More House of the Dragon means more dragons. With HBO’s hit series returning in June, here’s a look at every dragon alive during the show.
SPOILERS are ahead for House of the Dragon season 1, and minor spoilers are ahead for season 2.
The second season of House of the Dragon is only months away, and the acclaimed HBO series will introduce new dragons to its already extensive roster. The prequel takes place roughly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, with the Targaryen dynasty at the peak of its power. The House of the Dragon season 1 ending saw the murder of Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon, Arrax, making civil war inevitable. In season 2, the Dance of the Dragons will begin. Sides are split into the Black and Green factions, with numerous dragons fighting for both.
House of the Dragon season 2 will be released on June 16, 2024. It will be shortened to eight episodes compared to the previous ten, though it’s for a good reason: fewer episodes mean more focus on war and dragons. Season 1 saw primarily the build-up to civil war, and now House of the Dragon season 2 trailers show glimpses of that war in full effect. Not every new dragon has been shown in the trailers, but going by the House of the Dragon season 2 cast, it’s safe to assume which book dragons will appear.
Prominently introduced in season 1, Caraxes is Prince Daemon Targaryen’s uniquely shaped red dragon. Due to its distinct physical qualities, extensive battle experience, and affinity with its rider, Caraxes is one of the most powerful dragons in Westeros. Although it isn’t the most enormous dragon, it has the single most battle experience paired with its current rider, making it a significant threat for Rhaenyra’s side.
What Caraxes will be doing in season 2:
With the Dance of the Dragons beginning, Daemon will actively wage war on behalf of the Black faction. In the House of the Dragon season 2 trailers, he threatens a Westerosi settlement, saying they have only two options: bend the knee to Rhaenyra or be burnt to the ground. Daemon and Caraxes will be actively moving around Westeros, leading attacks for their side.
11. Syrax is bonded to Rhaenyra Targaryen.
The first dragon introduced in House of the Dragon is Syrax, bonded to Rhaenyra Targaryen. Syrax is on the smaller side of dragons in the show and is expected to be one of the least powerful among the ensemble. Syrax lacks battle experience and hasn’t been ridden actively by Rhaenyra during the years before the war. Still, the she-dragon stands out in the show with her yellow scales.
Dragons in George R.R. Martin’s world never stop growing as they age.
What Syrax will be doing in season 2:
There aren’t any clips of Rhaenyra in battle in House of the Dragon’s season 2 trailers, but it does seem like Syrax will be getting some screen time. In Fire & Blood, Syrax is barely ridden during the Dance, though HBO could change this to enforce the idea of Rhaenyra being an exciting protagonist akin to Daenerys in Game of Thrones. Syrax won’t likely be burning castles to the ground like Caraxes or Vhagar, but trailers show her supporting Rhaenyra in some stand-offs.
10. Vhagar is bonded to Aemond Targaryen.
Bonded to Aemond Targaryen, House of the Dragon season 1 emphasizes just how monstrous Vhagar is, as she’s the most gigantic dragon alive at the time. Vhagar makes Aemond one of the most powerful House of the Dragon characters heading into season 2, even more so than his older brother, the king. Vhagar is an old lady previously ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon’s conquest of Westeros over 100 years before the Dance. Laena Velaryon also rode Vhagar until her death in season 1.
What Vhagar will be doing in season 2:
Like Caraxes and Daemon, Vhagar and Aemond will be active forces for the Greens, launching attacks on various locations in Westeros. The season 2 trailer teased the rivalry between Daemon and Aemond, but it’s unlikely Vhagar and Caraxes will meet in battle this season. Season 1’s finale also teased Aemond’s lack of control over Vhagar, as the dragon chomped down on Lucerys and Arrax against his wishes. This could continue to be a narrative thread for them.
9. Sunfyre is bonded to Aegon II Targaryen.
Sunfyre is one of the most extravagant dragons alive during House of the Dragon, known for its vibrant gold scales. He is bonded to King Aegon II Targaryen. Although Aegon and Sunfyre have minimal experience together, Sunfyre is a decently strong dragon that’s young but relatively large for its age. Sunfyre wasn’t properly shown in season 1, but trailers for season 2 offered a brief glimpse at the beautiful beast.
What Sunfyre will be doing in season 2:
Aegon II wasn’t too thrilled about becoming king in season 1, as he’s never been particularly fond of responsibility, even on a far less impactful scale. However, season 2 trailers show him growing accustomed to the ultimate power of ruling a country, and Aegon will be impassioned by the idea of destroying those who oppose him. Aegon and Sunfyre won’t be as active in battle as other dragons, but season 2’s expected event roadmap indicates they’ll see conflict.
8. Dreamfyre is bonded to Helaena Targaryen.
Though she’s been shown in House of the Dragon so far, book context is a reasonable indicator of what Dreamfyre looks like. She’s described as a medium-sized, slender dragon, and though she’s on the older end, she’s used primarily to breed rather than for battle. Her rider, Queen Helaena, isn’t a warrior either, so it’s a fitting match.
What Dreamfyre will be doing in season 2:
With Dreamfyre not being active in battle, House of the Dragon season 2 may only show glimpses of the she-dragon. Helaena will remain in King’s Landing throughout the show, leaving Dreamfyre stationed in the dragon pits throughout most of the action.
7. Moondancer is bonded to Baela Targaryen.
Originally intended to appear in season 1, Moondancer was cut for time. However, in a book titled The Making of HBO’s House of the Dragon, the visual plan for the dragon was for her to be “the rock star of the bunch” with a “vibrant green color palette with an intricate pattern design on her skin.” Moondancer is bonded to Baela Targaryen, who’s seen riding the green dragon in season 2 trailers.
What Moondancer will be doing in season 2:
In Fire & Blood, Moondancer is very small at the start of the war, and it takes time before Baela and her see battle. The show seems to be expediting this process, with Baela and Moondancer becoming an instant force for Rhaenyra and the Black faction. Baela, like many of the Valyrian children, is impassioned to support her side and will do so from the get-go.
6. Seasmoke is currently riderless but was previously bonded to Laenor Velaryon.
Seasmoke only appeared briefly during House of the Dragon season 1, ridden by Laenor Velaryon in the War for the Stepstones. Since Laenor faked death to escape to Essos, Seasmoke has become a riderless dragon. Seasmoke is a medium-sized dragon but has more battle experience than many others alive during the war.
What Seasmoke will be doing in season 2:
There are several riderless dragons, with Daemon teasing at the end of season 1 that they’d offer dragonseeds (bastards of Valyrian descent) the opportunity to claim them and support Rhaenyra. In season 2, Seasmoke will be claimed by Addam of Hull, a bastard of House Velaryon and a new character.
