We Need to Finally Admit Dragons Are the Worst Part of the Game of Thrones Franchise

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Although Game of Thrones concluded in 2019, its universe continues with shows like House of the Dragon. While dragons were central to the original series and House of the Dragon expands on the history of the Targaryen family and their dragons, some viewers are starting to feel that the focus on dragons may be detracting from the overall quality of the franchise.

The show A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is adapted from George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, which tells the story of Ser Duncan the Tall, a wandering knight, and his young squire, nicknamed Egg. The most recent episode finally revealed Egg’s true identity: he’s actually Aegon Targaryen, the brother of Aerion Targaryen. Although the appearance of House Targaryen was expected, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the show has been the absence of dragons so far.

The Dragons Take Away From The Best Parts Of Westeros

While the dragons’ arrival was initially thrilling – seeing Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion hatch was a highlight – they ultimately became too central to the story, eclipsing its strongest elements. Before the dragons dominated every scene, the show allowed viewers to become invested in the complex power struggles between families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Baratheons. However, as the dragons grew in size and importance, that focus shifted, making it difficult to appreciate the political intrigue.

Every character’s choices and every plotline mattered in Game of Thrones because they all had the potential to change the fate of Westeros and who would ultimately control the Seven Kingdoms. This focus on complex power struggles and the fight for the Iron Throne is what made the show unique and kept viewers invested. However, once Daenerys began using her dragons extensively – whether in Astapor or Meereen – the other storylines felt less important.

It’s no surprise that the dragons completely dominated the story. They weren’t just visually impressive with their fantastic design, but incredibly powerful – no amount of scheming or political maneuvering could overcome them. Daenerys, with her three dragons, was essentially unbeatable; a single burst of dragonfire could obliterate everything nearby. This ultimately happened, and many believe it was the downfall of the entire series.

Dragons were less common at the start of Game of Thrones, but they are central to the story of House of the Dragon. The show focuses on a civil war within the Targaryen family, which ultimately led to the end of their rule in Westeros. Dragons aren’t just creatures in this story – they’re the foundation of the Targaryens’ power, influencing everything from politics and the economy to warfare. The Targaryens maintain control because they can ride and command dragons, and when the family divides into opposing sides – the Greens and the Blacks – the side with the most dragons is likely to win.

The loss of his eye came at a great cost – it sparked Rhaenyra’s decision to give dragons to illegitimate Targaryen children, which weakened the mystique and power associated with House Targaryen. When dragons become the only thing driving the conflict in House of the Dragon, the show feels more like a standard fantasy story and loses much of its depth and complexity.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Does Away With Dragons — And That’s a Good Thing

This isn’t a grand tale of power and kings. Instead, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms presents a surprisingly down-to-earth and detailed look at everyday life in Westeros – a side we haven’t really seen before.

For years, the stories of ordinary people in Westeros have taken a backseat to those of the nobility. But the new series focuses on Ser Duncan the Tall, a knight with nothing but his horse, some food, and his clothes. This shift in perspective is refreshing, offering a rare look at how commoners live under the rule of powerful lords and what they hope for. It’s the first time the show has truly explored the lives and dreams of the smallfolk.

Life in Westeros is harsh and dangerous, and that hasn’t changed. However, Ser Duncan (Dunk) and his young companion, Egg, still manage to find moments of joy. The show does a good job, even early on, of depicting the lives of a wandering knight and his secretly royal squire as they compete in tournaments for prize money. (There’s even a funny scene of Dunk having an urgent bathroom break!)

It’s rare to find something so charming in the world of Westeros – like watching characters simply make breakfast, or a squire gently training a horse. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a fresh take on this universe by stripping away the usual epic scale. Forget dragons, power struggles, and the Iron Throne. While Egg’s Targaryen heritage will be part of the story, the show primarily focuses on the adventures of Egg and Dunk.

Despite the grand scale of creatures and the world of Game of Thrones, viewers who expected constant conflict can finally breathe easy with George R.R. Martin’s new story. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offers a gentle look at the everyday lives and heartwarming relationship between Dunk and Egg, a welcome change from battles and dragons. The show’s quick popularity makes you wonder if the dragons were actually the source of all the tension.

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2026-02-07 19:11