Almost 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion were hatched, a dynasty of dragons dominated the skies of Westeros.
HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is exploring the bloody Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. Inspired by George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, the story will show how the most powerful family in Westeros tears itself apart in a war known as the Dance of Dragons.
The series promises to show at least 17 dragons throughout its runtime. Here is a guide to the most significant and mightiest dragons which will likely appear in House of the Dragon, and their riders.
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House of the Dragon will feature up to 17 fire-breathing dragons in the Game of Thrones prequel show (HBO) Photo: HBO
. Caraxes
Caraxes the Blood Wyrm is ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), brother of King Viserys. Caraxes is described as a "formidable huge blood-red " dragon who is "fearsome and battle savvy". Photo: HBO
. Syrax
Syrax the she-dragon is ridden by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy / Milly Alcock), who is named heir to the throne by her father King Viserys (Paddy Considine). Syrax has yellow scales and is huge and formidable, but not as battle-hardened as Caraxes. Photo: HBO
. Vhagar
Vhagar is one of the three legendary dragons who first conquered Westeros, alongside Balerion and Maraxes. In House of the Dragon she is the largest and most powerful dragon alive. She is ridden by Laena Velaryon (Savannah Steyn) and Aemond Targaryen (Leo Ashton/Ewan Mitchell) Photo: HBO
. Meleys
Meleys the Red Queen is the mount of experienced dragonrider Rhaenys Targaryen (Emily Best), King Viserys I's cousin and the Queen Who Never Was. Meleys is an old dragon, huge and bright red, but is fearsome in battle. Photo: HBO
. Sunfyre
Sunfyre the Golden is ridden by Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), King Viserys and Alicent Hightower's eldest son. Slightly smaller than Caraxes and Syrax, Sunfyre is described as the most "magnificent" dragon to ever fly in Westeros. He has golden scales, breathes golden flames, and has pale pink wings. Photo: HBO
. Seasmoke
Seasmoke is a silver-grey dragon who is originally ridden by Laenor Velaryon, the son of Rhaenys Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon. He is one of the smaller fully grown dragons, slightly smaller than Sunfyre and Tessarion. Photo: HBO
17. Grey Ghost
Grey Ghost is another wild dragon living on Dragonstone. A secretive and elusive dragon who has never been ridden, he is medium sized and described as the colour of "morning mist". Photo: HBO
18. Balerion
Balerion the Black Dread is the legendary dragon who captured Westeros with Aegon the Conqueror. So huge his shadow could blot out a whole town, he dies of old age before the events of House of the Dragon. But he could appear in the series as a flashback, as he was ridden by King Viserys I (Paddy Considine). Photo: HBO