Why Didn't Drogon Kill Jon Snow for Killing Daenerys in 'Game of Thrones'?
In the Game of Thrones series finale, Jon Snow is forced to kill Daenerys Targaryen after her descent into madness. Dany's dragon, Drogon, doesn't kill Jon for his betrayal.


- After eight seasons and 73 episodes, Game of Thrones came to an end Sunday night.
- In one of the saddest and most shocking moments in the finale, Jon Snow was forced to kill another major character.
- Drogon, the only remaining dragon on the series, reacts to the incident in a surprising way. Here's what you need to know about the scene.
This post contains spoilers for Game of Thrones' series finale.
During tonight's Game of Thrones finale, Jon Snow was forced to kill his love (and aunt), Daenerys Targaryen. Even though her last remaining dragon, Drogon, witnessed the betrayal, he (somewhat shockingly) didn't retaliate against Jon. Let's break down why.
Why did Jon kill Daenerys in the last episode of Game of Thrones?
Dany had become tyrannical ruler she promised she would never be—the breaker of chains had become just another chain-maker (not to mention a murderer of a whole bunch of innocent people). Jon regretted his decision to kill her deeply, questioning whether it was right, but ultimately acted for the good of the realm, egged on by Tyrion and Arya. So he approached her, called her queen, kissed her, and plunged a knife in her heart.
Why didn't Drogon kill Jon for what he did to Daenerys?
Obviously Drogon doesn't talk, so it's not totally clear. There might have been a couple reasons: Jon is Aegon Targaryen, and thus one who can ride and rule dragons. So Drogon might not have physically been able to burn Jon because of his royal blood—or go against a Targaryen command, even if it wasn't Dany. So he took his rage out on the throne, I suppose. Another possibility is that Drogon understood, on some level, that the "villain" that led Dany to go power-mad was the throne itself, so he burned that instead. Drogon may also have decided to go ride off and die with his queen instead of burning everything/everyone to the ground...again. He'd finished with killing.
Should we have seen Drogon's reaction to Daenerys' death coming?
Yes and no, in my opinion. Drogon without his queen to command him (no one to tell him "Dracarys" anymore!) becomes a free, riderless dragon, able to do whatever he chooses. But dragons are fierce and can never truly be tamed, so it absolutely would have made sense for him to slaughter and burn his way through Dany's enemies. So it was anyone's guess, really, up until the moment it happened.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Blake Lively Is Reviving My Early ‘00s Obsession With Marble Nails
Minimalist nails with a touch of something extra.
-
Will 'Weak Hero Class' Return for Season 3? Park Ji-hoon Shares His Hopes for the Hit K-Drama's Senior Year
Fans are clamoring for more after that shocking cliffhanger.
-
Prince Charles Made an "Improper" Suggestion Before Their Marriage, Per Diana
*Clutches pearls*
-
Ana Huang Is Ready to Rule Over Romance
With the release of 'King of Envy,' the author, who started as a self-published BookTok favorite, is quickly becoming the queen of the genre.
-
The Best Lisa Jewell Books, Ranked—From 'Then She Was Gone' to 'None of This Is True'
Few do page-turners quite like her.
-
Climate Fiction So Earth-Shattering You’ll Never Forget to Recycle Again
These dystopian books imagine a future where the worst has already happened.
-
The Stars of 'Love Island USA' Season 6 Will Return to Our Screens This Summer
We're already clearing our summer schedules for 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa.'
-
What to Know About the 'North of North' Cast
The new comedy follows a modern Inuk woman determined to transform her life.
-
'Yellowjackets' Season 4: Everything We Know
The showrunners still have plans to show how the girls get out of the wilderness.
-
'Pulse' Season 2: Everything We Know
We need to know about the future of the central will-they-won't-they STAT.
-
The 'Fourth Wing' TV Show: Everything We Know About the Series Adaptation
Rebecca Yarros's bestselling romantasy series is getting the Prime Video series treatment.