On House of the Dragon, keeping track of the many dragons flying around is a little complex. In Game of Thrones, it was much easier to account for the creatures. Daenerys Stormborn took three eggs into the flames and rose unscathed from the ashes with three “children.” That was it! But the skies of Westeros are overrun with “fire made flesh” on House of the Dragon. The prequel series shows us House Targaryen at its strongest, when they had 17 dragons prior to the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. And the dragons play important roles both in the personal and political machinations of House of the Dragon. But with that many beasts in the air, the question becomes: How will you keep straight the identities of all of House of the Dragon‘s numerous dragons from season one and two of the show and beyond?
The good news is you don’t have to. We’ve got you covered—with as few spoilers as possible. Here’s a list of all the dragons you’ll see on House of the Dragon, along with their riders. And we’ll keep updating this post every time a dragon appears on the prequel series or does something major on the show. For now, this list of House of the Dragon‘s dragons is complete through season one and will be updating throughout season two. So, who are House of the Dragon‘s 17 dragons? Let’s find out.
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
How Many Dragons Will Appear During House of the Dragon Season Two?
As House of the Dragon season two begins, the question of dragons returns to the table. And thanks to showrunner Ryan Condal, we know exactly how many dragons we’ll see this season. Per Deadline, Condal noted, “There will be five new dragons in season two” of House of the Dragon. He recently confirmed that season two dragon number, again noting that “five new ones that you haven’t seen before” are coming to House of the Dragon.
You can see season two’s dragons in action in the new House of the Dragon trailers released by Max. And the trailers even revealed a couple of the new dragons we’ll be meeting in season two of House of the Dragon, Sunfyre and Moondancer. You can read about these new dragons in full below.
How Many Dragons Appeared During House of the Dragon Season One?
House of the Dragon‘s co-showrunner Miguel Sapochnik told Empire that season one would feature nine of House Targaryen’s 17 dragons before the season began. And that’s exactly what happened, plus a couple of other dragon mentions. While each dragon has its own look, the Game of Thrones alum says the creatures are easier to differentiate by their individual traits, as each dragon has its own personality.
That’s no surprise. We already know Game of Thrones‘ dragons are highly intelligent creatures with minds of their own. But with so many different personalities flying around, it will be fun to see how they interact with their fellow dragons. And it will be entertaining to see how the dragons’ attitudes either mirror or conflict with their riders. Dragons only accept a single rider—of Valyrian blood—while both still live.
For now, let’s meet every House of the Dragon dragon that we get to see in season one and season two.
Which Dragons Have Already Appeared on House of the Dragon?
Syrax (Dragon Rider: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen)
A giant yellow-scaled she-dragon who took young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as rider in 104 AC. House of the Dragon opened with the princess riding high over King’s Landing while in a saddle on Syrax’s back. Thanks to her parents, we also now know you can smell like a dragon after taking one for a spin. Syrax features in an early standoff with Rhaenyra’s uncle Daemon Targaryen. When Daemon disrespects the crown during the first episodes of House of the Dragon, Syrax and Caraxes have a tense dragon stand-off, as their riders battle wills below. Without Syrax, there would have been no reasoning with Daemon. But the presence of two dragons serves as insurance and prevents a fight. The dragon was greatly featured earlier in House of the Dragon season one, but we will likely see more of her in season two. In the first episode of the series, Syrax accompanies Rhaenyra in her vigil over Lucerys and Arrax. It is believed that Syrax is the mother of Arrax, which adds to the grief shared by the duo as they discover their lost children.
We haven’t seen Syrax since then in House of the Dragon season two, but in episode six, the great dragon finally roared to life again on our screens as Rhaenyra took off on her back to chase down the dragon Seasmoke and its new mysterious rider.
Syrax is still laying dragon eggs, however—three in episode eight of House of the Dragon season one—setting the stage for more dragon riders to come in House Targaryen’s internal battle. As the Dance of the Dragons war heats up on House of the Dragon, we know Rhaenyra will be glad to have this Syrax by her side.
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
Caraxes (Dragon Rider: Daemon Targaryen)
In 105 AC, Daemon Targaryen became the second member of his family to mount Caraxes, the large red dragon known as the Blood Wyrm. Caraxes’ original dragonrider was Prince Aemon Targaryen, but Daemon took him as his dragon after Aemon’s murder. Caraxes made a big impression in House of the Dragon‘s premiere. That included how it brought out the tender side of Prince Daemon.
Don’t let that fool you, though. Caraxes is a fearsome creature. We see him devour his prey with great ferocity, and that’s just lunch. Throughout House of the Dragon‘s episodes, we’ve mostly seen the giant dragon menacing in the background. But it looks like in the season two trailer of House of the Dragon, we see this dragon do battle. And it makes for quite a sight. Especially since it seems Caraxes will battle other dragons in the sky.
Although Caraxes hasn’t seen much action yet in season two of House of the Dragon, we got a very good look at the dragon in episode two, and in episode three, we see Daemon ride him through a storm on his way to the very wet Harrenhal.
In episode five of House of the Dragon, Daemon used Caraxes to menace the men of the Riverlands to his side. We then glimpse the dragon in episode six, and he seems quite eager to leave the creepy Harrenhal, but alas, he must remain a while longer.
Seasmoke (Dragon Rider: Laenor Velaryon)
The silver-gray dragon accepted Laenor Velaryon (son of Rhaenys Targaryen, which makes him eligible for dragon-riding) as its rider by the year 101 AC. The duo didn’t make their House of the Dragon debut, though, until the show’s third episode. That’s when Laenor and Seasmoke helped Laenor’s father Lord Corlys Velaryon and Prince Daemon Targaryen defeat the Crabfeeder in the Stepstones. Although Laenor does not die in season one of the Game of Thrones prequel series, he fakes his own death and goes into hiding. And that means he has to leave Seasmoke behind.
Presently, it seems that Seasmoke resides in Driftmark. Daemon Targaryen hoped to use the dragon to help secure Princess Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne on House of the Dragon, but it is not yet clear what will happen with the dragon since Laenor, his rider, remains alive. As mentioned, typically, dragons can only bond with another rider when their rider is dead. But House of the Dragon, it seems, is creating its own dragon lore separate from the canon of George R.R. Martin’s books.
In season two, episode two of House of the Dragon, we see Seasmoke briefly flying around, hinting a potential return could come sooner rather than later. And we see Seasmoke again in episode three of House of the Dragon. This time the show more overtly suggests the dragon may be searching for a new rider. But it’s not until episode six of House of the Dragon season two that Seasmoke truly files onto the scene.
Out of a desperate need for dragons, Rhaenyra bids her Lord Commander of her Queensguard, Ser Steffon, to attempt to claim Seasmoke and become his dragonrider. Ser Steffon has a distant relation that was a Targaryen, thinly qualifying him to attempt to ride a dragon on House of the Dragon. But Seasmoke has none of it and burns Ser Steffon with dragon fire. Instead of being claimed by Ser Steffon, the dragon flies off to track down a rider of its own. As the show hinted, it’s Addam of Hull that the dragon Seasmoke has chosen to be its dragonrider. Perhaps this is because of the blood that Addam and Laenor, Seasmoke’s old rider, share. We assume Laenor is still alive, so the fact that Seasmoke has selected a new rider does violate what we understand about dragon lore. But we’ll have to wait and see how House of the Dragon explains this dragoney twist.
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
Meleys (Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen), Dragon and Rider Are Deceased
Rhaenys, “The Queen Who Never Was,” became the second Targaryen to sit upon the swift red and pink she-dragon Meleys when they bonded in 87 AC. The first Targaryen to ride Meleys was Princess Alyssa Targaryen. But unfortunately, Meleys lost her dragonrider when the Targaryen princess died while giving birth. In her prime, Meleys was known as one of the fastest of dragons. With time she slowed, but she remained no less cunning.
We finally saw Rhaenys flying Meleys in House of the Dragon‘s fifth episode of season one. As House of the Dragon revealed, this rosy-hued dragon has a “crown” of thorns around her head, hence Meleys’ nickname the “Red Queen.” But after the show’s ninth episode, we can also call the dragon the “Beast Beneath the Boards.” Rhaenys rode Meleys up into the arena of the Dragonpit during Aegon II’s coronation, killing quite a few citizens and causing general mayhem. Rhaenys did not, however, use this chance to spew dragon-fire against her enemies, including Queen Alicent and Aegon II, who had her imprisoned. She instead escapes to safety.
In the finale of House of the Dragon season one, Rhaenys pledged her dragon to Queen Rhaenyra. In season two, she used her dragon to strengthen the Velaryon blockade of The Gullet. But sadly, service to Queen Rhaenyra cost Rhaenys and Meleys their lives. In House of the Dragon season two, episode four, we saw our first major dragon death on House of the Dragon. Rhaenys and Meleys rode out to defend Rook’s Rest from Criston Cole and his Green army, but unfortunately, the Greens had a trick up their sleeve. Aemond and his dragon Vhagar lay in wait for any of Rhaenyra’s dragons to appear. And on top of that, King Aegon II appeared by surprise at the battle with his dragon, Sunfyre. Both dragons attacked Meleys and Rhaenys, and though the duo put up a good fight, they did not prevail.
Vhagar fatally bit his fellow dragon’s neck at the end of the House of the Dragon season two episode, and both Meleys and Rhaenys went tumbling to their doom.
Sadly, our last look at Meleys is of the dragon’s severed head being ignobaly dragged through King’s Landing. We take heart in the fact the people of the city do not look upon the posturing kindly. We do, however, get the sweet story of how Rhaneys claimed Meleys as her dragon. She snuck into the dragonpit, a place she is said to have known exceptionally well. And the firece creature, who shunned all others, bent her neck to Rhaneys and Rhaenys alone.
Despite Meleys and Rhaenys’ deaths, both dragon and rider will always be remembered as a House of the Dragon pair not to be trifled with.
Vermax (Rider: Jacaerys Velaryon)
Prince Jacaerys, Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son, bonded with the young green dragon after it hatched in his crib. This helped cement his place as heir to the throne after Rhaenyra because some in King’s Landing questioned his heritage. Jace and Vermax start off on shaky footing, with the dragon only barely obeying his rider. But by the time of the House of the Dragon finale, they seem to have settled into their dragon and rider bond.
In Game of Thrones’ book, Fire & Blood, it is noted that Vermax especially disliked ice, snow, and cold. This probably means the dragon won’t love the trip North he set out on with “Jace” in House of the Dragon‘s season one finale. Vermax and Jacaerys head to familiar territory in early season two, the Eyrie and Winterfell, in the hopes of finding support for Rhaenyra’s cause among the northern houses.
While we learned they were successful on their mission in episode one of season two, we didn’t get to see the dragon itself again until House of the Dragon season two, episode five. In the episode, Jace takes Vermax to meet with the Freys who control the crossing at the twins, a direct route into the Riverlands. We see the green dragon perching nearby as the political negotion takes place, but no use of force becomes necessary as Jace pledges the protection of his dragon and Daemon’s to the Freys, with the promise of Harrenhal in the future, and wins them to Rhaenyra’s side for now.
Vhagar (Rider: Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen / Rider: Aemond Targaryen)
The Dragon Vhagar in Season One of House of the Dragon
Vhagar was one of the three dragons that helped Aegon and his sisters conquer Westeros. She was first claimed by Queen Visenya. According to the Game of Thrones books, the dragon was so huge, a hore could be ridden down her throat. And Vhagar’s breath was said to be hot enough to melt armor and cook a knight inside of it. Later, the bronze she-dragon with green-blue coloring and green eyes took Laena Velaryon as its rider. But the dragon didn’t establish its importance on House of the Dragon until the show’s sixth episode
Instead of facing death during childbirth, Laena took matters into her own hands. She told Vhagar “dracarys” until the dragon engulfed her in flame.
After Laena’s funeral on Driftmark, young Aemond Targaryen claimed the massive Vhagar as his own, though not without a cost. An ensuing fight with his cousins led to Aemond losing an eye. The young prince was happy to pay that “price,” though. He had long desired a dragon of his own.
Vhagar helped set the coming Targaryen civil war in motion when he killed Prince Lucerys and his dragon Arrax in House of the Dragon‘s season one finale. Seeing this intense violence between dragons in House of the Dragon was shocking, but only the beginning of things to come. And it seems that though Aemond has a certain smugness in himself and his abilities, his dragon still does not fully respect him. This makes sense because Vhagar is an ancient dragon who has lived a long life and seen many riders. And, unlike his dragon, Aemond only has a narrow outlook on the world.
The Dragon Vhagar in Season Two of House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
In season two of House of the Dragon, Aemond and Vhagar returned to cause yet more chaos that will surely intensify the Targaryen civil war. In House of the Dragon season two, episode four, the dragon and its rider flew to battle. Aemond and Vhagar set a clever trap for Rhaenyra and her supporters. Criston Cole boldly attacked Rook’s Rest, the seat of House Staunton, whose lord is a member of Rhaenyra’s small council. Rook’s Rest also is located only a short distance away from Dragonstone, where Rhaenyra has settled. But the small castle was not really the aim. Instead, Aemond and Cole sought to draw out one of Rhaenyra’s dragons so Aemond could attack it with Vhagar.
Their plan succeeded. Rhaenyra sent the dragon Meleys and her rider Rhaenys to attack the host. Though Aemond’s plan was temporarily disrupted by the appearance of his brother, King Aegon, and his dragon, Sunfyre, it ultimately worked just as he’d imagined. Aemond and Vhagar attacked Meleys, who already had to contend with battling Sunfyre, and managed to kill the other dragon by biting its neck and sending it tumbling to the ground. Both Meleys and Rhaenys perished. However, that wasn’t the only potential casualty Vhagar caused. Unfearing for his brother’s life or his brother’s dragon, Aemond ordered Vhagar to send out a fireblast during the battle, which caught Aegon and Sunfyre in its path. Both Aegon and his dragon seemed in bad shape at the end of the House of the Dragon episode. Aemond and Vhagar seem to have escaped unscathed.
Sunfyre (Rider: King Aegon Targaryen II)
We first caught glimpses of the dragon Sunfyre in House of the Dragon season two’s trailers and the creature made its grand appearance in episode four of the season. On House of the Dragon, Sunfyre is King Aegon II’s dragon. True to its name, this House of the Dragon dragon has golden scales that shine like the sun. We didn’t see Aegon claim Sunfyre but the king has been restless to ride his dragon all season. And finally, in episode four of season two, Aegon and Sunfyre rode out to battle.
Unlike in the original Fire & Blood novel, Aegon’s joining the battle was not part of the plan that his brother and Ser Criston Cole concocted to try to kill one of Rhaenyra’s dragons. Instead, Aegon impetuously flies to the battle of Rook’s Rest, interrupting Aemond’s designs for the clash. Aegon and Sunfyre attack the dragon Meleys and her rider Rhaenys when they appear on the scene, but do not put up a very good fight. When Aemond and his dragon Vhagar join the House of the Dragon battle, Aegon believes he is saved, but Aemond sends a blast of dragonfire into the fray, uncaring if Sunfyre and Aegon survive it.
Dragon and rider are gravely injured at the end of House of the Dragon season two, episode four. It is not yet known if they will survive on the series. In House of the Dragon episode five, Criston Cole refers to Sunfyre as “long in the dying” while Rhanerya refers to the dragon as slain. It seems we cannot yet clearly assess whether Sunfyre remains alive at this time. Aegon remains alive for the moment. (Although, of course, the curious can read about their Fire & Blood fates in the source novel.)
Arrax (Rider: Prince Lucerys Velaryon), Dragon and Rider Are Deceased
The small, young dragon Arrax appeared on House of the Dragon with blue scales. Though quick and agile, the dragon was unable to outrun or outfight Vhagar high above Storm’s End in season one. Vhagar bit Arrax in half, killing Prince Lucerys and killing the dragon. In season two of House of the Dragon, we see the sad remains of Arrax wash up on the shore. It is believed that Arrax is the son of Syrax, meaning that both Rhaenyra and her dragon lost a child.
Moondancer (Rider: Baela Velaryon)
Only one daughter of Daemon Targaryen and his late wife Laena is a dragonrider, Princess Baela. She rides the swift, pale green she-dragon Moondancer noted for her pearl-colored horns and bones. Moondander might be young, but she is as fierce as her rider. In season two, episode three of House of the Dragon, we see Baela riding on her dragon, scouting for Queen Rhaenyra. Baela gives Criston Cole, Gwayne Hightower, and the other Greens quite a scare but ultimately loses them in the forest.
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
Stormcloud and Tyraxes (Unclaimed) Plus Four More Dragon Eggs
Though they have yet to appear, Rhaenyra entrusted Baela’s sister Rhaena with looking after two young, small dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes. The former belongs to Prince Joffrey Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s youngest son with her first husband Laenor Velaryon. (Though the late Harwin Strong is Joffrey’s real father.) Stormcloud, meanwhile, is bonded to Aegon III Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Younger. Rhaena is also responsible for looking after four unhatched dragon eggs, three of which we know won’t hatch for two hundred years.
The two small dragons are mentioned again in House of the Dragon episode five, which visits Rhaena at Vale of Arryn, in the Eyrie. Lady Arryn is not very impressed with the two dragons Rhaenyra sent her way, calling them “wet from the egg.” But as Rhaena points out, they will grow. In episode six, we finally get to see a baby dragon in all its adorable splendor. The baby dragon Stormcloud sits next to Aegon as a he plays.
The Wild Dragon in the Vale (Unclaimed)
An unexpected dragon comes onto the scene in episode six of House of the Dragon season two. It turns out that even though the Lady of the Vale was set on Rhaenyra sending her a dragon for protection, there’s actually already a large dragon in the Vale. While on a walk with Rhaenyra’s son Joffery, Rhaena encounters a huge patch of scorched earth decorated with bones and burned sheep. Undoubtedly, only a dragon could cause those things to appear in the Vale on House of the Dragon. When Rhaena confronts her host, Jeyne Arryn, Jeyne acknowledges the presence of a dragon. She notes, “Rumour of it began shortly after the war. Ranging more broadly for food, my Maestar surmised. It is large and formidable but, alas, wild.”
Another wild dragon in the mix on House of the Dragon? Wild, for now, we assume. It does feel like the show is hinting at Rhaena claiming this dragon for her own, thus mixing her story with a Fire & Blood character called Nettles.
Unhatched Dragon Egg
Technically, episode two of House of the Dragon season one didn’t feature a new dragon. But we’re positive there’s one inside the egg Daemon stole in the early episode. How can there not be when that egg—originally meant for King Viserys’s son Baelon—already feels like Chekhov’s dragon? For now, all we know is that the egg belongs to the dragon Dreamfyre. But we think it could ultimately hatch and bond with one of Viserys’ offspring.
Dreamfyre (Unclaimed)
Dreamfyre, the slim, blue she-dragon with silver wings, was once the dragon of Princess Rhaena Targaryen, Aegon I’s granddaughter. Dragon and rider stayed together until Rhaena passed after a long and troubled life. And then Dreamfyre settled in the Dragonpit at King’s Landing. We first hear of Dreamfyre on House of the Dragon when Daemon admits to having stolen one of her eggs, falsely insisting he had a child on the way. Aemond Targaryen next comes across Dreamfyre in the Dragonpit around 120 AC, but the dragon is not to be claimed by him.
While we know Dreamfyre’s rider from Fire & Blood, the show has yet to establish which member of House Targaryen rides her. Dreamfyre might also connect House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones together. Some theorize that Dreamfyre laid the eggs that became Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. We are sure that Dreamfyre’s lack of rider will become an object of interest for both sides of the upcoming war.
Vermithor (Rider: King Jaeherys I (Deceased) / Unclaimed)
One of the largest dragons to ever fly over Westeros, the bronze beast belonged to House Targaryen’s longest-reigning ruler in the Realm, The Old King Jaeherys I. Vermithor outlived the King and remained unclaimed at the start of the Dance of the Dragons.
The beast finally appeared on House of the Dragon during the show’s season one finale, when Daemon sang a song in High Valyrian to lure the dragon from its rest. Rhaenyra’s forced to hope they will find a rider for Vermithor, a hope that she and Jace will soon press more earnestly. One dragon could make all the difference in the upcoming fight on House of the Dragon.
Balerion (Rider Aegon the Conqueror/Viserys I)
We do not ever get to see Balerion the Black Dread alive in House of the Dragon, but the presence of the mighty beast is felt throughout the show. In episode one, Balerion’s giant dragon skull looms over Viserys and Rhaenyra as Viserys imparts crucial words of prophecy onto her.
Aegon the Conqueror was, of course, the first to ride Balerion. And the dragon played a crucial role in Aegon’s conquering of Westeros. It is fitting that Balerion be a party to Viserys and Rhaenyra’s discussion because Viserys speaks of exactly why Aegon the Conqueror felt so moved to conquer.
Balerion was a dragon born in Valyria and was the last dragon to exist in its mighty Freehold. Balerion’s wings and body were black. And his fire was also said to be black. Balerion was one of the largest dragons to ever exist, and his wingspan was enormous. He had sharp teeth and a vicious temperament. But, with time, age took him. The dragon is, in fact, a fitting analog for his final rider Viserys on House of the Dragon. Like Balerion, we see Viserys succumb to the languor of age until he finally fades away. Though once mighty, the time of his rule, like that of his dragon, ends in season one of House of the Dragon.
ADDITIONAL READING
Aegon’s Conquest, When Dragons Came to Westeros
Dragonstone, Birthplace of a Dynasty and Home of Dragonglass
Rhaenyra Targaryen, the First Woman to Sit on the Iron Throne
The Dragonpit and the Demise of Dragons
The Chilling Legend of Ice Dragons
House of the Dragon’s Dragons; Jump to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon, Syrax // Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon, Caraxes // Laenor Velaryon’s Dragon, Seasmoke // Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon, Meleys // Jacaerys Velaryon’s Dragon, Vermax // Laena (Velaryon) Targaryen and Aemond Targaryen’s Dragon Vhagar // King Aegon Targaryen II’s Dragon Sunfyre // Prince Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon Arrax // Baela Velaryon’s Dragon Moondancer // The Unclaimed Dragons, Stormcloud and Tyraxes, Plus Four Eggs // The Wild Dragon in the Vale // Unhatched Dragon Egg // The Unclaimed Dragon, Dreamfyre // The Unclaimed Dragon, Vermithor // The Deceased Balerion // House of the Dragon Future Dragons
What Other Dragons Exist During the Dance of the Dragons?
Silverwing, Tessarion, and More
In addition to the dragons mentioned above, House Targaryen also had four other dragons before civil war pitted the beasts against one another in 129 AC. That included the full-sized dragons Silverwing, Tessarion, as well as two hatchlings too small to ride: Morghul and Shrykos. Silverwing is mentioned in season two, episode five of House of the Dragon, but we have yet to meet the creature properly.
Wild Dragons on House of the Dragon
During the time of House of the Dragon, three wild, unbonded dragons also lived on Dragonstone: Grey Ghost, Sheepstealer, and the Cannibal. Daemon mentions these dragons briefly in the finale of House of the Dragon season one as Rhaenyra and company hope they can join their side of the conflict to come.
In a war pitting dragon-against-dragon, both in the air and on the ground, you can imagine the possibilities a wild dragon presents. But there’s a reason those three had no riders by the time war broke out.
House of the Dragons‘ Future Dragons
So what about the dragons we didn’t see in season one and haven’t met yet in season two? Who flew them high above the Seven Kingdoms? Well, we’ll let you learn all of that on your own when House of the Dragon brings those many magical creatures to life throughout this season.
Don’t worry, though, we’ll make sure to update this post to help you can keep track of all of them. It was a lot easier when Daenerys only had three of them.
This post originally published on August 17, 2022.
Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Twitter at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.
