The writers of the Game of Thrones prequel promised a lot more dragons than there were in the original series, and they certainly delivered.
In season 1 of House of the Dragon, we saw ten dragons – nine living ones, plus the giant skull of Balerion, the Black Dread. The HBO series is expected to show seventeen dragons in total, meaning we’ll likely encounter several new fire-breathing beasts during the second season.
According to Targaryen legend, dragons were born in the volcanoes of Valyria. Other theories suggest they were created by ancient wizards using blood magic. Winged monsters once inhabited all known lands, but gradually their population was limited only to the Valyrian Empire.
After the destruction of Valyria, the only dragons that survived were those belonging to the Targaryen family. Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters settled on Dragonstone with five beasts. Although the winged reptiles gave power to the family, they quickly began to degenerate and disappear.
However, during the House of the Dragon, the Targaryens still possess many winged beasts. Here’s a list of all the dragons that have appeared in the series so far – we’ll update the article whenever a new fire-breathing lizard makes its on-screen debut.
If you want to know more about the next episode of House of the Dragon, check out our roundup of the show’s second season.
Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 below.
Which dragons appeared in House of the Dragon?
Syrax (Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen)
The Golden Dragoness’ name is derived from the Valyrian goddess of wine, celebration, madness, chaos and ecstasy. Syrax, one of the largest and most powerful Targaryen dragons, is owned by Queen Rhaenyra, who first took flight at the age of seven.
Caraxes (Rider: Targaryen Demon)
The name of the powerful beast, with red scales and a long neck, comes from the Valyrian god of the sea. Caraxes, also called 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 claims Caraxes, making him his faithful companion.
Meleys (Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen)
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Discovery Warner Bros.
Discovery Warner Bros.
Princess Rhaenys’ dragoness is an old beast with red scales, pink wings, and copper fangs, claws, and horns. Her name is derived from the Valyrian goddess of love and fertility. In her youth, 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 dragoness is one of three beasts participating in the conquest of Westeros – Queen Visenya rode her. Later its owner was Laena Velaryon, then it was claimed by Aemond Targaryen, the second son of Alicent Hightower. Vhagar is a bronze beast with glowing green eyes. During the Dance of Dragons, she is almost as big as the famous Balerion, the Black Terror.
Vermithor (unclaimed)
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Discovery Warner Bros.
Discovery Warner Bros.
The dragon of the late King Jaehaerys, grandfather of Viserys and Rhaenys Targaryen, resides deep within the Dragonstone Caves. Due to his bronze scales and violent nature, he is nicknamed the Bronze Fury. It is a powerful beast – in size it is surpassed only by Balerion and Vhagar. Vermithor has no rider, but in the season 1 finale, Daemon attempts to take control of him.
Vermax (Rider: Jacaerys Velaryon)
It 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 during the battle against the Crab Feeder during the Stepstone War. It is unclear who now owns the Seasmoke.
Arrax (Rider: Lucerys Velaryon)
He is a dragon claimed by Rhaenyra’s second son. According to George Martin, it has pearl white scales, golden eyes and a yellow flame. Arrax is young and inexperienced, as shown in his battle with Vhagar, which he ultimately lost, leading to the dragon’s and Lucerys’ demise.
Dreamfyre (Rider: Helaena Targaryen)
Dreamfyre, a silver-blue beast, originally belonged to the granddaughter of Aegon the Conqueror. Many years later, Dreamfyre was claimed by Helaena, the 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 given to Daenerys in Game of Thrones could have come from Dreamfyre.
Balerion (dead)
Initially, he was Aegon the Conqueror’s dragon. Balerion was a gigantic black monster that spit black fire and his name referred to the Valyrian god of the underworld. According to descriptions in George RR Martin’s books, it had fangs as long as swords and jaws so large they 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 nicknamed Black Dread. After Aegon’s death, he had several more riders, the last being King Viserys I. Balerion only appeared as a skeleton in the House of the Dragon.
How many dragons do Black and Green have?
In the final episode of House of the Dragon season 1, Daemon summarizes the number of dragons both sides have. Taking into account his calculation and information from Martin’s books, the list looks like this:
Dragons of the Rhaenyra group (The Blacks):
- Claims: Syrax, Caraxes, Meleys, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, Moondancer
- Unclaimed: Vermithor, Seasmoke, Silverwing
- Young dragons: Storm cloud, Morghul, Shrykos
- Wild Dragons: Gray ghost, sheep thief, cannibal
Rhaenyra’s group also contains three dragon eggs.
Dragons of the Alicent party (The Greens):
- Claims: Vhagar, Solar Fire, Dream Fire, Tessarion
As you can see, Rhaenyra’s party currently has a clear advantage in terms of dragons. Wild beasts are particularly interesting, as they are extremely dangerous and have never had a rider. Since Daemon mentioned them, there is a chance they will appear in future seasons.
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