Embarking on a Mythical Journey: Rating the Top 10 Dragons from 'Game of Thrones' and 'House of the Dragon'

Dragons, the mythical creatures that have captured our imaginations for centuries, hold a special place in fantasy lore. Universally recognized, dragons manifest in various forms across cultures. However, in contemporary times, the dragons that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness emerge from the HBO series based on the imaginative works of George R. R. Martin—’Game of Thrones’ and its prequel, ‘House of the Dragon.’

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Dragons in Martin’s World: Majestic Beasts and Agents of War

Dragons, in Martin’s universe, are colossal creatures with a hint of magical essence. Renowned as war mounts for the Valyrian Empire and the Targaryen rulers of Westeros, they vanished after The Dance of the Dragons. Their resurgence, courtesy of Daenerys Targaryen’s blood magic, marked a pivotal moment in both series. With ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 on the horizon, let’s revisit the most remarkable dragons these shows have introduced to audiences.

10. Dreamfyre: A Legacy from the Cruel Reigns

Riders: Princess Rhaena Targaryen, Queen Helaena Targaryen

Dreamfyre, a stalwart companion, traces her origins to the era of Maegor the Cruel. Ridden by Princess Rhaena, and later by Queen Helaena, Dreamfyre’s lore extends beyond her on-screen appearances. The stolen egg that fueled Daemon Targaryen’s ambitions was laid by Dreamfyre, connecting her legacy to pivotal moments in Westerosi history.

9. Rhaegal: The Middle Child with a Forgettable Presence

Rider: Jon Snow

Named after Prince Rhaegar, Rhaegal is the middle child among Daenerys’ dragons. Characterized by green and bronze scales, Rhaegal’s role in the series often places him in the shadow of his siblings. Despite his forgettable stature, he played a role in pivotal battles, notably when Jon Snow rode him during the confrontation with the Night King.

8. Meleys: The Red Queen with Striking Elegance

Rider: Princess Alyssa Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Known as the Red Queen, Meleys captivates with her striking design—blood-red scales and a regal ring of spines. Despite limited screen time, her elegance and size contribute to the visual tapestry of dragon lore. Meleys, ridden by Princess Rhaenys, remains a majestic and formidable presence in Targaryen history.

7. Vermithor: The Bronze Fury and Jaehaerys’ Fierce Mount

Rider: King Jaehaerys I Targaryen

Vermithor, known as the Bronze Fury, serves as the personal mount of King Jaehaerys I. With a history intertwined with Silverwing and a reputation for ferocity, Vermithor’s role in the Dance of the Dragons adds a layer of anticipation for his appearance in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2.

6. Syrax: The Matronly Golden-Green Dragon

Rider: Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen

Syrax, a stunning golden-green dragon, forms a close bond with Queen Rhaenyra. While not a frequent participant in battles, Syrax’s significance lies in her role during crucial missions and her connection with Rhaenyra’s journey. Her matronly appearance adds a unique dimension to the diverse dragon personalities.

5. Viserion: The Beautiful Yet Tragic Dragon

Rider: The Night King

The smallest of Daenerys’ dragons, Viserion, captivates with his gold and cream-colored scales. Tragedy befalls him as the Night King’s fatal strike leads to his resurrection as an agent of destruction. Viserion’s death and subsequent role in breaching the Wall mark a poignant turn in the narrative, showcasing the unpredictable twists associated with dragons.

4. Balerion: The Ancient Titan of Targaryen Legacy

Riders: King Aegon I “The Conqueror” Targaryen, King Maegor “the Cruel” Targaryen, Princess Area Targaryen, and King Viserys I Targaryen

Balerion, the colossal black dragon, stands as the oldest Targaryen dragon. A witness to the Valyrian Empire’s heyday, Balerion’s legacy extends beyond his time. His fiery breath forged the Iron Throne, and his destructive power shaped Westerosi history. Even in death, Balerion’s influence looms large, reminding all of the formidable potential inherent in dragons.

3. Vhagar: The Battle-Tested Behemoth

Riders: Queen Visenya Targaryen, Prince Baelon Targaryen, Laena Velaryon, Prince Aemond Targaryen

Battle-hardened and colossal, Vhagar ranks among the Targaryen dragons with a storied history. Initially overshadowed by his siblings, Vhagar’s size and combat effectiveness make him a force to be reckoned with. As the Dance of the Dragons unfolds, Vhagar’s presence promises awe-inspiring moments in ‘House of the Dragon.’

2. Caraxes: The Blood Wyrm’s Fierce Dominion

Riders: Prince Aemon Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen

Caraxes, known as the Blood Wyrm, embodies ferocity and cunning. Aemon and later Daemon Targaryen, recognizing his prowess, claim him. Caraxes’ distinctive design, with a serpentine neck and wing membranes on his legs, sets him apart. His personality, mirroring that of his rider Daemon, teases an exciting dynamic in the upcoming season.

1. Drogon: Daenerys’ Iconic Companion

Rider: Queen Daenerys Targaryen

Drogon, the largest and first of Daenerys’ dragons, assumes a paramount role in the series. Named after her late husband Drogo, Drogon’s fiery presence and deep connection with Daenerys make him an iconic figure. From battles to emotional turmoil, Drogon remains a symbol of the untamed and unpredictable nature of dragons.

Conclusion: Dragons, Icons of Fantasy Unleashed

As ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 beckons, the anticipation for the grandeur of dragons in Westeros intensifies. From the ancient Balerion to the formidable Drogon, each dragon brings a unique essence to the rich tapestry of Martin’s world. As viewers prepare for the impending clash in the realm of dragons, these mythical creatures continue to reign supreme, leaving an indomitable mark on the legacy of fantasy storytelling. The dragons’ journey unfolds, promising both spectacle and intrigue, as ‘House of the Dragon’ takes flight into uncharted territories of Westerosi lore.

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com