As the prequel series to Games of Thrones, House of the Dragon bears many similarities but also many differences. While in GoT, dragons were rare and nearly extinct, HoD is practically covered in dragons.

Related: 10 Things House Of The Dragon Already Does Better Than Game Of ThronesAudiences are excited to see what the dragons will look like and what parts they will play in the plot. So far, at least 17 dragons have been confirmed to appear in the show. Some have extensive backgrounds while others only have a name and brief description. Some are huge, old, and battle-scarred while others are young, small, and untested. Not all of the dragons have appeared on the show yet but here's what fans have gleaned so far.

1 Vhagar: The Grandmother Of DragonsVhagar Taking Flight In House Of The Dragon

Smaller than her colleagues, Balerion and Meraxes, Vhagar is still the biggest and oldest dragon during the era that the House of the Dragon takes place. A member of the original trio that conquered Westeros, Vhagar has been in more battles than any other dragon and mothered many dragons.

So far, Vhagar has only been mentioned in House of the Dragon where characters admit no one has seen her in a long time. Nonetheless, audiences eagerly await her appearance and her battle with Caraxes in the show.

2 Vermithor: The Hammer Of The Dragons

Vermithor kills Seasmoke before dying

Also known as the Bronze Fury, Vermithor is the second-largest dragon in House of the Dragon after Vhagar. Originally ridden by King Jaehaerys Targaryen, he went riderless for a long time after Jaehaerys’ death until being claimed by a blacksmith’s bastard named Hugh the Hammer. Vermithor died in battle alongside his new rider.

Related: 10 Things Game Of Thrones Fans Want To See In House Of The DragonVermithor had a reputation for being especially ferocious, hence his name. Even his death was epic. Fighting two dragons at once, he managed to tear his opponents apart before dying himself. Vermithor's presence promises audiences some impressive battles later in the show.

3 Sheepstealer: Wild And Free

Nettles taming Sheepstealer in Fire and Blood

Named for his love of mutton, Sheepstealer went unclaimed in his youth and eventually became a wild dragon with a habit of stealing local sheep. He was eventually claimed by a girl named Nettles, who won his loyalty by feeding him sheep every morning. Although he and Nettles fought battles for the king, they eventually left civilization for the mountains where legends around them grew.

A solitary wild dragon and a scrappy young girl who has no experience in warfare make for an odd couple who probably don’t work well with others. For better or for worse, these two are wild cards and their story is going to be fascinating to watch.

4 Silverwing: A Princess Among Dragons

Alysanne riding Silverwing in Fire and Blood

The fourth-largest dragon in House of the Dragon, Silverwing was originally ridden by Alysanne Targaryen. Alysanne was the wife of Jaehaerys Targaryen who rode Silverwing’s mate, Vermithor. After Alysanne’s death, Silverwing went riderless for years until she was claimed by Ulf the White. After Vermithor and Ulf died, she lived the rest of her life as a wild dragon.

Unlike her ferocious mate, Silverwing wasn’t known for her fighting prowess. Nonetheless, her close relationship with Vermithor could prove to be an intriguing point on the show. How well they work together in battle and what kind of relationship their new riders will build are questions that audiences can look forward to.

5 Dreamfyre: A Sad Story

Dreamfyre dies during the riots

The fifth-largest dragon in House of the Dragon, Dreamfyre had a close and loyal relationship with her two riders. Her first rider, Rhaena Targaryen, was a young girl when Dreamfyre hatched and the two of them grew up together. Dreamfyre also loved her second rider, Helaena Targaryen, and it is said that when Helaena died, Dreamfyre's roar shook the Dragonpit, and she broke two of her chains.

Dreamfyre was killed years later when an angry mob stormed the pit, though she slaughtered more men than the other dragons combined. Helaena has already made an appearance on the show, her dragon remains in the shadows. However, their shared tragedy promises to be the biggest heartbreaker in House of the Dragon.

6 Caraxes: The Dark Warrior

Deamon with his dragon in House of the Dragon

Caraxes was first ridden by Aemon Targaryen, but his most infamous rider is the Rogue Prince, Daemon Targaryen. Although not nearly as big as Vermithor, he is just as fierce and grows to become an experienced warrior, earning the name, “Blood Wyrm." By the time he and Vhagar locked claws, Caraxes was only half her size. However, he was able to kill her before dying from his wounds.

Caraxes is the second dragon to make an appearance in House of the Dragon and so far, he lives up to his name and reputation. Strong and terrifying to behold, he is a perfect match for the warmongering prince, and audiences eagerly await his participation in more battles.

7 Meleys: The Red Queen

Rhaenys Targaryen riding Meleys in A World of Ice and Fire House of the Dragon book

Known as the Red Queen for her red scales and many children, Meleys was originally claimed by Alyssa Targaryen and then Rhaenys Targaryen. While not the largest dragon, Meleys is still a hefty size, and she’s fast, easily outstripping Caraxes and Vhagar. She’s also a ferocious fighter. It is speculated that she might’ve defeated Vhagar, who was elderly at the time. However, Vhagar was aided by Sunfyre, and Meleys was killed in the battle.

Like her second rider, Meleys is one of Westeros' more obscure dragons. Unless Rhaenys is given a bigger role in the story, Meleys will probably have few appearances and some stiff competition. Nonetheless, seeing how she matches up to the likes of Caraxes and Vhagar should be one of the highlights of the show.

8 Syrax: The Future Of Westeros

Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon: Rhaenyra and Syrax

Syrax is the dragon who belongs to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Rhaenyra claimed her when she was a little girl and has been her only rider. Despite her youth, Syrax had already grown to a large size and was quite formidable though not as experienced in battle. Unfortunately, Syrax met a grim end in the books, killed by the same rioters who killed Dreamfyre.

Syrax is the first dragon to appear in House of the Dragon when Rhaenyra rides her over King’s Landing. She also made an entrance during a confrontation between Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon. Now, audiences wait eagerly to see what she’ll do in later episodes and if she’ll appear on the battlefield.

9 Sunfyre: Pride Of The Dragons

Aegon-II and an Injured Sunfyre as depicted in The World of Ice and Fire

With his shining, golden scales, Sunfyre was considered the most beautiful dragon who ever existed. He was claimed by Aegon II Targaryen and like Syrax, he only ever knew one rider. He received grievous injuries during his battle with Meleys and more injuries in his battle with Moondancer. These injuries permanently injured him, and he eventually died from them. Not, however, before he played executioner to Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Related: House Of The Dragon: 10 Storylines From The Books The TV Show Needs To AdaptAlthough House of the Dragon is focusing on Rhaenyra and Daemon for now, Aegon II is a major player in the books and will likely become so later in the show. Therefore, Sunfyre may play a large role in the story before his two big battles. With so many striking dragons on the roster, it’s going to be a challenge to create the most beautiful dragon in the world.

10 Tessarion: Jewel Of the Sky

Tessarion battles Vermithor and Seasmoke

Known as the Blue Queen for her striking blue color and her blue flames, Tessarion was claimed by Daeron Targaryen when he was only six years old. He rode her into battle for the first time during the civil war, saving his mother’s cousin and winning the day. They continued serving under his cousin, scouting ahead and fighting battles. Tessarion met her end fighting a three-way battle against Vermithor and Seasmoke shortly after Daeron was killed in an ambush.

Given Daeron’s age at the start of the show, Tessarion is unlikely to appear in the story until much later. However, she is likely to leave a long-lasting impression on the viewer's memory.

11 Seasmoke: Went Out Like A Boss

Seasmoke shoots immense flames during his first battle

Despite being one of the younger dragons, Seasmoke had two riders in his lifetime. The first was Laenor Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s first husband and cousin. The second was Addam of Hull. Addam became known for his loyalty and desire to prove himself when he ambushed Rhaenyra’s enemies. Unfortunately, the battle cost him and his dragon their lives. Seasmoke was the third dragon to participate in the three-way battle between himself, Vermithor, and Tessarion, a battle that killed all three dragons.

Seasmoke is the third dragon to appear in House of the Dragon when he and Laenor join Daemon in battle. While not as large and vicious as Caraxes, being more on par with Tessarion, Seasmoke is a formidable fighter. One can only wait to see how he’ll perform in future battles.

12 Vermax: A Prince Of Dragons

Jacaerys and Vermax's deaths from "The Dance of the Dragons"

Vermax was the dragon belonging to Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s eldest child. At first, Jacaerys used Vermax primarily for transportation, acting as a diplomat and messenger for his mother during the civil war. However, Jacaerys rode Vermax into battle to avenge his youngest brother and both rider and dragon died when Vermax flew too low and crashed into the sea.

As of now, neither rider nor dragon has appeared in House of the Dragon yet, but they are set up to appear in future episodes. Their story will probably be one of the sadder plotlines in the show, beginning epically and ending tragically.

13 Arrax: The Straw That Broke The Dragon’s Back

Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen's dragons fight over Storm's End in Dance of the Dragons

Arrax, who is said to be five times smaller than Vhagar, belonged to Lucerys Velaryon, the second child of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Jacarys’s younger brother. Neither of them appeared much in the books, but their murder had a huge impact on those around them. With their deaths, any chance of peace or reconciliation was gone and the civil war began.

Arrax and Lucerys have yet to appear in the show and are unlikely to play a larger role in the plot beyond their deaths. Still, a small part in the hands of the right actor can leave a mark on a series. Hopefully, fans will be attached enough to Arrax and his young rider to feel saddened by his death.

14 Tyraxes: A Senseless Casualty

Joffery Velaryon sees his dragon in danger and decides to rescue it

Tyraxes belonged to Joffrey Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s youngest son by her first husband. Because of his small size and Joffrey’s youth, neither of them saw battle until the riots at King’s Landing. They died here, because of Joffrey’s recklessness and his mother’s protectiveness.

So far, Joffrey’s actor hasn’t been listed yet. This begs the question of whether the showrunners will include him and Tyraxes in the show at all. His brothers' deaths are tragic enough, and it might be a bit much to include yet another senseless slaughter. Nonetheless, it is only the first season, and House of the Dragon doesn’t seem any shyer of bloodshed than its predecessor was.

15 Stormcloud: Loyal To The End

Stormcloud's dies getting his rider home

Stormcloud belonged to Aegon III Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s eldest child by her second husband. One of the youngest dragons in the series, Stormcloud is relatively small and has no fighting experience. Throughout their time together, Aegon only rode Stormcloud one time when the two of them escaped his mother’s enemies. Despite his injuries, Stormcloud got Aegon home safely before dying, leaving Aegon traumatized and scarred.

Although Aegon will eventually play a large role in the events after the civil war, Stormcloud is unlikely to make many appearances outside their bittersweet escape. Hopefully, audiences will be attached enough to him to have their hearts broken by his death.

16 Morghul: Crushed Before She Had Begun To Bloom

Morghul dies in the riots

Morghul’s rider was Princess Jaehaera Targaryen. Unfortunately, the two of them never got to fly together as Morghul was killed in the riots before Jaehaera ever got the chance. Jaehaera never chose another dragon after that. Morghul is listed as one of the smaller Targaryen dragons but nothing else is known about her appearance.

Related: 10 Things You Didn't Know About The Dance Of Dragons In House Of The DragonNeither Jaehaera nor Morghul played much of a part in the civil war in the books and they might not be seen as much in House of the Dragon as the others are. On the other hand, the show may take some liberties with these characters, if only to include Morghul more often.

17 Moondancer: Bane Of The Sun

Syrax over King's Landing in House of the Dragon

Despite being the smallest dragon at the time of the civil war, Moondancer was as fierce as her rider, Baela Targaryen. Due to Baela’s sex, neither she nor Moondancer was allowed to fight until the fall of King’s Landing. As Aegon II rode in on Sunfyre, Baela and Moondancer engaged them in a fierce battle. At first, Moondancer had the upper hand, but once they were on the ground, Sunfyre overcame her. Nonetheless, the wounds Moondancer left proved fatal and Sunfyre died a few months later.

With Baela and Moondancer already confirmed for House of the Dragon, the showdown between Moondancer and Sunfyre feels inevitable. Even beforehand, it should be enjoyable to see the relationship between two strong-willed women like Baela and Rhaenyra.

Next: Every Dragon That's Going To Be In House Of The Dragon (& Their Rider)