Complete List of Every Dragon Death in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones

Dragons, among the mightiest beings in Westeros, have met their demise in both House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. Since the hatching of Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragon eggs on Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre, dragons have become iconic symbols of power and mystery in this fantasy realm. Their presence adds a breathtaking spectacle to the narrative, making them central to the lore of both shows.

Though fire cannot extinguish a dragon, as Daenerys asserts in both the series and George R.R. Martin’s first book, dragons are not immune to death. Throughout the series, we witness several dragons fall, including notable instances in Game of Thrones and promises of more through the prequel’s upcoming seasons. As revealed in Martin’s Fire & Blood, even more dragons are expected to meet their fates in House of the Dragon.

Is Sunfyre, King Aegon II’s Dragon, Dead?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to address the status of Sunfyre, the dragon of King Aegon II Targaryen. Following a brutal encounter with Vhagar during the Battle of Rook’s Rest, Sunfyre was grievously injured and has since vanished from sight. Criston Cole ominously remarked that Sunfyre was “long in the dying,” but his demise remains unconfirmed. In Fire & Blood, the dragon recovers and plays an important role later, suggesting that he has not joined the ranks of the deceased quite yet.

4 Viserion (Daenerys Targaryen’s Dragon)

Killed By The Night King

Viserion stands out as the first dragon to perish on screen in the Game of Thrones universe and the only dragon to face death twice. A smaller dragon in Daenerys’ arsenal, Viserion was struck down by the Night King in Season 7, Episode 6, “Beyond the Wall,” using a javelin-like ice spear that sent him crashing into icy waters.

However, Viserion’s story did not end there. After being pulled from the depths by wights, he was resurrected by the Night King, leading to an unforgettable scene where his blue eye opened. Eventually, he would aid in the destruction of the Wall and participate in the Battle of Winterfell, only to meet his end a second time, indirectly at the hands of Jon Snow or through Arya Stark’s defeat of the Night King.

As of now, Viserion remains unscathed in the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, where Daenerys’ dragons are still alive as of A Dance with Dragons. While the novels hint at possible losses, they diverge significantly from the show’s narrative due to the Night King’s nonexistence in the books.

3 Rhaegal (Daenerys’ Dragon)

Killed By Euron Greyjoy

Rhaegal’s fate was sealed in Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last of the Starks,” marking another deep loss for Daenerys. His death stirred mixed feelings among fans, largely attributed to the circumstances surrounding it; co-showrunner David Benioff noted that Daenerys seemingly overlooked the Iron Fleet, allowing Euron Greyjoy to land a fatal blow with a scorpion bolt.

While Rhaegal’s demise may feel disappointing, he joins the ranks of other dragons historically felled by scorpions, such as Meraxes, who fell victim during Aegon’s Conquest. Remarkably, Rhaegal is not alone in facing such a weapon.

2 Arrax (Lucerys Velaryon’s Dragon)

Killed By Aemond Targaryen & Vhagar

In House of the Dragon, the dragon count has surged, signifying that the potential for tragic losses is much higher. Arrax, the loyal dragon of Lucerys Velaryon, faced overwhelming odds and was the first dragon to die in this iteration. In the climax of Season 1, Arrax was swiftly pursued by Aemond Targaryen riding Vhagar, leading to a climactic and devastating encounter.

Despite Arrax’s speed, he was no match for the larger, powerful Vhagar. This confrontation marked a pivotal moment for the civil war brewing within the realm, as Aemond’s act sparked irrevocable conflict. Notably, the show altered their fates from Martin’s text, portraying Aemond’s actions as a tragic mistake rather than a cold calculation, intensifying the emotional weight of their demise.

1 Meleys (Rhaenys Targaryen’s Dragon)

Killed By Aemond Targaryen & Vhagar

The most recent addition to the list of fallen dragons is Meleys, Rhaenys Targaryen’s fierce companion. The duo showcased remarkable valor during the Battle of Rook’s Rest, representing the loyalty and grit of Targaryen dragonriders. However, facing both Sunfyre and Vhagar proved to be a daunting challenge. This epic confrontation has been noted as one of the most breathtaking dragon battles ever captured in the franchise.

Despite their efforts, Meleys could not withstand Vhagar, leading to a brutal finale. Rhaenys died a heroic dragonrider’s death, fury blazing in her last moments as the ferocious Meleys battled until the end. The aftermath saw her dragon’s severed head paraded through King’s Landing, emphasizing the stark and bitter costs of war.

As House of the Dragon continues, more dragon casualties are inevitable, but it will be a tough challenge to match the intensity and emotion of Meleys’ last stand.

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