Aemond Targaryen’s desperate quest for a dragon led him to Dragonstone in Episode 6, where he glimpsed a colossal winged beast within the dragonpit. The dragon Aemond saw was almost certainly Vhagar, the oldest and largest dragon in Westeros at that time, and one of the last remaining dragons to have fought in the Conquest.
Vhagar: A Titan Amongst Dragons
Identifying Vhagar as the dragon Aemond saw requires careful consideration of several clues offered within the episode and drawing on knowledge of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the source material for House of the Dragon. The dragon’s immense size, the fact that she was kept on Dragonstone, and the subsequent events of the series all point overwhelmingly to Vhagar.
Firstly, the sheer scale of the dragon is paramount. Aemond expresses shock and awe at its size, an adjective that wouldn’t apply to any other dragon remaining. Most of the dragons in the dragonpit are young and small. Only Vhagar would inspire such a reaction from a young, dragon-obsessed boy.
Secondly, Vhagar was unclaimed at this time, making her a potentially available mount for Aemond. Other larger dragons, such as Vermithor and Silverwing, belonged to deceased riders. Vhagar represented the biggest and most formidable unclaimed prize.
Finally, the storyline itself confirms Vhagar’s presence on Dragonstone. In later episodes, Aemond successfully claims Vhagar, and this scene provides a clear setup for that monumental event. To imagine the series’ narrative integrity shattered by Aemond claiming a dragon that was never hinted at before Episode 6 would be quite odd.
Deciphering the Visual Clues
While the dragon is mostly obscured in shadow, the glimpse Aemond gets offers hints about its physical characteristics. The massive wing that momentarily emerges is indicative of Vhagar’s advanced age and tremendous size. Younger dragons, such as the ones ridden by the other Targaryen children, simply wouldn’t possess such imposing wings. Although we don’t see the distinct, scarred head of Vhagar in Episode 6, one must consider the dim lighting and hurried glimpse Aemond has before someone stops him.
Furthermore, the dragon is presented as intimidating and potentially dangerous. This portrayal aligns with Vhagar’s reputation as a fierce and battle-hardened dragon, having fought alongside Visenya Targaryen during Aegon’s Conquest. Aemond wouldn’t be so frightened of a smaller, less experienced dragon.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Dragon Lore
Understanding the nuances of House Targaryen’s dragons enhances appreciation of Aemond’s quest. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What made Vhagar so special compared to other dragons?
Vhagar’s significance stemmed from her immense size, age, and battle experience. As one of the three dragons used by Aegon the Conqueror, Vhagar participated in numerous battles and grew to become one of the largest dragons in Westeros, second only to Balerion the Black Dread. Her longevity and history made her an invaluable asset and a symbol of Targaryen power.
How old was Vhagar at the time of House of the Dragon?
By the time of House of the Dragon, Vhagar was approximately 180 years old. This incredible age put her among the oldest dragons in Westeros’ history. Balerion the Black Dread died about 94 AC which makes Vhagar around 87 years old at the time of Balerion’s death. 129 AC is the year the Dance of the Dragons begins. Subtract 87 from 129 and you will find that it has been 42 years since Balerion’s death, so Vhagar is now around 129 years old. The timeline of House of the Dragon is confusing but most agree that House of the Dragon Episode 6 is around 15 years before the Dance of the Dragons begins. This would make Vhagar around 114 years old when Aemond spies her. 180 is more accurate for the time of Aemond and Vhagar’s death in 130 AC.
Why was Vhagar unclaimed during this period?
Vhagar had been without a rider since the death of Laena Velaryon. Laena’s death left a significant power vacuum and created an opportunity for someone to claim the dragon. Vhagar’s size and fierce temperament made her a challenging mount, but also a highly coveted prize.
What are the main physical characteristics of Vhagar?
Vhagar is described as being a bronze-colored dragon with greenish-blue eyes. Her great age made her larger than most other dragons and she was powerful enough to destroy entire fleets.
Where was Vhagar usually kept before Aemond found her?
Vhagar was kept on Dragonstone which was the ancestral home of the Targaryens. Dragonstone served as a dragon sanctuary, housing many dragons, including Vhagar.
What was Aemond’s motivation for wanting a dragon so badly?
Aemond felt marginalized and inferior to his siblings, who all had dragons. Acquiring a dragon was his chance to gain power, status, and respect within his family and the court. His ambition outweighed his fear.
How did Aemond eventually claim Vhagar?
Aemond eventually claimed Vhagar by approaching her alone and demonstrating courage. He spoke the dragon-binding words and, despite her initial resistance, he successfully mounted her. This act was a significant turning point in the series.
What role did Vhagar play in the Dance of the Dragons?
Vhagar played a crucial role in the Dance of the Dragons, serving as a powerful weapon for the Greens. She participated in numerous battles and inflicted significant damage on the Blacks and their dragons. Her immense size and experience made her a formidable opponent.
What happened to Vhagar during the Dance of the Dragons?
Vhagar died during the Battle Above the Gods Eye. While she killed Arrax and Lucerys Velaryon early in the war, she was ultimately slain by Daemon Targaryen riding Caraxes. Vhagar engaged in a fearsome mid-air duel with Caraxes where she fell into the lake.
How did Vhagar’s death impact the Dance of the Dragons?
Vhagar’s death was a major blow to the Greens. Losing such a powerful dragon significantly weakened their military strength. Although the Blacks also suffered numerous dragon deaths, Vhagar was the most powerful, so her demise was a pivotal moment in the war.
Why didn’t other Targaryens claim Vhagar sooner?
While Vhagar was unclaimed after Laena’s death, her size and temperament made her a difficult dragon to bond with. Furthermore, perhaps other Targaryens didn’t have the courage or the ambition to attempt claiming her. Aemond’s desperation and his desire for power overcame any fear he might have had.
How does Aemond claiming Vhagar impact the overall storyline?
Aemond claiming Vhagar is a major turning point that escalates the conflict between the Greens and the Blacks. It establishes Aemond as a powerful player and fuels the rivalry between him and his family. Vhagar’s presence on the Greens side dramatically shifted the balance of power.
Conclusion: The Significance of a Dragon’s Shadow
Aemond Targaryen’s glimpse of Vhagar in Episode 6 of House of the Dragon was more than just a fleeting moment. It was a pivotal event that shaped his character arc and had far-reaching implications for the Dance of the Dragons. Understanding the significance of Vhagar, her history, and her power, allows for a greater appreciation of the complex dynamics and high stakes of the series. From that shadowed form in the depths of the dragonpit, the series had just begun to unfold a story of ambition, power, and the terrible beauty of dragons.