Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and the Myth of Fire Immunity
The mythical fireproof abilities of Daenerys Targaryen and the potential fire immunity of her children Jon Snow and Viserion have sparked extensive debates among Game of Thrones fans. In this article, we debunk the myths and clarify the true nature of these characters' fire resistance in the books and the TV show.
Fire Resistance in Game of Thrones
Daenerys Targaryen's supposed fire immunity in the TV show is a commonly discussed topic. However, the source material, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, does not support this claim. According to the books, Daenerys does not possess a natural immunity to fire.
Daenerys' display of fire resistance during the funeral pyre of Khal Drogo was a result of ancient blood magic, specifically orchestrated by Mirri Maz Duur, the cunning witch who killed Rhaego. The birth of her dragons and the magic surrounding their eggs played a significant role in her survival, which is explicitly stated in the books. This does not indicate that she has a permanent fire immunity.
Jon Snow's Fire Resistance
Jon Snow, the son of Daenerys Targaryen and a member of House Stark, also faces the same limitations as his mother when it comes to fire resistance. In the books, Jon Snow demonstrates a resistance to fire, but not an immunity. His hand gets burnt when he defends Jorah Mormont, and Maester Aemon notes that his wound heals quickly. This illustrates that Jon's ability to resist fire is limited and not permanent.
According to George R. R. Martin, Jon's resistance to fire is due to his Targaryen blood, but it is not absolute. The level of resistance varies and is not sufficient to prevent injuries from high-temperature objects like a burning lantern, as evidenced by his burnt hand in the first book/season.
TV Show vs. Books: Discrepancies in Fire Resistance
The TV show's portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow often deviates from the written source material. In the show, Daenerys struggles with burns, but her hair is seemingly unaffected, leading some to believe she is fireproof. However, this is an artistic choice made for visual impact rather than aligning with the text.
Additionally, the show frequently depicts characters like Viserion, Daenerys' deceased brother, as fireproof. However, even in the show, Viserion only displayed fire resistance after hatching from his dragon egg, which is not a trait associated with the Stark or Targaryen bloodline.
George R. R. Martin has explicitly stated that Dany's fire resistance was a one-time event driven by the birth of her dragons, not an inherent characteristic of the Targaryen lineage. This aligns with the portrayal in the books, where Daenerys and Jon both suffer from burns and injuries due to fire, even when close to their dragons.
Conclusion
The discrepancy between the TV show and the books on the topic of fire resistance is significant. While Daenerys and Jon Snow both possess some level of resistance to fire, it is not an immunity as often assumed. The books provide a more realistic and nuanced portrayal of their characters, showing their vulnerability to burns and other injuries.
Remember, the portrayal of characters in the TV show often diverges from the source material, and it is essential to distinguish between the two when discussing the Game of Thrones universe.