The writers of The Game of Thrones prequel promised plenty more dragons than what was in the original series, and they certainly delivered.
In House of the Dragon season 1 we saw ten dragons – nine alive, plus the giant skull of Balerion, the Black Dread. The HBO series is expected to show seventeen dragons in total, meaning we will probably meet several new fire-breathing beasts in the second season.
According to Targaryen legend, the dragons were born in volcanoes in Valyria. Other theories suggest that they were created by ancient sorcerers using blood magic. Once, the winged monsters inhabited all known lands, but gradually, their population was limited only to the Valyrian empire.
After the destruction of Valyria, the only dragons that survived were those belonging to the Targaryen family. Aegon the Conqueror and his sisters settled on Dragonstone with five beasts. Although the winged reptiles gave the family power, they soon began to degenerate and die out.
However, during House of the Dragon the Targaryens still have numerous winged beasts. Here’s a list of all the dragons that have appeared in the series so far – we’ll update the article whenever a new fire-breathing lizard debuts on screen.
If you want to learn more about the upcoming instalment of House of the Dragon, check out our round-up on the second season of the show. We’ve also created a handy character guide to keep track of the most important people in the show.
Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 below.
Which dragons have appeared in House of the Dragon?
Syrax (Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen)
The name of the golden she-dragon is derived from the Valyrian goddess of wine, feasting, madness, chaos and ecstasy. Syrax, one of the largest and strongest Targaryen dragons, belongs to Queen Rhaenyra, who first took a dragon flight at the age of seven.
Caraxes (Rider: Daemon Targaryen)
The name of the mighty beast, who has red scales and a long neck, comes from the Valyrian god of the sea. Caraxes, also called the Blood Wyrm, is a strong and ancient beast originally ridden by Aemon Targaryen – Daemon’s uncle and Rhaenys’s father. After his death, the Rogue Prince claimed Caraxes, making him his devoted companion.
Meleys (Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen)
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
The she-dragon of Princess Rhaenys is an old beast with red scales, pink wings, and copper-coloured fangs, claws and horns. Her name is derived from the Valyrian goddess of love and fertility. In her younger days, she was one of the fastest Targaryen dragons, and although she lost this trait with age, she became cunning and fearless in battle. She is nicknamed the Red Queen.
Vhagar (Rider: Aemond Targaryen)
The gigantic she-dragon is one of three beasts participating in the conquest of Westeros – Queen Visenya rode her. Later, her owner was Laena Velaryon, and then she was claimed by Aemond Targaryen, the second son of Alicent Hightower. Vhagar is a bronze beast with bright green eyes. During the Dance of the Dragons, she is almost as big as the famous Balerion, the Black Dread.
Vermithor (Unclaimed)
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery
The dragon of the late King Jaehaerys, grandfather of Viserys and Rhaenys Targaryen resides deep in the caves on Dragonstone. Due to his bronze scales and violent nature, he is nicknamed the Bronze Fury. He is a powerful beast – in size, he is surpassed only by Balerion and Vhagar. Vermithor has no rider, but in the last episode of season 1, Daemon tries to take control of him.
Vermax (Rider: Jacaerys Velaryon)
He is a young dragon with olive-green scales and orange wing membranes. Vermax belongs to the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Seasmoke (Rider: Laenor Targaryen)
He is the silver dragon claimed by the son of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen. He showed his powers in battle against the Crab Feeder during the War for the Stepstones. It is unclear to whom the Seasmoke belongs now.
Arrax (Rider: Lucerys Velaryon)
He is a dragon claimed by the second son of Rhaenyra. According to George Martin, he has pearl-white scales, golden eyes and yellow flame. Arrax is young and inexperienced, as shown by his battle with Vhagar, which he ultimately lost – leading to the demise of both the dragon and Lucerys.
Dreamfyre (Rider: Helaena Targaryen)
Dreamfyre, a silver-blue beast, was initially owned by the granddaughter of Aegon the Conqueror. Many years later, Dreamfyre was claimed by Helaena, the daughter of Viserys and Alicent Hightower. Over the years, she has laid many eggs, some of which were stolen. According to some theories, the eggs gifted to Daenerys in Game of Thrones could come from Dreamfyre.
Balerion (dead)
Initially, he was the dragon of Aegon the Conqueror. Balerion was a gigantic, black monster who breathed black fire, and his name referred to the Valyrian god of the underworld. According to descriptions in George R.R. Martin’s books, he possessed fangs as long as swords and jaws so large it could swallow a mammoth. He destroyed the fortress of Harrenhal and helped forge the Iron Throne. Because of his colour and terrifying abilities, he was called the Black Dread. After Aegon’s death, he had several other riders – the last being King Viserys I. Balerion only appeared as a skeleton in the House of the Dragon.
If you want to see how a typical dragon behaves, watch the video below:
How many dragons do the Blacks and the Greens have?
In the last episode of House of the Dragon season 1, Daemon sums up how many dragons both parties have. Taking into account his calculation and information from Martin’s books, the list looks as follows:
Dragons of the Rhaenyra’s party (The Blacks):
- Claimed: Syrax, Caraxes, Meleys, Vermax, Arrax, Tyraxes, Moondancer
- Unclaimed: Vermithor, Seasmoke, Silverwing
- Young dragons: Stormcloud, Morghul, Shrykos
- Wild Dragons: Grey Ghost, Sheepstealer, Cannibal
Rhaenyra’s party also has three dragon eggs.
Dragons of the Alicent’s party (The Greens):
- Claimed: Vhagar, Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, Tessarion
As you can see, currently Rhaenyra’s party has a definite advantage in terms of dragons. The wild beasts are particularly interesting, as they’re extremely dangerous and have never had riders. Since Daemon mentioned them, there is a chance that they will appear in future seasons.
