Dragons, majestic and mythical creatures, have captivated the imaginations of people across cultures for centuries. Their presence in legends, folklore, and ancient artwork is evidence of their enduring appeal. But when did dragons, at least in the realm of fantasy, go extinct?
In the world of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, dragons played a pivotal role in the history of Westeros. They were initially brought to the continent by the Targaryen family, who fled the Doom of Valyria and settled on Dragonstone. These dragons were descendants of the mighty beasts that once roamed the Valyrian mainland.
At the time of Aegon’s conquest, the Targaryens possessed three dragons: Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes. These fire-breathing creatures were instrumental in the Targaryens’ successful invasion and subsequent rule over Westeros. However, their numbers dwindled over time.
A century and a half after Aegon’s conquest, a civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons erupted. This conflict resulted in the deaths of most of the Targaryen dragons, leaving only a few remaining. These surviving dragons were small in size, resembling cats rather than the fearsome creatures of old.
Tragically, the decline of dragons was not stopped there. Soon after the Dance of the Dragons, the last of the Targaryen dragons perished, marking the extinction of this once-mighty species. Their absence left a void in Westeros, and the world mourned the loss of these legendary beasts.
While the dragons of Westeros met their end in the fictional world of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the concept of dragons has a far-reaching history in our own world. Ancient civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia and China, depicted dragon-like creatures in their artwork dating back thousands of years.
In Mesopotamian art, a creature with the foreparts of a lion and the hind-legs, tail, and wings of a bird was commonly depicted. This depiction spanned from the Akkadian Period around 2334 to 2154 BC to the Neo-Babylonian Period from 626 to 539 BC.
In China, the dragon holds a significant place in mythology and culture. The earliest zoomorphic depictions of dragons can be traced back to the Xinglongwa culture between 6200 and 5400 BC. The Hongshan culture, which existed between 4700 and 2900 BC, may have even introduced the Chinese character for ‘dragon.’
While dragons may have vanished from the pages of history and myth, their legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those who continue to be captivated by their enchanting allure. The extinction of dragons, whether in the fictional world of Westeros or in ancient civilizations, leaves us with a sense of awe and wonder, longing for their return to the realms of imagination.
How Did The Dragons Go Extinct?
The dragons in Essos went extinct following the catastrophic event known as the Doom of Valyria. The Doom was a massive cataclysm that occurred in the Valyrian Freehold, the homeland of the Targaryen family and the birthplace of dragons. The exact cause of the Doom is not clear, but it is believed to have been triggered by a series of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
The Valyrians had harnessed the power of dragons and used them as weapons of war and symbols of their power. They bred and controlled these majestic creatures, which played a crucial role in their dominance over Essos. However, when the Doom struck, it resulted in the destruction of the Valyrian civilization and the subsequent extinction of dragons in Essos.
It is important to note that not all dragons perished in the Doom. When the Targaryen family, who were dragonlords and descendants of Old Valyria, fled to the island of Dragonstone, they managed to bring a small number of dragons with them. These surviving dragons, along with the ones that hatched on Dragonstone, became the foundation of the Targaryen’s power in Westeros.
The dragons in Essos went extinct due to the cataclysmic event known as the Doom of Valyria, which resulted in the destruction of the Valyrian civilization and the loss of their dragon population. However, a few dragons survived and were brought to Dragonstone by the Targaryen family, eventually leading to the establishment of their rule in Westeros.
How Many Years Ago Did Dragons Live?
Dragons, depicted as a combination of a lion and a bird, were prevalent in Mesopotamian artwork from the Akkadian Period until the Neo-Babylonian Period. The Akkadian Period lasted from approximately 2334 BC to 2154 BC, while the Neo-Babylonian Period spanned from 626 BC to 539 BC. This suggests that dragons existed in Mesopotamian culture and mythology around 4500 to 2600 years ago. It is important to note that dragons were not real creatures but rather mythological beings that held significant symbolism and cultural significance during that time.
Did Dragons Go Extinct After Dance Of Dragons?
Dragons did go extinct after the Dance of Dragons. The Dance of Dragons was a civil war that took place about a century and a half after the Targaryen conquest of Westeros. It was a conflict between various factions of House Targaryen, and it resulted in the deaths of most of the Targaryen dragons.
Prior to the civil war, House Targaryen possessed a significant number of dragons, which played a crucial role in their conquest and rule of Westeros. However, during the Dance of Dragons, these powerful creatures were pitted against each other in battle, resulting in heavy casualties.
After the civil war ended, only a few dragons remained, and they were significantly smaller in size compared to their ancestors. These surviving dragons were described as being no larger than cats. Their reduced size and numbers marked the beginning of the decline of dragons in Westeros.
Unfortunately, the last of the Targaryen dragons died not long after the Dance of Dragons, leading to the extinction of the species. This event marked the end of an era and the loss of a powerful and iconic creature in the world of Westeros.
When Did Dragons First Appear In History?
Dragons have a long and fascinating history in various cultures and mythologies. The earliest depictions of dragons can be traced back to the Xinglongwa culture, which existed around 6200-5400 BC in what is now modern-day China. These zoomorphic representations of dragons, which combined the features of multiple animals, were found on pottery and other artifacts from this period.
Further evidence of the early presence of dragons in Chinese history comes from the Hongshan culture, which thrived between 4700 and 2900 BC. It is believed that this culture may have introduced the Chinese character for “dragon” during this time. The Hongshan people created intricate jade carvings representing dragons, emphasizing their significance in their society.
It is important to note that these early dragon depictions were specific to the cultures mentioned above and may not necessarily correspond to the concept of dragons in other civilizations. Dragons have since become a prominent symbol in many cultures worldwide, each with its own unique interpretation and mythology.
Conclusion
Dragons have a rich and fascinating history that spans across different cultures and time periods. From ancient Mesopotamian artwork to the Valyrian dragons of Essos, these mythical creatures have captured the imaginations of people for centuries.
Dragons were believed to have originated from the Valyrian mainland in Essos, where they thrived until the catastrophic event known as the Doom of Valyria. This event caused the extinction of dragons in Essos, leaving only five survivors who fled to Dragonstone with the Targaryen family.
The Targaryens, known for their close bond with dragons, brought their three remaining dragons to Westeros when Aegon invaded. These powerful creatures played a crucial role in the Targaryen conquest of Westeros, but their numbers dwindled over time.
A civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons led to the deaths of most Targaryen dragons, leaving only small dragon-like creatures the size of cats. Eventually, these last Targaryen dragons also perished, leading to the extinction of dragons in the world.
Dragons have also made appearances in ancient cultures, with depictions found in Mesopotamian and Chinese artwork dating back thousands of years. These ancient civilizations had their own interpretations and beliefs surrounding dragons, further adding to the mythical allure of these creatures.
Dragons have left a lasting impact on human culture and mythology. While they may be extinct in reality, their presence in literature, art, and popular culture continues to captivate and inspire people to this day.
