Meleys, the magnificent Red Queen and mount of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, met her fiery demise in episode 9, “The Green Council,” of House of the Dragon. This pivotal moment solidified the animosity between the Greens and the Blacks, marking a turning point in the Dance of the Dragons.
Meleys’ Last Stand: A Detailed Account
The confrontation that resulted in Meleys’ death was nothing short of spectacular and tragic. Rhaenys Targaryen, having been confined to the Red Keep in King’s Landing following King Viserys I’s death, strategically chose her moment to escape. Instead of quietly departing, she dramatically burst through the floor of the Dragonpit during Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation ceremony atop Meleys.
This act of defiance was a clear signal to the gathered lords and ladies of the Hightower faction that Rhaenys and the Blacks were not willing to cede the throne without a fight. The Red Queen unleashed a terrifying roar, intimidating the Green faction and creating chaos within the Dragonpit. Critically, rather than ordering Meleys to incinerate the entire gathering – an act that would have decisively ended the war before it truly began – Rhaenys chose restraint. A decision that ultimately would be debated amongst fans.
However, Rhaenys’s escape was not without consequence. As she attempted to flee the Dragonpit on Meleys, she was intercepted by Aegon II Targaryen on Sunfyre and Aemond Targaryen on Vhagar, the largest and oldest dragon in Westeros. The ensuing aerial battle was brief but brutal. Though Meleys fought valiantly, she was ultimately outmatched by the combined might of Sunfyre and, most devastatingly, Vhagar.
The clash resulted in Meleys and Rhaenys crashing to the ground, killing the Red Queen instantly. Rhaenys, too, did not survive. The sheer force of the impact proved fatal, eliminating a key player and dragon from the Black faction’s arsenal. This dramatic moment highlighted the high stakes of the coming war and the devastating consequences of dragon warfare. It also fueled the resolve of the Black faction, solidifying their commitment to defending Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne.
The Significance of Meleys’ Death
Meleys’ death served as more than just a visually stunning spectacle. It was a narrative device that significantly impacted the overall storyline of House of the Dragon. It achieved several key things:
- Increased the Stakes: The death of a dragon, particularly one as powerful and experienced as Meleys, demonstrated the real threat and danger of the Dance of the Dragons. It showed that no one was safe, and even the mightiest creatures could fall.
- Fueled the Conflict: Meleys’ demise ignited further animosity between the two factions. It was seen as an act of war by the Blacks and spurred them into immediate action, rallying their forces to defend Rhaenyra’s claim.
- Showcased Dragon Warfare: The battle in the Dragonpit provided a first glimpse of the devastating power of dragon combat. It highlighted the strategic importance of dragons in the war and demonstrated the brutal reality of their clashes.
- Character Development: Rhaenys’ choice not to kill the Greens even when she could have speaks volumes about her character. It suggests her unwillingness to rule through fear and brutality. Her death, however, solidifies her loyalty to the Black faction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Meleys’ Death
Here are some commonly asked questions concerning Meleys’ death and its implications:
Who was Meleys’ rider?
Meleys was ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, also known as “The Queen Who Never Was.” Rhaenys was a powerful and respected figure within House Targaryen, known for her dragon riding skills and strategic mind.
Was Meleys the oldest dragon in House of the Dragon?
No, Vhagar was the oldest and largest dragon in Westeros at the time. She was originally ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen, sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror. Meleys was an older, experienced dragon, but she was not on the same scale as Vhagar.
Could Rhaenys have ended the war by burning the Greens in the Dragonpit?
This is a widely debated question. In theory, yes, Rhaenys could have decimated the Green faction by ordering Meleys to unleash fire upon them. However, doing so would have been a morally questionable act and potentially painted the Blacks as aggressors, undermining their claim to the throne and potentially leading to a much more brutal and protracted war. Her restraint suggests a belief in justice and rightful succession, rather than simply seizing power through violence.
Why didn’t Rhaenys kill Aegon II during the coronation?
Similar to the previous question, the decision not to kill Aegon II at the coronation can be attributed to Rhaenys’s character and strategic thinking. Killing Aegon II in such a public and brutal manner would have likely been seen as an act of treason and murder, even if many felt he had no right to the throne. It also would have fueled the Green faction’s narrative of the Blacks as ruthless usurpers. A more measured approach was likely deemed necessary.
Did Sunfyre and Vhagar team up to kill Meleys?
Yes, Aegon II on Sunfyre and Aemond Targaryen on Vhagar worked together to bring down Meleys. While Sunfyre engaged Meleys, it was ultimately Vhagar’s superior size and power that dealt the decisive blow, ensuring the Red Queen’s demise.
How old was Meleys when she died?
The exact age of Meleys when she died is not explicitly stated in the show or the book. However, given that Rhaenys had been riding her for a considerable amount of time, it is safe to assume that Meleys was quite old and experienced, possibly over 80 years old. This makes her death even more significant, as she represented a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Where does Meleys’ name come from?
Meleys, like many dragon names, is derived from Old Valyrian. The exact meaning of the name is not explicitly stated, but it likely holds significance within Valyrian culture and lore. The name contributes to the mystique and power associated with dragons in the series.
How did Meleys breach the Dragonpit floor?
The Dragonpit, while strong, had become old and weakened over time. Rhaenys, knowing the structure, exploited its weak points. She deliberately flew Meleys toward a specific section of the floor, utilizing the dragon’s size and weight to break through it, creating a dramatic and impactful entrance. This demonstrated her knowledge of King’s Landing and its structures.
What were the immediate consequences of Meleys’ death?
The immediate consequences were profound. It strengthened the Green faction’s position and demoralized the Blacks. It also served as a stark warning to the Black faction of the power of the Greens’ dragons, forcing them to reassess their strategy and prepare for a long and arduous war.
Could Rhaenys have survived if she wasn’t riding Meleys?
Highly unlikely. The force of the impact from the crash was immense. Regardless of whether she was riding Meleys or not, the sheer destruction would have been fatal. It was less about the act of dragon riding and more about the catastrophic nature of the crash itself.
What dragon was Meleys comparable to in size and power?
While not as large as Vhagar, Meleys was a formidable dragon. She was likely comparable to Caraxes, Daemon Targaryen’s dragon, in size and fighting ability. This made her a significant asset to the Black faction before her death.
What is the long-term impact of Meleys’ death on the Dance of the Dragons?
Meleys’ death had a cascading effect on the events of the Dance of the Dragons. It shifted the balance of power in favor of the Greens, at least initially. It also served as a catalyst for further acts of violence and retribution, escalating the conflict and leading to even more devastating losses on both sides. The loss of a skilled dragon rider and an experienced dragon significantly impacted the Black’s war strategy.