In House of the Dragon, the majestic beasts' presence comes across keenly, as the Targaryen Civil War or the Dance of Dragons features many of these larger-than-life creatures. Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal formed part of the core elements that made up Game of Thrones, a show signifying Daenerys Targaryen's dragons' comeback to Westeros.
The series boasts at least seventeen dragons, each varying in size, abilities, and history. This article will cover the dragons shown in the show up to this point, ranking them in size and discussing their characteristics and known riders.
The major dragons that have appeared on House of the Dragon
1) Vhagar
Vhagar was the largest and most fearsome dragon alive at the time of Balerion's death. She was named after a god of Old Valyria and was ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during the Conquest. After Visenya died, Vhagar remained unclaimed for many years until Baelon Targaryen rode her.
She was claimed at one time by Laena Velaryon, then upon her death, Prince Aemond Targaryen took over, losing an eye in the process. Vhagar at the peak of her battle career was one of the hugest dragons of the Dance of Dragons, with a size almost rivaling Balerion's.
2) Vermithor
Called the Bronze Fury, Vermithor is the second-biggest dragon after Vhagar. Originally a mount for King Jaehaerys I, it has now become a beast with no rider on House of the Dragon. Daemon Targaryen tries to woo him to their side by singing to him in the finale of season one.
One of the fascinating aspects of Vermithor is his close association with Silverwing, Good Queen Alysanne's dragon. Although large and mighty, Vermithor has remained unridden in the series.
3) Seasmoke
Seasmoke is a pale silver-grey dragon known for its agility. While not as large or fearsome as Vermithor, Seasmoke is nimble and fighting-sized. Initially ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon, the dragon later comes under the control of Addam of Hull. After Laenor fakes his death and escapes with his lover, Seasmoke is left behind and becomes Laenor's half-brother, Addam's mount.
4) Silverwing
Silverwing was the steed of Good Queen Alysanne Targaryen and is currently unclaimed. She is said to be more friendly than most dragons and became quite the favorite among the people in the North due to the tours made by Queen Alysanne.
Notably, Silverwing refused to cross the Wall into the lands beyond, indicating an aversion to the mysterious north. This closeness to Vermithor, coupled with her much more peaceful disposition, makes her a unique presence among the dragons in House of the Dragon.
5) Dreamfyre
Dreamfyre is a slender blue dragon with silver markings, hatched during the reign of Aegon the Conqueror. Initially bonded to Rhaena Targaryen, Dreamfyre is now ridden by Helaena Targaryen on House of the Dragon.
Since, Dreamfyre's eggs were stolen, including three taken by Elissa Farman. She is believed to have laid the eggs which hatched Daenerys's dragons. Her slim build belied what she could be capable of, and her ancestry connected her to some very important events throughout the series.
6) Caraxes
Another massively huge, lean, red dragon on House of the Dragon, is the Blood Wyrm, Caraxes. Originally ridden by Aemon Targaryen, Caraxes is now Daemon Targaryen's mount. He has been involved in several battles, which testify to his wrathful nature.
All the experiences that Daemon has shared with Caraxes, starting from their relationship to all the wars they have gone through, increase the strategic value of the dragon in the Targaryen civil war. Among all dragons in the series, Caraxes is stunningly red and of great combat value.
7) Meleys
Meleys, also known as the Red Queen, is distinguished by her scarlet scales flecked with pink. She was ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and made a stunning entrance in the ninth episode of House of the Dragon season one.
Against other dragons mentioned in this list, she seems pretty small, though she is one of the fastest and hence an instrument of great value. Her size is debatable when discussed with other dragons of the kingdom as she is remarked as one of the largest in the books by George R. R. Martin. Her speed and agility make up for the disadvantage in size, and the dreadful sight of her enhances her reputation as a formidable dragon in the ongoing struggle.
8) Syrax
Rhaenyra began riding Syrax, a yellow-scaled dragon, in 104 AC when she was seven. Rhaenyra named Syrax after a Valyrian goddess. This dragon was comparatively smaller yet was selected by the Princess
Though massive and impressive, Syrax was not as battle-hardened as Caraxes and was kept in chains and well-fed.
9) Vermax
According to the books, Vermax was bonded to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, the son of Rhaenyra Targaryen. As Jacaerys grew, so did Vermax, eventually becoming large enough to be ridden during the Dance of the Dragons.
The dragon accompanied Jacaerys on a crucial mission to the North and played a significant role in the Battle in the Gullet. Unfortunately, during this battle, Vermax flew too low and crashed into a burning galley, resulting in the deaths of both Vermax and Jacaerys.
10) Sunfyre
Sunfyre, the dragon of Aegon II Targaryen, hatched on Dragonstone and was claimed by Aegon by 120 AC. His stunning appearance with gold scales, pale pink wing membranes, and golden flames make him a majestic creature.
Archmaester Gyldayn described him as the most beautiful dragon ever seen. Despite his youth, Sunfyre was a formidable fighter. In episode 5 of House of the Dragon season 2, it is suggested that Sunfyre did not survive, potentially altering the course of the war from the events in *Fire and Blood*. This change in the show's canon could lead to significant shifts in the Dance of the Dragons, impacting key events like Rhaenyra's fate.
11) Arrax
Arrax is a dragon with white scales bred by House Targaryen and ridden by Lucerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon.
While his appearance is not mentioned in the books, Arrax has pearlescent scales and red spines, making him swift and agile. In the Season 1 finale, Arrax, and Lucerys are killed by Vhagar, the dragon ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen.
During their clash, Arrax briefly disobeys Lucerys and attacks Vhagar, prompting Vhagar to retaliate with a single, fatal bite that kills both Arrax and Lucerys.
12) Moondancer
In House of the Dragon Season 2, Moondancer plays a notable role when Baela Targaryen rides her to confront Ser Criston Cole. During this encounter, Moondancer is involved in a dramatic scene where she and Baela face off against their adversaries. The show depicts Moondancer's renowned agility and speed.
Understanding the dragon sizes in the House of the Dragon
Some honorable mentions other than Balerion are, Stormcloud and Tyraxes. While Balerion remains to be the biggest Dragon to have ever roamed the skies, these tiny Dragons are ferocious and battle-ready. Stormcloud, a young male dragon was claimed by Prince Aegon the Younger. Tyraxes' end was rather tragic and sad in a mob attack.
What do House of the Dragon Fans think about Dragon size?
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Despite Vhagar's impressive size and ferocity, some HOTD fans on Reddit still argue that Balerion, the Black Dread, deserves the top spot as the largest dragon, even though it has not appeared in the show.
This loyal group refuses to concede the number one position to Vhagar, maintaining that Balerion's legendary status and massive size earn it the rightful claim to the top spot.
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