The world of House of the Dragon, much like its predecessor Game of Thrones, thrives on spectacle, dynastic ambition, and political intrigue. Yet, unlike the original series, the defining feature of this prequel lies in the dragons themselves. These are not mythical oddities. They are tools of war, instruments of fear, and living symbols of Targaryen dominance.
Below is a breakdown of the most powerful dragons featured in House of the Dragon, based on what we know from both the show and George R. R. Martin’s source material, Fire & Blood.
Vhagar
Rider: Laena Velaryon, later Aemond Targaryen
Size: Enormous
Status: Alive (as of Season 2)
Vhagar is the largest living dragon at the time of the Dance of the Dragons. Once ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon’s Conquest, she is one of the few dragons that fought beside Balerion the Black Dread. Though smaller than Balerion in his prime, Vhagar remains immense, seasoned, and devastating in battle. Her bond with Aemond makes her a formidable threat to the Blacks.
Caraxes
Rider: Daemon Targaryen
Size: Large
Status: Alive (as of Season 2)
Known as the Blood Wyrm, Caraxes is aggressive, agile, and notably more serpentine than most dragons. His lean build belies his ferocity in combat. First ridden by Prince Aemon and then by Daemon, Caraxes is a battle-scarred veteran. Though not in Vhagar’s weight class, his speed and ruthlessness make him deadly in aerial engagements.
Syrax
Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen
Size: Medium to large
Status: Alive (as of Season 2)
Syrax is younger and less experienced than the elder dragons, but still powerful. She has been with Rhaenyra since the princess’s youth and is noted for her distinctive yellow colouring. While she has not yet seen full-scale combat, her bond with the rightful heir to the Iron Throne positions her as a key asset in the conflict.
Meleys
Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen
Size: Large
Status: Alive (as of Season 2)
Meleys, the Red Queen, is among the fastest dragons in the realm. Once ridden by Alyssa Targaryen and now by Rhaenys, she combines speed with striking beauty and deadly precision. Her dramatic emergence during Aegon II’s coronation is one of the most charged moments in the series so far, a reminder that old dragons are not to be underestimated.
Vermithor
Rider: None (wild, formerly King Jaehaerys I)
Size: Huge
Status: Wild but approached by Daemon Targaryen
Vermithor, the Bronze Fury, is a massive dragon that once served King Jaehaerys I. After his rider’s death, Vermithor went unclaimed for decades. By the time of the Dance, he remains one of the oldest and largest dragons in Westeros. Only Vhagar surpasses him among living dragons, and in his youth, he was second only to Balerion the Black Dread, the largest dragon to ever fly.
Sunfyre
Rider: Aegon II Targaryen
Size: Medium to large
Status: Alive (injured in lore)
Sunfyre is strikingly beautiful, covered in golden scales and rose-tinted wings. While he lacks the battle record of the older dragons, he is capable and devastating in flight. His youth and brilliance make him a symbol for the Greens, but his legacy is also marked by serious wounds sustained in the war, particularly in the books.
Arrax
Rider: Lucerys Velaryon
Size: Small
Status: Dead
Arrax is one of the younger dragons in the Dance, fast and brave but ultimately no match for Vhagar. His death over Shipbreaker Bay is one of the pivotal early moments of the civil war, underscoring the brutal imbalance between the younger dragons and the titanic veterans from the Conquest era.
Tyraxes
Rider: Joffrey Velaryon
Size: Young
Status: Alive (unproven)
Tyraxes is still maturing and has yet to be tested in combat. His role in the war is more about future potential than present strength. Like several of the younger dragons, his fate will likely depend on how long the war lasts.
Moondancer
Rider: Baela Targaryen
Size: Small and fast
Status: Alive
Moondancer is unusually swift and nimble, even by dragon standards. Though she is smaller than most adult dragons, her agility could prove decisive in specific combat scenarios. Baela is a fierce and determined rider, and their pairing may yet have an important role in the war’s later phases.
Legacy of Balerion the Black Dread
While Balerion himself is long dead by the time of House of the Dragon, his shadow looms over the entire age. No living dragon has ever equalled his size, power, or fearsome reputation. He was the mount of Aegon the Conqueror and the one who melted Harrenhal with dragonfire. The dragons of the Dance live in his wake, and comparisons to him remain a measure of greatness. Vhagar and Vermithor are the closest heirs to that legacy, survivors from his era and reminders of just how destructive Targaryen power can be when fully unleashed.
Summary Table: Major Dragons in House of the Dragon
| Dragon | Rider | Size | Status (S2) | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vhagar | Aemond Targaryen | Enormous | Alive | Oldest, fought alongside Balerion |
| Caraxes | Daemon Targaryen | Large | Alive | Aggressive, agile, serpentine build |
| Syrax | Rhaenyra Targaryen | Medium-Large | Alive | Loyal and mature |
| Meleys | Rhaenys Targaryen | Large | Alive | Extremely fast, experienced |
| Vermithor | None (wild) | Huge | Wild | Second only to Balerion in past power |
| Sunfyre | Aegon II Targaryen | Medium-Large | Alive | Golden, wounded in the lore |
| Arrax | Lucerys Velaryon | Small | Dead | Outmatched by Vhagar |
| Tyraxes | Joffrey Velaryon | Young | Alive | Still maturing |
| Moondancer | Baela Targaryen | Small | Alive | Fast and agile |
The Seven Swords Takeaway
The dragons of House of the Dragon are more than set pieces. They are deeply tied to Targaryen identity and the unfolding civil war. While the newer dragons have promise, it is the ancient survivors of Balerion’s generation that truly dominate the skies. And it is their return to open warfare that makes the Dance of the Dragons not just a political crisis, but a fiery reckoning for all of Westeros.alating, the skies over Westeros are growing darker, louder, and far more dangerous.
