Everything we know about Tyraxes in House of the Dragon

Fans of Game of Thrones are excited to see more of the mythical dragons of Westeros in House of the Dragon. We have already seen the vast roster of dragons from Team Green and Team Black, and seen this massive beasts tussle in aerial combat. But there are still some dragons that have not yet appeared in the spotlight.

Tyraxes, the dragon of Prince Joffrey Velaryon, is bound to make an appearance soon. George R.R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood outlines the dragon’s history. Here’s everything you need to know about Tyraxes.

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Quick Details

Who was Tyraxes?

Tyraxes by Artaedra

Tyraxes was Prince Joffrey Velaryon’s dragon. He was smaller than dragons like Vermax and Arrax. Tyraxes was a lively dragon that continued to grow each year.

During the Dance of the Dragons, Tyraxes had learned to fly long distances. However, he was not fully ready for combat. Tyraxes thrived as he matured, and his appearance evolved significantly.

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Quick Facts

House of the Dragon

• Tyraxes was mentioned in House of the Dragon Season 2.
• Tyraxes belonged to Joffrey Velaryon, Princess Rhaenyra’s youngest son.

Fire and Blood

• Tyraxes first appeared in Fire and Blood by George R.R. Martin.
• He hatched from an egg placed in Joffrey Velaryon’s cradle.
• He was born around 120 AC, alongside Vermax and Arrax.
• Tyraxes grew steadily but remained smaller than other dragons of his time.
• He died in the Storming of the Dragonpit during the Dance of the Dragons.

In the show

Credit: HBO

House of the Dragon Season 2

Tyraxes is a dragon bred by House Targaryen and bonded to Joffrey Velaryon. In House of the Dragon: Season 2, Tyraxes is transported alongside Stormcloud in a kennel carried by Dragonkeepers. This occurs as Joffrey prepares to depart for the Eyrie to secure Rhaenyra’s alliance with House Arryn. Lady Jeyne Arryn expresses dissatisfaction, claiming that Tyraxes and Stormcloud are too small to intimidate enemies or ensure victory.

Appearances

His first mention occurs in House of the Dragon episode “The Black Queen”. He is later heard in the episode “The Burning Mill”.

In the books

Credits: HBO

Appearance

In 129 AC, Tyraxes was thriving and growing each year. He was slightly smaller than Vermax and Arrax. By the start of the Dance of the Dragons, Tyraxes could fly long distances with his rider but was not ready for combat. His coloring is not described in the books. Artist Rudolf Hima depicted Tyraxes as a pale violet dragon with dark purple horns and purple flames, based on George R. R. Martin’s descriptions.

Dragon Egg and Early Life

Tyraxes hatched from an egg placed in the cradle of Prince Joffrey Velaryon by decree of King Viserys I Targaryen. The king sought to affirm Rhaenyra’s sons as legitimate heirs, despite rumors questioning their parentage. The dragon eggs placed with Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey all hatched, silencing doubters at court.

Tyraxes bonded with Joffrey, marking the youngest Velaryon son as a dragonrider. While the exact date of his hatching is unknown, it occurred before 120 AC. By 129 AC, Tyraxes had grown large enough to carry Joffrey on short and mid-range flights, although his combat capabilities were still limited.

Rhaenyra’s sons were gifted dragon eggs to symbolize their rightful place in the Targaryen dynasty. Those skeptical of the boys’ legitimacy believed the eggs would not hatch, but the swift emergence of Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes proved them wrong. The young dragons became a vital part of the Blacks’ strategy.

The bond between Tyraxes and Joffrey solidified their shared role in Rhaenyra’s quest for the Iron Throne. Despite his youth and inexperience, Joffrey’s connection to Tyraxes represented hope and strength for his family during the turbulent civil war that followed.

The Dance of the Dragons

When the Dance of the Dragons began in 129 AC, Joffrey Velaryon repeatedly begged Rhaenyra to ride Tyraxes into battle. She refused, citing his youth and Tyraxes’s inexperience. Later, Joffrey and Rhaena of Pentos flew Tyraxes from Dragonstone to Gulltown and then to the Eyrie, where they were wards of Lady Jeyne Arryn.

In 130 AC, Rhaenyra captured King’s Landing and recalled Joffrey from the Eyrie. A fleet escorted Joffrey and Tyraxes to the capital. Though eager to fight, Joffrey promised to keep Tyraxes in the Dragonpit to protect the Red Keep. Tyraxes remained laired in the Dragonpit during the growing unrest in the city.

During the riots in King’s Landing, Joffrey attempted to reach Tyraxes in the Dragonpit but fell to his death while riding Syrax, Rhaenyra’s dragon. At the Dragonpit, Tyraxes killed many rioters with fire, blocking the lair’s entrance with corpses. However, the mob broke in through the rear entrance.

Trapped by his steel chains, Tyraxes was unable to defend himself effectively. Hundreds of attackers overwhelmed him with swords, spears, and axes. His movements were restricted, and he was killed after a fierce struggle. Multiple rioters claimed credit for dealing the mortal blow to the young dragon.

After Tyraxes’s death, the mob mutilated his remains. His wings were stripped, and the membranes were used to create dragonskin cloaks. This act symbolized the smallfolk’s hatred and defiance against dragons and the Targaryens during the riot, marking the brutal end of Tyraxes’s short but impactful life.

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Quotes

“Prince Joffrey’s Tyraxes retreated back into his lair, we are told, roasting so many would-be dragonslayers as they rushed after him that its entrance was soon made impassable by their corpses.” – Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

What happened to Tyraxes in the Dance of the Dragons?

Tyraxes died in the Storming of the Dragonpit during the Dance of the Dragons. This event occurred in both the books and the show.

Who rode Tyraxes?

Prince Joffrey Velaryon rode Tyraxes. This is true for both the show House of the Dragon and George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood.

How did Tyraxes die?

During riots in King’s Landing, Tyraxes accidentally strangled himself with his own chains. This detail is from Fire and Blood.

Was Tyraxes involved in any battles?

No, Tyraxes was not ready for battle. He had just begun long-distance flights during the Dance of the Dragons. This is confirmed in Fire and Blood.

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