The Modern Value of a Dragon’s Hoard: Real-World Equivalents and Estimations

When it comes to the realm of fantasy and storytelling, few creatures capture the imagination quite like the dragon. Their hoards, filled with glittering jewels and gold, are often depicted as untouchable treasures. However, the question of just how valuable these hoards would be in modern times remains intriguing. In this article, we will explore the modern-day value of a dragon's hoard and compare it to real-world equivalents.

Valuing Smaug the Dragon's Hoard

One of the best-case scenarios to determine the value of a dragon's hoard is by examining the wealth of Smaug, the dragon from The Hobbit. Forbes has provided an analysis of Smaug's hoard, estimating its value in modern dollars. According to their "Fictional Fifteen" list, Smaug's hoard is no less than 64 billion dollars.

Breaking Down Smaug's Hoard

Smaug's hoard can be divided into several components:

The Mound He Sleeps On: This is the primary treasure pile that Smaug guards over. To estimate its size, Forbes used published lengths for an elder red dragon from the Dungeons and Dragons Monster Manual and real-life proportions of Komodo dragons. They calculated the volume, assuming a cone shape for simplicity, and subtracted space for air, bones, and dragon dung. The Four Mounds Spread Around: These mounds are assumed to be smaller versions of the main heap, divided in half. The Armor Collection: Forbes estimated this based on the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. The Diamonds on His Belly: The surface area of a dragon's belly was used to estimate the diamond count. The “Unseen Floors”: These were humorously interpreted as attic spaces, assigned a value of 500 million dollars. The Arkenstone: Officially stated to be worth 1/14 of the total treasure, it represents a significant chunk of Smaug's wealth.

The combination of these elements results in an estimated net worth of 64 billion dollars, making Smaug about on par with Walmart founder Jim Walton and placing him as the 17th richest individual on Earth.

Dragon Hordes in Game of Thrones: Adjustments for Modern Dollars

In the realm of Westeros, the dragons of Daenerys Targaryen have also captured the hearts and wallets of many a fan. According to some estimates, the value of the dragons’ hoards in Game of Thrones is quite staggering. However, the exact assessment is not as straightforward as with Smaug.

Investing in myths and legends, such as the dragons of Westeros, can be likened to the concept of cryptocurrencies. Just as the value of cryptocurrencies fluctuates wildly, the theorized value of Daenerys's dragons’ hoard is subject to significant speculation. For instance, the estimated value of dragon-related objects and treasures in Westeros could heavily influence the market and investments.

Investing in the Myth: Cryptocurrency Analogy

The market for cryptocurrencies mirrors the speculative nature of valuing dragon hordes. Much like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the value of a dragon hoard is largely driven by demand and market perception. As such, adjusting the value of a dragon's hoard in modern dollars can be seen as akin to adjusting the value of a cryptocurrency.

For example, if one were to estimate the value of the dragon hoards in Game of Thrones, it could be compared to the valuation of a rare and highly sought-after cryptocurrency. Just as the value of such cryptocurrencies fluctuates based on market perception and demand, the value of dragon hoards in the realm of fantasy also fluctuates.

Conclusion

While the exact value of a dragon's hoard in modern dollars remains a matter of speculation, both Smaug and the dragons of Game of Thrones offer fascinating insights into the nature of wealth in the fantasy world. From geological and historical estimates to the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies, the valuation of these hoards provides a rich tapestry of discussion and analysis.

The estimation of Smaug's hoard at 64 billion dollars and the comparisons to cryptocurrency values serve as a reminder of the limitless possibilities and myths that continue to captivate us. Whether through the realism of Smaug's hoard or the speculative nature of dragons in Westeros, the value and allure of dragon hoards remain an enduring part of the fantasy world.