Are the Maesters Really Responsible for the Disappearance of Dragons in A Song of Ice and Fire?

Theories and Speculations Surrounding the Maesters and Dragons in Westeros

The question repeatedly arises in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series: Are the maesters truly responsible for the disappearance of dragons in Westeros? While the answer is not explicitly stated within the text, several theories and historical factors contribute to this deep suspicion.

Scientific Rationalism

One of the predominant reasons for the decline of superstition and rise of scientific rationalism is the role of the maesters, particularly those at the Citadel. As scholars, they value knowledge and reason over magic and superstition. Dragons, being seen as magical creatures, align with the realm's reliance on ancient and mystical practices. The decline of dragons appears to coincide with the rise of maester-influenced explanations and understanding. Dragons were mystical, almost divine, creatures, while the maesters promoted a more systematic and rational view of the world. The acceptance of science over magic may have made dragons seem unnecessary or even dangerous.

Political Power and Legacy Management

The political implications of the Targaryen dynasty and dragons are not to be overlooked. The Targaryen legacy and its connection to dragons were powerful assets. After the fall of House Targaryen, the maesters and other influential knights and lords might have had a vested interest in diminishing or removing the Targaryen legacy, including the dragons themselves, to prevent the potential resurgence of Targaryen power. Through this lens, the maesters would not be actively seeking to extinguish dragons but were preserving the status quo and stabilizing the realm from any Targaryen-based threats.

Knowledge Suppression and Historical Bias

The maesters are responsible for documenting and preserving history. Their writings often reflect biases, emphasizing their authority and the current political order. Some fans believe the maesters suppressed knowledge about dragons or discouraged the Targaryens from trying to control them again, fearing the potential threat they posed. This suppression of knowledge could have led to a gradually declining interest in dragons, making it seem as if they faded naturally, according to the maesters' historical narrative.

Natural Decline

Another theory posits that the dragons' disappearance was a natural consequence of breeding issues, environmental factors, and the Targaryens' own mismanagement. Breeding dragons is inherently complicated, and improper management could lead to a decline in the dragon population. Environmental factors, such as a loss of habitat or changes in climate, could also contribute. Some argue that the maesters did not play an active role in this decline, but their influence and historical documentation could make this seem like their doing.

In conclusion, while the maesters are not directly responsible for the disappearance of dragons, their role in shaping the historical narrative and their influence in the realm contribute to a strong perception that they played a significant part in this pivotal event in Westerosi history.

Some fans might speculate that the maesters might have held a dislike for magic and dragons, as suggested in the quote you mentioned: "blood was why. He could not be trusted. / No more than I can."

Readers will often wonder:

Did the maesters suppress the magical knowledge about dragons to consolidate their own control? Or did the Targaryens simply mismanage their dragons during the Targaryen reign? Is the Targaryen influence still present in the maesters' motivation to diminish the power of magic and dragons?

These questions remain open for interpretation, adding depth and mystery to the intricate political and historical landscape of A Song of Ice and Fire.