All of the Dragons in 'House of the Dragon' Explained (2024)

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2 Episode 7 of House of the Dragon.

As the title gives away, House of the Dragon has an abundance of one thing: dragons. From the very beginning, the show says the only thing that can tear down the house of the dragon is itself, which has to do with their flying firepower. More than a century before Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) reintroduces the then-extinct dragons to the world in Game of Thrones, there are many dragons under the control of the Targaryens, giving them an advantage over Westeros' great houses. But with the inevitable war, the dragons threaten destruction that no other force can cause. But, despite their crucial role, the sheer number of these creatures makes it a challenge to keep all the dragons and the rider each bonded with straight as they rain fire down on Westeros.

House of the Dragon

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TV-MA

The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO seriesGame of Thrones. Based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, House of the Dragonis set nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.

Release Date

August 21, 2022

Creator

Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin

Cast

Paddy Considine , Olivia Cooke , Rhys Ifans , Matt Smith , Eve Best , Steve Toussaint , Emma D'Arcy , Milly Alco*ck , Emily Carey

Main Genre

Drama

Seasons

4

Distributor

HBO

Syrax

Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen

The first dragon to appear is Syrax, who flies over King's Landing in the first episode. Bonded to Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy), the yellow-scaled she-dragon is relatively young. Named after a Valyrian goddess by Rhaenyra, Syrax had no riders before Rhaenyra. She and Rhaenyra share a close bond, as seen by Syrax reacting to Rhaenyra's emotions in the Season 1 finale. Syrax may not be battle-hardened, but she has contributed to the dragon's legacy in one significant way: she has produced multiple clutches of eggs. Not every dragon has eggs, and with a finite number of dragons, eggs are an important resource. In Season 2, Episode 3, "The Burning Mill," Rhaenyra sends four of Syrax's eggs away with Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), three of which are intended to be the same eggs that produce Daenerys' dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion.

Caraxes

Rider: Daemon Targaryen

Caraxes, sometimes called the Blood Wyrm, is a red dragon with an unusually long neck and, as a young dragon, was noted to be particularly fierce by the Dragonkeepers. In House of the Dragon, Daemon (Matt Smith) rides Caraxes, but before that, Aemon, the oldest son of Jaehaerys and father to Rhaenys (Eve Best), was bonded to the dragon. Caraxes has seen plenty of combat, making him one of the Blacks' biggest assets. Daemon rode Caraxes in the battle against the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith) in Season 1, and even before that, Caraxes flew into the Fourth Dornish War with Aemon. Rhaenyra is already utilizing Caraxes, sending him and Daemon to the Riverlands, making him one of the most active dragons in the war so far.

Seasmoke

Rider: Laenor Velaryon and Addam of Hull

Seasmoke, as the name suggests, is a gray dragon ridden by Laenor (John MacMillan) in Season 1 because of his Targaryen heritage through his mother. Smaller than Caraxes and with no previous riders, Seasmoke is considered young by dragon standards. But he is large enough for riding and has experience in battle after he and Laenor fought against the Triarchy. However, unlike Syrax and Caraxes, Seasmoke has been riderless since Laenor's "death." This change in him makes Rhaenyra believe he misses his bond, so she suggests Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), a distant Targaryen relative, try to claim him. Of course, the plan goes up in flames, but Rhaenrya is right about Seasmoke's missing bond.

In a memorable sequence, Seasmoke seeks out a new rider, Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), the bastard son of Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). This bond proves that Rhaenyra's theory is correct, and people outside the official Targaryen line can bond with dragons. Seasmoke's latest bond also demonstrates a dragon's power of choice. While he refused Darklyn, Addam unexpectedly gained a dragon with no hope of turning it down. Addam is quick to bend the knee to Rhaenyra, wanting only to learn how to be a dragonlord. With that agreement, Seasmoke became another of the Blacks' dragons, instantly ranking high on the list as far as size and combat experience.

Meleys

Rider: Rhaenys

Known as the Red Queen, Meleys is fittingly ridden by Rhaenys, the Queen who Never Was. Before that, the dragon bonded with Alyssa Targaryen, the mother of Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Daemon, who took both of her sons on a dragon ride when they were mere days old. Meleys is known as the swiftest dragon and can easily outpace Vhagar and Caraxes, and as Rhaenys points out, she is the Blacks' largest and most experienced dragon. When Rhaenys claimed Meleys, they traveled on royal processions with Rhaenys' grandfather Jaehaerys, and Rhaenys even rode Meleys into her own wedding. Of course, House of the Dragon fans know Meleys from a different grand entrance when she and Rhaenys escaped the dragonpit and crashed Aegon II's (Tom Glynn-Carney) coronation. Meleys and Rhaenys assist Rhaenyra's cause, reinforcing the blockade of the Gullet and defending Rook's Rest, but she and her rider die in the battle, beaten by Vhagar. However, Meleys proves a capable fighter, overpowering Sunfyre, but Vhagar is too much of a challenge.

Vhagar

Riders: Laena Velaryon & Aemond Targaryen

Vhagar is the oldest living dragon in the series, having fought in Aegon's Conquest more than a hundred years prior. The green dragon is a giant, several times the size of most others. House of the Dragon shows two of Vhagar's four riders, Laena (Nanna Blondell) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell). Before either of them, Visenya, the sister and wife of Aegon I, and Baelon, the father of Viserys and Daemon, rode Vhagar.

Not only does Vhagar's age give her a size advantage, but it also means she has the most experience in battle. Due to her bond with the fierce Visenya, Vhagar fought many battles in the Conquest. Vhagar has several memorable appearances in House of the Dragon, such as burning Laena on her command and bonding with young Aemond. Vhagar was also the first to demonstrate the brutality of dragons when Aemond lost control, and Vhagar killed Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) and his much smaller mount. As the war continues, Vhagar proves a valuable asset, guarding King's Landing and killing Meleys. Her sheer size makes Vhagar nearly unbeatable.

Vermax

Rider: Jacaerys Velaryon

Vermax hatched from the egg Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) was given as a child, temporarily quieting the rumors that he was a bastard and not a true Targaryen. He has distinctive coloring with olive scales and orange wing membranes. After hatching, Vermax immediately bonded with Jace. That was so recently that Vermax is still small for a dragon but growing fast as Jace can ride him considerable distances, traveling all the way to the North on Vermax. Though House of the Dragon does not show Vermax in the snowy North, Fire & Blood notes that the ice and cold made the dragon irritable, which is similar to other dragons who traveled to that region in the book.

Dreamfyre

Rider: Helaena Targaryen

Dreamfyre is another older dragon, having hatched during the reign of Aegon I and bonded with King Jaehaerys' sister, Rhaena, before the series. After Rhaena's death, Dreamfyre bonded with Halaena (Phia Saban), who seemingly does not have the taste for riding her dragon. Though the blue and silver dragon has not been flying about in the series, Dreamfyre did appear in Season 1 when Aemond attempted to sneak into the dragonpit to steal an egg after the Pink Dread incident. Dreamfyre is understandably defensive, especially after she has had eggs stolen once before. Fire & Blood details how, while she was bonded to Rhaena, the Targaryen's friend, Elissa Farman, stole three eggs from the she-dragon before fleeing to Essos. These are sometimes theorized to be Daenerys' dragons, though the show's creators have confirmed that they hatched from Syrax's eggs, at least in the series canon. Though her age makes her larger than most dragons in House of the Dragon, neither Dreamfyre nor Helaena are particularly warlike. When Aemond wants Helaena to ride Dreamfyre into battle, the queen refuses. However, the Greens desperately need all the dragons they can get.

Sunfyre

Rider: Aegon II Targaryen

Sunfyre is of extra importance as the dragon of Aegon II. Though he briefly appeared in House of the Dragon Season 1 as he flew over Driftmark for Laena's funeral, his presence is more significant in Season 2 as Aegon wants to use him in the war. Aegon finally gets his wish in Season 2, Episode 4, when he flies his dragon to Rook's Rest, and quickly regrets it. Fighting with Meleys, Sunfyre is injured, and when Vhagar joins the fight, both Sunfyre and Aegon are sent crashing to the ground in a fiery explosion. If they are not dead, they are severely injured. Known for his golden scales and matching golden flames, Sunfyre is mentioned in Fire & Blood to be the most beautiful of the dragons, describing his gleaming scales and pale pink wing membranes. His appearance is the inspiration behind Aegon's personal banner, which features a golden version of the Targaryen symbol on a green background. But, like so many other dragons in this generation, he is young and inexperienced in battle as he hatched during a time of peace, so it's no surprise that he was not prepared for war.

Arrax

Rider: Lucerys Velaryon

Arrax is one of the youngest dragons in the series and, unfortunately, the first to die. Arrax hatched from the egg given to Lucerys Velaryon, and the two bonded. However, as both boy and dragon were still young, Arrax was the smallest dragon to carry a rider in House of the Dragon, which proved to be a huge disadvantage. After running into Vhagar and Aemond on their simple messenger task, Vhagar killed Arrax and Lucerys at the end of Season 1, marking the first dragon fight of the series, though it wasn't much of a contest. As they fled Storm's End with Vhagar behind them, Arrax grew skittish but showed courage, breathing fire at Vhagar. Yet the bigger dragon won. When Rhaenyra searches for the remains of her son, she finds only pieces of Arrax.

Vermithor

Rider: Hugh Hammer

Vermithor, known as The Bronze Fury, is currently riderless, but the dragon used to be bonded to the old King Jaehaerys (Michael Carter), who appears in the show's first episode. However, Vermithor is not seen until the Season 1 finale, when Daemon ventures into the depths of Dragonstone to sing to him. Nearly 100 years old, Vermithor hatched from an egg placed in Jaehaerys' cradle. As Jaehaerys ruled in a time of peace, Vermithor is not well-versed in battle, but his size makes up for that. Second in size only to Vhagar, Vermithor is a threatening creature, yet he is accustomed to people, making him the perfect candidate for Rhaenyra's campaign to gain dragonriders for her side.

When she brings the bastards of Targaryen blood to Dragonstone, Vermithor is the first dragon they try to claim. With their parentage uncertain, the attempt is a risk. The first bastard to try is burned, making the affair look hopeless. Many would-be dragonriders die in the effort to claim Vermithor until one catches the dragon's attention while sacrificing himself for another. Vermithor finally chooses Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew), a blacksmith who viewers met on the streets of King's Landing as he tried to provide for his starving family and sick (and now dead) daughter. Now poised to fight for Rhaenyra, Vermithor is a major asset for the Queen, becoming the biggest dragon on her side. But with his lack of experience and a rider who is still learning, even Vermithor could be outmatched by Vhagar.

Moondancer

Rider: Baela Targaryen

Moondancer is bonded to Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia). Season 1 mentions that Baela has a dragon of her own, unlike her sister Rhaena, suggesting that she bonded with Moondancer when they were both very young. In House of the Dragon Season 2, Baela and Moondancer are tasked with watching King's Landing for movements, which is a perfect job for the dragon as she is known to be swift and nimble, as seen by her chase of Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) in Season 2, Episode 3. Though Fire & Blood kept Moondancer and Baela out of most of the war because Moondancer was too small to ride at the beginning, House of the Dragon changed this detail, sending the pair out early and adding to the Blacks' list of dragons. Yet, Moondancer is still small for a dragon, which can be dangerous.

Stormcloud

Rider: Aegon the Younger

First mentioned in Season 2, Episode 3, this dragon will not be fighting in the war any time soon. Stormcloud hatched from the egg given to Aegon the Younger, Rhaenrya's fourth son and first child by Daemon. Stormcloud showed up briefly in Season 2, Episode 6, as Rhaena watched him sitting next to the young Targaryen he's bonded with. Rhaena refers to him as "a hatchling," which isn't an exaggeration, as he's still able to live indoors without causing too much damage. Though technically one of the Blacks' dragons, Stormcloud is too small to really count, as, unless the war lasts many years, he won't be able to contribute. While he may not be much protection, he is cute.

Silverwing

Rider: Ulf the White

Silverwing is the formerly riderless dragon who eventually bonds with Ulf the White (Tom Bennett). As the name suggests, the she-dragon has silver scales. Though considered docile, she is still a dragon, making her dangerous. Over 100 years old, Silverwing hatched from the egg given to Queen Alysanne, Jaehaerys I's wife, and fittingly, was known to pair with Vermithor. Alysanne traveled the Seven Kingdoms on Silverwing, noting that the dragon disliked the North, especially the Wall, refusing to pass it in an uncharacteristic defiance of Alysanne's commands. After Alysanne's death, she remained riderless but resided on Dragonstone until Rhaenyra started searching for more dragonriders.

Despite being known to have a gentle nature for a dragon (or perhaps because of that), Silverwing is not the first Rhaenyra goes to when allowing the bastard descendants of the Targaryens to claim a dragon. As Vermithor causes chaos among the hopefuls, Silverwing is deep in the Dragonstone caves. There, Ulf the White stumbles upon her. Seemingly guarding eggs, Silverwing could attack, but instead, she bonds with Ulf, allowing him to fly her all the way to King's Landing, where she outpaces Vhagar, who chases her away from the city. Now bonded to Ulf, Silverwing numbers among the Blacks' dragons. Though not the most fearsome dragon in the series and lacking in battle experience, Silverwing is old enough to be large and used to following the commands of a dragonrider, making her a valuable addition to the war.

Tessarion

Rider: Daeron Targaryen

Tessarion, the Blue Queen, took a long time to appear in House of the Dragon, and still has not had the time to make much of an impression. In the Season 2 finale, she can be spotted flying over the Hightower army, assumedly with her not-yet-seen rider, Daeron, on her back. Though it took two seasons to get just a glimpse of them, this pair is significant. Bonded to Aegon II's youngest brother, Tessarion is the smallest of the Greens' dragons, but she is nimble. Tessarion is mentionsed several times in Season 2 before her appearance, as the Greens anxiously await her growth, hoping to add to their dragon numbers. In Season 2, Episode 7, they claim she is finally big enough for riding and that Daeron intends to join the war soon, which happens only an episode later, promising Tessarion will play a role in Season 3. Fire & Blood describes Tessarion as cobalt blue scales with a copper-colored belly and blue flames. Tessarion's absence in House of the Dragon is easily explained by her remaining near Daeron, who has been in Oldtown for years, but with the kingdom on the brink of war, Aegon II will need all his dragons. Already, on the move alongside Oldtown's forces, Tessarion is on her way to fulfilling the role she plays in Fire & Blood. She is young and untested, and, according to Rhaenyra, she is about the size of Vermax, but she is still a dragon.

Sheepstealer

Wild

Not all dragons bond with a rider in their youth, and Sheepstealer is one example. The brown dragon spent many years on his own, growing to a considerable size. After he developed a taste for mutton, the dragon became best known for stealing sheep from their fields, hence receiving the name Sheepstealer by those who feared it. With a growing scarcity of food, Sheepstealer moves all the way to the Vale, terrorizing the people there as it burns large areas in the mountainous land. There he encounters Rhaena. Determined to get a dragon of her own, Rhaena leaves the procession and chases Sheepstealer in hopes of claiming the wild dragon, which is an especially dangerous process. As a wild dragon, Sheepstealer is large and fierce, so much so that Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) fears it. House of the Dragon has not yet used his name, but Sheepstealer does appear in the Season 2 finale. After a grueling search, Rhaena finds him covered in mud, literally matching his book description.

Though the dragon's age is unknown, Fire & Blood notes that he hatched when Jaehaerys was young, making him comparable to Vermithor and Silverwing. Though considered ugly by some, Sheepstealer is among the largest dragons in the world. Sheepstealer's story is slightly different in the book, where he never ventures to the Vale alone, instead being claimed on Dragonstone by a mysterious bastard girl named Nettles, who gains the dragon's trust by bringing him food for several days before trying to mount him. House of the Dragon has not yet given him a rider but all signs point to Rhaena as they young Targaryen comes face to face with the beast in the finale. Though she certainly has Targaryen blood, through both her father and her grandmother, Rhaena has failed to bond with dragons before, but Sheepstealer may still choose her. While this would be a drastic change from the book, Sheepstealer can still play a similar part in the war as both Nettles and Rhaena side with Rhaenyra.

Other Dragons 'House of the Dragon' Discusses

While only so many dragons are alive, not all have appeared onscreen. Season 2, Episode 3 provides one name that still has not appeared: Tyraxes. Though small, Tyraxes is bonded to Rhaenyra's third son, Joffrey (Oscar Eskinazi). Sent to the Vale to ensure their alliance, Tyraxes does not appear in the series, but he gets a few mentions. Tyraxes and Joffrey are accompanied on their journey by Rhaena and the two youngest princes. However, Tryaxes and baby Stormcloud are not the only dragons to make the trip. With the princes and their dragons, Rhaenyra gives four eggs to Rhaena, calling them the future, which is very literal considering three are Daenerys' in Game of Thrones, but that leaves one unaccounted for, so potentially, a new dragon could appear. A few other dragons living on Dragonstone are mentioned in Season 1, Episode 10, "The Black Queen." As Daemon lists the dragons they have access to, he acknowledges three wild, riderless dragons, counting them as Rhaenyra's due to proximity. Of these three, only Sheepstealer has appeared or even gotten another mention, meaning there are two more living dragons the series can explore.

Of course, other dragons will not participate in the impeding Dance because they are already dead. Two dragon skulls appear in the Targaryens' castles. One is the massive skull of Balerion, the Black Dread, the last surviving dragon to see Valyria. Ridden by Aegon I, Maegor, Aerea, and most recently, Viserys I, Balerion was larger than even Vhagar. The beast is renowned throughout Westeros for his size and role in Aegon's conquest. Balerion is the only known dragon to have died of old age, being at least 200 years old. His remains appear in House of the Dragon on display in King's Landing. The series highlights the conqueror's dragon as Viserys tells his daughter of Aegon's prophecy in Season 1. But Balerion isn't the only dragon skull the Targaryens keep around. The other dead dragon is Meraxes, ridden by Aegon I's sister-wife, Rhaenys (not to be confused with her descendant of the same name). As seen several times in Season 2, Meraxes' skull rests in Dragonstone, reminding the family that dragons can be killed as she was shot out of the sky by a Dornish scorpion. Both of these dragons have an important role in the Targaryens' story, so it is fitting that they are acknowledged, if only briefly. They serve as an important reminder of the dragons' history and the fates that can befall them.

House of the Dragon is currently streaming on Max in the U.S. New episodes air every Sunday.

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