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.
13. Tessarion
Tessarion The Blue Queen is a deep cobalt and copper dragon who breathes blue flame. She is said to be a young dragon, who is ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen, King Viserys and Alicent Hightower’s youngest son. Photo: HBO
14. Seasmoke
Seasmoke is a pale silver-grey dragon ridden by Laenor Velaryon, the son of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen. He is a young and nimble dragon who is about three times smaller than Vermithor. Photo: HBO
15. Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes
Vermax, Arrax, and Tyraxes are given as eggs to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s sons Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey when they are born. They are among the youngest dragons in the Dance of Dragons, about as large as Drogon when Daenerys first flies him in Meereen. Photo: HBO
16. Moondancer
Moondancer, a slim pale green dragon, is just large enough to ride - about the size of a horse. She has pearl-coloured horns, is very quick, and ridden by Daemon Targaryen’s daughter Baela. Photo: HBO