House of The Dragon: Who Rode Vhagar Before Aemond? Explored

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As a lifestyle expert with a deep-rooted passion for fantasy and historical narratives, I find myself captivated by the rich tapestry of tales woven within the House of the Dragon series. With over two decades spent immersed in the world of Westeros, I can confidently say that Vhagar, the legendary dragon ridden by Visenya Targaryen and now claimed by Aemond, is a testament to the enduring power and resilience of history itself.

In my loyal dedication, allow me to share my thoughts on the captivating series, House of the Dragon. This epic tale delves into the mighty dragons that are an integral part of House Targaryen. As a follower of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s cause, I can attest that our focus lies on expanding our ranks of Dragonriders to counter the Greens and their fearsome dragon, Vhagar, particularly Aemond’s formidable mount.

In the world of Game of Thrones, set 100 years prior to House of the Dragon, there exists a formidable dragon named Vhagar. As a child, Prince Aemond claimed her following his aunt’s demise. However, what most casual fans might not know is that Vhagar holds a deeper connection to Westeros’ origins, being the last vestige of an era linked to ancient Valyria. The tale of Vhagar carries more depth than one might initially perceive.

Visenya Targaryen used to ride Vhagar

Among the eldest beings, Vhagar was one of those who managed to evade Valyria’s impending destruction alongside two other dragons and the Targaryen dynasty, headed by Aerion. They hastily departed for Dragonstone before their ancient realm met its end. The succeeding Targaryen generation would subsequently use these dragons as mounts to subdue the Seven Kingdoms, with Aegon astride Balerion the Black Dread and Rhaenys on Meraxes. Visenya, Aegon’s eldest sister, found herself atop Vhagar, aiding her siblings in unifying the kingdoms into a single nation.

In the epic tale of House Targaryen, I, as a devoted follower, proudly recount the pivotal roles played by Aegon the Conqueror’s sisters, Visenya and Vhagar. Among his siblings, Visenya stood out for her fierce spirit and unyielding courage. She, atop Vhagar, waged war against our enemies and led the charge into Westeros to secure the allegiance of lords and kings through fealty.

In contrast to the swift takeovers of the other six kingdoms in Westeros, the Targaryen conquest of Dorne was a drawn-out affair, requiring numerous attempts spanning over decades. Key events include the First Dornish War, which culminated in the demise of Visenya and her dragon, Rhaenys. Following Rhaenys’s death, Aegon and Visenya paused their assault on Dorne due to concerns that their adversaries might possess weapons capable of killing Balerion and Vhagar – their remaining dragons. Without the protection of dragons, the Targaryens would be mere mortal rulers, losing their divine status in the eyes of the common people.

83 years After the Conquest (AC), the land of Dorne – separate from the Seven Kingdoms – mustered a formidable armada with the intention of attacking King’s Landing. In the midst of this conflict, known as the Fourth Dornish War, Baelon the Brave, son of Jaehaerys, seized control of Vhagar, the mighty dragon, and soared through the skies to aid his people. The Dornish fleet was decisively defeated, earning Baelon a well-deserved reputation as a valiant warrior worthy of succeeding Visenya. Unfortunately, our brave prince fell ill and passed away, leaving Vhagar without a rider. However, his lineage continued, with his son, Viserys, ascending the throne. Eventually, Laena Velaryon, Viserys’s sister-in-law, took control of Vhagar, ensuring the legendary dragon’s tales lived on within House of the Dragon.

By the second season of “House of the Dragon,” it will be Vhagar who stands guard over King’s Landing, with Aemond continuing to ride her as her chosen master.

Vhagar became the last remnant of Valyria

Following the demise of the Targaryen lineage, dragons were the sole survivors before the catastrophic fall of Old Valyria, known as the Doom. Yet, it is important to note that dragons are not immortal. Meraxes, Rhaenys, and Balerion the Black Dread all perished – Meraxes and Rhaenys during the First Dornish War, while Balerion died of old age. With Balerion’s passing, Vhagar became the last dragon from Valyria, as the world underwent significant transformation following the tragic collapse of the ancient kingdom.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but be captivated by the tales of Vhagar, the legendary dragon that once loomed as a superpower in the hands of our enemies, the Targaryens. During the infamous Dance of the Dragons, it was young Aemond who took control of this fearsome beast, only to witness its demise in 130 AC. This tragic event signaled the final breath of Valyria, a nation whose downfall no living creature could recall.

Among the most powerful dragons in the annals of the Seven Kingdoms, Vhagar is not merely a fire-spewing powerhouse. She fought alongside Visenya, Baelon, Laena, and Aemond, yet her full story remains untold in House of the Dragon. Her history stretches far beyond any living Targaryen’s lifespan.

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2024-08-09 14:11