The Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, marks the violent unraveling of a dynasty once held together by fire and blood. Dragons were symbols of dominance and legitimacy. In House of the Dragon, these creatures are central to the power struggle between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II. What follows is a detailed breakdown of the dragons that played a role, along with their riders and ultimate fates, as presented in the show and supported by George R. R. Martin’s Fire and Blood.
Syrax
Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen
Named after a Valyrian goddess, Syrax is a yellow-scaled she-dragon bonded with Rhaenyra since her youth. Though not known for her ferocity in war, Syrax remained a symbol of Rhaenyra’s claim. She was kept confined for much of the conflict and met her end during the fall of Dragonstone.
Caraxes
Rider: Daemon Targaryen
Also called the Blood Wyrm, Caraxes was a lean, red dragon with a savage temper. Fierce and battle-tested, he had been ridden by Prince Aemon Targaryen before Daemon. He died in a brutal clash above the Gods Eye, taking down Vhagar in a final act of violence.
Vhagar
Rider: Laena Velaryon, then Aemond Targaryen
The oldest and largest living dragon during the Dance, Vhagar had once fought in Aegon’s Conquest. After Laena’s death, the she-dragon bonded with the ambitious Aemond. Vhagar was responsible for some of the deadliest strikes during the war but perished in a mid-air collision with Caraxes.
Sunfyre
Rider: Aegon II Targaryen
A stunning golden dragon, Sunfyre was described as the most beautiful of them all. Despite his looks, he suffered devastating injuries early in the war. After losing the ability to fly, he remained grounded until Aegon forced him into battle once more, where he eventually succumbed to his wounds.
Meleys
Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen
Known as the Red Queen, Meleys was old but swift. She had been unmatched in speed during her prime. Rhaenys and Meleys were slain in the Battle at Rook’s Rest, overwhelmed by the combined might of Vhagar and Sunfyre.
Seasmoke
Rider: Laenor Velaryon, later Addam Velaryon
A pale-grey dragon once bonded with Laenor, Seasmoke remained riderless after his presumed death. He later accepted Addam Velaryon, a legitimised bastard, and fought bravely at Tumbleton. His ultimate fate remains unclear, as Seasmoke vanished following Addam’s death.
Vermax
Rider: Jacaerys Velaryon
Bound to Rhaenyra’s eldest son, Vermax was relatively young and inexperienced in warfare. Both dragon and rider perished during a failed mission to rally support in the Vale and the North.
Arrax
Rider: Lucerys Velaryon
Small and quick, Arrax was too young to stand against the might of Vhagar. While delivering a message to Storm’s End, Lucerys and Arrax were caught and killed by Aemond in a deadly chase through stormy skies.
Tyraxes
Rider: Joffrey Velaryon
A hatchling during the Dance, Tyraxes never grew to maturity in time to impact the war. He was trapped and killed during the sacking of Dragonstone when the fortress was overrun.
Moondancer
Rider: Baela Targaryen
Moondancer was small and swift, with pale green colouring. Despite her size, she fought valiantly alongside Baela. The two battled Sunfyre at Dragonstone, where Moondancer was mortally wounded. Baela survived but was badly injured.
Tessarion
Rider: Daeron Targaryen
Known as the Blue Queen, Tessarion was noted for her cobalt scales and graceful flight. She played a key role in battles around Tumbleton, particularly in support of the Hightower cause. She was later killed, likely by another dragon or through a mercy killing after the chaos at Second Tumbleton.
Silverwing
Rider: Ulf the White (formerly Queen Alysanne Targaryen’s dragon)
An older and more docile dragon, Silverwing was initially reluctant to engage in the war. She eventually bonded with Ulf the White, one of the dragonseeds. After Ulf’s death, Silverwing roamed freely, refusing further riders.
Sheepstealer
Rider: Nettles
A wild, reclusive brown dragon, Sheepstealer earned his name for his taste in livestock. Nettles, a dragonseed girl, managed to bond with him through patience and feeding. The two disappeared during the war and were never seen again.
Cannibal
Rider: None
A wild, untamed dragon that lived on Dragonstone and preyed on hatchlings and the dead. Cannibal never accepted a rider and avoided direct involvement in the war. His fate remains unknown.
Grey Ghost
Rider: None
Named for his pale colouring and elusive nature, Grey Ghost avoided humans and was rarely seen. He was killed by Sunfyre after a mistaken attack.
The Dance of the Dragons was the beginning of the end for the great winged beasts of House Targaryen. Many perished violently, others disappeared into legend. The war stripped the family of its most dangerous advantage, and though dragons would return in later centuries, they never again soared across Westeros in such numbers or with such power. House of the Dragon brings these creatures to life with visceral weight and tragic finality, grounding myth in blood and ruin.
