The Decline of the Targaryens and the Failure of Dragon Reproduction

Why were the Targaryens unable to produce healthy dragons after the Dance of the Dragons? This question has long puzzled fans of the A Song of Ice and Fire series. There are several factors that contributed to this decline, from genetic issues to a waning belief in magic and the Targaryen regime.

The Genetic Factor and Genetic Collapse

Firstly, it's well-established that not much is known about dragon reproduction, sex, or the mating process of dragons. Even before the Dance of the Dragons, the hatching of healthy dragon eggs into dragons was not common. The death of dragons, especially during the civil war, likely led to a genetic collapse. Without sufficient genetic diversity, it became increasingly difficult to produce healthy offspring, leading to the eventual decline of the dragon population.

The Impact of the Dance of the Dragons

The Dance of the Dragons, a catastrophic civil war even by Westerosi standards, had profound effects on the Targaryen regime and the dragons. The war led to a significant loss of dragons and a severe lack of genetic diversity. Only one dragon, Morning, survived to the end of the war and was subsequently exiled from the Red Keep. Other dragons like Silverwing, Cannibal, and Sheepstealer either died or were lost.

The Role of Magic and Confidence in Leadership

Furthermore, the Dance of the Dragons eroded the confidence of the Targaryen regime in their leadership abilities and their perceived infallibility. The Targaryens believed in the magical aspects of their rule, symbolized in their motto "Fire and Blood." The belief in magic and the Targaryen bloodline was a significant factor in breeding and hatching dragons. However, after the war, the actual magic firepower, both literally and metaphorically, diminished. Leadership failures and reduced confidence further weakened the regime's ability to maintain the necessary magical and practical efforts to breed dragons.

The Challenges in Hatching Dragon Eggs

Several challenges were required to hatch dragon eggs, such as the presence of a living dragon, the use of specific magical methods, and blood sacrifices. For example, Aegon V's use of wildfire and Dany's use of blood magic and a hot fire revealed that the hatching process was complex and needed specific conditions. Even Dany's dragons hatched under these conditions, and Aegon the Unlikely's dragons did not, suggesting that the necessary factors went beyond just fire and blood sacrifices.

Implications of the Targaryen Decline

The decline of the dragons and the Targaryens had profound implications. Aegon III, known as "Dragonbane," was terrified of dragons, likely due to the carnage inflicted during the Dance of the Dragons. The subsequent king on the Iron Throne refused to see dragons ever again, symbolizing the complete loss of the Targaryen's once-mighty reputation. The realm was scarred, and the remaining Targaryens were traumatized, further eroding their power and influence.

The myth of the Targaryens as divine rulers was shattered, and the average man began to see them as no longer godlike or infallible. The belief in the Targaryen bloodline was crucial not just for breeding and hatching dragons but also for consolidating power and maintaining confidence in the regime. Without this confidence, the Targaryens could not keep their magical and political power in check.

Conclusion

The failure of the Targaryens to produce healthy dragons after the Dance of the Dragons can be attributed to a combination of genetic collapse, the erosion of magical power, and the loss of confidence in their regime. The story of the Targaryens and their dragons serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of maintaining genetic diversity, magical knowledge, and confidence in leadership, highlighting the complex interplay of these factors in the success of a ruling dynasty.