Who Rode Balerion After Aegon Died? A Dragonlore Deep Dive
After the death of Aegon the Conqueror, Balerion the Black Dread was claimed by his son, Maegor the Cruel (Maegor I Targaryen). Following Maegor’s death, there was a significant gap before Viserys I Targaryen, decades later, became Balerion’s last rider. This period of inactivity and the circumstances surrounding each rider are fascinating chapters in Targaryen and dragon lore.
Balerion’s Legacy: From Conqueror’s Mount to Royal Burden
Balerion wasn’t just any dragon; he was a living weapon, a symbol of Targaryen power, and a relic from Old Valyria. Understanding his significance requires a look at his history and the impact he had on Westeros.
Aegon the Conqueror and the Black Dread
Aegon I Targaryen rode Balerion during the Conquest of Westeros, establishing the Targaryen dynasty. Balerion, the largest dragon in recorded history, played a crucial role in Aegon’s victories, including the infamous Field of Fire. This solidified the dragon’s reputation as a force of unmatched devastation. Named after an ancient god of the Valyrian Freehold, Balerion was born in Valyria and was one of the dragons that Aenar Targaryen brought with him when he fled to Peyredragon to survive the Doom of Valyria.
Maegor the Cruel: A Controversial Claim
After Aegon’s death, Maegor, his son with Visenya, swiftly claimed Balerion. Maegor had long desired the dragon, even refusing to bond with other dragons on Dragonstone, deeming them unworthy. His rule was marked by brutality and conflict, and Balerion was instrumental in enforcing his claim to the Iron Throne. Maegor rode Balerion during the Faith Militant uprising, unleashing the dragon’s fiery wrath upon his enemies.
The Intervening Years: A Riderless Colossus
Following Maegor’s death in 48 AC, Balerion remained unclaimed for nearly three decades. Dragon keepers discouraged young Targaryens from approaching the aging dragon, perhaps fearing his temperament or recognizing his dwindling strength. This period highlights the complex relationship between Targaryens and their dragons: they were not merely tools but living creatures with their own preferences and limitations.
Viserys I: Balerion’s Final Rider
It wasn’t until 93 AC that Viserys I Targaryen claimed Balerion. By this time, the dragon was incredibly old and nearing the end of his life. Viserys’s brief bond with Balerion marked the symbolic end of an era. Balerion died less than a year after Viserys rode him, signifying the decline of dragons in Westeros. Viserys himself refused to claim another dragon after Balerion’s death.
The Significance of Balerion’s Riders
Each rider of Balerion reflects a different aspect of Targaryen power and its evolution. Aegon used Balerion to conquer; Maegor used him to enforce his rule through fear; and Viserys’s claim was a nostalgic nod to the Targaryen’s glorious past, a past that was quickly fading. The story of Balerion and his riders offers a fascinating lens through which to examine the complexities of power, legacy, and the bond between humans and dragons in the world of Westeros.
Balerion’s riders, and the relationships they forged, showcase the complex interplay between power, legacy, and the unique bond between humans and dragons. Those interested in learning more about world-building and narrative design may find valuable insights at the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What made Balerion so special?
Balerion was the largest dragon ever recorded in the history of Westeros. His immense size, age, and the role he played in Aegon’s Conquest made him a symbol of Targaryen power and a legend in his own right.
2. Why did Maegor covet Balerion so much?
Maegor was ambitious and power-hungry. Claiming Balerion, the dragon ridden by Aegon the Conqueror, legitimized his claim to the Iron Throne and instilled fear in his enemies. It was a strategic and symbolic move to consolidate his power.
3. Why was there such a long gap between Maegor and Viserys riding Balerion?
Balerion was already incredibly old after Maegor’s death. Dragon keepers likely discouraged young Targaryens from claiming him, fearing his unpredictable nature or the strain it would place on the aging dragon.
4. How old was Balerion when Viserys claimed him?
Balerion was estimated to be over 200 years old when Viserys I claimed him. He was nearing the end of his natural lifespan.
5. Did Balerion die immediately after Viserys rode him?
Balerion died less than a year after Viserys I claimed him. His death marked a turning point in the history of dragons in Westeros.
6. Why didn’t Viserys claim another dragon after Balerion died?
The article indicates that Viserys I actually disliked dragons, perhaps due to the experience with Balerion’s decline and death. There were other dragons available, such as Vermithor and Silverwing, but Viserys refused to claim them.
7. Was Balerion the last dragon in Westeros?
No, Balerion was not the last dragon, but his death marked a significant decline in the dragon population. Other dragons existed during Viserys’s reign, including Vhagar, Vermithor, and Silverwing.
8. How did Balerion get his nickname “The Black Dread”?
Balerion was called “The Black Dread” due to his black scales and the fear he inspired during Aegon’s Conquest and Maegor’s reign. His immense size and destructive power contributed to his fearsome reputation.
9. Was Vhagar bigger than Balerion?
While Vhagar was the closest in size to Balerion, she was still not as large as the Black Dread. Balerion remains the largest dragon in recorded history.
10. Where did Balerion come from?
Balerion was born in Valyria and was one of the dragons brought to Dragonstone by Aenar Targaryen before the Doom of Valyria.
11. What happened to Balerion’s skull?
Balerion’s skull was kept in the Red Keep in King’s Landing as a reminder of Targaryen power. It eventually became a symbol of the Targaryens’ faded glory.
12. Did Balerion lay any eggs?
It is unclear whether Balerion laid any eggs. There are mentions of the Dragonpit being built for Balerion, Vhagar, and “their get,” suggesting a possibility, but no concrete evidence confirms it.
13. Could Drogon outgrow Balerion?
Given that dragons never stop growing as long as they have open sky and plentiful food, it is possible that Drogon, if he continues to live and thrive, could eventually outgrow Balerion.
14. Was Balerion wounded in his lifetime?
There’s a theory that Balerion was attacked by another dragon in Valyria’s ruins, which may have left him wounded.
15. What role did Balerion play in the Dance of the Dragons?
Balerion was already deceased by the time of the Dance of the Dragons. However, his legacy and the fear he inspired continued to influence the conflict.
This detailed examination of Balerion’s riders, from Aegon the Conqueror to Viserys I, offers a comprehensive look into the dragon’s role in Targaryen history and Westerosi lore. It highlights the complexities of power, legacy, and the bond between dragons and their riders.