The Dance of the Dragons was primarily based on a real-life historical event from medieval England known as The Anarchy. This tumultuous period was a protracted civil war over the English succession that deeply mirrors the fictional conflict within House of the Dragon and A Song of Ice and Fire.
The Historical Inspiration: The Anarchy
The Anarchy was a devastating English civil war fought during the 12th century. It began after the death of King Henry I, who had designated his daughter, Princess Matilda, as his heir. Despite this, Matilda's cousin, Stephen of Blois, usurped the throne, leading to a bitter and prolonged conflict that lasted for nineteen years. This historical struggle for power, marked by shifting loyalties and widespread devastation, provided a rich foundation for the creators of the Dance of the Dragons.
Key Parallels Between The Anarchy and The Dance of the Dragons
The parallels between the historical Anarchy and the fictional Dance of the Dragons are striking and form the core of the latter's narrative.
- Disputed Succession: Both conflicts arose from a clear succession crisis. In The Anarchy, King Henry I's desire for his daughter Matilda to succeed him was challenged by a male relative. Similarly, in the Dance of the Dragons, King Viserys I's chosen heir, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, faced opposition from her half-brother, Aegon II.
- Female Claimant vs. Male Usurper: At the heart of both conflicts is a powerful female claimant to the throne whose right is challenged by a male relative. Princess Matilda (later Empress Matilda) was the rightful heir by her father's decree, just as Princess Rhaenyra was designated heir by King Viserys. Their respective cousins, Stephen and Aegon II, chose to usurp the throne based on patriarchal succession norms.
- Protracted Civil War: Both events devolved into lengthy and brutal civil wars that deeply impacted their respective realms. The Anarchy lasted for nineteen years, causing immense suffering and instability across England. The Dance of the Dragons similarly led to a destructive, internecine war that decimated the Targaryen dynasty and its dragons.
- Devastating Consequences: The historical Anarchy brought widespread chaos, famine, and destruction to England. The Dance of the Dragons mirrored this with its own tragic toll, leading to the near-extinction of dragons and leaving the Seven Kingdoms severely weakened.
A Comparison Table: The Anarchy vs. The Dance of the Dragons
| Aspect | The Dance of the Dragons | The Anarchy (Real-Life Inspiration) |
|---|---|---|
| Conflict Type | Civil War over royal succession | Civil War over royal succession |
| Primary Claimant | Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (daughter of the King) | Empress Matilda (daughter of King Henry I) |
| Usurper/Opponent | Prince Aegon II Targaryen (half-brother of Rhaenyra) | Stephen of Blois (cousin of Matilda) |
| Basis of Claim | Designated heir by King Viserys I | Designated heir by King Henry I |
| Duration/Scale | Years of brutal civil war, widespread destruction | Nineteen years of civil war across England, widespread devastation [^1] |
| Core Theme | The perils of succession disputes and dynastic conflict | The chaos of a disputed succession and civil strife |
[^1]: For more on this historical period, see: The Anarchy
Why This Historical Basis Matters
The choice to base the Dance of the Dragons on The Anarchy provides a profound layer of realism and historical weight to the fictional narrative. It grounds the fantastical elements of dragons and ancient prophecies in the very real, brutal mechanics of historical power struggles. This connection allows for a more nuanced exploration of themes such as legitimacy, gender roles in power, the cost of ambition, and the devastating impact of civil war on a realm and its people.
