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The writers of the Game of Thrones prequel promised many more dragons than what was in the original series, and they certainly delivered.
In House of the Dragon season 1, we saw ten dragons – nine alive, plus Balerion’s giant skull, the Black Dread. The HBO series is expected to feature a total of seventeen dragons, meaning we’ll meet several new fire-breathing beasts in the second season.
According to Targaryen legend, the dragons were born in volcanoes in Valyria. Other theories suggest they were created by ancient wizards who used blood magic. Once upon a time, the winged monsters inhabited all known lands, but gradually their population was limited to the Valyrian Empire.
After the destruction of Valyria, the only dragons that survived were those of the Targaryen family. Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters settled on Dragonstone with five beasts. Although the winged reptiles gave the family power, they soon began to degenerate and become extinct.
However, during House of the Dragon, the Targaryens still have numerous winged beasts. Here is a list of all the dragons that have appeared in the series so far. We will update the article as soon as a new fire-breathing lizard appears on the screen.
If you want to know more about the upcoming episode of House of the Dragon, check out our recap of the show’s second season. We’ve also created a handy character guide to keep track of the most important people on the show.
Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 below.
Which dragons have appeared in House of the Dragon?
Syrax (rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen)
The name of the golden female dragon is derived from the Valyrian goddess of wine, feasting, madness, chaos and ecstasy. One of the largest and strongest Targaryen dragons, Syrax belongs to Queen Rhaenyra, who took her first dragon flight at the age of seven.
Caraxes (rider: Daemon Targaryen)
The name of the mighty beast, which has red scales and a long neck, comes from the Valyrian god of the sea. Caraxes, also called the Blood Wyrm, is a strong and ancient beast originally ridden by Aemon Targaryen, Daemon’s uncle and Rhaenys’ father. After his death, the Rogue Prince claimed Caraxes, making him his devoted companion.
Meleys (rider: Rhaenys Targaryen)
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
Princess Rhaenys’ female dragon is an ancient beast with red scales, pink wings, and copper-colored fangs, claws, and horns. Her name is derived from the Valyrian goddess of love and fertility. In her younger years, she was one of the fastest Targaryen dragons, and although she lost this trait with age, she became cunning and fearless in battle. She is nicknamed the Red Queen.
Vhagar (rider: Aemond Targaryen)
The gigantic female dragon is one of three beasts that participate in the conquest of Westeros – Queen Visenya rode her. Later her owner was Laena Velaryon, and she was subsequently claimed by Aemond Targaryen, second son of Alicent Hightower. Vhagar is a bronze beast with bright green eyes. During the Dance of the Dragons, she is almost as tall as the famous Balerion, the Black Dread.
Vermithor (unclaimed)
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
The dragon of the late King Jaehaerys, grandfather of Viserys and Rhaenys Targaryen, resides deep in the caves on Dragonstone. Because of his bronze scales and violent nature, he is nicknamed the Bronze Fury. He is a powerful beast – surpassed only in size by Balerion and Vhagar. Vermithor has no rider, but in the final episode of season 1, Daemon attempts to take control of him.
Vermax (rider: Jacaerys Velaryon)
He is a young dragon with olive green scales and orange wing membranes. Vermax belongs to the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Seasmoke (rider: Laenor Targaryen)
He is the silver dragon claimed by the son of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen. He showed his powers in battle against the Crab Feeder during the War for the Stepstones. It is unclear who owns the Seasmoke now.
Arrax (rider: Lucerys Velaryon)
He is a dragon claimed by the second son of Rhaenyra. According to George Martin, it has pearly white scales, golden eyes and breathes yellow fire. Arrax is young and inexperienced, as evidenced by his battle with Vhagar, which he ultimately lost – leading to the demise of both the dragon and Lucerys.
Dreamfyre (rider: Helaena Targaryen)
Dreamfyre, a silver-blue beast, was originally owned by the granddaughter of Aegon the Conqueror. Many years later, Dreamfyre was claimed by Helaena, daughter of Viserys and Alicent Hightower. Over the years she has laid many eggs, some of which have been stolen. According to some theories, the eggs gifted to Daenerys in Game of Thrones could have come from Dreamfyre.
Moondancer (rider: Baela Targaryen)
She is a young female dragon who belongs to the daughter of Prince Daemon and the deceased Laena Velaryon. Moondander has light green scales and pearl horns. She is small and lightweight, but agile and fast.
Balerion (dead)
Initially he was the dragon of Aegon the Conqueror. Balerion was a gigantic black monster that breathed black fire, and his name referred to the Valyrian god of the underworld. According to descriptions in George RR Martin’s books, he had fangs as long as swords and jaws so large that he could swallow a mammoth. He destroyed the fortress of Harrenhal and helped forge the Iron Throne. Due to his color and terrifying abilities, he was called the Black Dread. After Aegon’s death, he had a number of other riders – the last being King Viserys I. Balerion appeared only as a skeleton in the House of the Dragon.
If you want to see how a typical dragon behaves, watch the video below:
How many dragons do the Blacks and Greens have?
In the final episode of House of the Dragon season 1, Daemon lists how many dragons both sides have. Taking into account his calculation and information from Martin’s books, the list looks like this:
Dragons of the Rhaenyra Party (The Blacks):
- Claimed: Syrax, Caraxes, Meleys, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, Moondancer
- Unclaimed: Vermithor, Sea Smoke, Silverwing
- Young dragons: Storm Cloud, Morghul, Shrykos
- Wild dragons: Gray ghost, sheep thief, cannibal
Rhaenyra’s party also has four dragon eggs, which have been given to Rhaena Targaryen for safekeeping. The writers have now confirmed that three of these eggs housed the dragons belonging to Daenerys Targaryen many years later.
Dragons of Alicent’s party (The Greens):
- Claimed: Vhagar, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, Tessarion
As you can see, Rhaenyra’s party currently has a clear advantage in dragons. The wild animals are particularly interesting because they are extremely dangerous and have never had riders. Since Daemon mentioned them, there’s a chance they’ll appear in future seasons.