, evading hundreds of balista/shuppen attacks on the Iron Fleet and the walls of King's Landing. This article delves into the realism behind this scenario, examining various tactical and narrative elements.

Tactical Advantage: Caught Off Guard

The strategic advantage of catching the defenders off guard played a critical role in Daenerys' initial assault on King's Landing. Drogon and Daenerys' air assault provided an unexpected and devastating first strike. This element of surprise is a well-established military tactic, as it can significantly disrupt an opponent's defenses and create confusion.

Destruction of Defenses: Iron Fleet and Scorpions

Before engaging the city directly, Daenerys and Drogon decimated much of the Iron Fleet and the Scorpions positioned on the walls. This action significantly reduced the number of effective weapons targeting them. The Iron Fleet provided a naval advantage, while the Scorpions were fixed, stationary defenses designed to target incoming ships and airborne threats. By eliminating these threats, Daenerys and Drogon minimized resistance, making it easier to approach the city undetected.

Drogon's Maneuverability

Drogon's superior agility and maneuverability in the air pose a significant challenge to ground-based weaponry. Stationary balistae/scorpions are fixed targets designed to engage slow-moving targets at a reduced threat level. In the case of Drogon, his rapid maneuvers in three-dimensional space make it almost impossible for an attacker to achieve a consistently accurate shot.

Chaos and Confusion

The chaotic nature of battle and the panic among the defenders contributed to the reduced likelihood of accurate shots. The destruction and fire caused by Drogon on the walls and the surrounding area would have created a sense of disarray, making it difficult for the soldiers to maintain accurate aim. This chaos further hindered the effectiveness of the balistae/scorpions in hitting their intended targets.

Narrative Convenience

From a storytelling perspective, the survival of Daenerys is essential for the plot's progression. To maintain dramatic tension and focus on the character's journey, the writers may have chosen to overlook the logical implications of facing numerous weapons. This narrative convenience ensures that the primary focus remains on Daenerys' strategic and symbolic victory over the Targaryen lineage.

The In-Game Tactics and Anachronisms

It's important to note that anti-air weapons did not exist in the era depicted in Game of Thrones. Qyburn's innovative attempts suffer from technological limitations. The physical and logistical challenges of operating these weapons make them inherently inaccurate and ineffective against a formidable opponent like Drogon.

Size and Accuracy: The massive size of these balistae/scorpions necessitates coordination among four men to aim. This results in a slow and imprecise firing process, making it difficult to hit a moving target, especially one as fast and agile as Drogon. The reload time of a significant thirty seconds further diminishes the effectiveness of sequential shots, as they require reacquiring the target once more.

High Altitude and Speed: The range of the balistae/scorpions, when firing upwards, is limited compared to Drogon's height and maneuverability. Additionally, Drogon's diving speed allows him to evade initial volleys and close the distance before another shot can be fired. This narrative-driven strategic element demonstrates the overwhelming advantage of air combat over ground-based defenses in this era.

Experience and Tactics

Daenerys, having experience with dragon combat, could use advanced tactics to avoid being targeted. Conversely, Cersei’s army, with no prior experience in air-to-surface attacks, would be mechanically restrained in their attempts to engage Drogon. Daenerys could use sun-related tactics, fly in serpentine paths to avoid lead shots, and find cover from archers by flying below their level until she’s ready for an attack run. These tactics would further enhance her evasiveness during the assault.

Conclusion

While the idea of a single balista shot taking down Drogon might seem logical, it is unrealistic given the limitations of the era's technology and the strategic advantage provided by air combat. The combined elements of surprise, destruction of defenses, drogon's maneuverability, narrative convenience, and in-game tactics all contribute to a more plausible and thrilling narrative for audiences. The perceived inaccuracy of alternating volleys from stationary weapons is a legitimate critique, but within the constraints of the show's world, Drogon’s survival through evasiveness makes for a more engaging and dramatic experience.