Game of Thrones Spinoff Timeline Reveals Dragons' Mysterious Absence
The upcoming HBO series fills a crucial gap in Westeros history, taking place during an era when Targaryens ruled without their legendary beasts. Here's where it fits in the complex timeline.
The upcoming HBO series occupies a unique position in Westeros history, sitting precisely between the dragon-filled chaos of House of the Dragon and the political intrigue of Game of Thrones. The timeline spans centuries, with specific dates measured from Aegon Targaryen's original conquest.
House of the Dragon covers the years 101-131 AC (After Conquest). The new spinoff jumps forward to 209 AC. Game of Thrones takes place much later, from 298-305 AC.
The Dragon-Free Era
This period represents something rare in Targaryen history: peace. The royal family still controls the Iron Throne, decades before Robert Baratheon's rebellion in 281 AC would end their dynasty. The devastating civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons has been over for nearly a century.
But there's a catch. By 209 AC, dragons have vanished completely from the world. The last dragon died in 153 AC, roughly sixty years before the show's events begin. No Targaryen alive has ever ridden a dragon or even seen one.
A Smaller Scale Story
Without dragons dominating the political landscape, Westeros experiences relative stability. This creates perfect conditions for a more intimate narrative focused on Dunk and Egg, two characters whose adventures don't require massive battles or flying beasts.
The dragons won't return until Daenerys Targaryen hatches Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion in 299 AC. That's still ninety years in the future from where this story begins.
Future Possibilities
Showrunner Ira Parker confirms that George R.R. Martin has provided outlines for 10-12 additional Dunk and Egg stories. These would push the timeline forward, potentially covering the duo's entire lives and bringing viewers closer to the events of Game of Thrones.