Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7.
Summary
Rhaenyra’s Team Black has assembled quite the roster of dragonriders inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, with a lot to break down.Season 2, episode 7’s endingsaw an event called the Sowing of the Seeds, whereRhaenyra allowed lowborn citizens of Valyrian descent to step forward and claim dragons. The event was violent and fateful for many who tried, but two new riders joined Rhaenyra’s cause because of it, claiming Vermithor and Silverwing. It’s potentially a game changer for the Dance of the Dragons, which previously saw the Greens having an advantage.
New members ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s castof characters have included multiple “dragonseeds.” The term refers to bastards of Valyrian descent, who are quite common in this world despite the destruction of Valyria. The Targaryen reign relies heavily on the mystification of their divine right to ride dragons, distinguishing them from the other great houses and common folk of Westeros.Episode 7 proves that one doesn’t have to be of noble Valyrian blood to tame a dragon, immediately shifting what the world knows about the relationship between dragon and rider.
All 7 Dragons The Blacks Have & Who Their Riders Are
Hugh & Ulf Are Team Black’s Latest Dragonriders
Prior to episode 7, theBlacks already outnumbered the Greens in dragons, though their roster was quite inexperienced. Rhaenyra rides Syrax, Jacaerys rides Vermax, and Baela rides Moondancer, all of whom are quite quick and nimble but lack size and battle experience to make them a serious threat against a monstrous beast like Aemond Targaryen’s Vhagar. This dilemma presented the need for more riders. Daemon and Caraxes could also be considered among the Blacks' dragonriders, though he’s been rogue for most of season 2.
Silverwing
Ulf
Episode 6’s ending saw Addam of Hull step forward and claim the dragon Seasmoke, which was previously bonded to Laenor Velaryon. This gave Rhaenyra the idea to bring forth dragonseeds, as Addam is of lowborn birth, though he doesn’t admit to being Corlys Velaryon’s son. In episode 7,Hugh claimed Vermithor, and Ulf claimed the dragon Silverwing, adding to the Blacks' roster. In total, they have seven dragonriders on their side now, assuming Daemon eventually comes around and rejoins their cause, which his narrative indicates.
Every Dragon In House Of The Dragon Explained
As war erupts in Westeros, dragons will be sent to battle. Here’s a description of every dragon in HBO’s House of the Dragon, heading into season 2.
Which Of Team Black’s Dragons Have Died In The Dance Of The Dragons So Far?
Arrax and Meleys Have Perished Already
Despite having seven dragons on their side, Rhaenyra’s team has suffered the only dragon deaths of the Dance so far. It’s important to note that while Aegon’s Sunfyre took a beating at Rook’s Rest, it’s still alive and in recovery, as per the source material. That means the two dragon deaths so far have been Arrax and Maelys.Arrax was the young dragon bonded to Lucerys Velaryon, who was killed by Aemond and Vhagar in the season 1 finale, kicking off the cycle of violence that led to the war. Arrax was one of the smallest dragons alive at the time.
The farmore significant loss was Maelys, ridden by Rhaenys Targaryen. As proven in “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” Meleys may not have been the biggest dragon alive, but she was quite formidable. Rhaenys and Meleys were bonded longer than any other dragon and rider duo in the Dance, and Meleys was known as the fastest dragon alive. In her 1v1 against the far larger Vhagar, she managed to put up a decent fight, injuring Aemond’s dragon in the process. She would even have escaped if not for them getting the jump on her as she exited.
Which Dragons Are Still Unclaimed In House Of The Dragon
Sheepstealer Should Be The Last One To Appear On The Show
Despite three unclaimed dragons entering the fray in episodes 6 & 7, there are still more riderless dragons alive at this time. During the book’s version of the Sowing of the Seeds, three more dragons are sought after by the plethora of riders. This includes Grey Ghost, Cannibal, and Sheepstealer. Grey Ghost manages to hide from potential riders, while Cannibal leaves a sea of human bodies in its lair from those who tried to tame it. Sheepstealer is the only one who’s eventually claimed, though all three dragons seem to have their stories changed for the TV series.
The set-up implies that Rhaena will claim Sheepstealer in the season 2 finale, which is a significant change from the book
It seems doubtful that Grey Ghost and Cannibal will even be mentioned inHouse of the Dragon, as no one ever claims them in the book.As for Sheepstealer, the show has been setting up its arrival through Rhaena’s plot line in the Vale, with her discovering the burnt sheep carcasses. The set-up implies that Rhaena will claim Sheepstealer in the season 2 finale, which is a significant change from the book, where she raises her own young dragon. Sheepstealer is ridden by a woman named Nettles inFire & Blood, who seems to be cut from the TV adaptation.
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How Powerful Are Team Black’s Dragons Compared To Vhagar?
Only Vermithor & Caraxes Stand A Chance Individually
Vhagar is still the largest and most formidable dragonin the realm. She’s been alive since before Aegon’s Conquest and has by far the most experience in battle. The only dragons that could potentially contend with Vhagar are Vermithor and Caraxes, who have some size and experience to match her. All of the Blacks' original dragons are quite small and inexperienced, and Silverwing is known for being more docile and not much of a fighter. Seasmoke has some battle experience from the Stepstones but is also pretty small compared to Vhagar.
How Many Dragons The Greens Have & Who Rides Them
The Greens Have Three Dragons
Vhagar may be the biggest dragon alive during the Dance, but, unfortunately for the Greens, she’s really the only formidable dragon they have now. Sunfyre was brutally injured during Rook’s Rest and will be in recovery for some time, along with Aegon, essentially counting them out for the time being.Episode 7 also mentions Tessarion, the young dragon ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen, Aemond and Aegon’s younger brother, but he hasn’t appeared on the TV show just yet. He’ll likely arrive sometime in season 3.
Dreamfyre
Helaena
This leaves the Greens with three dragons in total compared to the Blacks' seven. Vhagar is the one of themost powerful dragons inGame of Throneshistory, butSunfyre is injured and Tessarion is very young and barely a factoragainst dragons like Vermithor and Caraxes. Essentially, the Greens are in a bit of a pickle right now inHouse of the Dragon, and will need to find other ways to contend with Rhaenyra’s growing forces.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
