Few television series have captivated audiences as completely as Game of Thrones, and for much of its eight-season run, Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys Targaryen commanded attention as the “Mother of Dragons.” But in the latter seasons, Kit Harington’s Jon Snow got his chance to ride the mythical beasts, leading to some humorous and humbling behind-the-scenes moments.
A Tale of Two Dragon Riders
The excitement of riding a dragon wasn’t just confined to the screen. Kit Harington, eager to share the spotlight with Clarke, couldn’t wait to demonstrate his own dragon-riding prowess. As fans of the show know, Daenerys had been soaring through the skies on her dragons since Season 5, making Clarke something of an expert in the art of green-screen dragon riding. Harington, on the other hand, approached his first time on the rig with a little too much confidence.
Kit Harington’s Overconfidence and Reality Check
Before his scenes were shot, Harington’s bravado was evident. He boasted about his dragon-riding skills, suggesting that he might outshine Clarke. But as it turned out, riding a dragon wasn’t as simple as he thought. When it was finally his turn to get on the rig—an experience far less majestic than it appears on screen—he realized just how challenging the task could be.
“He was kind of, you know, arrogant about it and was like, ‘I can do this,’ and then got on and that’s when I learned that men riding dragons is like a whole other thing than a lady who rides a dragon. A little more uncomfortable for them.” — Emilia Clarke
Clarke’s playful revelation had audiences laughing, especially when Jimmy Kimmel chimed in with, “Because of the human testicle!” It was a reminder that even in the fantasy world of Game of Thrones, some real-world discomforts couldn’t be avoided.
The Struggle Behind the Scenes
For those unfamiliar with the mechanics of dragon riding in Game of Thrones, it wasn’t just about sitting on a saddle. The rig that actors used to simulate dragon flight was anything but smooth. The jerky, unpredictable movements of the hydraulic contraption made it a challenge to stay balanced, let alone appear majestic. Clarke, having spent years perfecting her dragon-riding skills, made it look effortless on screen. But Harington’s inexperience was clear from the start.
Clarke couldn’t resist having a bit of fun at Harington’s expense. Recalling the moment on Jimmy Kimmel Live, she said:
“He looked really pained. It’s like, ‘You alright dude?’ He’s like [grunting] ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’ So yeah, yeah. And I sat – I was letting the girl doing the joysticks know to just — whenever she felt needed — to just mess with him.” — Emilia Clarke
It was all in good humor, of course, and the two actors managed to create some of the most iconic scenes in television history, despite the physical challenges involved.
Emilia Clarke’s Mixed Feelings About Sharing Dragon-Riding Glory
As the “Mother of Dragons,” Emilia Clarke understandably had some mixed emotions about sharing her dragon-riding glory with Kit Harington. Her character had been synonymous with dragons for much of the series, and the experience was a unique one that few others in the show could claim.
Clarke admitted during the interview that she felt a bit possessive of her dragon-riding status:
“I feel weird about it, I’m not gonna lie. He was all like, ‘Psh, yeah, you think you’re good at this. Let me be professional.’ Obviously, I was a girl so I got in and I was like, ‘Whatever, I’m amazing at this. No big deal, it’s just my children.’” — Emilia Clarke
Her teasing tone highlighted the camaraderie and playful rivalry that developed between the two actors as they shared the screen (and the dragons) in the later seasons.
The Legacy of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragon-Riding Adventures
Despite the challenges and playful pranks, the dragon-riding scenes in Game of Thrones remain some of the most memorable in the series. Harington may have started off a little too confident, but by the end, he had mastered the art, contributing to the epic visual storytelling that made the show a global phenomenon.
For fans of Game of Thrones, these behind-the-scenes stories add another layer of enjoyment to the already rich narrative. Watching Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen take flight on dragons will always be a highlight of the series, made even more special by the knowledge of the trials and tribulations that came with it.
Game of Thrones continues to be a cultural touchstone, with every rewatch reminding fans of the incredible performances and unforgettable moments that defined the series. And for Kit Harington, his dragon-riding experience is likely one he won’t soon forget—no matter how much he initially underestimated it.
For those looking to relive these iconic moments, Game of Thrones is streaming on Max, offering a chance to see the results of Harington and Clarke’s hard work in all its dragon-filled glory.