Everything we know about Meleys “The Red Queen” from House of the Dragon

In the world of Westeros, created by George R.R. Martin, dragons hold immense significance, especially during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. One dragon that played a pivotal role early in the conflict was Meleys, also called the Red Queen.

Bonded with Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Meleys was known for her red scales and swift speed. Fans of Game of Thrones and its prequel series, House of the Dragon, will recognize her as one of the prominent dragons in the Targaryen power struggle.

This article explores Meleys’ role in both the books and the show, offering insights into her importance in the Targaryen legacy. Whether you’re a fan of the series or Martin’s novels, there’s much to uncover about Meleys’ contributions to Westeros’ history.

Read More: Eve Best (Rhaenys) talks about her audition process for House of The Dragon

Who is Meleys, The Red Queen?

Credits: Samuel Cuadrado

Meleys was a dragon in Westeros during the time of House Targaryen’s rule. She was one of the largest and fastest dragons of her time. Her scales were bright red, which led to her nickname, “The Red Queen.”

Meleys had two riders in her life. First, she was ridden by Princess Alyssa Targaryen. Later, she became the dragon of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, who rode her during the Dance of the Dragons.

Meleys was known for her speed and power. She played a big part in the war between different Targaryen factions. Her last battle was at Rook’s Rest, where she fought against two other dragons. This battle was a turning point in the war and led to Meleys’ death.

In both the books and the TV show, Meleys is shown as a fearsome dragon who left a lasting mark on Westerosi history.

Quick facts

• Known as “The Red Queen”
• Ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons
• Previously ridden by Princess Alyssa Targaryen
• One of the fastest and most agile dragons in Westeros
• The second dragon to die during the Dance of the Dragons

Read More: Eve Best says Meleys was Rhaenys’ “other self”, was tough to picture the dragon “being torn to shreds”

Meleys in Fire and Blood

Credit: Jota Saraiva

Physical Description

• Brilliant red scales
• Crest, horns, and claws described as bright red as copper
• One of the largest dragons after Vhagar

History and Riders

1. Princess Alyssa Targaryen

• First rider of Meleys
• Chose Meleys over Balerion due to her swiftness
• She took her sons Viserys and Daemon flying on Meleys as babies

2. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

• Claimed Meleys in 87 AC
• Accompanied King Jaehaerys on his royal progress to the Shield Islands in 89 AC
• Arrived at her wedding to Lord Corlys Velaryon riding Meleys in 90 AC

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

• Rhaenys sided with the Blacks, and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
• Patrolled the Gullet, reinforcing Lord Corlys Velaryon’s blockade
• Participated in the Battle of Rook’s Rest

The Fall of the Red Queen

• Engaged in combat with Vhagar (ridden by Prince Aemond) and Sunfyre (ridden by King Aegon II)
• Managed to injure Sunfyre before being overwhelmed
• Crashed to the ground, killing both Meleys and Rhaenys

Aftermath

• Severed head paraded through King’s Landing
• Her death marked a significant loss for the Blacks

Read More: Getting Ready for House of The Dragon : Meet The Dragons – Part 1

Meleys in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Physical description

• Scarlet scales
• Greenish-yellow eyes
• Crown of bright copper horns

History

• Rejected Prince Daemon, choosing Rhaenys instead
• Known as the fastest dragon in Westeros

Key events

• Laena Velaryon’s Funeral
  • Flew alongside Syrax and Caraxes
• Aegon II’s Coronation
  • Used by Rhaenys to dramatically interrupt the ceremony
  • Foreshadowed by Helaena’s prophetic dream as “the beast beneath the boards”
• Patrolling the Gullet
  • Reinforced the Velaryon blockade
• Battle of Rook’s Rest
  • Engaged in aerial combat with Sunfyre and Vhagar
  • Grievously injured Sunfyre before being ambushed by Vhagar
  • She was killed when Vhagar crushed her neck

Aftermath

• Head paraded through King’s Landing by Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower
• False claim spread that King Aegon II personally slew Meleys

Read More: House of The Dragon wows viewers with a brief look at Vhagar at the European Premiere

Quotes about Meleys

“My father was furious. His own mother’s dragon, the fastest beast ever known, and she’d have none of him. But bent her neck to Rhaenys.” – Baela Targaryen

“Meleys was among the most agile dragons in Westeros. However, during the Dance of the Dragons, she had grown lazy, as she had not seen battle for a long time. Even so, she was still formidable when roused.” – Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Who rode Meleys?

Princess Alyssa Targaryen initially, then Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

How did Meleys die?

In the Battle of Rook’s Rest, fighting against Vhagar and Sunfyre.

Was Meleys in the first season of House of the Dragon?

Yes, most notably interrupting Aegon II’s coronation.

What was Meleys’ nickname?

The Red Queen.

How fast was Meleys compared to other dragons?

She was considered one of the fastest, if not the fastest, dragon in Westeros.