What are the names of all the dragons in House of the Dragon?

House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, brings George R. R. Martin’s world of dragons to life like never before. While Game of Thrones teased viewers with limited dragon appearances, House of the Dragon fully immerses us in a world where these magnificent creatures are integral to the Targaryen dynasty’s power.

Each prominent Targaryen character has a dragon companion, showcasing the deep bond between rider and beast. This comprehensive guide explores the dragons that appeared in the first season, their characteristics, and their significance to the unfolding story.

Dragons in House of the Dragon Season 1

1. Syrax

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Syrax was a dragon belonging to House Targaryen and served as the personal mount of Rhaenyra Targaryen. She had yellow scales and green eyes. Rhaenyra named her after the Valyrian goddess Syrax. Rhaenyra carved the High Valyrian glyphs for “we are fire made flesh” and “fire and blood” into the horns on Syrax’s left side. Rhaenyra first took Syrax as a mount when she was seven years old. At that time, Syrax was a young dragon with no previous rider.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra flew Syrax around King’s Landing. Afterward, Dragonkeepers escorted Syrax into the Dragonpit. Rhaenyra commanded Syrax to cremate Queen Aemma Arryn and Prince Baelon Targaryen’s bodies. When Rhaenyra learned that her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen had stolen a dragon egg meant for her brother, she rode Syrax to Dragonstone and retrieved the egg without causing any harm. Rhaenyra later offered one of Syrax’s eggs to Alicent’s son, Aemond.

In Season 2, Rhaenyra arrived at the Stormlands on Syrax while searching for Lucerys and Arrax. She discovered Arrax’s wing washed ashore and grieved Lucerys’s death. Rhaenyra later flew Syrax from Dragonstone to Driftmark. Syrax also called to Seasmoke during a conversation between Rhaenyra and Addam of Hull. They flew together to Harrenhal, where the lords of the Riverlands swore fealty to Rhaenyra. Syrax laid several clutches of eggs during the reign of Rhaenyra’s father, Viserys I.

2. Caraxes

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Caraxes is a dragon ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen. Known as the Blood Wyrm for his red scales, he also has yellow eyes, a beard of horns, and wing-like membranes on his legs to improve his flying ability. His long, serpentine body enhances his aerodynamics.

During a confrontation with Otto Hightower at Dragonstone, Caraxes reveals himself on a cliff, making Otto order his men to put away their weapons. Daemon uses Caraxes during the War for the Stepstones. Although having a dragon gives an advantage, the caves along the Bloodstone coast limit his effectiveness. In one raid, Daemon and Caraxes ambush Triarchy forces but cause minimal damage because the enemy hides from dragonfire. Flaming arrows wound Daemon and confuse Caraxes, forcing them to retreat.

In House of the Dragon: Season 2, Daemon flies Caraxes from Dragonstone to Harrenhal so Rhaenyra’s forces can use the castle. They land on Harrenhal’s Kingspyre Tower during a storm. Daemon uses Caraxes to intimidate Lord Amos Bracken during their meeting. Caraxes stays near Harrenhal’s godswood while Daemon is at the castle. He notices Syrax and Seasmoke arriving with Rhaenyra and Addam while resting near the godswood.

The concept art of Caraxes resembles a loong, a dragon depicted as a wingless serpent with four legs. In Fire & Blood, Caraxes is one of the older and larger dragons during the Dance of the Dragons. His red scales earn him the nickname “Blood Wyrm.” Aemon Targaryen, his first rider, dies after being shot by a crossbowman, leaving Caraxes riderless until Daemon claims him.

Read more: House of the Dragon concept art shows Chinese inspiration for Caraxes’ design

3. Balerion the Black Dread

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Balerion, also known as the Black Dread, was the dragon ridden by Aegon the Conqueror during Aegon’s Conquest. His size was legendary; his shadow could cover an entire town when he flew. He was the last creature to see Old Valyria before its fall. Daenys Targaryen claimed him when he was no larger than a horse. That night, she dreamed of the Doom that would destroy Valyria.

Aegon used Balerion during the Century of Blood, and to defeat the Volantene fleet in Lys. Balerion helped Aegon burn Harrenhal, leading to the extinction of House Hoare. At the Field of Fire, Balerion, with Aegon’s sisters’ dragons, destroyed the largest army ever assembled against them. This battle led to the fall of House Gardener and the rise of House Tyrell and House Lannister. After Aegon’s coronation, Balerion melted the swords of Aegon’s enemies to create the Iron Throne.

Later, Maegor the Cruel rode Balerion and burned the Sept of Remembrance, killing many Faith Militant members. Maegor also used Balerion to kill his nephew Aegon during the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye. Prince Viserys Targaryen bonded with Balerion years before he became king. He was the last Targaryen to ride him before the dragon died of old age.

In the series House of the Dragon, Balerion is depicted through his skull, which can be seen in the Red Keep. His legacy is also significant in Game of Thrones, where the Targaryens are known for their dragons, and Balerion’s history influences the perception of dragons throughout the series. Daenerys Targaryen names a ship after him, and one of her dragons resembles him, highlighting the enduring impact of Balerion on Targaryen identity and power.

4. Dreamfyre

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Dreamfyre is a dragon from House Targaryen. Helaena Targaryen bonds with her, but Helaena rarely rides Dreamfyre. Dreamfyre hatched during Aegon the Conqueror’s reign and became one of the larger and fiercer dragons. Princess Rhaena Targaryen first claimed Dreamfyre. When Rhaena had to marry her uncle, King Maegor Targaryen, Dreamfyre flew Rhaena from the Red Keep to support her brother, Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen.

In House of the Dragon Season 1, Rhaenyra chooses one of Dreamfyre’s eggs for her sibling’s cradle. Daemon steals the egg after he is disinherited. Eventually, Dreamfyre bonds with Helaena Targaryen. While guarding a mound of eggs in the Dragonpit, Dreamfyre encounters Aemond Targaryen, who attempts to claim a dragon. He runs away when Dreamfyre roars and breathes fire. During Laena Velaryon’s funeral, Dreamfyre stays at High Tide. The next day, she flies back to King’s Landing with Helaena riding her.

In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Aemond urges Helaena to fly Dreamfyre into battle, but she refuses to harm innocent people. Corlys worries that Helaena might fight against the Blacks, but Rhaenyra does not believe her half-sister will use her dragon as a weapon.

In A Song of Ice and Fire, Dreamfyre hatches before King Maegor I Targaryen’s reign and is ridden by Princess Rhaena Targaryen, daughter of King Aenys Targaryen. Dreamfyre is light blue with silver markings. Rhaena hides with Dreamfyre on Fair Isle before returning to King’s Landing, where she must marry Maegor. After escaping the Red Keep, Rhaena and Dreamfyre lived in various locations until Rhaena’s death in 73 AC. Some hints suggest Dreamfyre may be the mother of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, but this is not confirmed.

5. Meleys

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Meleys, known as the Red Queen, belongs to House Targaryen. Rhaenys Targaryen rides her, and she becomes the second dragon to die during the Dance of the Dragons. Originally, Princess Alyssa Targaryen rides Meleys. She has scarlet scales, greenish-yellow eyes, and bright copper horns. Meleys is faster than both Caraxes and Vhagar in her youth. After Alyssa’s death, Prince Daemon tries to ride Meleys, but she chooses Rhaenys instead, making Daemon furious.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Rhaenys rides Meleys towards King’s Landing. Her son Laenor Velaryon rides alongside her on Seasmoke. During Laena Velaryon’s funeral, Meleys stays at High Tide with other dragons. She is chained in the Dragonpit during Aegon II’s coronation. Rhaenys frees Meleys and escapes, unintentionally killing some smallfolk. Helaena prophesizes Meleys as “the beast beneath the boards.” After Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s coronation, Rhaenys and Meleys patrol the Gullet and help Lord Corlys Velaryon blockade King’s Landing.

In Season 2, Rhaenys and Meleys return to Dragonstone before learning of Lucerys Velaryon’s death. Rhaenyra sends the two to defend Rook’s Rest against the Greens. Rhaenys embraces Meleys as they prepare to fly to Rook’s Rest. They face the Greens attacking the castle. Meleys uses her fire breath to create chaos among the enemy forces. A fierce aerial battle occurs between Meleys and Sunfyre, with both dragons biting and clawing each other. As Vhagar arrives, Aemond orders her to attack. Vhagar bites Meleys’s throat, causing both to crash to the ground in an explosion. After the battle, Ser Criston Cole and others parade Meleys’s severed head in King’s Landing, falsely claiming Aegon killed her.

Read More: House of the Dragon originally had 22 listed dragons to be used in the series

7. Vermax

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Vermax is a dragon that belongs to House Targaryen during King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign. Jacaerys Velaryon bonds with Vermax from a young age. Vermax hatches around the same time as Tessarion. He has olive-green scales, orange eyes, and orange frills.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Jacaerys trains Vermax in the Dragonpit. He teaches Vermax to heel and breathe fire onto a goat. Lucerys Velaryon, Aegon Targaryen, and Aemond Targaryen watch the training session. After Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s coronation, Jacaerys and Vermax fly to the Eyrie and Winterfell. They seek to confirm the support of House Arryn and House Stark.

In Season 2, Vermax waits near the shores of the Trident while Jacaerys negotiates safe passage for House Stark with House Frey. Vermax also flies around Dragonstone alongside Moondancer as Rhaenyra and Mysaria discuss the coming war against the Greens.

8. Vermithor

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Vermithor, also known as the Bronze Fury, is a dragon that belongs to House Targaryen. He serves as the mount for King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and later for Jaehaerys’s bastard grandson, Hugh. Vermithor has bronze scales, orange eyes, and black horns. His mate, Silverwing, belongs to Jaehaerys’s queen, Alysanne. When Vermithor and Silverwing visit the Wall, they refuse to fly over it. After Jaehaerys’s death, Vermithor stays in the Dragonmont. By the time of the Dance of the Dragons, he becomes the second largest and second oldest dragon in Westeros, following Vhagar.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Daemon Targaryen seeks to recruit Vermithor to his side. He sings the dragonsong “Hāros Bartossi” to get Vermithor’s attention. Vermithor initially breathes fire, but he calms down as Daemon looks into his eyes. In Season 2, Vermithor responds to Rhaenyra’s summons. Rhaenyra manages to calm Vermithor before asking the dragonseeds to claim him. However, Vermithor attacks and burns most of them. Eventually, Hugh stands up to Vermithor, who accepts him as his rider. Vermithor later roars with Silverwing and Syrax to deter Vhagar and Aemond from attacking.

In the books, Vermithor’s backstory shows his deep connection with Jaehaerys I and Alysanne. He may have hatched shortly after Aegon’s Conquest, making him around 100 years old during the Dance. The novels hint at a bond between dragons and their riders, reflecting their relationships. Vermithor and Silverwing often stayed close during the Dance, suggesting a strong connection between them.

9. Arrax

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Arrax was a dragon bred by House Targaryen. He served as the mount for Lucerys Velaryon and hatched in 118 AC the same year as Lucerys. Arrax had white scales, purple wing membranes, orange eyes, and orange frills. He became the first dragon to die in the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war among the Targaryens.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Lucerys flew Arrax to Storm’s End to deliver a message to Lord Borros Baratheon. When they landed, they encountered Vhagar, indicating Aemond Targaryen’s presence. As a storm approached, Arrax grew anxious, but Lucerys calmed him. They attempted to return to Dragonstone but faced heavy rain and strong winds. Aemond, riding Vhagar, chased them. Arrax tried to escape Vhagar by flying into a canyon. He then unexpectedly attacked Vhagar and breathed fire. Lucerys took control and commanded Arrax to fly above the storm. However, Vhagar caught up with them, killed Arrax, and devoured Lucerys.

In Season 2, Rhaenyra searched for Arrax in the Stormlands. She found one of his wings washed ashore by fishermen. In the books, Queen Alicent Hightower spread rumors that Rhaenyra’s sons were not the children of Laenor Velaryon but were instead bastards. King Viserys I placed dragon eggs in the cradles of Rhaenyra’s sons to declare them as true heirs. Each egg hatched, including Arrax’s, who became Lucerys’s mount. The text did not detail Arrax’s exact colors, but the artist Sam Hogg described him as having pearlescent white scales with yellow flames, golden eyes, and a golden chest.

Read More: A new dragonseed will be joining House of the Dragon season 2

10. Moondancer

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Moondancer was a dragon belonging to House Targaryen. She bonded with Baela Targaryen from a young age. Moondancer had pale green scales, dark tiger-like stripes, cream-colored eyes, and horns. Her head and tail featured pearlescent frills.

In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Moondancer and Baela patrolled the skies above the Crownlands. They spotted a group of mounted knights, including Ser Criston Cole and Ser Gwayne Hightower, in a field. Baela commanded Moondancer to chase the knights. However, they had to withdraw when the knights took cover in a dense forest and returned to Dragonstone. Moondancer also flew around Dragonstone alongside Vermax while Rhaenyra and Mysaria discussed the upcoming war against the Greens.

In the books, Moondancer appeared with pale green scales and pearl-white highlights on her horns and crest. She was young and slender, which made her fast and nimble. This speed contrasted with larger dragons like Vhagar or Caraxes, which became less maneuverable due to their size. Moondancer’s agility allowed her to navigate the skies effectively, making her a valuable ally for Baela during turbulent times.

11. Silverwing

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Silverwing was a dragon belonging to House Targaryen. She served as the mount for Queen Alysanne Targaryen and later for a commoner named Ulf, who claimed to be Alysanne’s grandson. Silverwing had silver scales and orange eyes. She was the mate of Vermithor, the dragon of King Jaehaerys, Alysanne’s husband. Silverwing and Vermithor once visited the Wall, but they refused to fly over it. After Queen Alysanne’s death, no one claimed Silverwing, and she remained on Dragonmont at the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons.

In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Silverwing rested in a cave on Dragonmont when Ulf found her. He accidentally stepped on a mound of her eggs. Silverwing nudged Ulf before accepting him as her rider. Later, Ulf and Silverwing flew above King’s Landing, which provoked Vhagar and Aemond to chase them to Dragonstone. Upon seeing Silverwing roaring with Vermithor and Syrax, Aemond chose to retreat to King’s Landing.

In the books, Silverwing was one of the larger dragons at the start of the Dance. She belonged to the second generation of dragons hatched for the Targaryens. Queen Alysanne once made a royal visit to Winterfell with Jaehaerys, riding Silverwing while he rode Vermithor. They tried to fly beyond the Wall, but Silverwing refused to obey Alysanne’s commands. After Alysanne’s death, Silverwing became riderless. Silverwing appeared infrequently in the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, where characters mentioned her visit to the Wall and speculated about whether she left an egg there.

12. Sunfyre

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Sunfyre, also known as Sunfyre the Golden, was a dragon bred by House Targaryen. He belonged to King Aegon II Targaryen and was the third dragon to die during the Dance of the Dragons. Sunfyre had golden scales that shone in the sunlight, pink wings, amber eyes, and orange frills on his neck and body. Many considered him the most beautiful dragon. His egg hatched at Dragonmont, and he breathed golden fire. By the time of the Dance, Sunfyre was a young adult dragon, older than Vermax and Tessarion but younger than dragons like Syrax and Meleys.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Sunfyre stayed at High Tide during the funeral of Laena Velaryon. The next day, Aegon rode him back to King’s Landing. In Season 2, Sunfyre nuzzled Aegon in the Dragonpit before flying to Rook’s Rest to join the battle. Aegon commanded Sunfyre to attack Rhaenys and Meleys. During the fight, Meleys clawed Sunfyre’s chest. Aemond commanded Vhagar to attack, and the flames ignited Sunfyre’s wings, causing him and Aegon to crash into a forest.

After the battle, Ser Criston Cole informed Alicent that Sunfyre remained at Rook’s Rest due to his severe injuries. They doubted he would recover. Rhaenyra and Aegon assumed that Sunfyre had been killed. Despite his injuries, Aegon found Sunfyre coiled around him, protecting him. Sunfyre’s beauty led Aegon II to take a golden three-headed dragon as his personal sigil to honor him. Sunfyre never fully healed after the battle, as one of his wings was half torn from his body, leaving him unable to fly.

13. Sheepstealer

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Sheepstealer was a wild dragon that lived on Dragonstone during the Dance of the Dragons. He had a scabrous mud-brown appearance and a taste for mutton. Daemon Targaryen mentioned the three wild dragons, including Sheepstealer, during a meeting of the Black Council in Season 1 of House of the Dragon. His fearsome nature made him a notable presence among the dragons.

By Season 2, Sheepstealer migrated to the Vale of Arryn. Rhaena and Joffrey found charred bones of livestock that Sheepstealer had eaten near the Eyrie. Rhaena spotted Sheepstealer soaring through the Vale. He feasted on charred sheep carcasses and roared at Rhaena when she approached. In the books, Sheepstealer hatched during the youth of Jaehaerys I Targaryen and lived in the Dragonmont, hunting sheep from Driftmark to the Wendwater.

In the books, Sheepstealer did not take refuge in the Vale during Rhaena’s time as Jeyne Arryn’s ward. During the Red Sowing, Silver Denys attempted to claim Sheepstealer, but the dragon bit off Denys’s arm. As Denys’s sons tried to stop the bleeding, the Cannibal descended and devoured them all. Despite his wild nature, Sheepstealer roamed the skies and hunted sheep, leaving a trail of destruction behind.

Eventually, a young shepherd girl named Nettles tamed Sheepstealer by feeding him sheep. This bond allowed her to ride him, and he became a fierce ally. His fearsome reputation grew as he continued to live untamed before Nettles formed this connection with him. This event marked a significant change in Sheepstealer’s life, transforming him from a wild beast into a dragon with a rider.

Read More: House of the Dragon season 2 will have 5 new dragons!

14. Vhagar

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Vhagar, known as the Queen of All Dragons, was a dragon ridden by Visenya Targaryen during Aegon’s Conquest. She was the smallest of the three dragons, which included Balerion and Meraxes, but still large enough to swallow a horse whole. Her flames could melt armor. A century later, during the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, Vhagar became the largest known living dragon and the last remaining dragon from Aegon’s conquest.

Vhagar played a significant role during Aegon’s Conquest, participating in the decisive battle at the Field of Fire. She had deep jade-green scales and orange eyes. Visenya flew Vhagar over the Mountains of the Moon to the Eyrie, convincing the young Lord Ronnel Arryn to surrender without burning the castle. After the death of Balerion, Vhagar became the last of the three Targaryen dragons. Prince Baelon Targaryen rode her into battle until his death.

In Season 1 of House of the Dragon, Vhagar appeared briefly. Laena Velaryon rode Vhagar and took pride in her connection to the largest dragon. During a difficult childbirth, Laena commanded Vhagar to incinerate her to avoid a painful death. Later, Aemond Targaryen claimed Vhagar and flew her, pursuing Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax. Vhagar caught Arrax and killed him easily, causing destruction.

In Season 2, Vhagar fought alongside Aemond during battles, including one against Sunfyre and Meleys. Vhagar ultimately killed Meleys in a fierce battle. Over the years, Vhagar fought in many major wars, including Aegon’s Conquest and the Dance of the Dragons. After many battles, Vhagar remained one of the most famous Targaryen dragons, gaining a new rider and continuing her legacy.

15. Tessarion

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Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen, was a dragon belonging to House Targaryen. Prince Daeron Targaryen rode her. Tessarion hatched around the same time as Vermax during the reign of Viserys I Targaryen. She bonded with Daeron and lived with him in Oldtown. Tessarion had cobalt blue scales and copper-colored wings and frills.

In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Tessarion played an important role. During a meeting of the Green Council, Lord Jasper Wylde advised King Aegon II to send Daeron and Tessarion from Oldtown to help bring the Riverlands under control. This plan aimed to use their power in the conflict. In another meeting, Lord Wylde informed Prince Aemond that Tessarion and Daeron had finally taken flight, ready to support their cause.

Tessarion and Daeron soared above the Hightower army as they marched to war. Their arrival marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as Tessarion’s involvement strengthened the Targaryen forces.

Anticipated Dragons in House of the Dragon Season 2

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The conflict between the Blacks and the Greens grows more intense, making the race to secure dragons critical. Daemon Targaryen mentioned two more wild dragons living on Dragonstone: Grey Ghost and the Cannibal.

Grey Ghost prefers to stay hidden and avoid contact with people. It hunts stealthily and does not attract attention. This dragon could be a strong ally for anyone seeking a discreet asset. The Cannibal stands out as the most dangerous wild dragon. This dragon hunts and eats other dragons. It isn’t confirmed whether these two dragons will appear in the show.

Another dragon of note is Tyraxes, which belongs to Joffrey Velaryon. This young dragon, along with its rider, may also influence the ongoing conflict. As these dragons enter the story, they will play important roles in shaping the following events.

Read More: House of the Dragon season 2 will have 5 new dragons!