Vhagar

Vhagar was one of the oldest and largest dragons in Targaryen history, hatched on Dragonstone in 52 BC, roughly half a century after the Doom of Valyria. She was one of the three dragons used during Aegon’s Conquest of Westeros, alongside Balerion and Meraxes, and was ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen. During the Conquest, Vhagar played a central role in multiple campaigns, including the burning of Arryn forces in the Vale and the submission of various regions through the threat and use of dragonfire.

Following the Conquest, Vhagar continued to serve the Targaryen dynasty under successive riders. She was later claimed by Prince Baelon Targaryen, son of Jaehaerys I, and remained an active and formidable dragon during the height of Targaryen power. After Baelon’s death, Vhagar went riderless for a period before being claimed by Laena Velaryon, daughter of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen. Under Laena, Vhagar traveled extensively, including flights across Essos, maintaining her status as one of the most experienced dragons alive.

After Laena Velaryon’s death, Vhagar was claimed by Prince Aemond Targaryen during the early stages of the Dance of the Dragons. By this time, she had reached immense size, second only to Balerion at his peak, and was the largest living dragon in Westeros. Her age, size, and battle experience made her the most powerful asset of the Green faction during the war.

Vhagar played a decisive role in several key events of the Dance. She was responsible for the death of Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax above Shipbreaker Bay, an act that marked the escalation of the conflict into full-scale war. She later participated in major engagements alongside Aemond Targaryen, including operations in the Riverlands and the destruction of enemy forces through overwhelming aerial power.

Vhagar’s final battle occurred in 130 AC during the confrontation above the Gods Eye, where she faced Caraxes, the dragon of Daemon Targaryen. Despite her size advantage, the battle resulted in mutual destruction. Caraxes inflicted a fatal wound by tearing out Vhagar’s throat, while Vhagar inflicted severe injuries in return. The two dragons fell together into the waters below. Vhagar died upon impact, bringing an end to one of the longest-lived and most formidable dragons in recorded history.

Vhagar is remembered as one of the greatest dragons of the Targaryen dynasty, with a lifespan of 181 years spanning the Century of Blood, the Conquest, and the final years of dragon dominance in Westeros. Her role in multiple eras of history, combined with her immense size and destructive capability, established her as one of the most significant dragons to have ever lived. Her death at the Gods Eye marked the fall of the last truly ancient war dragon and symbolized the beginning of the end for the age of dragons.