“House of the Dragon” season 3 is heading into its finale with the balance of power between Team Black and Team Green more complicated than ever.
After seven episodes of battles, betrayals and surprise returns, both sides still have powerful dragons in play. But several riders have switched sides, disappeared, or suffered injuries, making the final count harder than it looks.
Rhaenyra Targaryen still controls more dragons on paper, but episode 7 changed the picture dramatically. Aegon II Targaryen reunited with Sunfyre, Ulf appeared ready to abandon Team Black, and Sheepstealer was left badly injured after a brutal attack in the Vale.
Here is where every major dragon and rider stands before the season 3 finale.
Team Black Still Has the Numbers on ‘House of the Dragon’ — For Now
Rhaenyra remains bonded to Syrax, who survived the attack on Sheepstealer despite being injured in the fight.
Daemon Targaryen still rides Caraxes, one of Team Black’s most experienced and dangerous dragons. Caraxes joined Syrax and Seasmoke in attacking Sheepstealer, though Daemon ultimately left the wounded wild dragon behind.
Baela Targaryen remains paired with Moondancer. The dragon has already seen significant action this season, including the Battle of the Gullet, where Baela tried to help save Jacaerys Velaryon and Vermax.
Addam of Hull still has Seasmoke, who chose him as a rider and remains firmly aligned with Rhaenyra. Seasmoke also participated in the Sheepstealer attack and appeared to escape without serious injury.
Hugh the Hammer remains bonded to Vermithor, one of the largest dragons in Westeros. Hugh has stayed loyal to Team Black so far, although his emotional return to Tumbleton and rejection by his estranged wife could complicate his position.
That gives Rhaenyra five clear dragonrider pairings heading into the finale: Syrax, Caraxes, Moondancer, Seasmoke and Vermithor.
Team Green Gets Major Boost With Sunfyre’s Return
Team Green’s biggest development came in episode 7 when Sunfyre returned.
Aegon had believed his dragon survived the Battle at Rook’s Rest, and he was proven right when Sunfyre made a dramatic comeback. The reunion immediately gives Aegon another path back into the war.
Helaena Targaryen remains bonded to Dreamfyre, though Helaena has consistently resisted using her dragon in battle.
Season 3 has continued emphasizing Dreamfyre’s importance. Alys Rivers revealed five of the dragon’s eggs to Aemond, while Helaena later experienced a vision that appeared to show herself riding a massive dragon.
Prince Daeron Targaryen also has Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen. The young dragon has not played a major role in the war yet, but Daeron’s position with the Hightower army puts Tessarion in the middle of the coming conflict at Tumbleton.
Then there is Vhagar.
Aemond Targaryen’s dragon has been largely absent from the action since arriving at Harrenhal, but Vhagar remains the largest living dragon and potentially Team Green’s greatest weapon.
Aemond’s survival following Alicent Hightower’s apparent poisoning attempt also means the pair could still return to the war together.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Finale Has Some Wildcard Dragons
The biggest question mark is Ulf.
Ulf the White and Silverwing had been part of Team Black, but episode 7 ended with Ulf appearing to align himself with Lord Ormund Hightower.
If he officially defects, Team Green would gain another experienced dragon while Team Black loses one.
That swing could prove critical at Tumbleton.
At this point, Silverwing cannot confidently be counted as part of Rhaenyra’s forces until Ulf’s intentions become clear.
Sheepstealer is another wildcard.
The wild dragon bonded with Rhaena Targaryen but was attacked by Syrax, Seasmoke, and Caraxes in the Vale. Rhaena was taken back to King’s Landing, while Sheepstealer disappeared into the forest badly wounded.
Viewers did not actually see the dragon die.
That leaves open the possibility that Sheepstealer and Rhaena could reunite later, though they cannot currently be considered an active Team Black pairing heading into the finale.
