Is Balerion Alive in House of the Dragon? Who Rides Balerion?
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Updated Jul 10, 2024
Is Balerion Alive in House of the Dragon?
In House of the Dragon, Balerion, the mighty dragon once bonded to Viserys I Targaryen, is not alive. During Viserys I's reign, Balerion was an ancient and formidable dragon, but he eventually passed away of old age. The series is set after Balerion's death and centers on the turbulent period known as the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating civil war within House Targaryen over succession to the Iron Throne.
While dragons are central to the storyline, particularly those belonging to the Targaryen family, Balerion himself does not make an appearance in House of the Dragon. The focus is instead on the dragons that are still alive during this era, such as those ridden by various Targaryens and their rivals, as they influence the course of Westerosi's history through their power and symbolism.
Who Rides Balerion?
Balerion, the fearsome dragon, was famously ridden by Aegon the Conqueror, the first Targaryen king to rule Westeros. Aegon used Balerion to help him conquer and unite the Seven Kingdoms. After Aegon's death, Balerion passed on to his son, King Aenys I Targaryen, and later to his grandson, King Maegor I Targaryen. Balerion played a significant role in Targaryen's history, being one of the largest and most powerful dragons known.
His size and fire-breathing ability made him a formidable force in battles and wars across the realm. However, by the time of "House of the Dragon," which chronicles events after Balerion's time, he is no longer alive, having lived a long life before his eventual death from old age.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a fantasy TV series created by George R. R. Martin and Ryan Condal for HBO. It serves as a prequel to Game of Thrones, set about 100 years after the Targaryen family united the Seven Kingdoms and almost 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born.
The show is based on parts of Martin's book Fire & Blood and focuses on the Targaryens' decline, particularly the brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The first season, praised for its characters, visual effects, and performances, premiered in August 2022 and was followed by a second season in June 2024.
House of the Dragon Cast
|
Actor/Actress |
Character |
|---|---|
| Paddy Considine | King Viserys I Targaryen |
| Matt Smith | Prince/King Consort Daemon Targaryen |
| Emma D'Arcy | Princess/Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen |
| Milly Alcock | Young Rhaenyra Targaryen |
| Rhys Ifans | Ser Otto Hightower |
| Steve Toussaint | Lord Corlys Velaryon |
| Eve Best | Princess Rhaenys Targaryen |
| Sonoya Mizuno | Mysaria |
| Fabien Frankel | Ser Criston Cole |
| Olivia Cooke | Queen/Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower |
| Emily Carey | Young Alicent Hightower |
| Graham McTavish | Ser Harrold Westerling |
| Matthew Needham | Lord Larys Strong |
| Jefferson Hall | Lord Jason Lannister |
| Harry Collett | Prince Jacaerys Velaryon |
| Tom Glynn-Carney | Prince/King Aegon II Targaryen |
| Ewan Mitchell | Prince Aemond Targaryen |
| Bethany Antonia | Lady Baela Targaryen |
| Phoebe Campbell | Lady Rhaena Targaryen |
| Eva Ossei-Gerning | Princess Rhaena Targaryen |
| Phia Saban | Princess/Queen Helaena Targaryen |
| Evie Allen | Young Helaena Targaryen |
| Kurt Egyiawan | Grand Maester Orwyle |
| Kieran Bew | Hugh Hammer |
| Abubakar Salim | Alyn of Hull |
| Tom Taylor | Lord Cregan Stark |
| Clinton Liberty | Addam of Hull |
| Tom Bennett | Ulf White |
| Ellora Torchia | Kat |
| Freddie Fox | Ser Gwayne Hightower |
| Gayle Rankin | Alys Rivers |
| Simon Russell Beale | Ser Simon Strong |
Where to Watch House of the Dragon?
House of the Dragon can be watched globally on various platforms. In the US, it streams exclusively on HBO Max in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos. The first episode was also made available for free on YouTube. Viewers in New Zealand can tune in on Sky's SoHo TV channel and Neon streaming service, while in the Philippines, it airs on SKY's cable TV and digital platforms.
It's accessible on JioCinema in India and on Sky Atlantic and Now TV in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Canadians can watch on Crave, and Australians on Binge and Foxtel.
