Aegon: The reason he's not recognized as a dragon

Dragons have always captured the imagination of people throughout history. These mythical creatures, with their immense power and awe-inspiring presence, have been celebrated in ancient legends and modern pop culture. When we think of dragons, names like Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion from “Game of Thrones” come to mind. However, one name often overlooked is Aegon, and there is a reason he is not recognized as a dragon.

Aegon, also known as Aegon the Conqueror, was a legendary figure who played a significant role in the history of Westeros. He was the first Targaryen to conquer the Seven Kingdoms and establish the Iron Throne. Despite his achievements, Aegon is not usually associated with dragons. This is primarily because he did not resemble the traditional depiction of a dragon rider, further prompting the exclusion of his association with dragons.

In typical dragon depictions, a rider shares a deep bond with their dragon, united in spirit and purpose. This connection is often portrayed symbolically and physically, through shared characteristics such as physical appearances or a mutual understanding that transcends mere communication. However, Aegon lacked these defining features. Unlike Daenerys Targaryen, who was intricately linked to her dragons, Aegon’s relationship with his own dragons remained distant.

Aegon’s dragons, Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes, were formidable creatures that struck fear into the hearts of their enemies. These dragons were instrumental in Aegon’s conquest, allowing him to bring the Seven Kingdoms to their knees. While Aegon rode Balerion, the largest and most fearsome dragon of the three, it was more a means of transportation and display of power rather than a deep bond they shared.

This contrasted significantly with other Targaryens who became synonymous with their dragons. For instance, Daenerys Targaryen, a later descendant of Aegon, was deeply connected to her dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. She hatched them from bastard dragon eggs and raised them as her children, nurturing a profound bond. This bond manifested not only in their physical appearances but also in their shared emotions and thoughts.

The importance of Aegon in the dragon lore of Westeros also cannot be ignored. Before him, dragons were on the verge of extinction. Aegon’s arrival with his three mighty dragons reignited the fearsome reputation of these creatures. His conquest and subsequent establishment of the Iron Throne further cemented the Targaryens as the dragonlords of Westeros. Still, this did not grant Aegon the recognition as a dragon himself.

Additionally, Aegon’s identity as a dragon was perhaps overshadowed by his role as a king and a conqueror. History often remembers him as the founder of the Targaryen dynasty, the ruler who shaped the Seven Kingdoms, rather than as a dragon rider. Aegon’s powerful legacy lies more in his achievements as a ruler than in his connection to dragons, which may have contributed to his relative obscurity as a dragon in popular imagination.

In conclusion, Aegon the Conqueror, despite his pivotal role in Westerosi history, is not recognized as a dragon due to his distant relationship with his dragons, his lack of visual or emotional connection with them, and the overshadowing of his legacy as a king. Nonetheless, his impact on the dragon lore and the resurgence of dragons in Westeros remains indelible. While Aegon may not acquire recognition as a dragon, his place in history as a conqueror and founder of a dynasty is secure.