HBO Max’s House of the Dragon has finally arrived on streaming.
The highly-anticipated series dropped its first episode on Aug. 21, and introduced viewers to a whole new generation of Targaryens. Set nearly two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, the series serves as a prequel to the beloved high fantasy favorite. It promises to deliver a similar flavor of political intrigue and medieval drama delivered on the backs of towering dragons, but fans are approaching the show with apprehension. Many still feel burned by Game of Thrones, and aren’t quite ready to welcome a new show in the franchise.
Despite this, hopes are high that House of the Dragon delivers. The show has all the makings of a major televised blockbuster, but word is still out on if it has what it takes to be a worthy successor to Game of Thrones. The promise of far more dragons is one element keeping viewers’ interest piqued, as the series takes aim at a period in which Westeros was rife with the towering beasts. They are largely behind the Targaryen’s continued retention of power, and promise to get far more screen time than the rare Game of Thrones dragons. More are sure to follow as the show expands its cast and introduces new elements, but here is a look at each of the dragons introduced in the series so far.
All of the dragons in House of the Dragon — so far
The Targaryen family tree reaches centuries back, and dragons are the key to these pale-haired royals’ continued dominance in Westeros. Their dragons are largely behind the Targaryen’s claim to fame, so it makes sense to spotlight them in a series that centers on the Targaryens in their prime. Only a few dragons have been introduced in the series so far, but as seasons go on it seems likely that their ranks will grow exponentially.
Arrax
- 115-120 AC – 129 AC
- Rider: Lucerys Targaryen
The stunning, pearlescent dragon bonded with Lucerys Targaryen has sadly already departed the cast of House of the Dragon. The golden-eyed dragon was with Lucerys through his entire life, first hatching in a crib alongside the young Targaryen and growing with his bonded partner. He was barely old enough to ride into battle when he first took to the skies, and the youthful dragon never truly had the opportunity to create a legacy all his own.
Balerion
- 114 BC – 94 AC
- Rider: Viserys Targaryen
This dragon is already dead by the time he makes his debut in House of the Dragon, but his legacy stretches for several centuries — at least — following his demise. The former dragon of Aegon the Conqueror himself, Balerion is one of the most famous dragons in Westeros history. He is said to have aided in the creation of the Iron Throne, and was so large to have reportedly blotted out the sun when he took flight. When we see him in House of the Dragon, it is through his massive skull, which is affixed to an altar in a truly impressive display.
Caraxes
- Birth year unknown
- Rider: Daemon Targaryen
The ruby-colored dragon currently belonging to ambitious Prince Daemon Targaryen also goes by the fitting title of Blood Wyrm. He’s served one Targaryen before, but serves as a perfect match with the battle-hungry Daemon. The pair will likely see many battles over the course of House of the Dragon, as Daemon uses his own fighting talent and thirst for blood in conjunction with Caraxes’ broad battle experience. He cropped up in the debut episode of House of the Dragon and whisked his Targaryen master away from a sea of Westerosi lords swearing their fealty to the young Rhaenyra.
Dreamfyre
- 32 AC – 130 AC
- Rider: Helena Targaryen
A beautiful blue and silver she-dragon, Dreamfyre is a slender and lithe addition to the often bulky House of the Dragon mounts. Beloved by her rider, Helena Targaryen, we still don’t know much about Dreamfyre, but her diminutive size will likely see her pale somewhat in comparison to some of the far larger dragons she’ll find herself pitted against in future seasons of House of the Dragon.
Meleys
- Birth year unknown
- Rider: Princess Rhaenys
Her exact birth year remains unknown, but Meleys sheer size and capability pushes many to believe she’s been around for quite some time. She’s pushing two hundred by the time the Dance of Dragons comes about, but that’s not enough to get in the way of her bond with her current rider in House of the Dragon. The scarlet and pink dragon is also known as “The Red Queen,” and plays a vital role in the gradually mounting tensions rife in season one of the HBO series.
Seasmoke
- 101 AC – 130 AC
- Rider: Ser Laenor Velaryon
Laenor Valaryon’s silver-grey mount made its debut early in House of the Dragon’s first season, and quickly became a favorite among the fandom. His fate in future seasons remains unknown, as the show changes up minor book details for its on-screen runtime, but fans have high hopes that the gorgeous pale dragon will make a return.
Syrax
- Birth year unknown, but identified as a youthful dragon
- Rider: Rhaenyra Targaryen
Everything about Rhaenyra Targaryen’s dragon mirrors her well, from her young age to her sleek appearance. No other Targaryen masters ever rode Syrax into battle, allowing the dragon and her sole rider to build a special, and enduring, bond. Her earliest rides with Rhaenyra reportedly started when the princess was as young as seven, and the pair continued to grow together in the following years. She’s still growing when viewers meet her in House of the Dragon, with Rhaenyra’s close friend Alicent Hightower noting that she’s getting big. She’ll likely get much larger yet.
Vermithor
- 34–35 AC – 130 AC
- Rider: Formerly King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
The former dragon of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen remains riderless in House of the Dragon thus far, but he’s likely to join the fight in upcoming seasons. Fittingly nicknamed the “Bronze Fury,” Vermithor is an elderly dragon sporting bronze scales and great tan wings. He’s one of the largest dragons in the entire story, second only to Balerion and Vhagar, and is currently considered an ally to Rhaenyra.
Vermax
- 114–120 AC – 130 AC
- Rider: Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
One of many dragons fated for a far too-brief life, Vermax sports green scales with red accents across his head and neck. He’s one of the youthful dragons gifted to Rhaenyra’s children, and hasn’t played much of a role in House of the Dragon thus far. He will play a vital role in the impending Dance of Dragons, however, once tensions finally come to a head.
Vhagar
- 52 BC – ??
- Rider: Aemond Targaryen
One of the biggest dragons in Game of Thrones canon, fans are absolutely giddy at the thought of seeing Vhagar appear on-screen. The obscenely large dragon cropped up in trailers for the series, towering over eventual rider Aemond Targaryen, and instantly piqued fan’s interest. The absolute behemoth of a dragon first belonged to Visenya Targaryen, but went on to pass through several hands before landing in Aemond’s lap. She is the largest dragon in the history of Westeros, and fans can’t wait to see her officially enter the cast of House of the Dragon.