Why did dragons die out in Game of Thrones?

In the world of Game of Thrones, dragons have a long and storied history. They were once the ultimate symbol of power and strength, wielded by the Targaryen family to conquer and rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. However, by the time the events of the show take place, dragons are believed to have gone extinct, with their exact reasons for extinction shrouded in mystery.

There are a few theories for why dragons went extinct in Westeros. One possibility is that the Maesters of the Citadel killed off the dragons out of fear of their power and potential to overthrow human civilization. Another theory suggests that the dragons simply ate all the other creatures in their environment until there was nothing left for them to eat. Finally, it is also possible that dragons became too rare to sustain their own population, making it difficult for them to find mates and reproduce.

Despite their extinction, dragons continue to play a significant symbolic role in the world of Game of Thrones. Their existence is tied to the presence of magic in the world, and their hatching is seen as a sign that magic has returned to Westeros. Additionally, dragons are associated with power, strength, and mythology, making them an important symbol throughout the series.

When Daenerys Targaryen reclaims her family's dragons and uses them to conquer the cities of Slaver's Bay, their return to Westeros is seen as a positive development. However, as Daenerys becomes increasingly ruthless and unstable, culminating in her use of dragons to commit atrocities against innocent civilians, the symbolic significance of their return becomes more complicated.

The story of dragons in Game of Thrones ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the corrupting influence it can have on even the most noble of characters. Daenerys' descent into madness and her use of dragons to slaughter civilians underscores the idea that power is not inherently good, and those who possess it may not always be worthy of wielding it.

In conclusion, the history of dragons in Westeros and their symbolic significance in Game of Thrones is a complex and multifaceted topic. From their rise as the ultimate symbol of power wielded by the Targaryen family, to their mysterious extinction, to their return under Daenerys and her eventual descent into madness, the dragons of Westeros serve as an important element of the show's exploration of power, morality, and the human condition.