Will Drogon Grow as Big as Balerion?
The question on everyone’s mind – will Daenerys’ beloved dragon, Drogon, grow as large as the mighty Balerion, also known as the Black Dread? While we may not have a definitive answer from the books, we can explore the possibilities based on the dragons’ growth rates and sizes mentioned in the series.
Growth Rate of Dragons in the Series
In the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, dragons grow rapidly, especially in their early years. According to a conversation between Maester Aemon and Samwell Tarly, a young dragon can grow up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length in a year. However, this growth rate slows down significantly as they mature.
Balerion’s Size
Balerion, also known as the Black Dread, was the largest dragon in the series, with a wingspan of over 70 feet (21 meters). He was described as a massive beast, with scales as black as coal and eyes that burned like embers.
Drogon’s Size
Drogon, on the other hand, was smaller than Balerion, but still an impressive size. In the books, he was described as being around 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) in length, which is smaller than Balerion, but still a significant size.
Can Drogon Grow as Big as Balerion?
While it is possible that Drogon could grow larger than his current size, it is unlikely that he would reach the same size as Balerion. Balerion was a truly massive dragon, with a wingspan of over 70 feet (21 meters). Drogon, on the other hand, is still relatively small compared to other dragons in the series.
Table: Comparison of Dragons’ Sizes
| Dragon | Length | Wingspan |
|---|---|---|
| Balerion | 70+ feet | 70+ feet |
| Drogon | 15-20 feet | Not mentioned |
| Vermithor | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Why Drogon Won’t Grow as Big as Balerion
There are a few reasons why Drogon won’t grow as big as Balerion:
- Genetics: Drogon’s parents, Viserion and Rhaegal, were not as large as Balerion, and it’s unlikely that their offspring would grow to be as big as him.
- Food supply: Dragons require a significant amount of food to sustain their growth, and it’s unlikely that Drogon would have access to the same amount of resources as Balerion did.
- Physiological limitations: There are likely physiological limitations that prevent dragons from growing too large, such as the strength of their bones, muscles, and scales.
Conclusion
While it is possible that Drogon could grow larger than his current size, it is unlikely that he would reach the same size as Balerion. Balerion was a truly massive dragon, and it’s unlikely that any dragon could grow to be as large as him. However, we can still look forward to seeing Drogon’s continued growth and development in the series.