Game of Thrones Dragon Names Revealed

The world of Westeros, as depicted in George R.R. Martin's epic "A Song of Ice and Fire" series and its wildly popular television adaptation, "Game of Thrones," is populated by creatures of myth and legend. Among the most awe-inspiring and terrifying are the dragons, magnificent beasts that once ruled the skies and played a pivotal role in the history of Westeros. Their sheer power, destructive capability, and symbolic significance make them central figures in the narrative. Understanding the origins and meanings behind the dragon names game of thrones offers a deeper appreciation for the lore and the characters who wielded these formidable weapons.

The Targaryen dynasty, the last house to ride dragons, brought these creatures back from near extinction. Their return marked a turning point in Westerosi history, allowing Aegon the Conqueror to unite the Seven Kingdoms under his rule. The dragons were not mere tools of war; they were extensions of the Targaryen will, bound to their riders by an ancient and powerful magic. Each dragon possessed a unique personality, temperament, and, of course, a name that often reflected their nature or the hopes and fears of their Targaryen masters.

The Great Dragons of Old Valyria

Before the Doom of Valyria, dragons were commonplace in the Freehold. The Targaryens, a noble house from Valyria, brought their dragon eggs with them when they settled on Dragonstone, an island fortress in Blackwater Bay. These eggs, dormant for centuries, eventually hatched, ushering in the age of dragons in Westeros. The names of these early dragons are often lost to history, but the lineage of those that survived the Targaryen conquest is well-documented.

The most famous dragons, and arguably the most powerful, were those ridden by Aegon the Conqueror and his sister-wives, Visenya and Rhaenys. Their names are etched into the annals of Westerosi history:

• Balerion the Black Dread: Ridden by Aegon the Conqueror, Balerion was the largest and most fearsome dragon of his time. His scales were black as night, and his fiery breath was said to be capable of melting steel. The roar of Balerion was a sound that struck terror into the hearts of armies and kings alike. Aegon used Balerion's might to forge the Iron Throne, burning the castles of his enemies and bringing the disparate kingdoms under his dominion. The sheer size of Balerion was legendary, so vast that it was said his shadow alone could cover a town. His name evokes a sense of dread and overwhelming power, fitting for a dragon that was instrumental in the founding of the Seven Kingdoms. Many subsequent Targaryen dragons were named in his honor, but none ever truly matched the terror and majesty of the Black Dread. The sheer destructive potential of Balerion was a constant reminder of the Targaryen's unique power.

• Vhagar: Ridden by Visenya Targaryen, Vhagar was another colossal dragon, renowned for her bronze scales and fiery temperament. She was a formidable warrior, participating in numerous battles alongside Aegon and Rhaenys. Vhagar was known for her ferocity and her unwavering loyalty to Visenya. Her name, like many Targaryen dragon names, has Valyrian roots, though its precise meaning is debated among maesters. Some speculate it relates to strength or enduring power. Vhagar was one of the oldest and largest dragons to have ever lived, outliving many of her kin and playing a significant role in Targaryen history for over a century. Her longevity and combat prowess made her a symbol of Targaryen resilience.

• Meraxes: Ridden by Rhaenys Targaryen, Meraxes was the third great dragon of the conquest. She was described as having golden scales and red wings, and her breath was said to be particularly hot. Meraxes was known for her speed and agility in the air, making her a dangerous opponent. Her name, too, is believed to have Valyrian origins, possibly relating to swiftness or a powerful presence. Meraxes met her end during the Field of Fire, a pivotal battle where the Targaryens faced a united front of Westerosi lords. Despite her power, she was brought down by a scorpion, a massive crossbow designed to kill dragons, a testament to the ingenuity of those who opposed Targaryen rule. The loss of Meraxes was a significant blow to Rhaenys and the Targaryen cause, highlighting the vulnerability of even the mightiest dragons.

Dragons of the Dance of the Dragons

The most significant period of dragon warfare in Westerosi history was the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. This brutal conflict pitted Targaryen against Targaryen, with rival factions supporting different claimants to the Iron Throne. The skies of Westeros became a battlefield, filled with the roars of dragons and the screams of the dying. The names of the dragons involved in this war are numerous and often carry a sense of tragedy and ferocity.

Here are some of the prominent dragons from the Dance of the Dragons:

• Syrax: Ridden by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Syrax was a large, formidable dragon with golden scales and yellow eyes. She was known for her fierce protectiveness of Rhaenyra and her aggressive nature. Syrax was a powerful combatant, but her temperament was often described as capricious, making her a dangerous weapon even for her rider. Her name is believed to be derived from an ancient Valyrian goddess. Syrax was instrumental in many early battles of the Dance, but her ferocity ultimately led to her demise in a brutal confrontation with the dragon Caraxes. The bond between Rhaenyra and Syrax was deep, and Syrax’s death was a profound loss for the Black faction.

• Caraxes: Ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen, Caraxes was a formidable and fearsome dragon, often referred to as the "Blood Wyrm." He was known for his serpentine neck, crimson scales, and aggressive, battle-hardened nature. Caraxes was a veteran of many wars, including the Stepstones campaigns, and was a terrifying presence on any battlefield. His name might suggest a connection to blood or war. Caraxes was incredibly strong and agile, capable of maneuvering through the most chaotic aerial battles. His final battle was against the dragon Vermax, where both dragons and their riders perished, a testament to the destructive nature of the conflict. Daemon's mastery over Caraxes was legendary, and their partnership was one of the most feared in Westerosi history.

• Meleys: Ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (the "Queen Who Never Was"), Meleys was a swift and beautiful dragon with scarlet scales and wings. She was known as the "Red Queen" and was a swift and deadly combatant. Meleys was one of the older dragons, having been ridden by Rhaenys for decades. Her name might evoke a sense of speed or a fiery spirit. Meleys fought valiantly in the Dance, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of the Gullet. Her final moments were spent in a desperate attempt to defend Rhaenyra's cause, ultimately falling in battle alongside the dragon Sunfyre. The image of Meleys, a scarlet streak against the sky, became a symbol of Targaryen might and the tragic cost of their internal conflicts.

• Sunfyre: Ridden by King Aegon II Targaryen, Sunfyre was a magnificent dragon with golden scales and pink wings, often described as the most beautiful dragon of his time. Despite his beauty, Sunfyre was a powerful and deadly warrior. His name reflects his radiant appearance. Sunfyre was a key player in the Dance, participating in many significant battles, including the Battle of the Gullet and the storming of the Dragonpit. He was severely wounded in battle and eventually died from his injuries, a tragic end for such a majestic creature. The bond between Aegon II and Sunfyre was a source of strength for the Greens, and Sunfyre's prowess in the air was undeniable.

• Dreamfyre: Ridden by Queen Helaena Targaryen, Dreamfyre was a blue-eyed dragon with silver and blue scales. While not as large or as fearsome as some of the other dragons, she was a capable fighter. Her name suggests a connection to dreams or perhaps a more elusive nature. Dreamfyre was the mother of several dragon eggs, including those that hatched into the younger generation of dragons during the Dance. She was killed during the storming of the Dragonpit, a brutal event where the common people of King's Landing attacked the Targaryen dragonriders. The death of Dreamfyre and her rider marked a significant escalation of violence during the civil war.

• Vermax: Ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Vermax was a large, green dragon with bronze markings. He was known for his ferocity and his powerful bite. Vermax was one of the dragons that flew north to rally support for Rhaenyra's cause, undertaking a perilous journey. His name might suggest a connection to victory or a formidable presence. Vermax played a crucial role in several battles, including the Battle of the Gullet. His final confrontation was against Daemon Targaryen's dragon Caraxes, a battle that resulted in the deaths of both dragons and their riders. The sacrifice of Jacaerys and Vermax was a significant loss for the Blacks.

• Arrax: Ridden by Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Arrax was a relatively young and smaller dragon, described as having white and yellow scales. Despite his size, he was a swift and agile flyer. His name might suggest a connection to swiftness or a more youthful energy. Arrax met a tragic end at the hands of Vhagar, ridden by Aemond Targaryen, during a confrontation at Storm's End. This event, known as the Storm's End incident, is considered a major turning point in the Dance of the Dragons, as it directly led to the deaths of two young princes and escalated the conflict. The loss of Lucerys and Arrax was a devastating blow to Rhaenyra and the Black faction.

• Tyraxes: Ridden by Prince Joffrey Velaryon, Tyraxes was a dragon with yellow scales and blue eyes. He was known for his powerful jaws and his aggressive fighting style. His name might suggest a connection to a more primal or destructive force. Tyraxes fought bravely alongside his rider in several battles during the Dance. He was eventually killed in the Battle of the Gullet, a massive naval and aerial engagement. The death of Tyraxes and Joffrey highlighted the brutal nature of the war and the heavy toll it took on both the Targaryens and their dragons.

• Moondancer: Ridden by Lady Baela Targaryen, Moondancer was a beautiful, pale-silver dragon with a graceful build. She was known for her speed and agility, often described as dancing through the air. Her name evokes a sense of ethereal beauty and swiftness. Moondancer played a significant role in the Battle of the Gullet, engaging in aerial combat with multiple enemy dragons. She ultimately fell in battle, dying in a fiery explosion alongside the dragon Sunfyre. The bravery of Baela and Moondancer in the face of overwhelming odds was a testament to their courage.

• Stormcloud: Ridden by Prince Aegon the Younger (son of Rhaenyra), Stormcloud was a very young dragon, described as having grey scales. He was still growing and not yet fully mature. His name suggests a connection to the elements or a tempestuous nature. Stormcloud was tragically killed while trying to carry Aegon the Younger to safety after the fall of King's Landing. The dragon was attacked by a flock of crows, and though he fought valiantly, he succumbed to his wounds, leaving Aegon to face the dangers of the Riverlands alone. The fate of Stormcloud underscored the perilous circumstances faced by the surviving Targaryens.

Dragons of Later Targaryen Rule

After the Dance of the Dragons, the number of dragons dwindled. The Targaryen dynasty continued to ride dragons, but these creatures became rarer and less central to the political landscape of Westeros. By the time of Robert's Rebellion, dragons were believed to be extinct.

Some notable dragons from this later period include:

• Silverwing: Ridden by Ulf the White, Silverwing was one of the "dragonseeds" – individuals who claimed dragons during the Dance of the Dragons. She was a large, silver dragon with a calm temperament. After the death of her rider, Silverwing became riderless and eventually died of old age in the Dragonpit. Her long life and eventual peaceful end offered a stark contrast to the violent fates of many other dragons.

• Vermithor: Ridden by Hugh Hammer, another dragonseed, Vermithor was a bronze dragon, second only to the great dragons of old in size. He was a powerful and fearsome beast. After Hugh Hammer's betrayal and death during the Dance, Vermithor also died, likely from wounds sustained in battle. His immense size and power made him a formidable force, even when ridden by a less experienced or less noble rider.

• Cannibal: This wild dragon was never ridden by a Targaryen. It was known to inhabit the Dragonstone forests and was notorious for its savage nature and its habit of preying on other dragons and their eggs. The Cannibal's name perfectly reflects its predatory and untamed existence. Its continued presence on Dragonstone served as a reminder of the wild, untamed power of dragons that still existed outside of human control.

• Grey Ghost: Another wild dragon that inhabited Dragonstone, the Grey Ghost was rarely seen and was known for its elusive nature. It was described as a grey dragon with a spectral appearance. Like the Cannibal, it was never tamed or ridden. Its mysterious existence added to the mystique surrounding the remaining dragons on the island.

• Sheepstealer: Ridden by Nettles, Sheepstealer was a green-brown dragon known for its love of sheep and its somewhat unkempt appearance. Nettles, a commoner, managed to bond with this dragon, showcasing that the connection to dragons was not solely limited to noble bloodlines. Sheepstealer was one of the few dragons to survive the Dance of the Dragons, eventually flying away with Nettles to parts unknown. Their story represents a more unconventional bond between human and dragon.

The Significance of Dragon Names

The names given to dragons in "Game of Thrones" are not arbitrary. They often reflect the Valyrian language, a tongue associated with magic, power, and ancient lineage. While the exact meanings of many dragon names are debated by fans and maesters within the lore, certain patterns emerge. Names like Balerion (the Black Dread) evoke a sense of fear and power. Caraxes (the Blood Wyrm) suggests a connection to warfare and ferocity. Sunfyre's name reflects its radiant beauty.

These names serve several purposes:

1. Characterization: A dragon's name can offer insight into its personality and temperament. A fierce dragon might have a name that sounds harsh or aggressive, while a more majestic dragon might have a name that sounds elegant or powerful.
2. Symbolism: Dragon names can carry symbolic weight, representing the hopes, fears, or destinies of their riders or the Targaryen dynasty.
3. Lore and History: The names connect the dragons to their Valyrian heritage and the long history of dragonriders in Westeros. They are a part of the rich tapestry of the world George R.R. Martin has created.
4. Identification: In the chaos of battle, distinct names help differentiate between the many dragons involved in conflicts like the Dance of the Dragons.

The legacy of these magnificent creatures and their evocative dragon names game of thrones continues to fascinate fans. They represent a time when magic and myth were intertwined with the political realities of Westeros, shaping its history in profound and often devastating ways. The return of dragons in "Game of Thrones" brought with it a renewed appreciation for these ancient beings and the power they wielded. The intricate details of their names and their roles in the narrative add layers of depth to an already complex and compelling story.

META_DESCRIPTION: Discover the powerful and evocative dragon names from Game of Thrones, from Balerion the Black Dread to Caraxes. Learn their meanings and history.