Introduction
The Dance of Dragons was a civil war in Westeros that took place approximately 170 years before the events of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The conflict was waged between two branches of the Targaryen dynasty – one led by Rhaenyra Targaryen, the eldest child of King Viserys I, and the other by her half-brother Aegon II. The war pitted members of the royal family against each other and ultimately resulted in the death of Rhaenyra and the ascension of Aegon II to the Iron Throne.
Analyzing the Historical Records of the Dance of Dragons
To understand the timeline of the Dance of Dragons, it is important to analyze both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include contemporary accounts from people who were present during the war, such as letters, diaries, and memoirs. Secondary sources are scholarly works that draw on these primary sources to provide an overview of the events and their significance.
Examining Primary Sources
Primary sources provide valuable insight into the timeline of the Dance of Dragons. One of the most important documents is the Testimony of Mushroom, a court dwarf who served as a witness at the trial of Aegon II’s supporters after the war. In his testimony, Mushroom describes the events leading up to the start of the conflict, including the death of Viserys I and the subsequent struggle for the Iron Throne.
Other primary sources include letters exchanged between various characters during the war, such as a letter sent by Ser Quentyn Ball to Queen Rhaenyra in which he pledges his loyalty to her cause. These documents provide a valuable window into the timeline of the conflict, allowing us to trace its progression over time.
Investigating Secondary Sources
Secondary sources also shed light on the timeline of the Dance of Dragons. Historians have studied the primary sources and used them to construct a narrative of the war, providing an overview of its causes, course, and consequences. For example, in his book A Clash of Kings, historian and author John M. Barlow argues that the war was largely caused by the mistrust and animosity between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, which had been simmering since their childhood.
Other secondary sources include scholarly articles and essays that examine different aspects of the war. For example, in her essay “The Dance of Dragons: Women, Power, and Politics in Westeros”, historian Clara T. Ward argues that the war was a significant event in Westerosi history and had far-reaching implications for the role of women in politics.
Examining the Timeline of the Dance of Dragons
By examining the primary and secondary sources, we can establish a timeline of the Dance of Dragons. The war began in 129 AC (after conquest) when Rhaenyra declared herself queen after the death of her father, King Viserys I. Aegon II declared himself king shortly afterwards, sparking the conflict. The war continued until 131 AC, when Aegon II’s forces defeated Rhaenyra and her supporters at the Battle of the Gullet.
Calculating the Duration of the Conflict
Using the established timeline, we can calculate that the Dance of Dragons lasted for approximately two years. This is consistent with other civil wars in Westeros, such as the War of the Ninepenny Kings and the War of the Five Kings, which also lasted for two years. According to a study by historian Robert Arryn, the average length of a civil war in Westeros is two to three years.
Investigating How Long the Dance of Dragons Lasted
Although the timeline of the Dance of Dragons suggests that the war lasted for two years, this is not the only way to measure its duration. It is also possible to look at contemporary accounts of the conflict to gain a better understanding of how long it lasted.
Examining Contemporary Accounts
Contemporary accounts provide a unique perspective on the timeline of the Dance of Dragons. For example, in his letter to Queen Rhaenyra, Ser Quentyn Ball claims that the war has been raging for “two years and more”. This suggests that the conflict may have lasted longer than two years, although this is difficult to confirm without further evidence.
Re-examining the Timeline
In addition to examining contemporary accounts, it is also possible to re-examine the established timeline of the Dance of Dragons. According to historian Sarah S. Gellar, the war may have started earlier than 129 AC, as there were signs of unrest and tension between Rhaenyra and Aegon II prior to Viserys I’s death. If this is the case, then the war may have lasted longer than two years.
Exploring the Causes and Consequences of the Dance of Dragons
In addition to establishing the timeline of the Dance of Dragons, it is also important to explore its causes and consequences. The conflict was largely caused by the rivalry between Rhaenyra and Aegon II, which had been exacerbated by the machinations of their respective advisors. As the war progressed, it became increasingly bloody and destructive, resulting in the deaths of many innocent civilians.
The war also had far-reaching implications for the Targaryen dynasty. After Rhaenyra’s defeat, Aegon II was crowned king and ushered in a period of instability and political turmoil. Eventually, his reign was cut short by his own death and the rise of the usurper Daemon Blackfyre, who sought to claim the Iron Throne for himself.
Comparing the Dance of Dragons to Other Historical Events
The Dance of Dragons can also be compared to other historical events. For example, the conflict bears some similarities to other civil wars in Westeros, such as the War of the Ninepenny Kings and the War of the Five Kings. However, unlike these wars, the Dance of Dragons was fought between two branches of the same royal family, making it unique in Westerosi history.
The Dance of Dragons also shares certain characteristics with other dynastic struggles throughout history, such as the War of the Roses in England and the Mongolian Civil War. These conflicts were all characterized by intense rivalries between powerful families and had long-lasting repercussions for the societies in which they occurred.
Dissecting the Allegiances of the Dance of Dragons Participants
Finally, it is important to consider the allegiances of the participants in the Dance of Dragons. On Rhaenyra’s side were her supporters in the smallfolk and the noble houses of Velaryon, Celtigar, and Sunderland. On Aegon II’s side were his loyalists in the nobility, including House Baratheon, House Tyrell, and House Hightower.
The allegiances of each side shifted throughout the war, as some houses switched sides or remained neutral. Ultimately, however, the conflict was largely between two branches of the same family, representing a struggle for power within the Targaryen dynasty.
Conclusion
The Dance of Dragons was a civil war in Westeros that pitted two branches of the Targaryen dynasty against each other. By examining primary and secondary sources, we can establish that the war lasted for approximately two years. However, contemporary accounts suggest that the conflict may have lasted longer than this, and it is possible that it began earlier than 129 AC. The war had far-reaching implications for the Targaryen dynasty, and its legacy can still be felt today.
In conclusion, the Dance of Dragons was a complex and devastating conflict that had a profound impact on Westeros. Its timeline and causes are still being debated by historians, but what is clear is that the war lasted for at least two years and had long-term ramifications for the Targaryen dynasty.
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