Decoded

Which dragon is the biggest in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon?

Published

9 months ago

March 22, 2024

Credits: Jordi Gonzalez Escamilla

Dragons in the Game of Thrones universe are known for their size and formidable strength. The show features only three dragons: Rhaegal, Viserion, and Drogon. Of these, Drogon stands out as the largest.

However, throughout Westeros’s history, other dragons have claimed to be the most massive of their time. This article aims to explore the lore surrounding these fiery beasts and explore the stories of enormous dragons in Westeros.

Our Apps

Quick answer: The biggest dragon in Game of Thrones is Drogon, and the biggest dragon in House of the Dragon is Vhagar. The biggest dragon of all time is Balerion the Black Dread, said to have died before the events of House of the Dragon.

Contents

5 Minutes Read

Dragons in the world of Westeros

Credits: Dracaye

In the fantastical world of Westeros, the land from Game of Thrones, dragons are creatures of legend and myth, revered and feared by all. These ancient beasts roamed the skies of Westeros and were the tools that the Targaryen used to dominate the seven kingdoms.

George R. R. Martin’s book Fire and Blood lists many of the most enormous dragons in Westeros, going back far into the lore of House Targaryen. Throughout history, those who could tame and ride dragons wielded great strength, forging vast empires. The pinnacle of these empires was the Valyrian Freehold, established by the dragonlords of Valyria.

Aegon I Targaryen, alongside his sisters, used the last surviving dragons to conquer and unite the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

However, the dragons eventually faded into extinction after nearly a century and a half. The Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon covers this period, where many dragons exist in their prime.

It covers a war known as the Dance of the Dragons. During this time, members of House Targaryen battle against each other using these war-trained dragons. This was the period when all of House Targaryen’s dragons ultimately died out.

In Game of Thrones, the dragons have been dead for almost 300 years. That is until Daenerys Targaryen hatches three from fossilized eggs: Rhaegal, Viserion, and Drogon.

Amidst the turmoil of the War of the Five Kings, Daenerys came into possession of three petrified dragon eggs. Through ancient magic, Daenerys hatched the eggs, heralding the return of dragons to the skies.

Drogon: Biggest dragon in Game of Thrones

Credits: HBO

Drogon, the largest of Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons, boasts imposing features. His body has black scales streaked with vibrant scarlet, complemented by scarlet horns and wings.

His eyes are orange-red and gleamed like smoldering coals. His fiery breath is capable of demolishing city buildings and gates. As he grew in the wild, Drogon’s size and ferocity surpassed that of his siblings, Rhaegal and Viserion.

His wings spanned twenty feet, and his scales hardened. Despite his immense physical strength and aggression, Drogon displayed a degree of empathy. He mourned fallen companions and fiercely protected his mother, Daenerys.

Vhagar: Biggest dragon in House of the Dragon

Credits: RudolfHima

Vhagar, known as the Queen of All Dragons, was the mount of Visenya Targaryen during the era of Aegon’s Conquest. A part of the trio of dragons that included Balerion and Meraxes, Vhagar possessed formidable strength and power. Her jaws could easily consume a horse in a single gulp, while her scorching flames had the capability to melt even the sturdiest armor.

Over a century later, during the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, Vhagar had grown to become the most enormous known living dragon. Following the demise of Balerion, she stood as the sole survivor among the trio that had once heralded House Targaryen’s reign in Westeros.

After passing through the hands of many riders, Vhagar is ridden during this time by Laena Velaryon, daughter of Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake. Laena rides the dragon alongside her husband’s dragon, Caraxes, who is significantly smaller.

After Laena’s death, Prince Aemond Targaryen claims Vhagar while he is still a young boy. Shortly after claiming Vhagar, Aemond fights with Laena’s daughters, Baela and Rhaena.

To defend them, Rhaenyra’s sons Jacaerys and Lucerys fight Aemond and slash out his eye. Many years later, during the Dance of the Dragons, Aemond and Vhagar kill Lucerys and his dragon Arrax above Shipbreaker Bay.

Balerion the Black Dread: Biggest dragon ever (Fire & Blood)

Credits: Lucas Graciano

Balerion, famously known as the Black Dread, was the mighty dragon ridden by Aegon the Conqueror during the era of Aegon’s Conquest. Known for his colossal size, Balerion cast a shadow so vast that it could engulf entire towns when he soared through the skies.

Named after a deity of Valyria, Balerion played a pivotal role alongside Aegon during the Century of Blood. This included the destruction of the Volantene fleet in Lys.

However, his most well-known feats occurred during the War of Conquest. Aegon and Balerion burned down the castle of Harrenhal, resulting in the annihilation of House Hoare and the rise of House Tully.

Balerion’s presence at the Field of Fire marked a turning point, as he, along with Vhagar and Meraxes, decimated the opposing army. This led to the fall of House Gardener and the rise of Houses Tyrell and Lannister.

Following Aegon’s coronation, Balerion’s fiery breath was used to forge the iconic Iron Throne from the swords of defeated foes. Throughout the First Dornish War, Balerion unleashed his wrath upon various castles in Dorne. Many years later, Viserys I Targaryen bonded with him and was his last rider.

Balerion dies before the events of House of the Dragon, which means we may not get to see him on screen unless there are flashback scenes.

If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.

Related Topics:Game of Thrones House of the Dragon

Up Next

Who are the White Walkers and who is the Night King in Game of Thrones?

Don't Miss

Who is George R. R. Martin? What is his net worth?

Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.