Everything we know about The Storming of the Dragonpit

During the Dance of the Dragons, lords and noblemen orchestrated major events in Westeros. Yet, the common folk played a significant role in shaping the Seven Kingdoms’ fate.

In House of the Dragon Season 2, the smallfolk have remained spectators, suffering at the hands of high lords. But in George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, they rose up against those in power.

One such instance occurred in King’s Landing while Rhaenyra commanded the city. The Storming of the Dragonpit reduced the Targaryens’ power permanently. This article explains everything about this significant event.

Read More: Game of Thrones’ Stunt Performer sues Fire & Blood Productions over serious injury that occurred while filming Battle of Winterfell

What happened during the Storming of the Dragonpit?

Credits: Paulo Puggioni

In Fire and Blood, angry smallfolk stormed the dragonpit during Rhaenyra’s reign. They killed four dragons inside: Shrykos, Morghul, Tyraxes, and Dreamfyre. Later, they also killed Syrax, Rhaenyra’s personal dragon.

Quick facts

In Fire and Blood:

• Location: The dragonpit on the Hill of Rhaenys
• Dragons killed: Shrykos, Morghul, Tyraxes, Dreamfyre, Syrax
• Key figures: The Shepherd, Prince Joffrey, Hobb the Hewer
• Notable deaths: Prince Joffrey Velaryon, fifty dragon keepers

In House of the Dragon:

• This event hasn’t occurred in the show yet
• The dragonpit appears as a training ground for young dragons
• Last shown during Aegon II’s interrupted coronation

In House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

The Dragonpit in the show

The show introduces the dragonpit as a central location for dragon-related activities. Rhaenyra lands Syrax at its entrance, with three Dragonkeepers guiding the dragon inside.

Daemon Targaryen uses the dragonpit as a launching point for his flights on Caraxes. He takes Mysaria with him during one such departure.

Fourteen years later, both Rhaenyra’s and Alicent’s children train their dragons here. The Dragonkeepers supervise these training sessions closely.

The dragonpit gained prominence during Aegon II’s coronation. This ceremony ends abruptly when Meleys and Rhaenys Targaryen make their escape.

Read More: Game of Thrones will film Dragonpit scenes for longer than expected

In Fire and Blood

Credits: HBO

Events leading to the attack

Queen Rhaenyra’s rule in King’s Landing faced growing opposition. She raised taxes and executed perceived traitors, alienating the smallfolk.

King Aegon II’s wife, Queen Helaena, remained a prisoner of the Blacks. Her mental state deteriorated after the Blacks killed her son Jaehaerys.

Helaena’s death by falling sparked rumors of murder. The Shepherd, a religious figure, emerged to preach against dragons and Targaryens.

Fear gripped the city as the Greens approached. Citizens remembered the civilian deaths at Tumbleton from dragonfire.

The assault begins

Prince Joffrey witnessed the mounting tension from Maegor’s Holdfast. Despite Rhaenyra’s orders, he attempted to save the dragons.

He mounted Syrax without permission, flying over the city. Seven knights, dubbed “The Seven Who Rode,” pursued him with additional forces.

Joffrey fell from Syrax’s back above Flea Bottom, dying instantly. His death marked the beginning of the actual assault.

The assault on the dragonpit

The dragonpit stood atop the Hill of Rhaenys. A massive mob charged toward it, overwhelming the City Watch’s defenses.

Only fifty dragon keepers protected the structure. The mob broke through doors with rams and axes while others climbed through windows.

Inside, four chained dragons awaited: Shrykos, Morghul, Tyraxes, and Dreamfyre. They fought with flames, claws, and teeth.

Hobb the Hewer killed Shrykos with seven axe blows to the skull. The Burning Knight sacrificed himself to kill Morghul with a spear to the eye.

Tyraxes died entangled in chains. People later made cloaks from his wing membranes. Dreamfyre broke free temporarily but died crashing into the dome.

The death of Syrax

After Dreamfyre destroyed the roof, Syrax descended upon the survivors. Mushroom, the court jester, recorded the dragon’s roars mixing with people’s screams.

The Hill of Rhaenys burned bright as daylight. Syrax attacked with teeth and claws rather than fire. Rhaenyra watched silently from Maegor’s Holdfast, holding Prince Aegon.

Different accounts exist of Syrax’s death. Grand Maester Munkun credits Hobb the Hewer. Archmaester Gyldayn disputes this claim.

Some mention an unnamed spearman or Ser Warrick Wheaton with a Valyrian steel sword. A crossbowman named Bean claimed the kill.

The most popular tale features the Shepherd himself, with Septon Eustace claiming the Warrior god manifested to slay Syrax.

Key figures

From Fire and Blood:

• The Shepherd: Religious leader who incited the attack
• Prince Joffrey: Died trying to save the dragons
• Hobb the Hewer: Killed at least one dragon
• The Burning Knight: Sacrificed himself killing Morghul

Aftermath

According to Fire and Blood:

• Five dragons died: Shrykos, Morghul, Tyraxes, Dreamfyre, and Syrax
• The dragonpit suffered severe structural damage
• Rhaenyra abandoned King’s Landing
• The Blacks lost their strongest military advantage
• The Targaryens’ power diminished permanently

Quotes

“Atop the Hill of Rhaenys, the Dragonpit wore a crown of yellow fire, burning so bright it seemed as if the sun was rising. Even the queen trembled as she watched, the tears glistening on her cheeks. Never have I seen a sight more terrible, more glorious.” – Mushroom in Fire and Blood

Quick answers

How many dragons died in the Storming of the dragonpit?

According to Fire and Blood, five dragons died: Shrykos, Morghul, Tyraxes, Dreamfyre inside the dragonpit, and Syrax outside it.

Who led the attack on the dragonpit?

In Fire and Blood, the Shepherd, a religious figure, led the mob. He convinced the smallfolk that dragons needed to die.

Why did the smallfolk attack the dragonpit?

According to Fire and Blood, multiple factors caused the attack: Queen Helaena’s death, high taxes, fear of dragonfire, and the Shepherd’s preaching.

What happened to Rhaenyra after the attack?

In Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra fled King’s Landing after losing her son Joffrey and dragon Syrax. She headed to Dragonstone, where Aegon II captured her.

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12/20/2024 11:27 am GMT