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Dragons have always been central to the Targaryen legacy in Westeros, symbolizing power and prestige. From ‘House of the Dragon’ to ‘Game of Thrones,’ these majestic creatures, often considered god-like, have dominated the skies and played critical roles in the Targaryens’ rise to power. However, what often gets overlooked is the powerful bond between these dragons and their riders.As Daenerys Targaryen once famously said, “A dragon is not a slave,” indicating the partnership and connection they share with their riders. Below, we rank the top five Targaryen-dragon duos that have left an indelible mark on history.
5. Rhaenys & Meraxes: Partners in war and conquest
Rhaenys Targaryen and her she-dragon, Meraxes, were a formidable pair during the reign of Aegon the Conqueror. Meraxes, known for her silver scales, was the second-largest dragon of her time, only behind Balerion. Rhaenys had a deep affection for dragon riding, spending more time with Meraxes than her siblings did with their dragons. The duo fought valiantly in several key battles, including the legendary “Field of Fire.”
Their partnership came to a tragic end when Meraxes was shot down by a scorpion bolt while trying to conquer Dorne. Both rider and dragon perished, and Meraxes’s skull was later displayed in Dragonstone, a somber reminder of their shared fate.
4. Daemon & Caraxes: Fearsome warriors of the sky
Daemon Targaryen and Caraxes, nicknamed the Blood Wyrm, were a match made in heaven—or perhaps, more fittingly, in battle. Caraxes, with his lean body, long neck, and vivid red color, was as fierce as his rider. Though not the largest dragon of his time, Caraxes’s ferocity and unpredictability earned him a fearsome reputation.
Daemon and Caraxes shared a bond that lasted over 40 years, participating in numerous battles together. Their connection was so deep that Caraxes could even sense Daemon’s pain. Both met their end in a fiery battle over the God’s Eye, cementing their legacy as one of the most powerful dragon-rider duos.
3. Daenerys & Drogon: Fire and blood personified
Few duos are as iconic as Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon, Drogon. Hatched on Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre, Drogon was as fierce and independent as his namesake. His black scales with red accents made him a striking figure, and his bond with Daenerys was unparalleled.
Drogon’s loyalty and protectiveness towards Daenerys were evident throughout ‘Game of Thrones.’ In one of the series’ most emotional moments, Drogon grieves after Daenerys is killed by Jon Snow, melting the Iron Throne in a symbolic act of rage and sorrow before disappearing into the unknown.
2. Rhaenys & Meleys: The red queen and her warrior
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys, known as “The Red Queen,” shared a bond that spanned over four decades. Meleys was not only fast but also fiercely strong, much like her rider. Together, they fought in numerous battles, with their most notable encounter being at Rook’s Rest.
In a devastating final battle against Vhagar and Sunfyre, Meleys and Rhaenys shared a profound moment before their ultimate defeat. Their final exchange of looks before plummeting to their death remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in Targaryen history.
1. Vermithor & Silverwing: The closest dragon pairing
Vermithor and Silverwing weren’t just a dragon-rider duo; they shared a unique connection with each other. Vermithor, the bronze behemoth, was ridden by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, while his wife, Queen Alysanne, rode Silverwing. Their bond mirrored the deep love Jaehaerys and Alysanne shared, making these dragons inseparable.
Their closeness was evident when Silverwing attempted to revive Vermithor after his death in the Battle of Tumbleton. This final act of loyalty, even after decades of companionship, solidified Vermithor and Silverwing as the closest dragon pairing in Targaryen lore.
5. Rhaenys & Meraxes: Partners in war and conquest
Rhaenys Targaryen and her she-dragon, Meraxes, were a formidable pair during the reign of Aegon the Conqueror. Meraxes, known for her silver scales, was the second-largest dragon of her time, only behind Balerion. Rhaenys had a deep affection for dragon riding, spending more time with Meraxes than her siblings did with their dragons. The duo fought valiantly in several key battles, including the legendary “Field of Fire.”
Their partnership came to a tragic end when Meraxes was shot down by a scorpion bolt while trying to conquer Dorne. Both rider and dragon perished, and Meraxes’s skull was later displayed in Dragonstone, a somber reminder of their shared fate.
4. Daemon & Caraxes: Fearsome warriors of the sky
Daemon Targaryen and Caraxes, nicknamed the Blood Wyrm, were a match made in heaven—or perhaps, more fittingly, in battle. Caraxes, with his lean body, long neck, and vivid red color, was as fierce as his rider. Though not the largest dragon of his time, Caraxes’s ferocity and unpredictability earned him a fearsome reputation.
Daemon and Caraxes shared a bond that lasted over 40 years, participating in numerous battles together. Their connection was so deep that Caraxes could even sense Daemon’s pain. Both met their end in a fiery battle over the God’s Eye, cementing their legacy as one of the most powerful dragon-rider duos.
3. Daenerys & Drogon: Fire and blood personified
Few duos are as iconic as Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon, Drogon. Hatched on Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre, Drogon was as fierce and independent as his namesake. His black scales with red accents made him a striking figure, and his bond with Daenerys was unparalleled.
Drogon’s loyalty and protectiveness towards Daenerys were evident throughout ‘Game of Thrones.’ In one of the series’ most emotional moments, Drogon grieves after Daenerys is killed by Jon Snow, melting the Iron Throne in a symbolic act of rage and sorrow before disappearing into the unknown.
2. Rhaenys & Meleys: The red queen and her warrior
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys, known as “The Red Queen,” shared a bond that spanned over four decades. Meleys was not only fast but also fiercely strong, much like her rider. Together, they fought in numerous battles, with their most notable encounter being at Rook’s Rest.
In a devastating final battle against Vhagar and Sunfyre, Meleys and Rhaenys shared a profound moment before their ultimate defeat. Their final exchange of looks before plummeting to their death remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in Targaryen history.
1. Vermithor & Silverwing: The closest dragon pairing
Vermithor and Silverwing weren’t just a dragon-rider duo; they shared a unique connection with each other. Vermithor, the bronze behemoth, was ridden by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, while his wife, Queen Alysanne, rode Silverwing. Their bond mirrored the deep love Jaehaerys and Alysanne shared, making these dragons inseparable.
Their closeness was evident when Silverwing attempted to revive Vermithor after his death in the Battle of Tumbleton. This final act of loyalty, even after decades of companionship, solidified Vermithor and Silverwing as the closest dragon pairing in Targaryen lore.
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