List of House of the Dragon characters

The characters from the medieval fantasy television series House of the Dragon are based on their respective counterparts from author George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood novel. Set in a fictional universe that has been referred to so far as "The Known World", the series follows a civil war for the Iron Throne of the continent of Westeros, fought between the rival royal and noble families and their respective supporters.

Cast

Main cast

  = Main cast (credited)

  = Recurring cast (3+)

  = Guest cast (1-2)

Actor	Character	Appearances
		1	2
Paddy Considine	Viserys I Targaryen	Main
Matt Smith	Daemon Targaryen	Main
Emma D'Arcy	Rhaenyra Targaryen	Main
Milly AlcockY		Main
Rhys Ifans	Otto Hightower	Main
Steve Toussaint	Corlys Velaryon	Main
Eve Best	Rhaenys Targaryen	Main
Sonoya Mizuno	Mysaria	Main
Fabien Frankel	Criston Cole	Main
Olivia Cooke	Alicent Hightower	Main
Emily CareyY		Main
Graham McTavish	Harrold Westerling	Main	TBA
Matthew Needham	Larys Strong	Main
Jefferson Hall	Jason Lannister	Main
	Tyland Lannister	Main
Harry Collett	Jacaerys Velaryon	Main
Tom Glynn-Carney	Aegon II Targaryen	Main
Ewan Mitchell	Aemond Targaryen	Main
Bethany Antonia	Baela Targaryen	Main
Phoebe Campbell	Rhaena Targaryen	Main
Phia Saban	Helaena Targaryen	Main
Kurt Egyiawan	Orwyle	Recurring	Main
Kieran Bew	Hugh Hammer		Main
Abubakar Salim	Alyn of Hull		Main
Tom Taylor	Cregan Stark		Main
Clinton Liberty	Addam of Hull		Main
Tom Bennett	Ulf White		Main
Ellora Torchia	Kat		Main

Notes

Recurring cast

  = Recurring cast (3+)

  = Guest cast (1-2)

Actor	Character	Appearances
		1	2
David Horovitch	Mellos	Recurring
Bill Paterson	Lyman Beesbury	Recurring
Gavin Spokes	Lyonel Strong	Recurring
Steffan Rhodri	Hobert Hightower	Recurring
John Macmillan	Laenor Velaryon	Recurring	TBA
Nanna Blondell	Laena Velaryon	Recurring
Elliott Tittensor	Erryk Cargyll	Recurring	Guest
Luke Tittensor	Arryk Cargyll	Recurring	Guest
Anthony Flanagan	Steffon Darklyn	Recurring	Guest
Ryan Corr	Harwin Strong	Recurring
Wil Johnson	Vaemond Velaryon	Recurring
Elliot Grihault	Lucerys Velaryon	Recurring
Paul Kennedy	Jasper Wylde	Recurring	Guest
Alexis Raben	Talya	Recurring
Jordon Stevens	Elinda Massey	Recurring	Guest
Paul Hickey	Allun Caswell	Recurring
Phil Daniels	Gerardys	Recurring	Guest

Guest cast

• Max Wrottesley as Ser Lorent Marbrand
• Michelle Bonnard as Sylvi
• Nicholas Jones as Lord Bartimos Celtigar
• Michael Elwyn as Lord Simon Staunton

Season 1

• Siân Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn
• Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen
• Garry Cooper as Ser Ryam Redwyne
• Julian Lewis Jones as Lord Boremund Baratheon
• David Hounslow as Lord Rickon Stark
• Will Willoughby as Ser Gwayne Hightower
• Daniel Scott-Smith as Craghas Drahar
• Solly McLeod as Ser Joffrey Lonmouth
• Gabriel Scott as Jerrel Bracken
• Alfie Todd as Willem Blackwood
• Rachel Redford as Lady Rhea Royce
• Owen Oakeshott as Ser Gerold Royce
• Arty Froushan as Ser Qarl Correy
• Dean Nolan as Prince Reggio Haratis
• Maddie Evans as Dyana
• Roger Evans as Lord Borros Baratheon

Season 2

• Jamie Kenna as Ser Alfred Broome
• James Dreyfus as Lord Gormon Massey
• Sam C. Wilson as Blood
• Mark Stobbart as Cheese
• Barney Fishwick as Ser Martyn Reyne
• Ralph Davis as Ser Leon Estermont
• Tok Stephen as Ser Eddard Waters
• Oscar Eskinazi as Prince Joffrey Velaryon

Notes

Main characters

Viserys I Targaryen

Viserys I Targaryen (portrayed by Paddy Considine) is the fifth King of the Seven Kingdoms. While his cousin Princess Rhaenys had a better claim to the throne, a Great Council at Harrenhal voted Viserys to succeed his grandfather King Jaehaerys. His first marriage to Queen Aemma Arryn results in a daughter, Rhaenyra, and two miscarriages for sons. During the birth of the second son, Baelon, Viserys orders a C-section in an attempt to save his life, but both Baelon and Aemma die in the process. Viserys then proclaims his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir, defying his younger brother Daemon, and begins to groom her as his successor, informing her of Aegon's prophecy . Viserys soon remarries to Lady Alicent Hightower, instead of the Velaryon's preferred choice Laena, and has four children: Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. Later in life, Viserys becomes incredibely weak while suffering from a form of leprosy. A weakened Viserys is treated with Milk of the Poppy, making him delirious and bedridden. While he is incapacitated, the Hightowers and their allies prepare to make Aegon the new heir, while Rhaenyra attempts to keep her father's wishes of making her the next Queen. Dying, and believing he is talking to Rhaenyra, he tells Alicent about Aegon's prophecy, but Alicent believes he is talking about the destiny of their son Aegon.

Daemon Targaryen

Daemon Targaryen (portrayed by Matt Smith) is the younger brother of King Viserys I. Nicknamed the "Rogue Prince" for his unpredictable behavior, Daemon is a fierce warrior and wields the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister, and rider of the dragon Caraxes, also known as the "Blood Wyrm". Nine years into the reign of Viserys I, Daemon is considered unfit to rule by Ser Otto Hightower, citing his brutal methods as Lord Commander of the City Watch. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn and their child Baelon, Viserys I banishes Daemon from King's Landing, after Ser Otto reports that he mockingly referred to the deceased Baelon as "the heir for a day." Daemon leaves with his lover Mysaria to Dragonstone, as Viserys names his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen his heir. Daemon later steals the deceased Baelon’s dragon egg, claiming it for his unborn child of Mysaria, resulting in Rhaenyra arriving and retrieving the egg peacefully, following this, Lord Corlys Valeryon proposes they form an alliance to retake the Stepstones from Craghas Drahar. After three years, Daemon kills Drahar in battle, and is crowned the “King of the Narrow Sea” by Lord Corlys. Daemon returns to King’s Landing, and gives his crown to Viserys. One night, Daemon takes Rhaenyra into the city of King’s Landing, where he seduces her, but ultimately is unwilling. When an informant named "White Worm" informs Ser Otto about Rhaenyra and Daemon’s exploits. Viserys orders him to leave the city. Daemon travels to the Vale, and murders his wife, Lady Rhea Royce. Ten years later, Daemon has married Lady Laena Velaryon and has two children, Baela and Rhaena. Laena suffers a prolonged labor, and commands her dragon Vhagar to kill her. Daemon attends her funeral at Driftmark, and later has sex with Rhaenyra, and later they agree to unite against Alicent and her supporters. Daemon then arranges Rhaenyra’s husband, Leanor Velaryon's 'fake' assasination. Daemon and Rhaenyra get married in the custom of old Valyria. Six years later, Daemon and Rhaenyra have two children, Aegon and Viserys. Alongside his wife, he attends the petition of Vaemond Velaryon at King’s Landing, for Driftmark. He then beheads Vaemond, after he refers to Rhaenyra as a whore and her children bastards. Daemon attends Visery's feast, but later leaves for Dragonstone alongside the rest of them. Following the news of King Viserys’s I's death, and the crowning of KingAegon II, by Ser Otto and the greens. Rhaenyra goes into premature labour, resulting in a stillborn child. At the funeral, Daemon crowns Rhaenyra the queen of the seven kingdoms, and is intent on capturing Harrenhal in the Riverlands. Daemon later delivers the news of Prince Lucerys death to Rhaenyra.

In season 2, ten days following the death of Prince Lucerys, Daemon has become frustrated at Rhenyra’s inaction. When Lord Corlys’s fleet captures a ship containing his former lover Mysaria, whom he sends to the dungeons Fro informing on him and also delivering Aegon II to the greens. Following Rheayra’s declaration of "I want Aemund Targaryen", Daemon has Mysaria provide him information, before secretly traveling to King’s Landing. He hires Blood and Cheese to kill Aemund, ultimately resulting in Prince Jaehaerys death’s. Following the death, Rhaenyra suspects Daemon of ordering Prince Jaehaerys's death if Aemund were absent, before stating that she distrusts him. Following this, Daemon files to Harrenhal.

Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra Targaryen (portrayed by Emma D'Arcy as an adult and by Milly Alcock as a younger Rhaenyra) is the daughter of King Viserys I and eventual claimant to the throne. She is also the dragonrider of Syrax. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Rhaenyra is named heir to the Iron Throne, informing her of Aegon the Conqueror's dream. Rhaenyra selects Ser Criston Cole to join the Kingsguard, and later travels to Dragonstone, to retrieve the egg stolen by her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen. She is distraught by her father's marriage to her friend Lady Alicent Hightower. Three years later, when Daemon returns from the Stepstones, he sneaks her out to explore King's Landing. Daemon seduces her, but he us unable to consummate the affair. She later seduces Ser Criston, despite his reluctance. When Alicent confronts her about the affair, she denies it. When speaking with her father, she agrees to marry Ser Laenor Velaryon if he removes Ser Otto Hightower as Hand of the King. At Driftmark, knowing Ser Laenor is gay, Rhaenyra states that, once married, they can perform their royal duties and be free to have lovers. She refuses Criston's offer of running away with him to Essos, making him distraught. Ten years later, Rhaenyra has had three bastard children, fathered by Ser Harwin Strong, named Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey, passed off as the children of Ser Laenor. She attends the funeral of Laena Velaryon, and has sex with Daemon, and later, following Aemond's claiming of Vhagar, agree to unite against Alicent. They arrange a fake assassination of her husband Ser Laenor, in order to get married in the old Valyrian tradition. Six years later, Rhaenyra has had two children with Daemon: Aegon III and Viserys II. Following the death of King Viserys I, and Aegon II being crowned King, Rhaenyra goes into a difficult premature labour and gives birth to a stillborn daughter. Ser Erryk Cargyll brings Viserys' crown to Rhaenyra durng the funeral and Daemon proclaims her Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. She is offered peace terms by Ser Otto, but Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys pledge there loyalty and support. She sends her sons Jacaerys and Lucerys as envoys to the Houses Stark, Arryn and Baratheon. Daemon informs Rhaenyra of her son Lucerys death by Aemond.

In season 2, ten days following the news of Prince Lucerys death, Rhaenyra locates her son's dragon, Arrax's wing, she returns to Dragonstone, following this and states "I want Aemund Targaryen", indirectly resulting in Daemon hiring Blood and Cheese, who brutally murder Prince Jaehaerys. Rhaenyra worries her popularity will suffer from this and tells Daemon she no longer trusts him. Ser Erryk saves her from an assassination attempt made by Ser Arryk, resulting in both of their deaths.

Otto Hightower

Otto Hightower (portrayed by Rhys Ifans) is the hand of the King to Viserys and father of Queen Alicent. Following the death of Queen Aemma, Viserys I remarries Otto’s daughter Alicent, who gives birth to there son Aemon III. Otto is pressured by his brother Hobert Hightower, to have Viserys I name Aegon heir to the Iron Throne over Rhaenyra. He later is dismissed as Hand of the King by Viserys I, when Otto informs Viserys I of Rhaenyra exploits in King’s Landing, as he can not rely on the advice of a man who puts his own ambitions above his duty to the king. Otto is reinstated ten years later following the death of Lyonel Strong. Otto and the Small Council prepare to make Aegon the new heir, whilst Viserys is incapacitated. Following Viserys I’s death, Otto and the Small Council crown Aegon II king.

In season 2, Otto, urges toughness towards the smallfolk to secure resources for the war, conflicting with Aegon’s intentions. Following the murder of Aegon’s son and Otto’s grandson Prince Jaehaerys, Otto coldly suggests a public funeral to tarnish Rhaenyra’s name. Aegon II dismisses Otto for his inaction and names Ser Criston Cole Hand of the King.

Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Velaryon (portrayed by Steve Toussaint), also known as the Sea Snake, is the head of House Velaryon, one of the most wealthy houses in the seven kingdoms, and husband to Rhaenys Targaryen. Rhaenys was once a candidate to succeed her grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms but was passed over in favor of her younger cousin Viserys due to her gender, enraging Corlys. Nine years later, Corlys is the Master of Ships on King Viserys’s small council, folloiwing the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, infuriated by the King’s inaction, and his choice of marrying Lady Alicent Hightower over Corlys daughter Laena, Corlys wages war in the Stepstones alongside Prince Daemon Tagaryen. King Viserys I and Corlys later arrange a marriage between Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon. Ten years later, following the death of Laena, a funeral is held at Driftmark, where Corlys attempts to comfort his heir Lucerys Velaryron. Princess Rhaenys privately urges Corlys to pass his title and name through their granddaughter, Baela, (Laena and Daemonn’s eldest daughter) rather than allow Laenor to pass it on to his sons, popularly believed to be bastard children of Se Harwin Strong. Daemon Targaeryan arranges a fake assassination on Laenor, resulting in his ‘death’. Six years later, Corlys is severely wounded in the Stepstones putting the succession of Driftmark into question. Following the death of Viserys, Corlys pledges his support to Rhaenyra and offers to establishes a shipping blockade of King's Landing with Rhaenys patrolling the area on dragonback.

In season 2, Corlys at Driftmark inspects his flagship “the Sea Snake” and makes conversation with Alyn of Hull, the sailor who saved his life in the Stepstones. Corlys later attends the funeral of Prince Lucerys, following his death.

Rhaenys Velaryon

Rhaenys Velaryon (portrayed by Eve Best), also known as the Queen who Never Was, is the cousin to King Viserys who is revered by many to be the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Rhaenys is a dragonrider who rides Meleys, also known as the "Red Queen". Rhaenys attends the wedding of Ser Laenor, and Princess Rhaenyra. Ten years later, at Laena’s funeral at Driftmark, Rhaenys urges Corlys to pass his title to Baela, Laena’s eldest daughter) rather then Laenor’s sons. Daemon arranges a fake assassination on Laenor, resulting in his ‘death’. Six years later, following a grievous wound, Rheanys supports Lucerys Velaryon claim to the title, over Vaemond Velaryon. Following Viserys death, Rheanys refuses to support Aegon II, and aided by Ser Erryk Cargyll, escapes King’s Landing on Meleys, and informs Rhaenyra of Viserys death. Rhaenyra and her husband pledge there loyal to Rhaenys.

In season 2, Rhaenys, patrols the shipping blockade on King’s Landing on dragonback. After returning from a patrol, she is approached by Daemon who demands she accompanies him to King's Landing to kill Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar to avenge Lucerys, but she only recognizes Rhaenyra's orders and insists that she should be allowed time to grieve her son.

Mysaria

Mysaria (portrayed by Sonoya Mizuno), also known as the White Worm, is a peasant who rises in Flea Bottom to become an important information broker. When Daemon steals a dragon egg, Mysaria is present when Ser Otto Hightower confronts him at Dragonstone. She learns that Daemon, without her knowledge, announced that they were to be wed, and that she was pregnant. She later leaves his service and returns to King’s Landing. She builds up a spy network years later and is nicknamed "The White Worm", becoming an informant for Ser Otto, and builds a spy network in the Red Keep, that includes Queen Alicent’s handmaiden Talya. Following King Viserys I’s death, she kidnaps Prince Aegon II, and demands a meeting with Otto in exchange for Aegon’s location. Later, Mysaria’s manse is set on fire by Lord Confessor, Larys Strong.

In season 2, Mysaria attempts to flee King’s Landing, via ship, which is intercepted by the Velaryon fleet, and found by Ser Erryk Cargyll and taken to Daemon, whom imprisons her, and in exchange for her freedom, provides him the name of one of her agents in King’s Landing, indirectly causing the death of Prince Jaehaerys. Rhaenyra later releases her.

Criston Cole

Criston Cole (portrayed by Fabien Frankel) is a member of the Kingsguard. Criston competes in the Heir’s tournament, defeating Prince Daemon, first in the joust and then in single combat. Criston is sworn to the Kingsguard by Princess Rhaenyra following the death of Ser Ryam Redwyne and becomes Princess Rhaenyra’s sworn sword. Criston and Rhaenyra have sex following her exploits with Daemon, breaking his Kingsguard vows. When Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra are announced to be married, Criston asks her to run away with him to Essos, she rejects him, leaving Criston distraught. Criston later confesses his actions to Queen Alicent, who keeps his secret. At the wedding of Ser Laenor and Rhaenyra, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, Laenor’s paramour, telling them that they should guard the two’s secrets. This perceived threat results in Criston beating Ser Joffrey to death, and later prepares to take his own life but is interrupted by Queen Alicent. Ten years later, Criston has become a firm ally of Queen Alicent and the Greens, and has become the master-at-arms at King’s Landing. He provokes Ser Harwin Strong into attacking him in the training yard, as he insinuates that Queen Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor’s sons, are in fact his. Following the death of King Viserys, he kills Lord Lyman Beesbury when he protests to the accession of Prince Aegon to the throne, and replaces Ser Harold Westerling as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, after he resigns. Criston and Aemond are sent out into the city by Queen Alicent, where they locate Prince Aegon II. Criston later crowns Prince Aegon II, gaining the nickname “The Kingmaker”.

In season 2, Criston has begun to have sexually relations with Queen Alicent. When Blood and Cheese infiltrate the castle, and brutelly murder Prince Jaehaerys, Criston is having sex with Alicent. Criston sends Ser Arryk Cargyll to assassinate Queen Rhaenyra, following the death of Prince Jaeherys and later Aegon II elevates him to the position of Hand of the King.

Alicent Hightower

Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Olivia Cooke as an adult and by Emily Carey as a younger Alicent) is the second wife of King Viserys and mother to King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron. She is daughter to Ser Otto Hightower and sister to Ser Gwayne Hightower. Alicent is companion to the Princess Rhaenyra. Following the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Ser Otto sends Alicent to offer her condolences to King Viserys I. King Viserys I later marries Alicent and has a son, Aegon II. When she overhears Otto and Viserys's conversation concerning Prince Daemon and Rhaenyra's exploits in King's Landing, she confronts Rhaenyra privately, who denies having sex with Daemon. Ser Otto is dismissed as the Hand of the King by King Viserys I, following this incident. Alicent is informed, by Larys Strong, that Grand Maester Mellos has delivered moon tea, and questions Ser Criston Cole on the matter, but Criston misunderstanding, confesses that he slept with the princess. At the wedding of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor, enters the hall wearing a green gown matching House Hightower's signal color for a call to arms. Ten years later, Alicent rejects Princess Rhaenyra's proposal of marrying her son Prince Jacaerys and Princess Helaena. She indirectly causes the deaths of Lord Lyonel Strong and Harwin Strong, when she mentions to Larys, now a close confident, that she wishes her father was still Hand. She attends Laena's funeral on Driftmark, but following an altercation that results in Prince Lucerys Velaryon slashing Aemond's left eye, Quee Alicent demnds Lucerys eye gouged out, and when refused, wounds the princess's arm. On King Viserys I's deathbed, he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra and mutters parts of Aegon the Conqueror's dream; Alicent misinterprets it as Viserys wanting their son, Aegon, to succeed him as king. Following his death, Alicent urges caution to her son Prince Aegon II concerning Rhaenyra, insisting on offering peace terms. She also orders Larys to destroy Mysaria's spy network destroyed.

In season 2, Alicent has began to have sexual relations with Ser Criston Cole, whom she is abed with during the brutal murder of grandchild Prince Jaehaerys, by Blood and Cheese.

Harrold Westerling

Harrold Westerling (portrayed by Graham McTavish) is a member of the Kingsguard under both King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and King Viserys I Targaryen. During Visery's reign, he replaces Ser Ryam Redwyne as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. He later resigns his position in the Kingsguard in protest when it is revealed that the majority of the Small Council had conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Larys Strong

Larys Strong (portrayed by Matthew Needham) is the youngest son of Lord Lyonel Strong. He later becomes the Lord Confessor and a close confidant of Queen Alicent Hightower. Larys orchestrates the deaths of both his father and his older brother Ser Harwin Strong by sending his agents to trap them in a fire at his family seat of Harrenhal, allowing him to succeed his father as the Lord of Harrenhal. Six years later, following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Larys apprehends Lord Allun Caswell during his attempt to flee King's Landing and has him executed. He also works to dismantle Mysaria's spy network in King's Landing under the Alicent's orders by rounding up and imprisoning all the servants in the Red Keep, suspecting there to be traitors among them.

In season 2, Larys has replaced Queen Alicent's entire household staff, having tortured and executed them all. In the aftermath of the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Larys apprehends the goldcloak known as Blood, who was attempting to flee King's Landing with the severed head of Jaehaerys, and easily obtains information from Blood concerning his accomplice Cheese, before King Aegon II Targaryen kills him personally.

Jason Lannister

Jason Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the older twin-brother of Ser Tyland Lannister. He is also the Lord of Casterly Rock, head of House Lannister, and Warden of the West. An arrogant hunter and warrior, he unsuccessfully vies for the hand of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen during the second nameday celebrations for Prince Aegon Targaryen.

Tyland Lannister

Tyland Lannister (portrayed by Jefferson Hall) is the younger twin brother of Lord Jason Lannister. He is the successor to Lord Corlys Velaryon as the Master of Ships on King Viserys I Targaryen's Small Council. He later switches position and succeeds Lord Lyman Beesbury as the Master of Coin on King Aegon II Targaryen's Small Council.

Jacaerys "Jace" Velaryon

Jace Velaryon (portrayed by Harry Collett as a teenager and by Leo Hart as a young child) is the eldest son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Leanor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vermax. He is betrothed to his cousin Lady Baela Targaryen. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Jacaerys is sent as an envoy to House Arryn and House Stark to ensure that they keep their oaths to support his mother's claim to the Iron Throne.

In season 2, Jacaerys managed to confirm the loyalty of House Arryn before visiting the Wall with Lord Cregan Stark, who also promises to uphold his father's oath. Whilst there he receives word of his brother Lucerys' death and attends his funeral at Dragonstone.

Aegon II Targaryen

Aegon II Targaryen (portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney as an adult and by Ty Tennant as a teenager) is the sixth King of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the eldest son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, husband to his sister-wife Queen Helaena Targaryen, and father to Prince Jaehaerys and Princess Jaehaera Targaryen. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Sunfyre. As he grew into adulthood, Aegon's hedonism and depravity become legendary in King's Landing's Street of Silk. Following the death of his father, despite his own belief that he is unfit to rule and that his half-sister Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was the chosen heir, he is crowned king with the support of the Small Council, ultimately usurping the throne.

In season 2, Aegon brings his young son and heir Jaehaerys to a Small Council meeting and humiliates the Master of Coin Ser Tyland Lannister. He initially strives to be a benevolent king but Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, urges him to be tough on the smallfolk to secure resources for the impending war. Following the brutal murder of his son, Aegon demands immediate retaliation against Rhaenyra and those who support her. He later personally kills one of his son's killers and orders the public hanging of every ratcatcher in the Red Keep, one of whom was suspected as an accomplice in Jaehaerys' death. This infuriates Otto, who Aegon subsequently dismisses as Hand of the King and appoints Ser Criston Cole as his replacement.

Aemond Targaryen

Aemond Targaryen (portrayed by Ewan Mitchell as an adult and by Leo Ashton as young child), also known as "Aemond One-Eye", is the third child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, he becomes a dragonrider after claiming her dragon Vhagar. This causes an altercation with his cousins/nephews during which Prince Lucerys Velaryon slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Six years later, following his father's death, Aemond is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and arranges a political alliance with Lord Borros Bartheon through marriage with one of his daughters. After Lucerys arrives with his dragon Arrax, due to the new alliance forged with Aemond, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne. After Lucerys leaves, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Lucerys and Arrax, killing them both and leaving Aemond stunned.

In season 2, Prince Daemon Targaryen attempts to have Aemond assassinated in revenge for Lucerys' death, but his nephew Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen is killed instead.

Helaena Targaryen

Helaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phia Saban as an adult and by Evie Allen as a young child) is the second child of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, the sister-wife of King Aegon II Targaryen, and mother to Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Dreamfrye. She also seems to make cryptic prophecies of the future and has a unique interest in bugs. Helaena predicts her brother Prince Aemond Targaryen claiming the dragon Vhagar and losing his eye, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's escape from King's Landing.

In season 2, after Prince Daemon Targaryen hires Blood and Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep, they force Helaena to tell them which of her children is a boy as they are identical twins. She reluctantly gives up her son who is subsequently murdered before she escapes with her daughter.

Baela Targaryen

Baela Targaryen (portrayed by Bethany Antonia as a teenager and by Shani Smethurst as a young child) is the elder daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Moondancer. Following her mother's death, Baela becomes the ward of her grandmother Princess Rhaenys Velaryon. She is betrothed to her cousin Prince Jacaerys Velaryon who together would act as the joint heirs to Driftmark once married.

Rhaena Targaryen

Rhaena Targaryen (portrayed by Phoebe Campbell as a teenager and by Eva Ossei-Gerning as a young child) is the younger daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Unlike her sister and cousins, her dragon egg has yet to hatch. She is betrothed to Prince Lucerys Velaryon until his death.

Orwyle

Orwyle (portrayed by Kurt Egyiawan) is the successor to Mellos as the Grand Maester and serves on the Small Council under King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen.

Hugh Hammer

Hugh Hammer (portrayed by Kieren Bew) is the husband of Kat and a blacksmith from King's Landing. Hugh is commissioned by the Crown to manufacture scorpions to defend King's Landing. He petitions to King Aegon II Targaryen to ask for payment in advance of his work, which Aegon approves.

Alyn of Hull

Alyn of Hull (portrayed by Abubakar Salim) is the younger brother of Addam of Hull. He is a sailor in the Velaryon fleet and saved Lord Corlys Velaryon's life during the War for the Stepstones.

Cregan Stark

Cregan Stark (portrayed by Tom Taylor) is the son of Lord Rickon Stark who succeeds him as Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North. He visits the Wall alongside Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and agrees to uphold his father's oath and support Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne.

Addam of Hull

Addam of Hull (portrayed by Clinton Liberty) is the older brother of Alyn of Hull and a shipwright for the Velaryon fleet.

Ulf White

Ulf White (portrayed by Tom Bennett) is a denizen of King's Landing.

Kat

Kat (portrayed by Ellora Torchia) is the wife of Hugh Hammer, and the mother of their sick daughter who she is struggling to provide for in King's Landing.

Recurring / Guest characters

House Arryn

• Aemma Arryn (portrayed by Siân Brooke) is the queen consort and first wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and the mother of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. She is a granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen through her mother, making Viserys her first cousin. During the Heir's Tournament, she goes into labor and while giving birth to Prince Baelon Targaryen, Viserys requests that Grand Maester Mellos perform a c-section on her to save the baby. Aemma quickly dies from the operation and Baelon dies just hours later. A funeral is later held for them and they are cremated together.

• Rhea Royce (portrayed by Rachel Redford) is the heir to Runestone, the seat of House Royce, and Prince Daemon Targaryen's estranged first wife. Daemon murders Rhea so he can eventually marry Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Rhea's death is reported as a horseriding accident.

• Gerold Royce (portrayed by Owen Oakeshott) is the cousin of Lady Rhea Royce. Following her demise, he attends the wedding of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velayron at King's Landing where he confronts Prince Daemon Targaryen and claims that he murdered Rhea, which he denies. Daemon then threatens Gerold that he can request Rhea's inheritance and claim Runestone for himself from Lady Jeyne Arryn.

House Baratheon

• Boremund Baratheon (portrayed by Julian Lewis Jones) is the father of Borros Baratheon. He is also the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. He is also a maternal cousin of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and is the great-grandson of house founder Orys Baratheon, the half-brother of King Aegon the Conqueror. He participates in the Heir's tournament, where he is unseated by Ser Criston Cole. He swears loyalty to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen after she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. He also hosts Rhaenyra at Storm's End and advises her on various suitors who propose marriage. Boremund dies off-screen of unknown causes, and his son Lord Borros Baratheon succeeds him as Lord of Storm's End.

• Borros Baratheon (portrayed by Roger Evans) is the son of Lord Boremund Baratheon who succeeds him as the Lord of Storm's End, head of House Baratheon, and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he forges a political alliance with Prince Aemond Targaryen by arranging a marriage between him and one of Borros' daughters, aligning himself with King Aegon II Targaryen. When Prince Lucerys Velaryon arrives as an envoy for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Borros refuses to uphold his father's oath to support Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne. When Aemond and Lucerys provoke each other, Borros commands them both to stand down and orders Lucerys to leave.

House Hightower

• Hobert Hightower (portrayed by Steffan Rhodri) is the older brother of Ser Otto Hightower. He is also the Lord of Oldtown and the head of House Hightower. Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Hobert swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne. Following the birth of King Visery I Targaryen's son, Prince Aegon Targaryen, Hobert pressures Otto to help make Aegon the heir. Hobert later attends the wedding of Ser Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra. Hobert dies off-screen of unknown causes and his son, Ormund Hightower, succeeds him as Lord of Oldtown.

• Gwayne Hightower (portrayed by Will Willoughby) is the son of Ser Otto Hightower and older brother of Queen Alicent Hightower. He participates in the Heir's tournament, where he is unseated by Prince Daemon Targaryen.

House Stark

• Rickon Stark (portrayed by David Hounslow) is the father of Cregan Stark. He is also the Lord of Winterfell, head of House Stark, and Warden of the North. Alongside many other lords and ladies of Westeros, Rickon swears his allegiance to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen when she is chosen as the heir to the Iron Throne.

House Strong

• Lyonel Strong (portrayed by Gavin Spokes) is the father of Ser Harwin Strong and Larys Strong. He is also the Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong. He is the Master of Laws on King Viserys I Targaryen's Small Council and later replaces Ser Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King. Lyonel opposes Otto's suggestion of replacing Prince Daemon Targaryen as heir to the Iron Throne with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. He supports Lord Corlys Velaryon's proposal for Viserys to marry Leana Velaryon, Corlys's daughter, and suggests that Rhaenyra marry Leanor Velaryon, Corlys' son. Ten years later, Lyonel attempts to resign his position following the rumors that his eldest son Harwin and Rhaenyra have had three bastard children together, but Viserys refuses. Following this, Lyonel and Harwin return to their family seat of Harrenhal, where they are killed in a fire, orchestrated by Larys, who later succeeds his father as Lord of Harrenhal.

• Harwin Strong (portrayed by Ryan Corr), also known as "Breakbones", is the eldest son of Lord Lyonel Strong, the secret lover of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and the biological father of her children Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys, and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. He is also the Lord Commander of the City Watch and is said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. When Harwin and his father return to their family seat of Harrenhal, they are killed in a fire, orchestrated by Harwin's younger brother, Larys Strong.

House Tully

• Jerrel Bracken (portrayed by Gabriel Scott) is the son of Lord Humfrey Bracken. During Princess Rhaenyra's tour of Westeros, at Storm's End, Jerrel is one of the many suitors vying for the Princess's favor. After taunting Willem Blackwood, he is killed by him in a duel.

• Willem Blackwood (portrayed by Alfie Todd) is a young member of House Blackwood. During Princess Rhaenyra's tour of Westeros, at Storm's End, Willem is one of the many suitors vying for the Princess's favor. After being mocked by Jerrel Bracken, he engages him in a duel and kills him.

House Targaryen

• Jaehaerys I Targaryen (portrayed by Michael Carter), also known as the "Jaehaerys the Conciliator" or the "Old King", is the fourth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandfather of King Viserys I Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and Queen Aemma Arryn. He was a dragonrider who was bonded to the dragon Vermithor. He ruled for over half a century and ended up outliving all his children, and eventually had to organize a great council to choose an heir from his grandchildren, ultimately deciding on Viserys.

House Velaryon

• Laenor Velaryon (portrayed by John Macmillan as an adult, Theo Nate as a teenager, and Matthew Carver as a young child) is the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, first husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and legal father of Prince Jacaerys, Prince Lucerys and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Seasmoke. He participates in the War for the Stepstones with Seasmoke alongside his father. After he is arranged to marry Rhaenyra they come to an understanding that they will perform their royal duty together but that Laenor could still have a relationship with his male lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. However, at their wedding, Joffrey is beaten to death by Ser Criston Cole after he discovers that he is Rhaenyra's secret lover. Ten years later, Rhaenyra's first three sons had all been fathered by her lover Ser Harwin Strong, with Laenor being their father legally so they remain legitimate. He had since taken a new lover, Ser Qarl Correy, and attends his sister's funeral at Driftmark. To strengthen Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne by having her marry Prince Daemon Targaryen, Daemon helps fake Laenor's death which allows him to flee with Qarl on a boat to go into exile in Essos.

• Laena Velaryon (portrayed by Nanna Blondell as an adult, Savannah Steyn as a teenager, and Nova Foueillis-Mosé as a young child) is the daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, the second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen and mother to Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Vhagar. After the death of Queen Aemma Arryn, Corlys proposes marrying Laena to King Viserys I Targaryen who refuses. She attends the wedding of her older brother Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and soon marries Daemon. During her third pregnancy, she suffers prolonged labor, and after she is unable to deliver she commits suicide by having Vhagar incinerate her. Her funeral is later held at High Tide, and Vhagar is claimed by Prince Aemond Targaryen.

• Vaemond Velaryon (portrayed by Wil Johnson) is the younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon and a commander of the Velaryon fleet. He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside his brother, attends the wedding of his nephew Ser Laenor Velaryon and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and later delivers a eulogy at the funeral of his niece, Lady Leana Velaryon. Six years later, Vaemond petitions to the Iron Throne to name him the heir to Driftmark, in the event of his brother's death who had fallen gravely ill. King Viserys I Targaryen and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen dispute this, causing Vaemond to insult Rhaenyra, and publicly declare that her children are illegitimate, resulting in Prince Daemon Targaryen decapitating him.

• Joffrey Lonmouth (portrayed by Solly McLeod), also known as "Knight of Kisses", is a knight of House Lonmouth who is the battle companion and lover to Ser Laenor Velaryon. He participates in the War for the Stepstones alongside Laenor. At the wedding of Laenor and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, he reveals to Ser Criston Cole that he is aware of Criston's affair with Rhaenyra and is subsequently beaten to death. Laenor would eventually name his third son in honor of Joffrey.

• Qarl Correy (portrayed by Arty Froushan) is a household knight and lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon. Prince Daemon Targaryen secretly provides Qarl with enough gold to allow him and Laenor to run away together. They then fake their deaths and flee Westeros together.

• Lucerys "Luke" Velaryon (portrayed by Elliot Grihault as a teenager and by Harvey Sadler as a young child) is the second son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Leanor Velaryon and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Arrax. Following the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon, after discovering that Prince Aemond Targaryen had claimed Laena's dragon Vhagar, Lucerys slashes Aemond's eye with a knife, partially blinding him. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, Jacaerys is sent as an envoy to House Baratheon and meets with Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm's End to ensure that he keeps his father's to support Lucerys' mother's claim to the Iron Throne. He is refused however as Aemond had arrived first and arranged a political alliance with Borros through marriage with one of his daughters. After Lucerys leaves on Arrax, he is pursued by Aemond on Vhagar, but Vhagar disobeys Aemond's commands and attacks Lucerys and Arrax, killing them both. Arrax's partial remains are later found by Rhaenyra but Lucerys was devoured whole.

• Joffrey Velaryon (portrayed by Oscar Eskinazi) is the third son of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, his legal father Ser Leanor Velaryon, and his biological father Ser Harwin Strong. He is a dragonrider who is bonded to the dragon Tyraxes. In season 2, he attends his brother Lucerys' funeral in dragonstone and places one of his toys onto the funeral pyre.

King's Landing

• Mellos (portrayed by David Horovitch) is the Grand Maester on King Viserys I Targaryen's Small Council and also serves as his personal physician.</ref> During the birth of Visery's son Prince Baelon Targaryen, he performs a c-section on Queen Aemma Arryn, which results in her death. Mellos later brews and delivers moon tea, which is used to abort pregnancies, to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen on the orders of Viserys, following her exploits with her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen. Mellos dies off-screen of unknown causes, and he is replaced on the Small Council by Orwyle.

• Lyman Beesbury (portrayed by Bill Paterson) is the Lord of Honeyholt and head of House Beesbury. He is the Master of Coin on King Viserys I Targaryen's Small Council. Following Visery's death, he openly opposes Ser Otto Hightower and the other Small Council members when it is revealed that they have conspired to crown Prince Aegon Targaryen as king instead of the chosen heir Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. When he accuses them of being traitors, he is accidentally killed by Ser Criston Cole when he shoves him back into his seat.

• Jasper Wylde (portrayed by Paul Kennedy), also known as "Ironrod", is the Lord of Rain House and head of House Wylde. He is the successor to Lord Lyonel Strong as the Master of Laws on the Small Council of King Viserys I Targaryen and later King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Allun Caswell (portrayed by Paul Hickney) is the Lord of Bitterbridge, head of House Caswell, and a supporter of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Following King Viserys I Targaryen's death, he attempts to flee King's Landing, but is apprehended by Lord Larys Strong. He is later hanged and labeled a traitor as a warning to those who refuse to swear fealty to King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Tayla (portrayed by Alexis Raben) is a lady-in-waiting to Queen Alicent Hightower and a spy for Mysaria. Talya is killed off-screen on the orders of Lord Larys Strong, who executes all of the Red Keep's servants to remove suspected spies and traitors.

• Dyana (portrayed by Maddie Evans) is a household servant of Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Helaena Targaryen. After she is raped by Aegon, Queen Alicent Hightower pays her to keep quiet.

• Sylvi (portrayed by Michelle Bonnard) is a brothel madam who is frequently visited by Prince Aemond Targaryen.

• Blood (portrayed by Sam C. Wilson) is a disgruntled member of the City Watch who has a strong dislike for House Hightower. He is still loyal to the former commander of the City Watch, Prince Daemon Targaryen, who hires him and Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. Unable to find Aemond, he and Cheese instead kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen and decapitate him. He is later discovered attempting to flee the Red Keep with Jaehaerys' head by Lord Larys Strong. He willingly admits to working with a ratcatcher, and is beaten to death by King Aegon II Targaryen who sought vengeance for his son's murder.

• Cheese (portrayed by Mark Stobbart) is a ratcatcher who works in the Red Keep. Prince Daemon Targaryen hires him and Blood to infiltrate the Red Keep and assassinate Prince Aemond Targaryen. After he and Blood kill Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he flees the Red Keep. After Blood is apprehended and confesses that his accomplice was a ratcatcher, Cheese is among the ratcatchers of the Red Keep who are rounded up and hanged on the orders of King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Martyn Reyne (portrayed by Barney Fishwick) is a knight of House Reyne, companion, and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Leon Estermont (portrayed by Ralph Davis) is a knight of House Estermont, companion and flatterer of King Aegon II Targaryen. At court, he acts as Aegon's herald.

• Eddard Waters (portrayed by Tok Stephen), also known as "Red Ned", is a bastard hedge knight serving King Aegon II Targaryen.

The Kingsguard / Queensguard

• Ryam Redwyne (portrayed by Garry Cooper) is the aging Lord Commander of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard. Ryam dies offscreen of natural causes and is succeeded by Ser Harrold Westerling.

• Erryk Cargyll (portrayed by Elliott Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Arryk Cargyll. He is a former member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. Erryk accompanies his brother Arryk in their search for Prince Aegon Targaryen, on the orders of Otto Hightower. Erryk is disgusted by the various actions of Aegon and frees Princess Rheanys Targaryen from imprisonment. Erryk then travels alone to Dragonstone and delivers Rhaenyra her father's crown after his death, swears his allegiance to her, and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, Erryk uncovers Mysaria on a ship fleeing King's Landing and brings her to Dragonstone. Erryk is forced to battle his brother, who had snuck onto Dragonstone in an attempt to assassinate Rhaenyra. After killing his brother, he impales himself on his sword in grief.

• Arryk Cargyll (portrayed by Luke Tittensor) is the twin brother of Ser Erryk Cargyll. He is a member of the Kingsguard under both King Viserys I Targaryen and later King Aegon II Targaryen. Following the death of King Viserys, Ser Otto Hightower orders Arryk and his brother to locate Aegon. In season 2, following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, Ser Criston Cole sends Arryk to assassinate Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, but is killed by his brother, who commits suicide soon after.

• Steffon Darklyn (portrayed by Anthony Flanagan) is a former member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After Viserys' death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Lorent Marbrand and serves on the Black Council.

• Lorent Marbrand (portrayed by Max Wrottesley) is a former member of King Viserys I Targaryen's Kingsguard and later a member of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's Queensguard. After Viserys's death, he swears his allegiance to Rhaenyra alongside Ser Steffon Darklyn and serves on the Black Council. In season 2, he is alerted to the Ser Arryk Cargyll's assassination attempt on Rhaenyra and comes to protect her.

The Black Council

• Elinda Massey (portrayed by Jorden Stevens) is the daughter of Lord Gormon Massey and a lady-in-waiting to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. She is present for the birth of Prince Joffrey Velaryon, and Rhaenyra's miscarriage following the news of her father's death. In season 2, when Ser Arryk Cargyll attempts to assassinate Rhaenyra, she escapes and gets assistance from Ser Lorent Marbrand and the household guard.

• Gerardys (portrayed by Phil Daniels) is the Maester of Dragonstone, and a supporter of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

• Bartimos Celtigar (portrayed by Nicholas Jones) is the Lord of Claw Isle and head of House Celtigar. Like House Targaryen and House Velaryon, the Celtigars are of Valyrian descent. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen, he urges that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen use their greater number of dragons to their advantage.

• Simon Staunton (portrayed by Michael Elwyn) is the Lord of Rook's Rest and head of House Staunton.

• Alfred Broome (portrayed by Jamie Kenna) is a knight of House Broome. Following the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen, he proposes that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen take credit for the killing as an act of vengeance for the recent death of her son but is quickly rebuked.

• Gormon Massey (portrayed by James Dreyfus) is the father of Elinda Massey. He is also the Lord of Stonedance and head of House Massey.

People of Essos

• Craghas Drahar (portrayed by Daniel Scott-Smith), also known as the "Crabfeeder", is a Myrish prince-admiral and leader of the Triarchy, a triple-alliance consisting of the free cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. He wages war against House Velaryon and their large fleet of ships during the War for the Stepstones, which disrupts the Westerosi sea trade. He became infamous for the practice of crucifying and feeding his captured enemies to crabs. During the climactic Siege of Bloodstone, he is bisected by Prince Daemon Targaryen, pushing the Triarchy back to Essos and bringing the war to an end.

• Reggio Haratis (portrayed by Dean Nolan) is the Prince of the Free City of Pentos. He hosts Prince Daemon Targaryen and his family and offers him a permanent residence and some land in Pentos in exchange for military assistance in fending off the Triarchy.

Dragons

• Syrax is an adult dragon with yellow scales hatched to and ridden by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

• Caraxes, also known as "the Blood Wyrm", is an adult dragon with blood-red scales bonded to and ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen. Unlike most dragons, Caraxes' neck and body are much longer and more serpentine-shaped. Historically, he was previously bonded to Prince Aemon Targaryen, father of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

• Meleys, also known as "the Red Queen", is an adult dragon with scarlet red scales bonded to and ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Alyssa Targaryen, mother of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen.

• Seasmoke is an adult dragon with silver grey scales hatched to and ridden by Ser Laenor Velaryon. After Leanor fakes his death and goes into exile, Seasmoke roamed Driftmark riderless and unclaimed.

• Vhagar, also known as the "Queen of All Dragons", is an ancient dragon with deep jade green scales from Old Valyria who was bonded to and ridden by Lady Laena Velaryon until her death, and would then be claimed and ridden by Prince Aemond Targaryen. She is the oldest, largest, and most powerful dragon in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon's Conquest and later Prince Baelon Targaryen, the father of King Viserys I Targaryen and Prince Daemon Targaryen.

• Balerion, also known as "the Black Dread, was a gigantic and powerful dragon with black scales from Old Valyria who was bonded to and ridden by King Aegon the Conquerer during Aegon's Conquest and later his son, King Maegor the Cruel. He would eventually be claimed and ridden by then Prince Viserys Targaryen until Balerion died of old age during the reign of King Jaehaerys the Conciliator. His skull would then be kept deep beneath the Red Keep in King's Landing and Viserys would never ride again.

• Sunfyre, also known as "Sunfyre the Golden", is a young dragon with golden scales hatched to and ridden by King Aegon II Targaryen.

• Dreamfyre is an adult dragon with pale blue scales bonded to but rarely ridden by Queen Helaena Targaryen. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conquerer, she is one of the older dragons in the known world. Historically, she was previously bonded to Princess Rhaena Targaryen, daughter of King Aenys I Targaryen.

• Vermax is a young dragon with olive green scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon.

• Arrax is a young dragon with pearlescent white scales hatched to and ridden by Prince Lucerys Velaryon. Both Arrax and his rider are killed during an altercation with Prince Aemond Targaryen and his mount Vhagar in the skies above Shipbreaker Bay in the Stormlands, making him the first dragon to be killed during the Dance of the Dragons.

• Vermithor, also known as "the Bronze Fury", is an adult dragon with bronze scales who was bonded to and ridden by King Jaehaerys the Conciliator. Following Jaehaerys' death, Vermithor made his lair on the Dragonmont, a large volcano on Dragonstone, where he remained riderless and unclaimed. Having hatched during the reign of King Aegon the Conquerer, he is one of the older dragons in the known world.