House of the Dragon is finally here, and it promises to show at least 17 dragons throughout its runtime. Set two centuries before the events of Game of Thrones, the HBO show transports audiences to a Westeros where dragons reign with the formidable ancestors of Daenerys Targaryen.
The Targaryens have a history of dragonriding, and it is during the reign of King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) where the dynasty had the most fire-breathing beasts Westeros had ever seen. We know from George R.R. Martin source material that dragons keep growing as they age – so the older the dragon, the bigger it will be.
In Game of Thrones, Daenerys’ mount Drogon was enormous by Season 8. Fans have predicted his wingspan was around 60m (196ft) – and he was only around seven years old. Some of the beasts in House of the Dragon (HOTD) are more than 100.
However, something that restricts the size of dragons in this universe is captivity. By the time of House of the Dragon, most of the Targaryens’ dragons live in the dragonpit, a huge stable in Kings Landing. But, it is thought living in chains restricted the dragons’ growth, and they became smaller over the centuries. Wild dragons, and dragons which have fought battles, meanwhile, grow much larger. With that in mind, here is a guide to the major dragons which will feature in House of the Dragon, from biggest to smallest.
5. Silverwing
Silverwing is around 93-years-old, and had been ridden by King Jaehaerys’ queen Alysanne Targaryen. The silver she-dragon has a strong bond with Vermithor and they coil together at night. Photo: HBO
6. Dreamfyre
Dreamfyre, a slender pale blue she-dragon, is around 106-years-old, suggesting she is a significant size. There is a theory she hatched the eggs which became Daenerys' dragons Drogon, Viserion, and Rhaegal. Photo: HBO
7. Meleys
Meleys The Red Queen is flown by the realm's most experienced dragonrider Rhaenys Targaryen, the queen who never was, who is married to Corly Velaryon. The she-dragon's exact age is unclear but it’s thought she is one of the second generation of dragons after Balerion - so around 100. She is huge and experienced in battle. Photo: HBO
8. Caraxes
Daemon Targaryen’s battle-hardened dragon, Caraxes is said to be about half the size of Vhagar. At the start of House of the Dragon, he is around the size of Drogon in Game of Thrones Season 8 - about 100ft (30m) long - though The Blood Wyrm is slimmer and more serpentine. Photo: HBO