Why Did Daenerys Targaryen Leave Her Dragons in a Dungeon?

In Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen's decision to confine her dragons in Season 7 was a pivotal turning point that reflected her evolving understanding of her responsibilities as a leader. The dragons, while powerful symbols of her historical legacy, presented significant challenges, including loss of control, emotional turmoil, and strategic considerations.

Loss of Control

The death of Viserion and the looming threat posed by the Night King prompted Daenerys to recognize that her dragons, despite their power, could also be a source of danger. As Drogon became more assertive, Daenerys realized that her initial belief that she could easily command them was misguided. This growing awareness led her to fear the potential for uncontrollable chaos if the dragons were not managed properly. To mitigate this risk, she chose to confine them in the Great Pyramids dragon pit, a makeshift prison, ensuring that any potential for harm was contained.

Symbol of Power

The dragons were not just beasts but symbols of Daenerys's power and identity. Keeping them confined was a strategic move to prevent their use by enemies who might leverage them against her. Additionally, by confining the dragons, Daenerys hoped to safeguard her people from potential collateral damage. The dragons, being inherently wild and difficult to control, could pose a significant threat if they were to go unchecked.

Emotional State

Daenerys's emotional state played a crucial role in her decision. The loss of loved ones and the increasing tension with Jon Snow and other allies added to her emotional turmoil. Confining the dragons was a symbol of her struggle to maintain control over her emotions and her power as a leader. This act reflected her internal conflict and the challenges she faced in balancing her Targaryen identity with her responsibilities as a ruler.

Strategic Decision

Beyond the immediate concerns of control and symbol, Daenerys's decision to confine the dragons was also a strategic one. By focusing on her political strategy and alliances, she aimed to maintain her power without depending solely on her dragons for military might. This decision was part of her broader effort to navigate the complexities of the political landscape in Westeros, where brute force alone was not sufficient.

The decision to leave the dragons in a dungeon highlighted the multifaceted nature of Daenerys's character. It showcased her complexity as a leader grappling with multiple challenges simultaneously. This moment serves as a powerful narrative device, foreshadowing the challenges she would face in the final season as she sought to balance her identity as a Targaryen with her responsibilities as a ruler.