Moondancer

Moondancer was a young dragon of House Targaryen hatched on Dragonstone after 120 AC from a cradle egg placed with Baela Targaryen, daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. She was the smallest and youngest ridden dragon to take part in the Dance of the Dragons, notable for her pale green scales, pearly horns, and slender build. At the time of the war, Moondancer had only just reached a size sufficient to carry a rider, making her significantly smaller than the older and more battle-hardened dragons of the conflict.

Despite her size, Moondancer possessed notable speed and agility in flight, traits that distinguished her from larger dragons and made her capable of rapid strikes in aerial combat. Her rider, Baela Targaryen, was known for her boldness and willingness to engage directly, and the bond between dragon and rider was demonstrated during the fall of Dragonstone in 130 AC. When forces loyal to King Aegon II Targaryen seized the island, Baela escaped confinement, reached Moondancer’s stable, and took flight to confront the king and his dragon.

Moondancer engaged Sunfyre, the dragon of Aegon II, above Dragonstone. Although Sunfyre had previously been wounded and was no longer at full strength, he remained far larger and more powerful. Moondancer’s speed allowed her to strike first, reopening Sunfyre’s wounds and damaging his already crippled wing. During the engagement, Sunfyre’s flames struck Moondancer in the face, blinding her and severely limiting her ability to maneuver in the air.

Despite being blinded, Moondancer continued the attack, colliding with Sunfyre mid-air and bringing both dragons crashing into the courtyard below. On the ground, the size disparity proved decisive. Sunfyre overpowered Moondancer, killing and partially devouring her. Baela Targaryen was thrown clear during the fall, suffering severe injuries including broken legs, but survived and was subsequently taken captive.

The encounter proved fatal for both dragons. While Moondancer was killed outright, she inflicted mortal wounds upon Sunfyre, who would die within months from the injuries sustained during the fight. Moondancer’s remains were left at Dragonstone, her bones believed to lie among the ruins alongside those of Sunfyre.

Moondancer is remembered as the youngest dragon to fight in the Dance of the Dragons and as a rare example of a smaller dragon inflicting fatal damage upon a larger opponent. Her final battle is often cited as evidence that speed and aggression could challenge size, though not overcome it without cost.