Difference between revisions of "Vhagar"

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{{Infobox character
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{{Infobox animal character
| Character_name= Vhagar
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| firstname = Vhagar
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| arms = Targaryen
 
| image = [[File:Burning Arryn fleet.jpg|400px]]
 
| image = [[File:Burning Arryn fleet.jpg|400px]]
 
| image_caption = [[Visenya Targaryen]] riding Vhagar into [[Battle in the waters off Gulltown|battle]], illustrated by John McCambridge.
 
| image_caption = [[Visenya Targaryen]] riding Vhagar into [[Battle in the waters off Gulltown|battle]], illustrated by John McCambridge.
| Alias =
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| Alias =  
 
| Title =
 
| Title =
| Allegiance = [[Visenya Targaryen]]<br>[[Laena Velaryon]]<br>[[Aemond Targaryen]]
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| Owner = [[Visenya Targaryen]]<br>[[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]<br>[[Laena Velaryon]]<br>[[Aemond Targaryen]]
| Race =
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| Species = [[Dragon]]
| Culture =
 
| Spouse =  
 
 
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]] 
 
| Place_of_Birth = [[Dragonstone]] 
 
| Date_of_Birth = [[Years before Aegon's Conquest#Year 52 Before the Conquest|52 BC]]<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Vhagar|Vhagar]] calculation''</ref>
 
| Date_of_Birth = [[Years before Aegon's Conquest#Year 52 Before the Conquest|52 BC]]<ref>''See the [[Years after Aegon's Conquest/Calculations Ages (Continued3)#Vhagar|Vhagar]] calculation''</ref>
 
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye|Gods Eye]]
 
| Place_of_Death = the [[Battle Above the Gods Eye|Gods Eye]]
| Date_of_Death = {{Date|130}}
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| Date_of_Death = 22<sup>nd</sup> day of the 5<sup>th</sup> moon of {{Date|130}}
| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)''<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)
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| Books = ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[Fire & Blood]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Princess and the Queen]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Game of Thrones]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Clash of Kings]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Storm of Swords]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'' (mentioned)<br>''[[The Winds of Winter]]'' (mentioned)
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| TV_series = ''[[House of the Dragon]]'': [[House of the Dragon - Season 1|Season 1]]
 
}}
 
}}
:''For other uses, see [[Vhagar (disambiguation)]].''
 
  
'''Vhagar''' was a [[dragon]] [[dragonrider|ridden]] by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]]. She was one of the [[dragon]]s used during the [[War of Conquest]], along with [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]]'s [[Balerion]] and their sister [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]'s [[Meraxes]].{{Ref|aCoK|12}} She was named for [[Vhagar (god)|one of the gods]] of Old [[Valyria]].{{Ref|aCoK|12}}{{Ref|aSoS|57}}
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{{Hatnote|For other uses, see [[Vhagar (disambiguation)]].}}
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'''Vhagar''' was a she-[[dragon]] of [[House Targaryen]]. She was [[dragonrider|ridden]] by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]] during [[Aegon's Conquest]], alongside [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]]'s [[Balerion]] and their sister [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]'s [[Meraxes]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}} Other known riders of Vhagar are Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]], Lady [[Laena Velaryon]] and Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]].{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne:Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}{{Ref|TRP}}
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Vhagar was [[Named after|named]] for [[Vhagar (god)|one of the gods]] of Old [[Valyria]].{{Ref|ACOK|12}}{{Ref|ASOS|57}}
  
 
==Appearance==
 
==Appearance==
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Vhagar|Images of Vhagar]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of Vhagar|Images of Vhagar]]''
The color of Vhagar's scales, horns, wings, wing bones, and spinal crest is unknown, as is the color of her flame.  
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The color of Vhagar's scales, horns, wings, wing bones, and spinal crest, as well as the color of her [[Dragonflame|flame]] are not mentioned in the books. However, the artist commissioned for the 2021 [[A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar]], [https://www.artstation.com/samhogg Sam Hogg], asked for clarification from [[George R. R. Martin]]'s team and was told Vhagar was "[[bronze]] with greenish blue highlights and bright green eyes".<ref>Twitter: [https://twitter.com/Zephyri/status/1350400252914884608 @Zephyri: Vhagar color], January 16, 2021</ref>
  
According to [[Tyrion Lannister]], Vhagar was large enough that one could ride a [[horse]] down her gullet.{{Ref|aGoT|13}} It is said that Vhagar's breath was so hot that it could melt a knight's armor and cook him inside.{{Ref|aCoK|12}}
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According to [[Tyrion Lannister]], Vhagar was large enough that one could ride a [[horse]] down her gullet.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} It is said that Vhagar's breath was so hot that it could melt a knight's armor and cook him inside.{{Ref|ACOK|12}}
  
By the time of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Vhagar was the hardened survivor of a hundred battles, had grown almost as large as [[Balerion]], and was the oldest and largest of the dragons in [[Westeros]]. Her roar was so powerful that it could shake the very foundations of [[Storm's End]]. No living dragon could match her for size or ferocity.{{ref|tpatq}}
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By the time of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], Vhagar was the hardened survivor of a hundred battles, had grown almost as large as [[Balerion]], and was the oldest and largest of the dragons in [[Westeros]]. Her roar was so powerful that it could shake the very foundations of [[Storm's End]]. No living dragon could match her for size or ferocity.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Vhagar hatched from a [[dragon egg]] on [[Dragonstone]] during the [[Century of Blood]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} She was named after [[Vhagar (god)|a god]] of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{Ref|acok|11}}
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Vhagar hatched from a [[dragon egg]] on [[Dragonstone]] during the [[Century of Blood]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} She was named after [[Vhagar (god)|a god]] of the [[Valyrian Freehold]].{{Ref|ACOK|11}}
  
At some point, Vhagar was claimed by [[Visenya Targaryen]]. Visenya first rode Vhagar, demonstrating she was a [[dragonrider]], some time before she married her brother, [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon]].{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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At some point, Vhagar was claimed by [[Visenya Targaryen]]. Visenya first rode Vhagar, demonstrating she was a [[dragonrider]], some time before she married her brother, [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
 
===Aegon's Conquest===
 
===Aegon's Conquest===
 
[[File:The queen and vhagar by silvaticus-d94j1f8.jpg|thumb|400px|Vhagar and her rider, Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].<br>By [http://silvaticus.deviantart.com Silvaticus].]]
 
[[File:The queen and vhagar by silvaticus-d94j1f8.jpg|thumb|400px|Vhagar and her rider, Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]].<br>By [http://silvaticus.deviantart.com Silvaticus].]]
After Aegon [[Aegon's Landing|landed]] on [[Westeros]] and began his [[Aegon's Conquest|conquest]], Visenya flew Vhagar to [[Stokeworth]], where crossbowmen loosed bolts until Vhagar set the roofs of the castle keep ablaze.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Following Aegon's first coronation, Visenya, upon Vhagar, accompanied the Targaryen fleet, commanded by [[Daemon Velaryon (master of ships)|Daemon Velaryon]], to take [[Gulltown]]. In the [[battle in the waters off Gulltown]], the [[House Arryn|Arryn]] fleet defeated the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] fleet, sinking one-third of the ships and capturing near as many. Then, Visenya descended, and burned the ships of the Arryn fleet.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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After Aegon [[Aegon's Landing|landed]] on [[Westeros]] and began his [[Aegon's Conquest|conquest]], Visenya flew Vhagar to [[Stokeworth]], where crossbowmen loosed bolts until the dragon set the roofs of the castle keep ablaze.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Following Aegon's first coronation, Visenya, upon Vhagar, accompanied the Targaryen fleet, commanded by [[Daemon Velaryon]], to take [[Gulltown]]. In the [[battle in the waters off Gulltown]], the [[House Arryn|Arryn]] fleet defeated the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] fleet, sinking one-third of the ships and capturing near as many. Then, Visenya descended, and burned the ships of the Arryn fleet.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
Visenya next flew Vhagar to the [[Trident]] in the [[riverlands]], where she met with her brother and sister, [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]], and their respective dragons, [[Balerion]] and [[Meraxes]], to face King [[Torrhen Stark]], [[King in the North]]. [[Brandon Snow]], the [[bastard]] brother of Torrhen, offered to sneak into the Targaryen camp at night to slay the dragons, but the northern king refused the attempt, and instead sent his brother as an envoy, eventually bending the knee to the Targaryens.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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Visenya then flew to [[Crackclaw Point]] with Vhagar, to accept many pledges of fealty from the local lords. She then flew Vhagar to [[Stoney Sept]] to link up with her siblings, their dragons, and Aegon's army. They advanced south, where all three dragons took part in the decisive [[Field of Fire]] &ndash; the only battle in which all three of the Targaryen dragons took to the sky at the same time during Aegon's Conquest. Together, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion killed four thousand men, burning them alive. King [[Mern IX Gardener]] died, and with him [[House Gardener]]. The army was broken, and House Targaryen was victorious.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|AGOT|13}}  
  
From the Trident, Visenya flew to [[Crackclaw Point]] with Vhagar. She then flew Vhagar to [[Stoney Sept]] to link up again with her siblings, their dragons, and Aegon's army. They advanced south, where all three dragons took part in the decisive [[Field of Fire]] &ndash; the only battle in which all three of the Targaryen dragons took to the sky at the same time during Aegon's Conquest. Together, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion killed four thousand men, burning them alive. King [[Mern IX Gardener]] died, and with him [[House Gardener]]. The army was broken, and House Targaryen was victorious.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}{{Ref|aGoT|13}}  
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Visenya next flew Vhagar to the [[Trident]] in the [[riverlands]], where she met with her brother and sister and their dragons, to face [[King in the North]] [[Torrhen Stark]]. [[Brandon Snow]], the [[bastard]] brother of Torrhen, offered to sneak into the Targaryen camp at night to slay the dragons, but the northern king refused the attempt, and instead sent his brother as an envoy, eventually bending the knee to the Targaryens.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
Afterwards, Visenya flew Vhagar back to the Vale, where she landed with her dragon in the inner courtyard of the [[Eyrie]]. When Dowager Queen [[Sharra Arryn]] reached the courtyard she found her young son, King [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], sitting on Visenya's knee, staring with wonder at Vhagar. The young king begged his mother for a ride on Vhagar's back. Sharra bent her knee and surrendered, and Ronnel rode on Vhagar trice about the summit of the [[Giant's Lance]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
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Afterwards, Visenya flew Vhagar back to the Vale, where she landed with her dragon in the inner courtyard of the [[Eyrie]]. When Dowager Queen [[Sharra Arryn]] reached the courtyard she found her young son, King [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]], sitting on Visenya's knee, staring with wonder at Vhagar. The young king begged his mother for a ride on Vhagar's back. Sharra bent her knee and surrendered, and Ronnel rode on Vhagar thrice about the summit of the [[Giant's Lance]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}}
  
 
===First Dornish War===
 
===First Dornish War===
Following the deaths of Rhaenys and Meraxes in {{Date|10}} at [[Hellholt]] in [[Dorne]], Visenya and Aegon burned every Dornish stronghold at least once (except [[Sunspear]] and its [[shadow city]]) during a two-year period known as the [[Dragon's Wroth]]. The Dornish tell a tale that the Targaryens refused to attack Sunspear because they were afraid that Princess [[Meria Martell]] had purchased a device from [[Lys]] to slay Vhagar and Balerion, but Archmaester [[Timmoty]] suggests the Targaryens intended to turn the other Dornish houses against the Martells.{{Ref|twoiaf| Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons}}
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Following the deaths of Rhaenys and Meraxes in {{Date|10}} at [[Hellholt]] in [[Dorne]], Visenya and Aegon burned every Dornish stronghold at least once (except [[Sunspear]] and its [[shadow city]]) during a two-year period known as the [[Dragon's Wroth]]. The Dornish tell a tale that the Targaryens refused to attack Sunspear because they were afraid that Princess [[Meria Martell]] had purchased a device from [[Lys]] to slay Vhagar and Balerion, but Archmaester [[Timotty]] suggests the Targaryens intended to turn the other Dornish houses against the Martells.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons}}
  
 
===Aenys I and Maegor I===
 
===Aenys I and Maegor I===
When King Aegon I died in {{Date|37}}, Vhagar supplied the flames to light the fire of his funeral pyre.{{Ref|tsotd}} In {{Date|41}}, when King [[Aenys I Targaryen]] named his eldest son and heir, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]], the [[Prince of Dragonstone]] at his wedding, Visenya angrily left for [[Dragonstone]]. It was said that the moon turned as red as blood when Vhagar passed it.{{Ref|tsotd}}
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When King Aegon I died in {{Date|37}}, Vhagar supplied the flames to light the fire of his funeral pyre.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} In {{Date|41}}, when King [[Aenys I Targaryen]] named his eldest son and heir, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon]], the [[Prince of Dragonstone]] at his wedding, Visenya angrily left for [[Dragonstone]]. It was said that the moon turned as red as blood when Vhagar passed it.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
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Later that year, when King Aenys arrived at Dragonstone, fleeing the first rebels in the [[Faith Militant uprising]], Visenya asked him to grant her leave to take Vhagar and burn the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]]. Aenys refused. When the king died early in {{Date|42}}, Visenya left Dragonstone within an hour of his death, and flew to [[Pentos]], where her son [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] lived in exile. After Maegor had claimed the crown on Dragonstone, Visenya accompanied him upon Vhagar and crossed [[Blackwater Bay]] to [[King's Landing]]. The return of both Vhagar and Balerion to King's Landing set off riots in the city.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
When King Aenys, later that year, arrived at Dragonstone, fleeing the first rebels in the [[Faith Militant uprising]], Visenya asked him to grant her to leave to take Vhagar and burn the [[Starry Sept]] in [[Oldtown]]. Aenys refused. When the king died early the next year, Visenya left Dragonstone within an hour of his death, and flew Vhagar to [[Pentos]], where Visenya's son [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] lived in exile. After Maegor had claimed the crown on Dragonstone, Visenya accompanied him upon Vhagar and crossed [[Blackwater Bay]] to [[King's Landing]]. The return of both Vhagar and Balerion to King's Landing set off riots in the city.{{Ref|tsotd}}
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Prior to Maegor's wedding to [[Tyanna of the Tower]], Visenya flew upon Vhagar to [[Driftmark]] to convince [[Alyssa Velaryon]] to appear at the wedding.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} When the [[Faith Militant]] continued to resist Maegor's reign, even after the losses they suffered at the [[Battle of Stonebridge]] and the [[Battle at the Great Fork]] of the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]], Visenya mounted Vhagar and burned the seats of [[House Blanetree]], [[House Terrick]], [[House Deddings]], [[House Lychester]], and [[House Wayn]] in the [[Riverlands]] within a single night. Maegor flew Balerion to the [[westerlands]], burning the seats of [[House Broom]], [[House Doggett]], [[House Falwell]], [[House Lorch]], [[House Myatt]], and other "pious lords" who had defied his royal summons.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
Prior to Maegor's wedding to [[Tyanna of the Tower]], Visenya flew upon Vhagar to [[Driftmark]] to convince [[Alyssa Velaryon]] to appear at the wedding.{{Ref|tsotd}} When the [[Faith Militant]] continued to resist Maegor's reign, even after the losses they suffered at the [[Battle of Stonebridge]] and the [[Battle at the Great Fork]] of the [[Blackwater]], Visenya mounted Vhagar and burned the seats of [[House Blanetree]], [[House Terrick]], [[House Deddings]], [[House Lychester]], and [[House Wayn]] in the [[Reach]] within a single night. Maegor flew Balerion to the [[westerlands]], burning the seats of [[House Broom]], [[House Doggett]], [[House Falwell]], [[House Lorch]], [[House Myatt]], and other "pious lords" who had defied his royal summons.{{Ref|tsotd}}
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In {{Date|43}},{{refn|group="N"|Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' erroneously state that this event and the death of the [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]] took place in {{Date|44}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} ''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' gives the correct date of {{Date|43}}. [[Septon]] [[Pater]], the High Septon elected as a replacement, died a year later.}} Maegor and Visenya turned towards [[Oldtown]], threatening to incinerate the [[Starry Sept]] in response to the [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]]'s condemnation of his [[polygamy|polygamous marriages]]. Only the mysterious death of the High Septon, which allowed Lord [[Martyn Hightower]] to open his gates before Balerion and Vhagar, saved the city from dragonflame.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
In {{Date|43}},{{refn|group="N"|Earlier prints of ''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' erroneously state that this event and the death of the High Septon took place in {{Date|44}}.{{ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}} ''[[The Sons of the Dragon]]'' gives the correct date of {{Date|43}}. The High Septon elected as a replacement, died a year later.}} Maegor and Visenya turned towards [[Oldtown]], threatening to incinerate the [[Starry Sept]] in response to the [[High Septon (Maegor I)|High Septon]]'s condemnation of his [[polygamy|polygamous marriages]]. Only the mysterious death of the High Septon, which allowed Lord [[Martyn Hightower]] to open his gates before Balerion and Vhagar, saved the city from dragonflame.{{Ref|twoiaf| The Reach: Oldtown}}{{Ref|tsotd}}
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Visenya died on Dragonstone in {{Date|44}}, leaving Vhagar without a rider.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}
  
Visenya died on Dragonstone in {{Date|44}},{{Ref|twoiaf| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}{{Ref|tsotd}} leaving Vhagar without a rider. With the death of Balerion in {{date|94}},{{Ref|trp}} Vhagar became the last of the three Targaryen dragons who had fought in the Conquest.
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===Reign of Jaehaerys I===
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Vhagar remained unridden for twenty-nine years after Visenya's death, spending much of that time on [[Dragonstone]] and later taking residence in the [[Dragonpit]] in [[King's Landing]]. It was in {{Date|73}} that Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon the Brave]] after achieving knighthood, set out to follow his brother Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon]] and become a [[dragonrider]] claiming Vhagar. Vhagar along with [[Caraxes]] and [[Vermithor]] burned the [[Dorne|Dornish]] fleet that attempted to invade the [[Stormlands]] during the [[Fourth Dornish War]] in {{Date|83}}. After the death of Balerion of old age in {{Date|94}},{{Ref|TRP}} Vhagar became the last of the three Targaryen dragons who had fought in the Conquest.
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Vhagar became riderless again, when Prince Baelon passed away in {{Date|101}}.{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne:Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}
  
===Reign of King Viserys I Targaryen===
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===Reign of Viserys I===
Vhagar's next known rider was Lady [[Laena Velaryon]], who had become a dragonrider before the age of twelve. According to the [[maester]] at [[Driftmark]], the seat of [[House Velaryon]], Laena loved to fly. When Laena wed Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] in {{Date|115}}, they flew upon their dragons across the [[narrow sea]] to [[Pentos]], [[Volantis]], [[Qohor]], and [[Norvos]]. Everywhere they went, huge crowds came to catch a glimpse of Vhagar and [[Caraxes]], Daemon's dragon. After Laena gave birth in {{Date|116}}, Daemon brought both his own dragon and Vhagar back to Westeros. Laena and Daemon grew close with Daemon's niece, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and the three often flew together upon their dragons, Vhagar, Caraxes, and [[Syrax]].{{ref|trp}}
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Vhagar's next known rider was Lady [[Laena Velaryon]], who had become a dragonrider before the age of twelve. According to the [[maester]] at [[Driftmark]], the seat of [[House Velaryon]], Laena loved to fly. When Laena wed Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] in {{Date|115}}, they flew upon their dragons across the [[narrow sea]] to [[Pentos]], [[Volantis]], [[Qohor]], and [[Norvos]]. Everywhere they went, huge crowds came to catch a glimpse of Vhagar and [[Caraxes]], Daemon's dragon. After Laena gave birth in {{Date|116}}, Daemon brought both his own dragon and Vhagar back to Westeros. Laena and Daemon grew close with Daemon's niece, [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]], and the three often flew together upon their dragons, Vhagar, Caraxes, and [[Syrax]].{{Ref|TRP}}
  
Laena died early in {{Date|120}}. It is said that Laena attempted to reach Vhagar in her final hour as to fly one last time, but she did not have the strength. The ten-year old Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] claimed Vhagar as his own dragon following Laena's funeral on Driftmark.{{Ref|trp}}
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Laena died early in {{Date|120}}. It is said that Laena attempted to reach Vhagar in her final hour as to fly one last time, but she did not have the strength. Following Laena's funeral on Driftmark, the ten-year old prince [[Aemond Targaryen]] claimed Vhagar as his own dragon.{{Ref|TRP}}
  
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
 
===Dance of the Dragons===
 
:{{main|Dance of the Dragons}}
 
:{{main|Dance of the Dragons}}
[[File:Deaths of Lucerys and Arrax.jpg|thumb|400px|Vhagar kills [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Arrax]], illustrated by Chase Stone.]]
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[[File:Deaths of Lucerys and Arrax.jpg|thumb|400px|Aemond and Vhagar kill [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]] and [[Arrax]], illustrated by Chase Stone.]]
By {{Date|129}}, Vhagar had grown nearly as big as Balerion had been during [[Aegon's Conquest]], and had become the largest living dragon of her time.{{Ref|aDwD|8}} Prince Aemond flew on Vhagar to [[Storm's End]], so they could win the support of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] for King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. There Aemond met with Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], there hoping to gain support for his mother Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. Aemond was forbidden from attacking Lucerys while both were in Borros's castle, but was allowed to follow Lucerys outside. Thus, when Lucerys had risen into the sky on his dragon [[Arrax]], Aemond mounted Vhagar and followed the young prince. The two dragons fought during a great storm over [[Shipbreaker Bay]], and Vhagar quickly overcame Arrax, whose severed head would wash ashore days later, along with the corpse of Lucerys.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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By {{Date|129}}, Vhagar had grown nearly as big as Balerion had been during [[Aegon's Conquest]], and had become the largest living dragon of her time.{{Ref|ADWD|8}} Prince Aemond flew on Vhagar to [[Storm's End]], so they could win the support of Lord [[Borros Baratheon]] for King [[Aegon II Targaryen]]. There Aemond met with Prince [[Lucerys Velaryon]], at Storm's End hoping to gain support for his mother Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]]. Aemond was forbidden from attacking Lucerys while both were in Borros's castle, but was allowed to follow him outside. After Lucerys rose into the sky on his dragon [[Arrax]], Aemond mounted Vhagar and followed the young prince. The two dragons fought during a great storm over [[Shipbreaker Bay]], and Vhagar quickly overcame Arrax, whose severed head would wash ashore days later, along with the corpse of Lucerys.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
Aemond would continue to fly Vhagar in battle during the civil war between King Aegon II and Queen Rhaenyra. During the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], Vhagar and Aemond, and King Aegon and [[Sunfyre]], ambushed the dragon [[Meleys]] and her rider Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]]. Meleys was an old and large dragon, and might have stood a chance against Vhagar alone, but died from the combined assault. Vhagar was the only dragon who left the battle reasonably unharmed.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
Aemond would continue to fly Vhagar in battle during the civil war between King Aegon II and Queen Rhaenyra. During the [[battle at Rook's Rest]], Vhagar and Aemond, and King Aegon and [[Sunfyre]], ambushed the dragon [[Meleys]] and her rider Princess [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys Targaryen]]. Meleys was an old and large dragon, and might have stood a chance against Vhagar alone, but died from the combined assault. Vhagar was the only dragon who left the battle reasonably unharmed.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
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After the [[Fall of King's Landing]], Prince Aemond and [[Hand of the King]] [[Criston Cole]] no longer agreed on how to proceed during the war. Aemond took Vhagar on a one-man war of revenge. They burned much of the [[riverlands]], starting with every wooden structure in Harrenhal. Vhagar caused more destruction than an entire army, and severely harmed Rhaenyra's supporters in the riverlands - though Aemond's decision to abandon the army under Criston proved to a strategic blunder. Without Vhagar to protect them, Cole's army in the east was later surrounded and destroyed in the [[Butcher's Ball]], leaving the east wide open to Rhaenyra's forces.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
 
After the [[Fall of King's Landing]], Prince Aemond and [[Hand of the King]] [[Criston Cole]] no longer agreed on how to proceed during the war. Aemond took Vhagar on a one-man war of revenge. They burned much of the [[riverlands]], starting with every wooden structure in Harrenhal. Vhagar caused more destruction than an entire army, and severely harmed Rhaenyra's supporters in the riverlands - though Aemond's decision to abandon the army under Criston proved to a strategic blunder. Without Vhagar to protect them, Cole's army in the east was later surrounded and destroyed in the [[Butcher's Ball]], leaving the east wide open to Rhaenyra's forces.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
Aemond and Vhagar continued the destruction of the riverlands and they became the terror of the [[Trident]]. Daemon Targaryen, on his dragon [[Caraxes]], and the [[dragonseed]] [[Nettles]], on the dragon [[Sheepstealer]], were sent to hunt Aemond. They were allowed to use [[Maidenpool]] as their base, as Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] feared an attack from Vhagar, and found himself safer this way. Daemon and Nettles unsuccessfully searched together for Vhagar, who continued to terrorize the riverlands.
+
Aemond and Vhagar continued the destruction of the riverlands and they became the terror of the [[Trident]]. Daemon Targaryen, on his dragon [[Caraxes]], and the [[dragonseed]] [[Nettles]], on the dragon [[Sheepstealer]], were sent to hunt Aemond. They were allowed to use [[Maidenpool]] as their base, as Lord [[Manfryd Mooton]] feared an attack from Vhagar, and found himself safer this way. Daemon and Nettles unsuccessfully searched together for Vhagar, who continued to terrorize the riverlands.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
After the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], Daemon had word sent out that he and Caraxes would await Aemond and Vhagar at Harrenhal. On the fourteenth day of Daemon's vigil at Harrenhal, Vhagar appeared in the sky, carrying Aemond and his lover [[Alys Rivers]]. Aemond left Alys in the castle's yard, and both dragons and their riders launched into the air. All four were killed in the ensuing [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], when the dragons locked together, Caraxes's jaws closed around Vhagar's neck, Daemon leapt from his dragon to Vhagar to put [[Dark Sister]] through Aemond's eye, and the dragons crashed into the lake. Some years after the end of the Dance, Vhagar's body was recovered, with Aemond's armored bones still chained to the saddle. Vhagar was one hundred and eighty-one years old when she died, on the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of {{Date|130}}.{{ref|tpatq}}
+
After the [[First Battle of Tumbleton]], Daemon had word sent out that he and Caraxes would await Aemond and Vhagar at Harrenhal. On the fourteenth day of Daemon's vigil at Harrenhal, Vhagar appeared in the sky, carrying Aemond and his lover [[Alys Rivers]]. Aemond left Alys in the castle's yard, and both dragons and their riders launched into the air. All four were killed in the ensuing [[Battle Above the Gods Eye]], when the dragons locked together, Caraxes's jaws closed around Vhagar's neck, Daemon leapt from his dragon to Vhagar to put [[Dark Sister]] through Aemond's eye, and the dragons crashed into [[Gods Eye|the lake]]. Some years after the end of the Dance, Vhagar's body was recovered, with Aemond's armored bones still chained to the saddle. Vhagar was one hundred and eighty-one years old when she died, on the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of {{Date|130}}.{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
Along with eighteen{{Ref|aGoT|13}} other Targaryen [[Dragon skulls (Targaryen)|dragon skulls]], Vhagar's skull hung on a wall in the [[Red Keep]]'s throne room.{{Ref|aGoT|3}}{{Ref|aGoT|12}}  After [[Robert's Rebellion]], King [[Robert I Baratheon]] had the skulls removed from the throne room, and stored them in a dank cellar. In {{date|284}}, when [[Tyrion Lannister]] visited the capital for the wedding of his sister [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] to Robert, he observed the skulls in the cellar, including Vhagar's.{{Ref|aGoT|13}} In {{date|298}}, [[Arya Stark]] encountered the dragon skulls while traveling through the Red Keep cellars.{{ref|agot|32}}{{ref|agot|50}}
+
Along with eighteen{{Ref|AGOT|13}} other Targaryen [[Dragon skulls (Targaryen)|dragon skulls]], Vhagar's skull hung on a wall in the [[Red Keep]]'s throne room.{{Ref|AGOT|3}}{{Ref|AGOT|12}}  After [[Robert's Rebellion]], King [[Robert I Baratheon]] had the skulls removed from the throne room, and stored them in a dank cellar. In {{Date|284}}, when [[Tyrion Lannister]] visited the capital for the wedding of his sister [[Cersei Lannister|Cersei]] to Robert, he observed the skulls in the cellar, including Vhagar's.{{Ref|AGOT|13}} In {{Date|298}}, [[Arya Stark]] encountered the dragon skulls while passing through the Red Keep cellars.{{Ref|AGOT|32}}{{Ref|AGOT|50}}
 +
 
 +
In {{Date|299}}, [[Daenerys Targaryen]] had the three [[ships]] sent to her by [[Illyrio Mopatis]] renamed [[Vhagar (ship)|Vhagar]], [[Meraxes (ship)|Meraxes]], and [[Balerion (ship)|Balerion]], to tell the world that the [[dragons]] had returned.{{Ref|ACOK|63}}
  
 
==Known dragonriders of Vhagar==
 
==Known dragonriders of Vhagar==
 
* Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]]
 
* Queen [[Visenya Targaryen]]
 +
* Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon Targaryen]]
 
* Lady [[Laena Velaryon]]
 
* Lady [[Laena Velaryon]]
 
* Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]]
 
* Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]]
  
King [[Ronnel Arryn]] flew three circles around the summit of the [[Giant's Lance]] during [[Aegon's Conquest]] with Visenya on Vhagar's back.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], [[Alys Rivers]] flew on Vhagar's back along with Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
+
King [[Ronnel Arryn (king)|Ronnel Arryn]] flew three circles around the summit of the [[Giant's Lance]] during [[Aegon's Conquest]] with Visenya on Vhagar's back.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} During the [[Dance of the Dragons]], [[Alys Rivers]] flew on Vhagar's back along with Prince [[Aemond Targaryen]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}
  
 
==Quotes about Vhagar==
 
==Quotes about Vhagar==
{{Quote|Vhagar grows old, but her fires still burn hot.{{ref|tsotd}}|[[Visenya Targaryen]] to [[Aenys I Targaryen]]}}
+
{{Quote|Vhagar grows old, but her fires still burn hot.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}|[[Visenya Targaryen]] to [[Aenys I Targaryen]]}}
{{Quote|The peril posed by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya's]] mount could not be gainsaid.{{ref|tpatq}}|[[Gyldayn]]}}
+
{{Quote|The peril posed by Queen [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya's]] mount could not be gainsaid.{{Ref|TPATQ}}|[[Gyldayn]]}}
{{Quote|That hoary old bitch.{{ref|tpatq}}|[[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}
+
{{Quote|That hoary old bitch.{{Ref|TPATQ}}|[[Jacaerys Velaryon]]}}
{{Quote|[[Aemond Targaryen|Prince Aemond]]'s mighty dragon Vhagar sensed [[Lucerys Velaryon|his]] coming first. Guardsman walking the battlements of the castle's mighty curtain walls clutched their spears in sudden terror when she woke, with a roar that shook the very foundations of [[Durran's Defiance]].{{ref|tpatq}}}}
+
{{Quote|[[Aemond Targaryen|Prince Aemond]]'s mighty dragon Vhagar sensed [[Lucerys Velaryon|his]] coming first. Guardsman walking the battlements of the castle's mighty curtain walls clutched their spears in sudden terror when she woke, with a roar that shook the very foundations of [[Durran's Defiance]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}}}
{{Quote|On the fourteenth day of [[Daemon Targaryen|the prince's]] vigil, a shadow swept over [[Harrenhal|the castle]], blacker than any passing cloud. All the birds of the godswood took to the air in fright, and a hot wind whipped the fallen leaves across the yard. Vhagar had come at last, and on her back rode the one-eyed prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], clad in night-black armor chased with gold.{{ref|tpatq}}}}
+
{{Quote|On the fourteenth day of [[Daemon Targaryen|the prince's]] vigil, a shadow swept over [[Harrenhal|the castle]], blacker than any passing cloud. All the birds of the godswood took to the air in fright, and a hot wind whipped the fallen leaves across the yard. Vhagar had come at last, and on her back rode the one-eyed prince [[Aemond Targaryen]], clad in night-black armor chased with gold.{{Ref|TPATQ}}}}
{{Quote|Vhagar's carcass plunged to [[Gods Eye|the lake]] floor, the hot blood from the gaping wound in her neck bringing the water to a boil over her last resting place.{{ref|tpatq}}}}
+
{{Quote|Vhagar's carcass plunged to [[Gods Eye|the lake]] floor, the hot blood from the gaping wound in her neck bringing the water to a boil over her last resting place.{{Ref|TPATQ}}}}
{{Quote|Vhagar, the greatest of the Targaryen dragons since the passing of [[Balerion]] the Black
+
{{Quote|Vhagar, the greatest of the Targaryen dragons since the passing of [[Balerion]] the Black Dread, had counted one hundred eighty-one years upon the earth. Thus passed the last living creature from the days of [[Aegon's Conquest]], as dusk and darkness swallowed [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren]]'s [[Harrenhal|accursed seat]].{{Ref|TPATQ}}}}
Dread, had counted one hundred eighty-one years upon the earth. Thus passed the last living creature from the days of [[Aegon's Conquest]], as dusk and darkness swallowed [[Harren Hoare|Black Harren's]] [[Harrenhal|accursed seat]].{{ref|tpatq}}}}
 
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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==References==
 
==References==
{{references}}
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{{References}}
  
 
{{Dragons}}
 
{{Dragons}}
  
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[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
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[[Category:Characters killed by Daemon Targaryen]]
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[[Category:Characters killed by Caraxes]]
 
[[Category:Dragons]]
 
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:Casualties of the Dance of the Dragons]]
 
  
 
[[es:Vhagar]]
 
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[[fr:Vhagar]]
 
[[fr:Vhagar]]
 
[[ru:Вхагар]]
 
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[[pt:Vhagar]]
 
[[zh:&#29926;&#26684;&#21704;&#23572;]]
 
[[zh:&#29926;&#26684;&#21704;&#23572;]]

Revision as of 22:31, 24 February 2023

House Targaryen.svgVhagarHouse Targaryen.svg
Burning Arryn fleet.jpg
Visenya Targaryen riding Vhagar into battle, illustrated by John McCambridge.

Owners
Species Dragon
Born In 52 BC[1]Dragonstone 
Died In 22nd day of the 5th moon of 130 AC, the Gods Eye
Books

TV series House of the Dragon: Season 1


Vhagar was a she-dragon of House Targaryen. She was ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon's Conquest, alongside Aegon the Conqueror's Balerion and their sister Rhaenys's Meraxes.[2] Other known riders of Vhagar are Prince Baelon Targaryen, Lady Laena Velaryon and Prince Aemond Targaryen.[3][4]

Vhagar was named for one of the gods of Old Valyria.[2][5]

Appearance

See also: Images of Vhagar

The color of Vhagar's scales, horns, wings, wing bones, and spinal crest, as well as the color of her flame are not mentioned in the books. However, the artist commissioned for the 2021 A Song of Ice and Fire Calendar, Sam Hogg, asked for clarification from George R. R. Martin's team and was told Vhagar was "bronze with greenish blue highlights and bright green eyes".[6]

According to Tyrion Lannister, Vhagar was large enough that one could ride a horse down her gullet.[7] It is said that Vhagar's breath was so hot that it could melt a knight's armor and cook him inside.[2]

By the time of the Dance of the Dragons, Vhagar was the hardened survivor of a hundred battles, had grown almost as large as Balerion, and was the oldest and largest of the dragons in Westeros. Her roar was so powerful that it could shake the very foundations of Storm's End. No living dragon could match her for size or ferocity.[8]

History

Vhagar hatched from a dragon egg on Dragonstone during the Century of Blood.[9] She was named after a god of the Valyrian Freehold.[10]

At some point, Vhagar was claimed by Visenya Targaryen. Visenya first rode Vhagar, demonstrating she was a dragonrider, some time before she married her brother, Aegon.[9]

Aegon's Conquest

Vhagar and her rider, Queen Visenya Targaryen.
By Silvaticus.

After Aegon landed on Westeros and began his conquest, Visenya flew Vhagar to Stokeworth, where crossbowmen loosed bolts until the dragon set the roofs of the castle keep ablaze.[9] Following Aegon's first coronation, Visenya, upon Vhagar, accompanied the Targaryen fleet, commanded by Daemon Velaryon, to take Gulltown. In the battle in the waters off Gulltown, the Arryn fleet defeated the Targaryen fleet, sinking one-third of the ships and capturing near as many. Then, Visenya descended, and burned the ships of the Arryn fleet.[9]

Visenya then flew to Crackclaw Point with Vhagar, to accept many pledges of fealty from the local lords. She then flew Vhagar to Stoney Sept to link up with her siblings, their dragons, and Aegon's army. They advanced south, where all three dragons took part in the decisive Field of Fire – the only battle in which all three of the Targaryen dragons took to the sky at the same time during Aegon's Conquest. Together, Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion killed four thousand men, burning them alive. King Mern IX Gardener died, and with him House Gardener. The army was broken, and House Targaryen was victorious.[9][7]

Visenya next flew Vhagar to the Trident in the riverlands, where she met with her brother and sister and their dragons, to face King in the North Torrhen Stark. Brandon Snow, the bastard brother of Torrhen, offered to sneak into the Targaryen camp at night to slay the dragons, but the northern king refused the attempt, and instead sent his brother as an envoy, eventually bending the knee to the Targaryens.[9]

Afterwards, Visenya flew Vhagar back to the Vale, where she landed with her dragon in the inner courtyard of the Eyrie. When Dowager Queen Sharra Arryn reached the courtyard she found her young son, King Ronnel Arryn, sitting on Visenya's knee, staring with wonder at Vhagar. The young king begged his mother for a ride on Vhagar's back. Sharra bent her knee and surrendered, and Ronnel rode on Vhagar thrice about the summit of the Giant's Lance.[9]

First Dornish War

Following the deaths of Rhaenys and Meraxes in 10 AC at Hellholt in Dorne, Visenya and Aegon burned every Dornish stronghold at least once (except Sunspear and its shadow city) during a two-year period known as the Dragon's Wroth. The Dornish tell a tale that the Targaryens refused to attack Sunspear because they were afraid that Princess Meria Martell had purchased a device from Lys to slay Vhagar and Balerion, but Archmaester Timotty suggests the Targaryens intended to turn the other Dornish houses against the Martells.[11]

Aenys I and Maegor I

When King Aegon I died in 37 AC, Vhagar supplied the flames to light the fire of his funeral pyre.[12] In 41 AC, when King Aenys I Targaryen named his eldest son and heir, Prince Aegon, the Prince of Dragonstone at his wedding, Visenya angrily left for Dragonstone. It was said that the moon turned as red as blood when Vhagar passed it.[12]

Later that year, when King Aenys arrived at Dragonstone, fleeing the first rebels in the Faith Militant uprising, Visenya asked him to grant her leave to take Vhagar and burn the Starry Sept in Oldtown. Aenys refused. When the king died early in 42 AC, Visenya left Dragonstone within an hour of his death, and flew to Pentos, where her son Maegor lived in exile. After Maegor had claimed the crown on Dragonstone, Visenya accompanied him upon Vhagar and crossed Blackwater Bay to King's Landing. The return of both Vhagar and Balerion to King's Landing set off riots in the city.[12]

Prior to Maegor's wedding to Tyanna of the Tower, Visenya flew upon Vhagar to Driftmark to convince Alyssa Velaryon to appear at the wedding.[12] When the Faith Militant continued to resist Maegor's reign, even after the losses they suffered at the Battle of Stonebridge and the Battle at the Great Fork of the Blackwater, Visenya mounted Vhagar and burned the seats of House Blanetree, House Terrick, House Deddings, House Lychester, and House Wayn in the Riverlands within a single night. Maegor flew Balerion to the westerlands, burning the seats of House Broom, House Doggett, House Falwell, House Lorch, House Myatt, and other "pious lords" who had defied his royal summons.[12]

In 43 AC,[N 1] Maegor and Visenya turned towards Oldtown, threatening to incinerate the Starry Sept in response to the High Septon's condemnation of his polygamous marriages. Only the mysterious death of the High Septon, which allowed Lord Martyn Hightower to open his gates before Balerion and Vhagar, saved the city from dragonflame.[13][12]

Visenya died on Dragonstone in 44 AC, leaving Vhagar without a rider.[14][12]

Reign of Jaehaerys I

Vhagar remained unridden for twenty-nine years after Visenya's death, spending much of that time on Dragonstone and later taking residence in the Dragonpit in King's Landing. It was in 73 AC that Prince Baelon the Brave after achieving knighthood, set out to follow his brother Prince Aemon and become a dragonrider claiming Vhagar. Vhagar along with Caraxes and Vermithor burned the Dornish fleet that attempted to invade the Stormlands during the Fourth Dornish War in 83 AC. After the death of Balerion of old age in 94 AC,[4] Vhagar became the last of the three Targaryen dragons who had fought in the Conquest. Vhagar became riderless again, when Prince Baelon passed away in 101 AC.[3]

Reign of Viserys I

Vhagar's next known rider was Lady Laena Velaryon, who had become a dragonrider before the age of twelve. According to the maester at Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon, Laena loved to fly. When Laena wed Prince Daemon Targaryen in 115 AC, they flew upon their dragons across the narrow sea to Pentos, Volantis, Qohor, and Norvos. Everywhere they went, huge crowds came to catch a glimpse of Vhagar and Caraxes, Daemon's dragon. After Laena gave birth in 116 AC, Daemon brought both his own dragon and Vhagar back to Westeros. Laena and Daemon grew close with Daemon's niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen, and the three often flew together upon their dragons, Vhagar, Caraxes, and Syrax.[4]

Laena died early in 120 AC. It is said that Laena attempted to reach Vhagar in her final hour as to fly one last time, but she did not have the strength. Following Laena's funeral on Driftmark, the ten-year old prince Aemond Targaryen claimed Vhagar as his own dragon.[4]

Dance of the Dragons

Aemond and Vhagar kill Lucerys and Arrax, illustrated by Chase Stone.

By 129 AC, Vhagar had grown nearly as big as Balerion had been during Aegon's Conquest, and had become the largest living dragon of her time.[15] Prince Aemond flew on Vhagar to Storm's End, so they could win the support of Lord Borros Baratheon for King Aegon II Targaryen. There Aemond met with Prince Lucerys Velaryon, at Storm's End hoping to gain support for his mother Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. Aemond was forbidden from attacking Lucerys while both were in Borros's castle, but was allowed to follow him outside. After Lucerys rose into the sky on his dragon Arrax, Aemond mounted Vhagar and followed the young prince. The two dragons fought during a great storm over Shipbreaker Bay, and Vhagar quickly overcame Arrax, whose severed head would wash ashore days later, along with the corpse of Lucerys.[8]

Aemond would continue to fly Vhagar in battle during the civil war between King Aegon II and Queen Rhaenyra. During the battle at Rook's Rest, Vhagar and Aemond, and King Aegon and Sunfyre, ambushed the dragon Meleys and her rider Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Meleys was an old and large dragon, and might have stood a chance against Vhagar alone, but died from the combined assault. Vhagar was the only dragon who left the battle reasonably unharmed.[8]

The battle against Meleys left Aegon II severely injured, leaving him incapable of rule, and Prince Aemond was appointed regent. Aemond decided that the main threat in the war was Prince Daemon Targaryen, who was massing armies at Harrenhal. Aemond took Vhagar and most of the green forces from King's Landing north to attack Harrenhal, leaving King's Landing with very little defense. When Aemond and Vhagar arrived at Harrenhal, they found the castle undefended and empty, as Daemon had left some time before to attack King's Landing, after having lured Aemond and Vhagar away from the capital.[8]

After the Fall of King's Landing, Prince Aemond and Hand of the King Criston Cole no longer agreed on how to proceed during the war. Aemond took Vhagar on a one-man war of revenge. They burned much of the riverlands, starting with every wooden structure in Harrenhal. Vhagar caused more destruction than an entire army, and severely harmed Rhaenyra's supporters in the riverlands - though Aemond's decision to abandon the army under Criston proved to a strategic blunder. Without Vhagar to protect them, Cole's army in the east was later surrounded and destroyed in the Butcher's Ball, leaving the east wide open to Rhaenyra's forces.[8]

Aemond and Vhagar continued the destruction of the riverlands and they became the terror of the Trident. Daemon Targaryen, on his dragon Caraxes, and the dragonseed Nettles, on the dragon Sheepstealer, were sent to hunt Aemond. They were allowed to use Maidenpool as their base, as Lord Manfryd Mooton feared an attack from Vhagar, and found himself safer this way. Daemon and Nettles unsuccessfully searched together for Vhagar, who continued to terrorize the riverlands.[8]

After the First Battle of Tumbleton, Daemon had word sent out that he and Caraxes would await Aemond and Vhagar at Harrenhal. On the fourteenth day of Daemon's vigil at Harrenhal, Vhagar appeared in the sky, carrying Aemond and his lover Alys Rivers. Aemond left Alys in the castle's yard, and both dragons and their riders launched into the air. All four were killed in the ensuing Battle Above the Gods Eye, when the dragons locked together, Caraxes's jaws closed around Vhagar's neck, Daemon leapt from his dragon to Vhagar to put Dark Sister through Aemond's eye, and the dragons crashed into the lake. Some years after the end of the Dance, Vhagar's body was recovered, with Aemond's armored bones still chained to the saddle. Vhagar was one hundred and eighty-one years old when she died, on the twenty-second day of the fifth moon of 130 AC.[8]

Legacy

Along with eighteen[7] other Targaryen dragon skulls, Vhagar's skull hung on a wall in the Red Keep's throne room.[16][17] After Robert's Rebellion, King Robert I Baratheon had the skulls removed from the throne room, and stored them in a dank cellar. In 284 AC, when Tyrion Lannister visited the capital for the wedding of his sister Cersei to Robert, he observed the skulls in the cellar, including Vhagar's.[7] In 298 AC, Arya Stark encountered the dragon skulls while passing through the Red Keep cellars.[18][19]

In 299 AC, Daenerys Targaryen had the three ships sent to her by Illyrio Mopatis renamed Vhagar, Meraxes, and Balerion, to tell the world that the dragons had returned.[20]

Known dragonriders of Vhagar

King Ronnel Arryn flew three circles around the summit of the Giant's Lance during Aegon's Conquest with Visenya on Vhagar's back.[9] During the Dance of the Dragons, Alys Rivers flew on Vhagar's back along with Prince Aemond Targaryen.[8]

Quotes about Vhagar

Vhagar grows old, but her fires still burn hot.[12]

The peril posed by Queen Visenya's mount could not be gainsaid.[8]

That hoary old bitch.[8]

Prince Aemond's mighty dragon Vhagar sensed his coming first. Guardsman walking the battlements of the castle's mighty curtain walls clutched their spears in sudden terror when she woke, with a roar that shook the very foundations of Durran's Defiance.[8]

On the fourteenth day of the prince's vigil, a shadow swept over the castle, blacker than any passing cloud. All the birds of the godswood took to the air in fright, and a hot wind whipped the fallen leaves across the yard. Vhagar had come at last, and on her back rode the one-eyed prince Aemond Targaryen, clad in night-black armor chased with gold.[8]

Vhagar's carcass plunged to the lake floor, the hot blood from the gaping wound in her neck bringing the water to a boil over her last resting place.[8]

Vhagar, the greatest of the Targaryen dragons since the passing of Balerion the Black Dread, had counted one hundred eighty-one years upon the earth. Thus passed the last living creature from the days of Aegon's Conquest, as dusk and darkness swallowed Black Harren's accursed seat.[8]

Notes

  1. Earlier prints of The World of Ice & Fire erroneously state that this event and the death of the High Septon took place in 44 AC.[13] The Sons of the Dragon gives the correct date of 43 AC. Septon Pater, the High Septon elected as a replacement, died a year later.

References

  1. See the Vhagar calculation
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys & Alysanne:Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 The Rogue Prince.
  5. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 57, Daenerys V.
  6. Twitter: @Zephyri: Vhagar color, January 16, 2021
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 13, Tyrion II.
  8. 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 The Princess and the Queen.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  10. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 11, Theon I.
  11. The World of Ice & Fire, Dorne: Dorne Against the Dragons.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
  13. 13.0 13.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  14. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  15. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 8, Tyrion III.
  16. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  17. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
  18. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 32, Arya III.
  19. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 50, Arya IV.
  20. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 63, Daenerys V.