The dragons in HBO’s Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are awe-inspiring, but their sizes vary dramatically. This begs the question: just how big are Daenerys’ dragons compared to other iconic dragons like Vhagar and Balerion the Black Dread? Let’s delve into the sizes of these magnificent beasts and compare them.
Vhagar: The Colossal Titan of House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon introduces Vhagar, a truly massive dragon ridden initially by Laena Velaryon and later by Aemond Targaryen. Vhagar is depicted as the largest dragon in Westeros during the show’s timeline, making even Drogon, Daenerys’ largest dragon, look small by comparison.
Balerion the Black Dread: The Unseen Giant
While never seen on screen, Balerion the Black Dread, ridden by Aegon the Conqueror, is legendary for being the largest dragon ever known. Even Vhagar, impressive in her own right, is considered only the second largest, paling in comparison to Balerion’s immense size. Historical accounts and in-universe descriptions paint a picture of a dragon whose shadow could blanket entire cities.
Drogon: A Formidable Dragon, But Dwarfed by Ancient Beasts
Drogon, Daenerys’ primary mount and arguably the most famous dragon in Game of Thrones, was undoubtedly powerful. However, when compared to Vhagar or Balerion, Drogon’s size is significantly smaller. Drogon’s head was roughly the size of a man, while Vhagar’s head could easily dwarf a horse and rider. This size difference highlights the dwindling size of dragons over generations, a consequence of the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Other Notable Dragons: Caraxes, Syrax, and Vermithor
House of the Dragon showcases other dragons like Caraxes, ridden by Daemon Targaryen, and Syrax, ridden by Rhaenyra Targaryen. Both are formidable but smaller than Vhagar. Vermithor, a wild dragon later claimed by Hugh Hammer, is one of the few dragons that comes close to Vhagar in size, posing a significant threat during the Dance of the Dragons.
The Dance of the Dragons and the Decline of Dragon Size
The Dance of the Dragons, a brutal civil war amongst the Targaryens, played a pivotal role in the diminishing size of dragons. This devastating conflict resulted in the deaths of many dragons, including Vhagar, who perishes in an epic battle against Caraxes above the Gods Eye lake. The dragons that survived the war were generally smaller, leading to the smaller size of dragons seen in Game of Thrones centuries later.
Conclusion: A Size Comparison Across Generations
Ultimately, Daenerys’ dragons, while formidable in their own time, are considerably smaller than the ancient behemoths like Vhagar and Balerion. This difference in size underscores the impact of time and the devastating events that shaped the history of dragons in Westeros. While Drogon was a force to be reckoned with, he stands as a reminder of the once greater glory and size of dragons past.
