As a dedicated fan of George R.R. Martin’s intricately woven world of Westeros and Essos, I have spent countless hours immersing myself in the rich lore and history of this fantastical universe. The story of Valyria, the legendary city of dragons and unparalleled power, has always held a special place in my heart. Yet, it is also the tragic tale of Valyria’s Doom that captivates me the most.
Individuals who have seen “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones” are undoubtedly familiar with Valyria, an ancient city renowned for its alluring yet ominous reputation. Once the powerful capital of the Valyrian Freehold, Valyria wielded immense military strength, over a thousand dragons, unrivaled wealth, and extraordinary magical abilities. However, one ponders, what cataclysmic event could have brought about such extensive damage to this once formidable city that it continues to evoke unease among the populace long after the destruction itself?
The city succumbed to a horror beyond comparison, often referred to as the Doom of Valyria. This was a chain reaction of natural calamities believed to have been triggered by the simultaneous eruption of all fourteen volcanoes in the region. In addition to the Flames going off at once, the disaster brought about severe earthquakes, a tidal wave, and other devastating occurrences. The Doom was so destructive that it transformed the entire Valyrian peninsula into a collection of islands surrounded by the treacherous Smoking Sea, where vessels vanish and volcanic upheaval persists.
Some believe that magical or mysterious forces caused the extensive damage seen in Valyria. A notable incident supports this theory. Before the release of “House of the Dragon,” Aerea Targaryen and the dragon Balerion went back to Dragonstone after a long absence, possibly spent in Valyria. However, Aerea fell ill and died in a gruesome way. Her body was consumed from within by strange creatures. Although this information isn’t widely shared, the Targaryens imposed strict travel restrictions on the Valyrian islands following her death.
The Doom of Valyria is a great example of what the franchise is all about
In simpler terms, some of the most iconic elements in George R.R. Martin’s high fantasy series, like Valyrian steel and the Targaryen family’s dragon-riding style, have their origins in Old Valyria. These fantastical aspects contrast with the overall gritty theme of the franchise. Unfortunately for us fans, Valyria being such an extraordinary place meant it didn’t survive in reality within the story.
The author’s fantasy works often lean towards the grim and violent end of the spectrum, as depicted by the tragic deaths in “House of the Dragon.” Consistent with this style, he decided to ruthlessly destroy a legendary landmark within the franchise, making it a fitting addition to his grisly narrative. Likewise, in “Game of Thrones,” the haunting aftermath of Valyria reveals desolate ruins inhabited by people affected by greyscale.
In “Game of Thrones,” during Season 5, Episode 5, Ser Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen) and I, as a fan, found myself aboard a boat with Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage). Our objective was to navigate through the desolate remains of Valyria to evade pirates. As we journeyed, these two rational men shared tales of Valyria’s Doom, their voices filled with reverence and apprehension. The atmosphere grew even more ominous as Drogon made an unexpected appearance, flying overhead. This experience left me, as a viewer, feeling both awestruck and uneasy at the thought of how ordinary people in this world must fear the haunting ruins of Valyria.
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2024-07-19 15:29