Why Lord Corlys Velaryon Quietly Allows a Targaryen to Abscond with the World’s Most Powerful Weapon of War
Driftmark is not an independent kingdom; Lord Corlys Velaryon is merely the lord of Driftmark, like the Starks or Hightowers are lords of their own territories. The Targaryens are still their lords, and the dragons they keep have symbolic and practical importance in this context. This article delves into the intricate details of why Lord Corlys Velaryon quietly allowed a Targaryen to seize the last original dragon, Vhagar, the world's most powerful weapon of war, during the Targaryen conquest.
The Context and Caste System
During the age of conquest, Vhagar, the last remaining original dragon of the Targaryens, belonged to the Targaryens. Laena Velaryon only bonded with Vhagar because it was handed down through her family, not because of her Velaryon blood. Similarly, Laenor Velaryon and Seasmoke did not inherit their bond because Corlys Velaryon's claim was different. Delving into this reveals the nuances of Targaryen and Velaryon lineages and their dragons.
Dragonriding is a deeply personal and metaphysical bond. Before Laena bonded with Vhagar, she had been previously bonded as a child to Baelon Daemeron, her uncle. Additionally, her sister Rhaena had not yet bonded with a dragon, but Baela Velaryon had Moondancer, the slowest-growing dragon. This highlights the fact that dragons do not simply transfer their bonds when a new owner comes into the picture—they must accept a new rider.
Dispute and Abscondment
The contention around Vhagar between the twin Velaryons and the Targaryen prince is well documented. It is argued that the Velaryon twins believed their claim was as strong as the Targaryen prince's, as Laena had already bonded with the dragon. However, all potential riders among the Velaryons had cradle dragons, meaning no one bearing the Velaryon name would have been considered for Vhagar’s bond.
Aemond Targaryen, a prince, had every right to claim an untamed dragon, given the chaotic nature of the time, but Aemond’s actions were more than just a claim. He lost an eye in the scuffle, and the scene in the show, while dramatized, was likely an intense physical confrontation. Additionally, Aemond was 10 years old, and Jace was only 6, making it plausible that Aemond was aggressively trying to claim and subdue Vhagar, believing it was his right.
Dragons as Sentient Beings
Dragons are sentient creatures with their own will and intelligence. However, as mountain lions are to horses, dragons must bond with a specific rider for them to be considered mountable and used effectively. While it is possible Vhagar could have accepted Rhaena later in life, it would have come at a great cost. There is no guarantee that Vhagar would have accepted a Velaryon rider, let alone a Targaryen.
The fates of various Velaryon and Targaryen initiates in the Dance of the Dragons are well documented. Rhaena’s fates, from victory over her enemies to her own death, would have been the same regardless of who rode Vhagar. This aligns with the source material and shows the futility of such a claim in the grand scheme of things.
The Velaryon Line and Dragonriding
Dragons are not just advertised to Velaryons; they were reserved for the Targaryen line itself. The Velaryons had never been dragonriders, even in Valyria, making the idea of them riding dragons a concept that was untested and unsupported by their history.
Conclusion
Lord Corlys Velaryon’s choice to allow a Targaryen to seize Vhagar is rooted in the social and historical context of the era. The dragons were not family property to be claimed, but symbiotic creatures that required a unique bond for their full potential to be realized. This article delves into the complexities surrounding such a claim, providing insight into the nuanced world of Westeros and the intersection of power, lineage, and magical creatures.
Keywords: Dragons, Targaryens, Velaryons, Driftmark, Vhagar