Understanding Drogon's Actions in Game of Thrones S08E06: Why Did the Dragon Take Away Daenerys?

When the finale of Game of Thrones, titled 'Why Did the Dragon Take Away Daenerys?' (S08E06), aired, it left many fans puzzled. As a named character with a unique perspective, Drogon's decision to take Daenerys Targaryen away after her death sent shockwaves through the viewing community. In this detailed analysis, let's try to unpack the logic behind Drogon's actions. We'll explore the character's capabilities, motivations, and the reasons behind his seemingly inexplicable decision.

Dragon's Cognitive Capabilities

The first thing to consider is Drogon's cognitive and emotional capabilities. Dragons, such as Drogon, have shown the ability to differentiate between friends and foes and even follow simple commands. However, they lack the complex reasoning and advanced thought processes seen in humans. Dragons can communicate through some form of telepathy with their riders, but the depth and complexity of this communication remain unclear.

Understanding Drogon's Decision

Drogon, the loyal and protective dragon, is known for his unwavering dedication to his rider. Yet, in S08E06, Drogon made a decision that was out of line with his previous behavior. We need to consider several factors that could have influenced his actions:

The Absence of Rational Thought: Drogon, as an intelligent and sentient creature, does not have the full capacity for reasoning that humans do. He can recognize friends and threats but cannot comprehend the complex moral and philosophical implications of his actions. Emotional Satisfaction: Dragons, like many creatures, are driven by their emotions. Drogon's love for Daenerys might have been so profound that even the idea of burning her body appealed to his instincts for protection. However, this instinct was misguided as he could not discern the deeper reasons behind Daenerys' downfall. Lack of Human Speech Comprehension: It is implied that Drogon cannot understand human speech. This lack of understanding would explain why he might not comprehend the depth of the betrayal or the moral implications of Daenerys' actions. Dragons might recognize fear or harm but not the nuances of human morality.

Alternatives to Drogon's Action

Given Drogon's limitations, we can consider other potential courses of action that he might have taken:

Bearing Her Back Home: Dragons commonly show attachment to their riders, and dropping Daenerys off could be seen as a sign of finality and acceptance. However, this is not a logical decision for a creature that values its rider's well-being. Carrying Her to a Nest: A more likely scenario, based on the depth of Drogon's love for Daenerys, is that he might have taken her to a new nest. This would be a show of respect and love, preserving her memory as a symbol of his bond with her.

Why Not Kill Jon?

The most pressing question, however, is why Drogon did not kill Jon in retaliation. After all, Drogon was still holding the knife when Jon assassinated Daenerys. Several explanations could be considered:

Influences of Time and Loss: The immediate shutdown of Daenerys' life and perspective could have momentarily paralyzed Drogon. The shock and grief might have clouded his judgment, causing him to temporarily lose sight of his usual protective instincts. Magical Influence: Some argue that the Targaryen dragon magic or the influence of a higher force (like R'hllor) might have prevented Drogon from taking further action. This aligns with the idea that divine or magical interventions played a role in their behavior. Psychic Bond and Emotional Bond: If the psychic bond between rider and dragon did indeed prevent the killing, it's a reflection of the profound emotional connection they shared. Despite the pain and betrayal, Drogon's love for Daenerys transcended these momentary impulses, leading him to carry her away.

Reflections and Conclusion

In conclusion, Drogon's actions in S08E06 can be understood as a series of reactions driven by his emotional bonds and limitations in rational thinking. The exact motivations behind his decision are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the deep emotional and existential journey of both the dragon and its rider.

For fans of Game of Thrones, this episode provides a poignant and philosophical reflection on the nature of loyalty, love, and sacrifice. While it leaves room for interpretation and further debate, it strengthens the narrative of a character who, amidst chaos and turmoil, seeks to preserve the memory of a loved one.