The idea of introducing dragons to the screen has long captivated viewers; Daenerys’ three dragons from Game of Thrones are the prime illustration of this. Following this, the American fantasy drama House of the Dragon, which was developed under the creative direction of George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, is now taking it to a whole new level.
Although the names of the dragons in Game of Thrones were of little significance given the role they played, the tale in House of the Dragon is very different. Therefore, it becomes crucial for the viewers to have a general understanding of all the dragons that season 2 will bring forth. Let’s start the list with the most well-known of the lot.
1. Syrax
Syrax, a name taken from a Valyrian goddess, is the first dragon to make an appearance on the American fantasy drama, so it’s only fair that it belongs to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by actress Emma D’Archy.
The first glimpse of the gold beast was seen in season 1, episode 2, when the young princess, played by Milly Alcock, mounted her to meet her future husband and then uncle, Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith.
Towards the end of the end of season 2, the gold-scaled beast emerged as Rhaenyra’s most significant ally. Although the dragon’s age is unclear, it shouldn’t be significantly older than the princess.
2. Caraxes
One of the strongest dragons in the series, Caraxes was known as “Blood Wyrm” in the Fire & Blood novel by George R.R. Martin due to its bright red scales and a rather slim body. The first season of the show introduced the red-scaled beast when Daemon Targaryen adopted him after his uncle Aemon Targaryen passed away.
Given the significant impact Caraxes had on the War for the Stepstones, his strength has been put to the test numerous times. With a lifespan of about 60 years, the beast is among the series’ oldest dragons, and with him, Daemon Targaryen is undoubtedly one of the most powerful characters in the fantasy drama.
3. Vhagar
The largest and oldest dragon that existed in Westeros during the House of the Dragons, Vhagar is the sister of the late Balerion the Dread, and the only living dragon from that time and age. Towards the end of the first season, Laena Targaryen, played by Nanna Blondell, claimed her. Later, during a terrible birthing scene, she gave Vhagar the order to burn her completely.
After her death, the dragon begins bonding with the young prince, Aemond Targaryen, played by Ewan Mitchell. The massive dragon is roughly 180 years of age, extremely dangerous, and extremely experienced in war.
So, for Aemond Targaryen to claim her, was a significant win for the Greens, given her immense firepower.
4. Meleys
The “Red Queen,” as Meleys is known, made a dramatic yet strong entrance when she and her rider Rhaenys Targaryen, played by Eve Best, crashed King Argon II’s coronation, played by Tom Glynn-Carney, in Season 1, Episode 9. However, before Rhaenys, she belonged to the mother of the late King Viserys, played by Paddy Considine.
While Meleys is recognized as a battle-hardened dragon, she is swifter than the other larger dragons. Further, Meleys is approximately fifty years old.
5. Sunfyre
Sunfyre is described in George R.R. Martin’s classic novel Fire & Blood as “the most beautiful dragon ever seen in the known world.” Owing to this, the beautiful golden-scaled dragon belongs to King Aegon II Targaryen.
This relatively young dragon is quite huge in bodily size, as evidenced by the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons. The audience has yet to see the beast on screen, but knowing that she belongs to the King, she would undoubtedly be formidable.
6. Dreamfyre
The silver and blue-scaled beast belongs to the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms Helena, played by Phia Saban, and is normally found in the pits of King’s Landing.
Furthermore, she lays the most eggs than any dragon on the show, and some fans believe Danaery’s eggs in Game of Thrones descended from Dreamfyre. Additionally, her pale blue scales and thin form make her one of the most visually stunning dragons on the show.
7. Vermax
Vermax belongs to Rhaenyra’s firstborn son, Jacaerys Velaryon, a youthful dragon rider eager to participate in wars. In the season one conclusion, Velaryon hears devastating news, that both his brother Lucerys and his dragon Arrax have been killed by Aemond Targaryen.
The dragon, like Velaryon’s yearning to help his mother, grows with each passing year. However, when compared to other dragons like Vhagar and Caraxes, Vermax is relatively small in size.
8. Moondancer
The young green dragon is yet to appear on screen, but reportedly, due to its bond with Daemon and Laena’s daughter, Baela Targaryen, she would most likely be its rider. Between their twin daughters, Baela and Rhaena, only Baela has a dragon of her own, at least for now.
Moondancer is one of the youngest dragons in the Fire & Blood series of books. However, fans will have to wait to discover what Moondancer and Baela Targaryen have in store.
Unclaimed Dragons without any rider
There are perhaps five unclaimed dragons in the series: Vermithor, Silverwing, Seasmoke, Tyraxes, and Sheapstealer. Seasmoke is most known for its association with Corlys and Rhaenys’ son, Laenor Targaryen. The second dragon is Vermithor, which the audience may recognize because of its immense size, due to a visit from Daemon Targaryen near the end of the first season. Given his massive stature and firepower, Vermithor is the most likely to return to the show in some capacity.
The other dragons that we noted that still fly but without any riders are Silverwing, Sheapstealer, and Tyraxes. However, if the war continues with intensity, some dragonless characters may as well claim them.
House of the Dragon Season 2 has debuted on June 16th on HBO.
