The Cannibal

The Cannibal was a wild dragon that dwelt on Dragonstone, known for his extreme aggression, solitary nature, and habit of feeding on other dragons. He was the largest and oldest of the three wild dragons on the island, alongside Sheepstealer and Grey Ghost, and was widely regarded as the most dangerous. His exact origin is unknown, though some accounts suggest he may have been present on Dragonstone even before the arrival of House Targaryen, making him potentially older than any dragon under Targaryen control during the Dance of the Dragons.

The Cannibal was described as black in coloration, with dark wings and a fearsome appearance. He earned his name through his behavior, as he was known to prey upon dragon eggs, hatchlings, and even other dragons. This habit set him apart from most dragons, which did not typically engage in cannibalistic behavior. His lair was located high on the Dragonmont, and he was rarely seen except when hunting or feeding. Unlike many other dragons, the Cannibal showed no tolerance for human presence and was known to attack anyone who approached his territory.

During the Dance of the Dragons, multiple attempts were made to claim riderless dragons through a process known as the Red Sowing. However, no individual successfully bonded with the Cannibal. His aggressive temperament and tendency to attack without hesitation made him effectively unclaimable. Several would-be dragonriders are said to have died attempting to approach or tame him, reinforcing his reputation as a creature beyond human control.

Although the Cannibal did not participate directly in the organized battles of the Dance, his presence influenced events on Dragonstone. His predation on eggs and smaller dragons contributed to the overall decline of dragonkind during this period. He was initially suspected of killing the dragon Grey Ghost in 130 AC, though later accounts indicate that Grey Ghost was in fact slain by Sunfyre. Despite this correction, the Cannibal’s reputation was such that he was widely blamed for any unexplained dragon deaths on the island.

The ultimate fate of the Cannibal is unknown. Unlike many dragons that perished during the Dance, there is no confirmed account of his death. It is possible that he survived the war and continued to live in isolation, though no verified sightings exist in later records. His disappearance, like much of his life, remains undocumented.

The Cannibal is remembered as one of the most dangerous and uncontrollable dragons in Westerosi history. Unlike the dragons of House Targaryen, which were bonded to riders and used in war, he existed entirely outside human authority. His behavior represents the more primal and destructive nature of dragonkind, unshaped by training or loyalty. Within the history of dragons, the Cannibal stands as a rare example of a creature that could not be claimed, controlled, or understood.