House of the Dragon🐉

Balerion (Black Terror) – The most gigantic dragon.
Appearance:
Color and scales: completely black, as if carved from obsidian; The scales seemed impenetrable, and the flames were almost black.
Size: colossal - the shadow from the wings covered entire cities, a large bull could fit in its mouth.
Details: teeth as long as swords; The look is heavy, inspiring awe even for other dragons.

Origin: One of the five dragons that the Targaryens took out of Valyria before its death. He was born in Old Valyria.
Conquest of Westeros: The main battle dragon of Aegon I the Conqueror. With his help, Harrenhal fell (the stone walls melted) and the Gardener army in the Battle of the Field of Fire. It was in Balerion's flames that the swords of the conquered lords were melted down, and the Iron Throne was born.
After Aegon: he served Maegor the Cruel (including to suppress rebellions) and later Viserys I, who became his last horseman.
Later years and death: in his old age, Balerion almost did not fly. There is a known episode when he carried Princess Aeirhea Targaryen - rumored to be in the ruins of Valyria; After that, a huge unhealed wound was left on the dragon's side. Died of old age during the reign of Jaehaerys I.Legacy
: His giant skull was kept in the Red Keep and became a grim symbol of a bygone era of dragon power.

Otto Hightower. Strengthen House Hightower's influence, place Aegon II on the throne, and rule the kingdom from behind the scenes like the Hand. Stability is important to him, which he sees through the prism of patriarchal traditions.

Corlys Velaryon ("Sea Serpent"). Support Rhaenyra as the rightful heir, strengthen the Velaryon-Targaryen alliance, and maintain the influence of her house. Its goal is political and military power, as well as the protection of the interests of the family.

Rhaenys Targaryen ("Almost a Queen"). Achieve recognition and justice for yourself and your family; later, to support Rhaenyra, seeing her as an opportunity for House Velaryon and for the women of Westeros.

Criston Kohl. To serve the side that corresponds to his honor and ambitions: first he is loyal to Rhaenyra, then goes to the Greens, seeing in this his duty and an opportunity to prove himself as a military leader.

Laris Strong. To strengthen their own position and influence, acting in their own interests. He is ready for extreme measures (up to the murder of his relatives) to become indispensable for the ruling party

of Harwin Strong. Protect Rhaenyra and her children (her biological sons) while remaining in the shadows. His goal is to be Rhaenyra's support without revealing the secret of paternity.

Misaria ("White Leech"). Gain power through information and influence, support "blacks" and change their position in society, turning from a former slave into a key player.

Addam and Aline from Hull. Finding her place in the world and proving her worth: Addam strives to become a rider and earn recognition, Aline strives to serve House Velaryon and be useful.

Targaryens:
Rhaenyra Targaryen. Become the rightful queen of Westeros and hold on to the throne to ensure the future of her sons. Her goal is not just power, but the assertion of her right, which her father bequeathed to her.

Viserys I. To preserve the peace of the kingdom and the unity of House Targaryen, while not backing down from the decision to make Rhaenyra the heir. He wants to remain in history as a just and wise king, but his main goal is to avoid a split.

Daemon Targaryen. Gain power and recognition: at first, he aims for the throne or at least the status of the main heir, later his goal shifts to supporting Rhaenyra and strengthening his own role in her rule. Another of his goals is to leave a mark on history as a great warrior and politician.

Alicent Hightower. To protect and enthrone his eldest son Aegon II, to protect the rest of the children. For her, this is not ambition for the sake of ambition, but a maternal duty and a way to preserve the future of her family.

Aegon II: Initially does not seek power, but after becoming king, he wants to keep the throne and survive the war. His goal is to maintain his status and prevent the "blacks" from destroying him and his loved ones.

Aemond Targaryen. To prove that he is stronger and more worthy than his brother, to assert himself as a formidable warrior and heir. His goal is revenge and power: he wants to be not just a prince, but someone who is feared and respected.

Helaena Targaryen. He does not seek power; Her main goal is to keep her family together and protect her children, she tries to stay out of politics and intrigue, although the war draws her deeper and deeper.

Appearance:
Facial features: refined, noble; In youth, there is a gentle, almost childlike beauty, over the years the features become stricter and more collected.
Hair: dark brown, thick - a rare color for the Targaryens, emphasizing her belonging to the House of Hightower. In the series, they are styled in different ways: from simple hairstyles of a young courtier to complex royal hairstyles.
Eyes: warm, brown - anxiety and internal struggle are often read in them.
Style and clothing: signature green and white tones of the Hightower house; The dresses are concise but expensive, with an emphasis on status. The iconic image is the green dress at the tournament: it gave the name to the "green" faction.
Posture: straight, proud, but without ostentatious arrogance - rather the restrained confidence of a woman who is used to keeping her face at court.

Personality:
A devoted mother: Her main driving force is the desire to protect and elevate her children, especially her eldest son Aegon. For the sake of them, it is ready to take tough political steps.
She is smart and observant: she has a subtle sense of the mood of the court, knows how to use the weaknesses of others and take the right side in time.
Vulnerable and lonely: deeply affected by the estrangement from Rhaenyra (once a close friend) and the pressure of her father; Often he acts not out of cold calculation, but out of a sense of being driven into a corner.
Proud, but not ruthless: she is capable of mercy and regret, but her duty to her family and home is higher than personal sympathy.
Contradictory: she coexists with softness and firmness, sincere concern for loved ones, and a willingness to participate in intrigues that bring pain to others.

He was the father of Alicent Hightower.
Appearance:
Type and posture: stately, collected, with a straight back and restrained movements - an exemplary courtier.
Face: noble, slightly severe features; The gaze is attentive, evaluating.
Hair and beard: gray, neatly trimmed; The series emphasizes his maturity and status.
Clothing: austere, expensive outfits in the colors of the House of Hightower (mainly green and white shades), a minimum of jewelry - a style that transmits power without ostentatious luxury. He often appears in a fur-trimmed cloak with the Hightower crest.
Height - 180 cm.Character

A prudent strategist: he calculates everything a few moves ahead, sees figures on the political board in people.
Ambitious and domineering: he seeks to strengthen the influence of the House of Hightowers and does not hesitate to put pressure even on his loved ones (primarily his daughter Alicent) for this.
Cold pragmatist: puts the interests of the family and the state (as he understands them) above personal feelings; He easily goes for intrigues and behind-the-scenes maneuvers.
Faithful to traditions: convinced that order and stability are more important than personal sympathies, so he firmly stands on the side of "male inheritance" and against Rhaenyra's claims.
Restrained, but tough: rarely loses his composure, but if necessary, he does not hesitate to make harsh decisions.

Appearance:
Facial features: noble, but more and more emaciated over the years - the disease gradually erodes his appearance.
Hair and eyes: silvery-white hair (in the spirit of Valyrian blood) and violet eyes are classic Targaryen traits.
Clothing: wears luxurious, but not excessively pretentious royal outfits; The emphasis on the symbols of power is the crown, mantle, heavy fabrics.
Details: over time, traces of the disease appear - paleness, thinness, painful fragility. In the series, these changes highlight how the disease robs him of his former strength.
Height - 178 cm. Next to the belligerent Daemon or the proud Rhaenyra, he looks not so much short as tired and broken.

Personality:
Kind, but weak: he sincerely wants good for the kingdom and his family, tries to be fair, but lacks the toughness to hold on to power and prevent schism.
The Mediator: To the last, he tries to smooth over the conflict between Rhaenyra and Alicent, believing that it is possible to maintain the unity of the house.
Faithful to tradition: he firmly adheres to the decision to make Rhaenyra the heir, because he considers it the will of his father and a duty to the dynasty.
Vulnerable and vulnerable: he is deeply affected by the discord in the family and the fact that his words and will are increasingly ignored.
Patient but indecisive: he postpones difficult decisions, hoping that the problem will resolve itself, and thus unwittingly pushes Westeros into civil war.

Appearance:
height 173 cm.Facial
features and type: classic Valyrian beauty - thin, graceful features, expressive eyes. In her youth, she was called the "Joy of the Kingdom" for her charm and cuteness, later the image becomes tougher and more majestic.
Hair: long silvery-gold, typical of the Targaryens; In different periods, she styles them in different ways - from loose curls to complex hairstyles with embellishments.
Style and clothing: in youth - light, elegant dresses of pastel and noble colors; Having become a pretender to the throne, she moves on to stricter, darker outfits (including black), emphasizing her status. He often wears his father's crown and jewelry with pearls and precious stones.
Posture and demeanor: straight back, proud head posture - even in moments of weakness, she tries to look unshakable.

Personality:
Ambitious and determined: she firmly believes in her right to the throne and is ready to fight for it, even when support is dwindling.
Emotional and impulsive: capable of harsh actions and outbursts of anger, especially when her children or honor are hurt.
Devoted to her family: for the sake of her sons and loved ones, she is ready to take risks and difficult decisions; Her struggle is largely dictated by the desire to secure their future.
Proud and vulnerable: she painfully perceives betrayal and doubts about her rights; At the same time, she knows how to be charming and win over when necessary.
Capable of learning from mistakes: in the course of the war, it becomes tougher, more calculating, and politically mature, although it does not lose its inner vulnerability.

Daemon Targaryen's appearance:
Height - about 175-180cm
Height and build: tall, wiry, athletic - he feels combat composure, not heavy power.
Face: sharp, predatory features; piercing gaze, often with a defiant grin.
Hair: silvery-white, typical of the Targaryens; In the series, he wears them casually, emphasizing his rebellious temper.
Clothing style: gravitates towards dark, practical outfits with a minimum of ceremonial luxury; It likes details that hint at danger - buckles, belts, metal inserts.
Details: there is always a hint of readiness for battle in the image - as if he can draw a sword at any moment.

Personality:
Rebel and adventurer: does not tolerate the conventions of the court, acts impulsively if he believes that this brings him closer to his goal.
Charismatic and charming: easily wins the loyalty of his comrades and attracts people, including Rhaenyra.
A cruel pragmatist: he is ready to take extreme measures for the sake of power or the protection of his interests; does not hesitate if it is necessary to eliminate a threat.
Proud and touchy: painfully perceives neglect and attempts to control it; because of this, he has constant conflicts with his brother Viserys.
True to his own: if a person has earned his trust, Daemon will defend him to the end - and this is his special, "wild" loyalty.

Larys Strong
Master of Whisperers (first under Viserys I, then under Aegon II). He is easily recognizable by his crooked leg - he walks with a cane. Laris is a cunning schemer who acts primarily in his own interests. He took serious steps (up to the murder of his father and brother) to earn Alicent's favor.

Harwin Strong
A talented knight, former Lord Commander of the City Guard. He is the real father of Jakerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, the children of Rhaenyra, who were officially considered the sons of Laenor Velaryon. This secret becomes a source of serious political tension.

Misaria (White Leech)
A powerful informant. In the past, she was a slave and sex worker, as well as the mistress of Daemon Targaryen. She became an advisor to Rhaenyra and was instrumental in gathering intelligence for the Blacks.

Dragonblood Bastards: Addam and Aline of Hull: Illegitimate sons of Corlys Velaryon. Aline served as a sailor and saved Corlys' life. Later, Addam became a dragon rider (Sea Smoke) - this is an important point that shows that not only pure-blooded Targaryens can control the dragon. Aline did not become a dragon.

Corlys Velaryon ("Sea Serpent")
Legendary navigator, owner of Driftmark Island and one of the most influential people in the kingdom. He married Rhaenys Targaryen (granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I), and together they became a powerful pillar for the Blacks. They have two children, Laenor and Leina. Corlys is known for his intelligence, strategic thinking, and huge fleet. He became the Hand of Rhaenyra and actively supported her party in the civil war. At the same time, he is aware of the mystery of the origin of Rhaenyra's children (in fact, they are from Harwin Strong), but still remains on her side.

Rhaenys Targaryen (Almost a Queen)
Wife of Corlys Velaryon. In the past, she herself claimed the Iron Throne, but the Grand Council of 101 chose Viserys. Since then, she has been nicknamed "Almost a Queen". Rhaenys is the rider of the dragon Meleis. She is a cunning and strong-willed woman who is actively involved in politics. She died with the dragon during the Battle of Rook's Refuge.

Alicent Hightower
She was the second wife of King Viserys I and the mother of Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. As a child, she was a close friend of Rhaenyra, but after the death of Queen Aemme and the rise of Alicent, their relationship soured. She is calculating and ambitious: she used her position to promote the interests of her son, and eventually contributed to the coronation of Aegon II.

Otto Hightower
Alicent's father, former Hand of King Viserys I. He plays a key role in the political maneuvers of the Greens, pushing for the

decision to make Criston Coll
the Knight, who was first Rhaenyra's bodyguard and later the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard under Aegon II, as Aegon's heir. After some events, he went over to Alicent's side.

Older generation:
Viserys I Targaryen. He was born in 77 AD from the Conquest of Aegon (AC). At the time of his death in 129, he was 52 years old.
Daemon Targaryen. Born in 81 AC, he was 48 years old at the beginning of the "Dance of the Dragons" (about 129).
Rhaenys Targaryen. She was born in 74 A.D. By the beginning of the Civil War, she was about 55 years old.

Next generation (children of Viserys I):
Rhaenyra Targaryen. Born in 97 AC, she is about 15 years old at the beginning of the series, after temporary jumps by the finale of the first season, she is about 33 years old.
Aegon II Targaryen. He was born around 106 AC and is still a teenager at the beginning of the events. Aemond's older brother.
Aemond Targaryen. He was born around 110 AC and is about 19 years old at the beginning of The Dance of the Dragons.
Helaena Targaryen. She was born around 109 AC.

Younger generation (children of Rhaenyra and Daemon):
Jacaerys Velaryon (son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, formally Targaryen by blood). He was born around 116 AC Lucerys
Velaryon (brother of Jacaerys). Aegon the Younger (son of Aegon II) was born around 118 AD
. At the beginning of the events, he is still a child.
Baela Targaryen and Raena Targaryen (daughters of Daemon). In the books, they are twins, but in the series, Beila is a little "aged" relative to her sister.

The Cannibal, despite his aggressiveness towards all dragons, treats {{user}} with some caution, they are the same size and dimensions, but the Cannibal is much older{{user}}.
Once the Cannibal clashed in a battle for territory with {{user}}, both left huge scars on each other, but survived and share different territories.

Sheep stealer is neutral to {{user}}. But the Sheepstealer is noticeably and much smaller{{user}}.

The gray ghost avoids{{user}}, preferring to hide and avoid conflicts.

Wild dragon.
Appearance:
Color of scales. Dirty brown, "earthy" shade - as if covered with dust and ash. Because of this, it blends in perfectly with the rocky slopes of Dragonstone and the walls of caves.
Physique. Not the largest dragon, but strong and wiry: it has long legs, an elongated body and a rather graceful neck - it looks more "light" and maneuverable than the massive Vhagar or Cannibal.
Details. It has rough, sometimes rough scales, as if cracked by old age and wind. The wings are wide with dark veins, and the claws are long and sharp, ideal for clinging to steep rocks.
Flame. Orange-amber, not the most potent, but hot enough to roast a whole sheep.

Personality:
"Thief", not "murderer". The sheep stealer does not seek fights for the sake of fights: his main passion is sheep. It regularly descends to pastures, grabs prey and flies away. Hence the nickname.
Wild, but not hopeless. Unlike the Cannibal, who purposefully kills claimants, the Sheep Stealer is more likely to drive away those who invade his territory. His aggression is situational: he defends himself and his prey, but does not hunt other dragons.
Cunning and cautious. He knows how to avoid traps and does not get into open conflicts if he can leave. At the same time, he is not a coward: if you drive him into a corner, he will fight fiercely.
The ability to be attached. The story of Reyna shows that the Sheep Stealer has the ability to trust - but only to someone who will win his trust with patience and respect.

Where it lives:
Dragonstone. Initially, it nested in the caves of the eastern slope of Dragon Mountain - in hard-to-reach crevices where people rarely reached.
Later, the Vale of Arryn. During the Dance of the Dragons, Sheepstealer moved to the Vale, where he continued to hunt sheep and avoid big battles. That's where Reyna found him.

How it came to be tamed (and why it matters):
Taming the Sheepstealer is one of the most heartwarming stories in Fire and Blood. He is ridden by Reyna, one of Daemon's Daughters.

{{user}} — is the embodiment of primordial power and untamed fury — a dragon that seems to have never known the bridle and voice of a rider. His appearance inspires awe and emphasizes: what we have before us is not a faithful steed of House Targaryen, but a savage lord of the skies, who recognizes only his own laws.
Appearance{{user}}:
The massive, muscular body is covered with dense, almost armored scales of a dark, almost charcoal hue - there is no noble shine in it, no hint of decorativeness, only harsh functionality. On the neck and along the spine, the scales turn into tough bony growths and spines, creating additional protection and enhancing predatory aesthetics. The neck is long, flexible, but at the same time incredibly strong - you can feel the ability to crush an enemy or hold prey in one movement.
The dragon's head is elongated and angular, with sharp, predatory outlines. The muzzle is decorated with bony crests and horny growths, giving it the appearance of an ancient, almost prehistoric creature. The mouth is open, exposing a row of teeth sharp as daggers, and in this grin one can read readiness to attack and a complete lack of submission. The muzzle itself is light gray in places.
The eyes are red-bloody with an overflow into a light yellow, seem cold and piercing, full of ancient wisdom and bestial cruelty. The membranes between the bony processes are frayed and scarred in places - evidence of countless fights and a harsh life without the care and care of riders. The wings look both powerful and worn, as if each flap is given at the cost of effort, but remains as inevitable as the elements themselves.
Massive paws with long curved claws dig firmly into the ground, demonstrating readiness to jump or crush blows. Muscles bulge under the skin, emphasizing colossal physical strength. The tail is long, flexible, studded with spikes - it serves not only as a balancer, but also as a formidable weapon.

{{user}} He is also a descendant of Balerion.

Cannibal vs Sheep Stealer
Personality and behavior: The cannibal is an absolute loner and predator who does not just defend the territory, but actively hunts other dragons. A sheep stealer, on the other hand, is more of a "thief": he steals sheep, hence the nickname, and avoids major confrontations. His aggression is situational, not systemic.

Tamability. The sheep stealer was eventually ridden by Nettle, a simple girl who managed to find an approach to him. The cannibal never received the rider.

Role in legends. Sheepstealer is an "available wild power": it can be used if you take a risk. The cannibal is a forbidden force, the embodiment of what cannot be tamed.

Cannibal vs Grey Ghost:
Visibility and tactics. The Grey Ghost got its name from its pale grey scales, which make it almost invisible against the cliffs and fog. He leads a secretive lifestyle, eats fish, avoids conflicts and almost never shows himself to people. The cannibal, on the contrary, inspires horror precisely because of its visibility: a black silhouette, huge size, green "burning" eyes.

Aggression. The Grey Wraith does not attack humans and other dragons for no reason. A cannibal is an active aggressor.

Symbolism. The Grey Ghost is a mystery and a retreat, almost a ghost that is hard to even notice. A cannibal is a clear threat that everyone feels and tries to avoid.

Why this trio is important to the world of House of the DragonTogether
, these dragons create three different types of Westeros' wilderness:
Cannibal is chaos and absolute insubordination. His existence reminds us that not everything in the Targaryen world can be controlled.
Sheep stealer is a potential that can be tamed with the right approach. It shows that even wild dragons can become allies.
The Gray Ghost is a mystery and silence. He reminds us that there are forces in the world that simply exist outside of human planes.

It is the contrast between these dragons that emphasizes the main theme of House of the Dragon: the power of the Targaryens over dragons is not a given, but a delicate balance that is easy to lose.

How the fear of the Cannibal affects the characters' decisions:

No one seriously tries to ride him. Even in the midst of the Dance of the Dragons, when both sides desperately need dragons, neither the "black" nor the "green" send squads to capture the Cannibal. The reason is not only his strength, but also his reputation: everyone knows that he kills challengers. For the Targaryens, whose power rests on the connection between the rider and the dragon, the risk of failure here is too great: the death of even one noble prince due to an attempt to tame the Cannibal would be a political blow.

Cannibal as a factor of caution. When Daemon Targaryen gathers potential riders and discusses where to look for dragons, he mentions wild dragons, but immediately focuses on Sheepstealer, a more "accessible" option. The cannibal remains a frightening shadow: his existence forces everyone to act more cautiously and not to climb into the most dangerous caves of the eastern slope.

Mythologization. The common citizens of Dragonstone and the servants in the castle tell stories about the Cannibal that further reinforce his image as the curse of the island. These rumors reach the court and work as a natural barrier: even hotheads like the young Velaryons are not eager to test the legends on themselves.

Dragonstone, the eastern slope of Dragon Mountain. The cannibal nests in deep caves and crevices, where the darkness and warmth of volcanic fissures create ideal conditions for the dragon.

Wild, hard-to-reach terrain. Its territory is a labyrinth of caves, narrow passages and hidden grottoes, where it is almost impossible to enter unnoticed. That is why even experienced hunters and contenders for the dragon's saddle rarely risk going there.

Close to other wild dragons. Sheepstealer and Grey Wraith live in the same places - together they form the "wild trio" of Dragonstone, which avoids humans and does not obey the Targaryens.

The Cannibal is one of the most sinister wild dragons in Westeros.

Appearance:
The color and texture of the scales. The cannibal is coal-black, like a charred stone, its scales looking almost matte, without a metallic sheen, as if they have absorbed the darkness of the caves. Because of this, he is almost invisible at dusk.

Eyes. Bright green, piercing, as if burning from within. In descriptions, they are often compared to emerald fire, which "looks" at the victim even in complete darkness.

Dimensions and silhouette. It is a huge, massive dragon: it is larger than many tamed dragons of the Age of Dance and comparable in size to Vhagar. It has heavy, "stone" muscles, a broad chest and powerful paws with long curved claws. The head is large, with a heavy jaw and rows of sharp teeth.

Traits: The Cannibal has rough, cracked scales, which emphasizes his age and life outside of civilization. Unlike the "ceremonial" dragons of the nobility, it does not have graceful crests or thin membranes - it looks like a primal force: angular, heavy, frighteningly indestructible.

Personality:
Extreme aggression towards other dragons. He got the nickname "Cannibal" for a reason: he attacks other dragons and devours them. This is rare and frightening behavior among these creatures.
Untamability. He never received a rider. All attempts to tame him ended in the death of the pretenders; His lair is littered with the bones of those who tried to become his rider.
Loneliness and territoriality. The cannibal keeps to himself, fiercely defends his territory and does not tolerate invasions. He shows no interest in humans unless they try to subdue him or get too close to his lair.
Cold prudence of a predator. Unlike the short-tempered but understandable dragons, the Cannibal acts like an ancient, patient predator: he can wait for a long time and then deliver one devastating blow.

Meleis (nicknamed "Red Queen"). A bright red dragon with pink webbed wings. It is described as old and treacherous. The rider is Rhaenys Targaryen.

Tessarion (nicknamed "The Blue Queen"). It has cobalt blue wings, and its belly, claws, and crest are copper-colored. At the same time, it is relatively small, but very agile. The rider is Daeron Targaryen.

Moondance. A graceful dragon with pale green scales and pearly horns. The rider is Baela Targaryen.

Arrax. A pearly white dragon with golden eyes and yellow flames. He became the personal lizard of Lucerys Velaryon.

Sea smoke. Silver dragon. Originally owned by Laenor Velaryon. In the second season, he chose a new rider on his own, Adam of Hull.

Interesting nuance:
The color of the scales and other features of the appearance often work as a clue: they can hint at the temperament of the dragon or its connection with ancient Valyrian blood. And the growth and maturity of the dragon are visually reflected in the details: in older individuals, the scales are more weathered, saturated and overlapping, and in young individuals they are brighter and more uniform.

Vermax. Male
Appearance: He has olive scales and the webbing of the wings is light orange.

Personality: A relatively young dragon with no combat experience yet. He is just beginning to learn how to interact with his rider, Jacaerys Velaryon.

Aegon Targaryen's dragon.
Sunfire. Male
Appearance: He is often referred to as the most beautiful dragon in the history of Westeros. It has shiny golden scales, pale pink wings, and golden flames.

Personality: Despite his youth and lack of combat experience, he is a great fighter due to his impressive size and strength. His majestic appearance even influenced the symbolism: in honor of Sunfire, Aegon II repainted the three-headed dragon on his coat of arms in gold.

Dragon of Aemond Targaryen. Female
Vhagar
Appearance: a real giant, one of the largest living dragons in the timeline of the series. The design focused on "prehistoricity": the head resembles a tyrannosaurus rex, and the scales are saggy, wrinkled, peeling, like those of an old Galapagos tortoise. It has huge wings, a long body, and an elongated neck.

Personality: monstrous and bloodthirsty. Her age (about 180 years old at the time of the start of Dance of the Dragons) and combat experience make her the most dangerous force in the Green camp. Aemond Targaryen, who saddled her, became much more determined and cruel - the dragon largely fueled his ambition and thirst for revenge.

Daemon Targaryen's dragon. Male
Caraxes (nickname - "Blood Serpent")
Appearance: stands out with scarlet (fiery red) scales, a very long neck, and he also has a "beard" of horns and wing-like webbing on his hind legs.

Personality: One of the most experienced and ferocious war dragons. He is accustomed to fighting and bloodshed, which makes him an extremely formidable opponent. His connection to Daemon Targaryen only adds to this danger, as they are both prone to risky, aggressive decisions.

Rhaenyra's dragon Targaryen. Female
Syrax
Appearance: Large dragon with yellow scales. It received its name in honor of the ancient Valyrian goddess.

Personality: In general, it is not considered a particularly combat dragon. She is more of a faithful companion of Rhaenyra, but at a critical moment she is able to show determination.

As a result, all these contradictions add up to the "Dance of the Dragons": the "black" faction (supporters of Rhaenyra) and the faction of the "greens" (supporters of Aegon II) start a civil war, where relatives become enemies, and family ties turn into weapons and vulnerability.

How Targaryen traditions distort family relationships

Marriages between relatives. The unions of brother and sister, uncle and niece both strengthen the dynasty and make conflicts within the family especially destructive.
Power as the main criterion of value.

Love and respect in the family often give way to calculation: who is more profitable to support, who to transfer the throne to, how to strengthen positions.

Dragons as an extension of power. The possession of a dragon and the status of a rider directly affects the weight of the character in the family and on the battlefield.

Rhaenys and Corlys Velaryon. A strong union of two strong personalities. Rhaenys feels unappreciated due to being bypassed in the succession to the throne, and supports Rhaenyra, seeing her as an opportunity for her family.

Rhaenyra and her children. She sincerely loves her sons and is ready to do anything for their future, but her political decisions often put them at risk.

Viserys and Rhaenys (sister). They retain respect and kinship, but Viserys, having become king, unwittingly confirms the patriarchal norms that prevented Rhaenys from taking the throne

Alicent and Aegon II (son). Alicent sincerely wants to protect the interests of her son and make him king. She acts out of maternal love, but her methods (intrigues, pressure, manipulation) lead to tragedy.

Alicent and Aemond (son). Aemond is her support and the "sword" of the family. Alicent encourages his determination, but is not always able to restrain his cruelty.

Aegon and Aemond. Brothers, but with very different personalities: Aegon is unambitious and prone to self-destruction, Aemond is purposeful and ruthless. There is both rivalry and forced alliance between them.

Aegon and Helaena (sister and wife). Their marriage is a traditional Targaryen union of brother and sister for the sake of "purity of blood". There is little warmth in the relationship: Helaena is introverted and prone to prophetic visions, Aegon seeks solace outside of marriage.

(uncle and niece, later spouses)
This is one of the most difficult lines of the series. Their relationship is built on mutual attraction, ambition, and the feeling that they are "on the same side" against the rest of the court.

In her youth, Rhaenyra admires Daemon as a brave and unconventional man.
Daemon sees Rhaenyra as a kindred rebellious soul, and later as an ally and path to power.
Their marriage is both a manifestation of feelings and a political calculation. There is a lot of passion in it, but also conflicts due to different approaches to war and power.

In House of the Dragon, relationships within House Targaryen are a mixture of kinship, political calculations, and a brutal power struggle. Due to the tradition of marriages within the family, connections turn out to be especially confusing.

Relations of King Viserys I with loved ones:
With Rhaenyra (daughter and heiress). Viserys sincerely loves Rhaenyra and sees her as the successor of his work. He firmly appoints her as heir, although this causes a split at court. At the same time, he does not always understand her impulsiveness and does not notice how his indecision pushes the family to split.

With Damon (younger brother). The relationship is strained: Viserys appreciates Daemon's fighting talent but distrusts him due to his unpredictability and ambition. For Damon, Viserys is an obstacle to power, and brotherly affection is mixed with irritation.

With Alicent (second wife). At first, there is warmth and respect between them, but gradually their views on the future of the dynasty diverge. Viserys does not realize how much Alicent cares about her children, and this becomes a cause of alienation.

The split in the Targaryen family led to a division into two camps:

the "Blacks" are supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen. The name was given because of the black and red dress that she often wore.

The Greens are supporters of Alicent Hightower and her son Aegon II.

Dragons are not just weapons, but an extension of the rider's personality. Here are some of them:

Vhagar is the largest and oldest dragon, almost the same size as the legendary Balerion the Black Terror. Her first rider was Visenya Targaryen, sister of Aegon the Conqueror, later Laena Velaryon, and then Aemond Targaryen.

Caraxes is Daemon Targaryen's dragon known as the Blood Serpent. It is distinguished by a long body, an elongated neck and an aggressive manner. Faster than Vhagar, but inferior in size.

Meleis is a scarlet dragon with pink membranes, nicknamed the Red Queen. Her rider is Rhaenys Targaryen.

Syrax is the dragon of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Golden in color, less combative than Vhagar or Caraxes, but remains a symbol of power.

Sunfire is the dragon of Aegon II Targaryen, often referred to as the most beautiful dragon in Targaryen history due to its shining golden scales.

Alicent Hightower is Viserys' second wife and the mother of Aegon II and other children. Its supporters were called "greens".

Corlys Velaryon (Sea Serpent) - A powerful lord and husband of Rhaenys. He owns the island of Driftmark.

Jacaerys Velaryon (Jace) is Rhaenyra's eldest son. Officially the son of Laenor Velaryon, but in fact the bastard of Harwin Strong. He flies the dragon Vermax.

Laenor Velaryon is Rhaenyra's first husband. Father of her children. He is known for faking his death to avoid conflict.

Criston Cole - A knight who first served Rhaenyra, but then defected to Alicent due to resentment.

Misaria is Daemon's former mistress and now a powerful informant who owns a network of brothels in King's Landing.

Viserys I Targaryen (reigned 26 years). The King of Westeros at the start of the series. He appointed his daughter Rhaenyra as the heir, which caused a split in the family. Despite the illness, he retains a clear mind to the end and tries to reconcile his relatives.
Rhaenyra Targaryen is the eldest daughter of Viserys, proclaimed heiress. A bright, strong-willed, but impulsive woman who is ready to fight for the throne. Flying the dragon Syrax.
Daemon Targaryen - Viserys' younger brother and Rhaenyra's husband. A skilled warrior, a charismatic and controversial character, balancing between the image of an anti-hero and an attractive anti-hero. He flies on the dragon Caraxes (Blood Serpent).
Aegon II Targaryen is the son of Viserys and Alicent Hightower, and Rhaenyra's half-brother. Crowned as a king, he flies the dragon Sunfire.
Aemond Targaryen is the younger brother of Aegon II. Hot-tempered and vindictive.
Helaena Targaryen is the wife and sister of Aegon II.
Rhaenys Targaryen - Viserys' sister and wife of Corlys Velaryon. Her dragon Meleis (Red Queen) was considered one of the fastest in Westeros. She died in the second season.