What is the relationship between Daenerys, Viserys, and dragons?
We are told from early on in Game of Thrones that Viserys and Daenerys are brother and sister, and it is said they are the descendants of dragons, although this is (as of yet -- midway through season 2 for me) not fully explained.
When Viserys is killed during the shaping of a custom-made gold crown, his sister, Daenerys, says "He was not a dragon. A dragon cannot be killed by fire." Or words to that effect.
Later, she demonstrates her own "dragonness" by surviving a fire, and at the same time establishing her status as "Mother of Dragons," when her three dragon eggs hatch.
What is the relationship between this brother and sister, and dragons? Are they not truly brother and sister, thus explaining why she is immune to fire but her brother not? Or is "dragonness" less of a biological trait, which can be lost (and perhaps gained) by some other means?
Best Answer
Viserys and Daenerys are the last known descendants of a noble Valyrian family called the Targaryens. Like many noble Valyrian families, they had very strong ties to dragons. They bred them, trained them, and rode them to war. In fact, the Targaryen coat of arms is a red three headed dragon on a field of black. When Valyria was destroyed in a mysterious event known as the Doom of Valyria, the Targaryens escaped to Westeros where it became apparent to them that they were the only people there who had access to dragons. Using that technological edge, Aegon the Conqueror invaded Westeros with his dragons and united the Seven Kingdoms into one, effectively beginning the royal Valyrian dynasty in Westeros.
For many years after, the Targaryens continued to use their dragons. At one time, each Targaryen noble would be given a dragon egg from birth hoping that eventually it would hatch and be that Targaryen's war mount. But as years went on, the dragons stopped hatching and those that did hatch were sick and weak. Eventually, dragons would disappear completely. As a result, the Targaryen family lost it's technological edge and it wasn't long until they were supplanted by the Baratheons who are in control of the Iron Throne at the begning of the series.
The relationship between the Targaryens and their dragons are obviously magical, but it is not well understood at this time. But what is obvious is that not all the Targaryens are the same. Even the famed Targaryen look (silver blonde hair and purple eyes) is not uniform among them. So it would seem that Daenerys simply inherited something that Viserys didn't. Or perhaps the dragon eggs themselves gave her something that it didn't to Viserys. It's all speculation at this point.
Pictures about "What is the relationship between Daenerys, Viserys, and dragons?"
What was the relationship between Daenerys and Viserys?
Viserys Targaryen was the younger brother of the late Rhaegar Targaryen, the older brother of Daenerys Targaryen and the uncle of Jon Snow.How is Daenerys related to the dragons?
Daenerys's dragon eggs, gifted to her by Illyrio Mopatis. Daenerys is given three petrified dragon eggs as a gift for her wedding to Khal Drogo. The three eggs are black, green, and gold. Daenerys begins caring for the eggs as they become richer in color.How is Viserys a dragon?
He was named after Daenerys Targaryen's elder brother, Viserys. He could be distinguished by his cream and gold colored scales, and red-orange wings. Eventually, he became an ice dragon (although different from the ones of legend), and was enslaved by the Night King.Did Viserys care about Daenerys?
Viserys was betrayed by Daenerys. He loved her so dearly when they were children, he adored her and made sure she stayed safe. He starved so she could eat, he begged so she could be warm, he sold the last belonging of his mother, to keep her alive.Game of Thrones Prequel: King Viserys I Targaryen Explained (HBO) | House of the Dragon
More answers regarding what is the relationship between Daenerys, Viserys, and dragons?
Answer 2
It was a tradition for Targaryens to marry their sister to keep their blood pure targaryenblood but Raghear Targaryen married Elia Martell. So maybe Viserys simply inherited his mothers "blood" and Deanerys her fathers. Therefore he could be killed by fire while Deanerys is immune.
Answer 3
In the books, Daenerys is not immune to fire. The event in which the dragon eggs hatched was magical, according to George RR Martin. This protected Daenerys to a degree, but she still lost all of her hair and suffered fairly bad burns on her hands and feet.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: furkanfdemir, Artem Podrez, Yan Krukov, Yan Krukov