Why the Black Council in House of the Dragon Decides to Utilize Dragons

The strategic decisions in the TV series House of the Dragon often diverge from those in the book by George R.R. Martin. One of the most significant of these is the decision made by the Black Council to deploy dragons in the conflict. This article delves into the reasons behind this choice, exploring the historical and logistical factors at play.

Context and Military Stance

The Black Council, composed primarily of Targaryens, faces a complex strategic landscape as the conflict escalates. Unlike in the books, where Rhaenyra Targaryen is more reticent to engage in direct warfare, the series context necessitates a different approach. The logistics of modern warfare demand innovative solutions, and in the absence of traditional military advantages, the Targaryens turn to their most powerful assets: dragons.

Green Military Advantage and Strategic Position

The Greens, led by Prince Viserys Targaryen, hold a significant military advantage. Currently in command of the capital, King's Landing, they also have access to a formidable force. The gold cloaks, loyal troops, and the strategic position of King's Landing make the Greens a formidable force. Additionally, King's Landing is a primary trading port, providing the Greens with crucial resources and supplies. These advantages give them the ability to launch offensive campaigns, such as their intent to capture Rosby.

Black Targaryen Weaknesses

The Black Targaryens, on the other hand, are not yet fully mobilized. Daemon Targaryen is absconding to the riverlands to rally support, which is a time-consuming process. Meanwhile, the troops secured under Jace Targaryen are still a considerable distance away, rendering them ineffective in the immediate conflict. This leaves the Black Targaryens at a tactical disadvantage.

Strategic Importance of Dragons

Given the current state of the Black Targaryens' military preparedness, the Black Council’s decision to utilize dragons becomes a logical and necessary move. Dominating the sky with dragons provides a significant psychological advantage. The dragons serve as a potent weapon against the Greens, not only achieving a tactical victory but also demoralizing the enemy troops. By leveraging their dragons, the Black Targaryens aim to project force and demonstrate their resolve to the entirety of Westeros.

Furthermore, the presence of Targaryen dragons on the battlefield might have played a crucial role in undermining the Greens' morale and strategic plans. The Greens were unaware of Aemond Targaryen and Aegon Targaryen's presence on their dragons, which could have been a significant factor in their strategic missteps. In this manner, the Black Council's decision to utilize dragons underscored a strategic shift that capitalized on the Greens' misperceptions and resource gaps.

The deployment of dragons in House of the Dragon is a critical element of the narrative, reflecting the complex interplay of logistics, military strategy, and psychological warfare. It demonstrates the innovative and decisive actions required to counter the Green's military advantages and to rebalance the scales of power in Westeros.