Not Only Targaryens Can Do It: This Is How One Becomes a Dragon Rider in ‘HOTD’

In the HBO Max series “House of the Dragon,” dragons are the Targaryen family’s most powerful and valuable weapons.

Key to Aegon I’s conquests, these imposing beings have ensured their descendants’ power on the throne. However, when the Targaryens came into conflict with each other, the resulting battles were devastating and bloody.

Rhaenyra and Aegon II, aware of the importance of armies, know that dragons are essential to gaining a decisive advantage in war.

In episode five of season two, titled “The Regent,” we see Rhaenyra desperate to find a way to defeat the Greens and Vhagar. Jace tells him about Vermithor and Silverwing, who could take on Emond’s fearsome dragon and give the Blacks the edge they need.

Although Rhaenyra and Jace already have their own dragons, new riders are needed for these two. It is important to remember that although a rider and a dragon can form a bond, the former never fully controls the latter.

Requirements to claim a dragon in “House of the Dragon”

1. Have dragon blood

The first requirement is to have dragon blood, i.e. to be a Targaryen. The main way they claim them is by bonding with them before they are born. When a member of this dynasty is born, an egg of this majestic beast is placed in its cradle and we wait for it to hatch to form a bond with the child.

However, this does not guarantee success, as some eggs do not hatch and not all Targaryens get a dragon, such as Rhaena, Aemond’s daughter.

2. The death of a horseman

Another way is after the death of its rider. An example is Vhagar, which belonged to Laena Velaryon (daughter of Corlys Velaryon and wife of Daemon Targaryen). After his death, Aemond claimed Vhagar in the Dragonpit and thus removed the possibility of having him from Laena’s daughters.

The death of a rider leaves the dragon free to be claimed by any Dragonseed (dragonseeds, bastards whose parents are of Valyrian or Targaryen descent), but this carries significant risk, as if the dragon rejects it, it can kill it.

3. The Seed

This phenomenon is a defining moment in Targaryen history and the Dance of Dragons. During this event, illegitimate descendants of House Targaryen, or those with other surnames, have the opportunity to attempt to claim a dragon. If they succeed, they are recognized, get titles and become jockeys.

In the books, characters like Addam, the blacksmith Hugh The Hammer, and the bastard Ulf The White manage to claim their own dragons during The Sowing, though many others fail.

In ‘House of the Dragon’, understanding how to claim a dragon is essential to following the plot. According to Ryan Condal’s adaptation based on George RR Martin’s books, not only can the Targaryens fly dragons, but the bastards of the family also have this ability.

Rhaenyra explains this belief to her son Jacaerys at the end of episode five, where it is suggested that they try to claim more dragons to strengthen their position in the war against the Hightower.