Dance of the Dragons is one of the most gruesome wars in the Game of Thrones universe for multiple reasons. The war killed most of the people who went into it. But, more importantly, most of the Targaryen dragons perished in it.
Usually, people count the notable characters that perish in a battle/war. However, in this case, it is easier to count the survivors of the war. So, which characters from House of the Dragon survived Dance of the Dragons?
Alicent, Corlys Velaryon, Aegon III, Viserys II, Daemon’s daughters, Baela and Rhaena, and Alyn Velaryon survived Dance of the Dragons. However, Alicent and Corlys died within two years of the war. Aegon III then ascended to the Iron Throne and ruled for 26 years.
Who dies in Dance of the Dragons?
Rhaenyra, her three children from the first marriage, Daemon, Alicent’s children, Lady Rhaenys, and Otto Hightower die in the Civil War.
Along with these, here’s a list of significant dragons and characters that die in the Dance of the Dragons:
Characters:
- Aegon II
- Rhaenyra
- Larys Strong
- Otto Hightower
- Daemon Targaryen
- Daeron Targaryen
- Maelor Targaryen
- Jacaerys Velaryon
- Jason Lannister
- Rhaenys Targaryen
Dragons:
- Vhagar
- Caraxes
- Meleyes
- Sunfyre
- Vermithor
- Seasmoke
- Grey Ghost
- Dreamfyre
- Tessarion
- Shrykos
- Syrax
- Morghul
- Stormcloud
- Vermax
- Arrax
- Tyraxes
- Moondancer
This is one of the most tragic times in the history of Westeros. While many characters meet a painful end, a few deaths are quite cruel and twisted.
Daemon and Aemond face off to claim the territory of Harrenhal. They do so with their dragons, Caraxes and Vhagar. Although Daemon stabs Aemond through the eye and kills his rival, he dies too.
The two dragons tear each other to pieces and perish. Interestingly, Daemon’s body is never found. So, historians believe that he dies in the battle. But there are rumors that the Targaryen Prince survives and lives in hiding for the rest of his days.
After Rhaenyra becomes Queen of the Seven Kingdoms for a brief period, she captures Alicent and holds her captive in Maegor’s Holdfast. She also executes Otto Hightower for committing treason.
However, the citizens of King’s Landing hate Rhaenyra. So, one night they storm the gates of her abode and kill four dragons and one of Rhaenyra’s sons. However, Rhaenyra escapes. From there, when she reaches Dragonstone, Aegon II, her half-brother, is already waiting for her.
Rhaenyra is later burned and eaten by Aegon II’s dragon, Sunfyre. Aegon II ensures that Daemon and her elder son watch it. After this, he becomes the ruler. However, things do not settle down.
Winterfell’s Lord Cregan Stark marches into King’s Landing and attempts to make Alicent’s son step down, as his way of honoring a pact he had made with Rhaenyra. It is the first time a Northerner decides to ally with a Targaryen.
The pact is called the Pact of Ice and Fire. Aegon II chooses not to listen to Cregan. Fearing Cregan’s wrath, the King’s advisors decide to poison him, leading to Aegon II’s demise.
What happens after Dance of the Dragons?
In the aftermath of the civil war, Alicent dies in prison due to a sickness in 133 AC. Lord Corlys dies in 132 AC due to old age. Aegon III and Viserys II were the only major survivors, and the former became the King.
Here’s the list of major characters and dragons that survive the war:
Characters:
- Aegon III Targaryen
- Viserys II Targaryen
- Helaena Targaryen
- Corlys Velaryon
- Alicent Hightower
Dragons:
- Silverwing
- Sheepstealer
- Cannibal
- Morning
Historically, Aegon III has been called by many names, including The Unlucky King, The Dragonbane, and The Broken King. This is because of everything he had gone through. He was merely 10 years old when he ascended to the throne.
He gets married to Aegon II and Helaena’s daughter, but she dies after two years. Aegon III goes on to rule for over two decades, during which the last dragon dies, too. After this, even he dies due to consumption.
About House Of The Dragon
House of the Dragon is the prequel series to HBO’s blockbuster Game of Thrones based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood.
Set three hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon will show Westeros under the Targaryen family’s rule before the dragons went extinct. It will follow the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra, who fought for the throne after the death of their father, Viserys I.
Directed by Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik, the show stars Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish.
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