Nearly 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion were hatched, a dynasty of dragons ruled the skies of Westeros. HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon will explore the bloody Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. Inspired by George RR Martin’s book Fire & Blood, the story will show how the most powerful family in Westeros is almost torn apart. The show, which premiered on August 21, promises to feature at least 17 dragons. Here is a guide to the most important and powerful dragons likely to appear in House of the Dragon and their riders.
1. Caraxes
Caraxes the Blood Wyrm is ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), brother of King Viserys. Caraxes is described as an “awesome huge blood-red” dragon who is “awesome and skilled in battle”. Photo: HBO
2. Syracuse
Syrax the she-dragon is ridden by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy / Milly Alcock), who was named heir to the throne by her father King Viserys (Paddy Considine). Syrax has yellow scales and is huge and formidable, but not as tough in battle as Karaxes. Photo: HBO
3. Vhagar
Vhagar was one of the three legendary dragons that first conquered Westeros, along with Balerion and Maraxes. In House of the Dragon he is the largest and most powerful dragon alive. Originally by plane Visenya Targaryen, the show will be ridden by Laena Velaryon (Savannah Steyn) and Prince Aemond ‘One Eye’ Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell). Photo: HBO
4. Sunlight
Piloted by King Viserys’ eldest son Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), Sunfyre the Golden is described as the most “magnificent” dragon to ever fly in Westeros. He has golden scales that shine in the sunlight, and he is fierce and strong. Photo: HBO
