Theoretical Burning Temperatures of Dragon’s Breath in 'Game of Thrones'
One of the most talked-about elements in Game of Thrones is the ferocious and often destructive nature of dragonfire. But how hot is a dragon’s breath? A closer analysis of the show’s content can provide interesting insights into the temperature of dragonfire as mentioned throughout the series.
Dragonfire Temperatures and Real-World Comparisons
Steel, a commonly melted material in metallurgy, melts at around 2500 degrees Fahrenheit (1370 degrees Celsius). This serves as a baseline, and if we apply the same logic to dragons in 'Game of Thrones,' one might infer that dragonfire needs to exceed this temperature to produce the dramatic effects shown in the series. However, dragons, being mythical creatures, operate outside the known laws of physics, meaning their fire does not conform to what we understand about temperature and heat.
Alchemists’ Terms and Wildfire
Let’s look at the description given by the alchemists in the TV show. In the episode where Tyrion Lannister is confronted by the queen, it is mentioned that wildfire can only be surpassed by dragonfire, the fires beneath the earth, and the summer sun. The heat produced by these sources is intense, suggesting that dragonfire is indeed almost comparable to the extreme conditions mentioned.
Temperature Correlation with Dragon Size
The temperature of dragonfire seems to correlate with the size of the dragon. Balerion, the Black Dread, is described as having a fire with a temperature of around 3300°F (1800°C), which was powerful enough to melt the stone walls of Harrenhal. On the other hand, Drogon, one of the dragons Balerion fathered, had a much cooler fire, at 1500°F to 1800°F (800°C to 1000°C). Despite this relative coolness, Drogon’s fire was still powerful enough to destroy King’s Landing in the battle during S08E05.
Melting Granite Walls
The destructive potential of dragonfire is evident in its ability to melt stone walls. For instance, the walls of Harrenhal were allegedly melted by Balerion during the battle it fought for Aegon the Conqueror. Granite, a common construction material, has a melting point of around 2300°F (1260°C). Given this, we can hypothesize that Balerion’s fire was around 970°F (500°C) above the melting point of granite. This suggests a temperature of 3270°F (1750°C) or more, clearly much higher than 3300°F (1800°C) which was already described to be roughly the melting point.
Differences in Fire Temperature and Appearance
It is also noteworthy that the appearance and temperature of dragonfire can vary between dragons. Balerion’s fire was described as black, indicating an extremely high temperature, while Drogon’s was orange, suggesting a lower temperature. The color of the flames can be an indicator of their heat, with black flames indicating temperatures in the vicinity of or above the melting point of granite.
Conclusion: Valar Morghulis
As we delve into the world of 'Game of Thrones,' we realize that the burning temperatures of dragonfire are more than just a spectacle. They are a crucial element in the game of power and survival, reminiscent of the ancient creed, “Valar Morghulis” which means “all men must die.” While we can theorize and hypothesize, the true magic of these mythical creatures lies in the hands of the creators, Pedro Pascal, and the rest of the talented cast and crew.