The Bloodriders of Game of Thrones

Article Key Points

Bloodriders are highly esteemed warriors who serve as loyal protectors to the Khal and have a deep bond with their leader.

A Khal can choose any number of Bloodriders, but traditionally, each Khal has opted for only three. The lives of the Bloodriders are connected to that of their Khal as they accompany him in battle, seek revenge for his demise, and ultimately offer themselves as a sacrifice to join him in death.

Every great ruler, be it a king, queen, or ruler, handpicks a group of noble individuals to serve as their trusted and formidable warriors. These individuals go by various titles such as knights, captains, and generals. In the world of Game of Thrones, these warriors are known as Bloodriders.

Among the Dothraki people, the Bloodriders hold the most esteemed position within their highly revered military unit, known as the khalassar. The khalassar essentially constitutes the entire Dothraki cavalry and is considered the pinnacle of their military might. The size of the khalassar is determined by the strength and success of the Khal, the leader of the Dothraki army. However, in battle, the Khal is supported by his most faithful and powerful soldiers—the Bloodriders.

Who Are The Bloodriders?

The Bloodriders are the sworn protectors of the Khal and play multiple roles within the Dothraki society. They ride alongside their Khal in battle, accompany him in his non-combat duties, and sometimes even lead other branches of the khalassar, earning the title of "Ko". While there is no set limit to the number of Bloodriders a Khal can choose, throughout history, each Khal has typically selected only three. Apart from their role as loyal warriors, Bloodriders share a profound connection with their Dothraki leader, distinguishing them from other Dothraki warriors.

The Khal and his Bloodriders refer to each other as "Qoy Qoyi," which means "blood of my blood" in translation. To attain the esteemed position of a Bloodrider, one must be carefully chosen by the Khal. Their pledge is as follows (translated into English):

I request your solemn promise to remain forever as my blood kin, riding by my side to ensure my protection from any danger.

The oath must be taken literally, so a Bloodrider's life is tied to their Khal's. If the Khal dies in battle, the Bloodriders don't die immediately, but instead, they live on until they can honor and avenge their Khal. Once they achieve revenge, their duty is to escort the Khaleesi to Vaes Dothrak, where she joins the other widowed Khaleesis known as the "dosh khaleen". Only after that, the Bloodriders sacrifice themselves in the name of their Khal and join him in death.

Apart from sharing blood, the Bloodriders also share many other aspects of their Khal's life, including his wife. However, like all Dothraki warriors, even the Bloodriders cannot share a Khal's horse. Each warrior has their own horse, and it exclusively belongs to them.

What Happens to the Bloodriders?

The first Bloodriders introduced in Game of Thrones belong to Khal Drogo. They are Qotho, Cohollo, and Haggo. When Drogo shows signs of weakness, having been wounded in battle and falling off his horse, Khaleesi Daenerys Targaryen and Cohollo tend to his condition, while the other two Bloodriders remain mounted. Eventually, Qotho betrays the Khaleesi but is defeated in combat by Ser Jorah Mormont.

With the absence of a Khal, Daenerys takes it upon herself to lead the Khalasar as they journey across Essos towards Meereen. Their goal is to obtain a fleet of ships to sail to Westeros. Initially, Daenerys chooses Rakharo, Kovarro, and Aggo as her new Bloodriders, all Dothraki warriors. However, as their treacherous journey to Westeros continues, the Khaleesi realizes the importance of instilling hope in her people.

In the meantime, the Dothraki remained approximately a week away from Meereen, prompting Daenerys to make the decision to retrieve Drogon. Her plan was to soar above the khalassar, touching down in their midst and giving a speech in which she declares each and every Dothraki individual to be her Bloodrider.

I am not a Khal, so I will not choose three Bloodriders. Instead, I choose all of you. I will ask more from you than any Khal has ever asked from his khalassar. Will you voyage across the black salt sea on the wooden horses? Will you vanquish my enemies in their iron suits and demolish their stone houses? Will you help me conquer the Seven Kingdoms, as Khal Drogo promised me with the Blessing of the Mother of Mountains? Are you with me? Now and always.

Following this declaration, every member of the khalassar became Daenerys' Bloodriders. They faithfully served their Khaleesi until their honorable demise during "The Long Night" (Season 8, Episode 3), valiantly fighting against the Army of the Dead. Sadly, this marked the end of the Dothraki Bloodriders in the Game of Thrones universe.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones, which is based on George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire book series, narrates the intricate tale of feuding families in the realm of Westeros. Among these prominent households are the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, and the Targaryens. In addition to the internal conflicts, the land of Westeros confronts the reappearance of dragons and a malevolent undead adversary from beyond the Wall.

First Episode Air Date April 17, 2011Where to watch HBO MaxSpin-offs House of the Dragon

Editor's P/S

The Bloodriders of Game of Thrones are an elite group of warriors who serve as the personal guard of the Khal. They are chosen from the strongest and most skilled Dothraki warriors, and they are sworn to protect the Khal with their lives. The Bloodriders are also expected to avenge the Khal's death, and they will often commit suicide after their Khal has died.

The Bloodriders are a fascinating group of characters, and they play an important role in the story of Game of Thrones. They are a symbol of the Dothraki people's strength and ferocity, and they are a reminder of the dangers that Daenerys Targaryen faces as she tries to unite the Seven Kingdoms.