Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time?

Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time? - Content young ethnic female watching video on cellphone while lying on comfortable bed with long cylinder pillow in morning and enjoying free time

Dragonstone is an island very close to King's Landing and used to be the home of major Houses (originally Targaryen, then Baratheon). So, why didn't Cersei or the King seize the castle and man it with their army after Stannis left?

That would have been a great tactical move for taking control over Dragonstone.

It was finally Daenerys who lands at Dragonstone and claims her ancestral home.



Best Answer

Because the seven kingdoms are in a constant state of regicide and war. No one is in charge long enough or has enough people to spare on a insignificant island that can't be farmed, has no natural resources, has no gold, and can be ignored over King's Landing. With King's Landing fairly self sufficient even in a siege, controlling the bay does not mean as much as it used to. The only benefit to Dragonstone is its control of the Bay but if no one needs to bring in supplies via sea, that's useless.

Previously it was ruled by Stannis, but after Robert was killed and the Lannister coup forced the war of the five kings, Stannis left it to try to take his slightly more rightful claim to the throne. No one saw the use of Dragonglass, so Dragonstone was not seen as particularly important.




Pictures about "Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time?"

Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time? - Concrete Road during Night Time
Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time? - Tender Asian mother touching hair of cute boy in casual clothes while lying on bed during spare time at home
Why was Dragonstone left unoccupied for such a long period of time? - Concentrated young female in eyeglasses reading book while lying on white blanket near heap of literature in light room at home



Why was Dragonstone unoccupied?

According to Tywin, Varys sent fishermen into the waters around Dragonstone, and they reported that only a token force remained to defend the island. Tywin concludes the only reason Stannis would have abandoned the castle is that he plans to continue fighting elsewhere (which proves correct).

Who occupied Dragonstone?

Dance of the Dragons Angry at the decision, Prince Daemon Targaryen fled to Dragonstone with his paramour, Mysaria, and lived there for half a year. Rhaenyra took Dragonstone as her seat in 113 AC.

Why is Dragonstone so important?

Aptly named for the thousands of stone sculptures of dragons decorating its castle, Dragonstone is the ancestral seat of the Targaryens and the place where Daenerys was born. It could also hold the final key to defeating the White Walkers.

Who occupied Dragonstone before Daenerys?

At the beginning of Game of Thrones, Stannis Baratheon was in control of Dragonstone, but left in Season 4 to go seek aid from the Night's Watch.



ASOIAF: Dragonstone (Book Spoilers)




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Ketut Subiyanto, Trevin Rudy, Ketut Subiyanto, George Milton