Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Dragon From House Of The Dragon Spotted Flying Across The UK
Rhaenyra Targaryen's dragon has conquered the skies.
Syrax from House of the Dragon has been spotted flying across the UK in real life as season 3 of the fantasy series continues airing on HBO and HBO Max. Every Targaryen has a destined dragon, and the protagonist of the Game of Thrones prequel series is no different. Although only seen a few times in House of the Dragon season 3 so far, Syrax is Rhaenyra's steadfast sky-steed, who has been under her care since she was young.
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01
King Viserys I names his heir early in the series, defying tradition that would favor his firstborn son. Who does he name as his successor?
✓ Correct! Viserys named his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne after the death of his first wife, Aemma, and their infant son. He forced the lords of the realm to swear oaths of fealty to her — oaths many would later break.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is Rhaenyra Targaryen. Viserys defied Westerosi precedent by naming his daughter over his brother Daemon. Even after fathering sons with Alicent Hightower, Viserys never changed his decree.
02
Alicent Hightower’s faction is known as “the Greens.” Who is her father, the cunning Hand of the King who orchestrates much of their political strategy?
✓ Correct! Otto Hightower served as Hand of the King and was the mastermind behind the Green faction. He strategically positioned his daughter Alicent to marry Viserys, and spent decades maneuvering to place Alicent’s son Aegon on the throne.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is Otto Hightower. He served as Hand to both Jaehaerys I and Viserys I, and engineered the marriage between Alicent and the King. Corlys Velaryon sided with the Blacks, and Lyonel Strong served as Hand before Otto’s return.
03
Daemon Targaryen rides a fierce, battle-scarred dragon known for its Blood Wyrm nickname. What is the name of his fearsome mount?
✓ Correct! Caraxes, known as “the Blood Wyrm,” is Daemon’s dragon — a lean, red, battle-scarred beast. While Vhagar is the largest and oldest dragon alive, Caraxes is the most experienced in combat and fiercely loyal to Daemon.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is Caraxes. Syrax is Rhaenyra’s dragon, Vhagar is the oldest dragon (ridden by Aemond), and Meleys “the Red Queen” is Rhaenys’s mount. Caraxes the Blood Wyrm is Daemon’s partner in the skies.
04
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is known by a nickname reflecting the fact she was passed over for the throne in favor of Viserys. What is she called?
✓ Correct! Rhaenys was dubbed “The Queen Who Never Was” after the Great Council of 101 AC chose Viserys over her, despite her strong claim. Married to Corlys Velaryon, she became one of the most formidable figures in the Dance, riding Meleys the Red Queen.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is The Queen Who Never Was. “The Realm’s Delight” is actually young Rhaenyra’s nickname. Rhaenys earned her title when the lords of the realm chose Viserys over her at the Great Council, setting the precedent that later fueled the Dance.
05
Vhagar is the largest living dragon during the Dance. Which Targaryen prince claims her — dramatically shifting the balance of power to the Greens?
✓ Correct! Aemond Targaryen claimed Vhagar at Driftmark after the funeral of Laena Velaryon — Vhagar’s previous rider. This bold act gave the Greens their most devastating weapon and sparked the confrontation that cost Aemond his eye.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is Aemond Targaryen. Aegon II rides Sunfyre, Jacaerys rides Vermax, and Daeron rides Tessarion. Aemond’s daring claim of Vhagar at Driftmark was a pivotal moment that made him the Greens’ most dangerous warrior.
06
Viserys shares a secret Targaryen prophecy with Rhaenyra about a threat from the North and a promised prince. What is this prophecy called?
✓ Correct! Aegon the Conqueror had a prophetic dream he called “A Song of Ice and Fire” — a vision of a terrible winter coming from the North that would destroy the world of the living. This secret was passed from king to heir, and Viserys shared it with Rhaenyra on the night he named her heir.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is A Song of Ice and Fire. Aegon the Conqueror’s dream foretold a great threat from the North requiring a Targaryen on the Iron Throne to unite the realm. Viserys revealed this to Rhaenyra, connecting House of the Dragon directly to the events of Game of Thrones.
07
Corlys Velaryon is one of the richest and most powerful men in Westeros, famous for his legendary voyages. What is his well-known title?
✓ Correct! Corlys Velaryon earned the name “The Sea Snake” through his legendary nine voyages across the known world aboard his ship. He amassed a fortune that made House Velaryon wealthier than even the Lannisters, and his naval power proved crucial in the Dance.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is The Sea Snake. While Corlys did serve on the Small Council, his legendary title comes from his nine great voyages. “Lord of the Tides” is the formal title of the head of House Velaryon, but “The Sea Snake” is his personal epithet.
08
The Season 1 finale ends with a devastating loss for Rhaenyra when one of her sons is killed in a dragonback confrontation. Which son does she lose, and who kills him?
✓ Correct! Lucerys Velaryon, riding his young dragon Arrax, was pursued and killed by Aemond on the colossal Vhagar above Shipbreaker Bay near Storm’s End. The show portrays this as partly accidental — Vhagar acted on her own — but the result ignited the Dance of the Dragons into open war.
✗ Dracarys! The answer is Lucerys, killed by Aemond and Vhagar. Luke was sent as an envoy to Storm’s End but was confronted by Aemond. The massive Vhagar devoured young Arrax and his rider above Shipbreaker Bay — the act that turned a succession dispute into a full-scale civil war.
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Did you ride to glory — or fall from the sky?
Now, Syrax has breached the wall of reality and, according to Dexerto, has been seen flying across the skies of Scotland. Of course, the dragon isn't real, instead a life-sized animatronic originally created to promote House of the Dragon season 3. According to the report, the dragon was released in celebration of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games, which began today, July 23, running until August 2. Videos of the robotic beast have been circulating around the Internet, with many filming its flight above the city. One video from Daily Record shows it flying in the sky before landing in a field.
The Targaryen dragon was created using scans of Syrax from House of the Dragon, employing over 3,000 hours of work to craft the life-sized beast and make it capable of flight. The contraption utilizes leg impellers to fly, rotating with kinetic energy to give the dragon the boost it needs to get off the ground. It also consists of 23 moving parts, which are used to give it a realistic look. A pilot controls the dragon from the ground, but is able to fly it around in a vast area of the city.
Thankfully, Syrax doesn't come equipped with anything to help him echo Drogon at the end of Game of Thrones season 8. The dragon's flight has been spread across social media following its appearances early morning on July 21 and July 22. Knowing the plot details that have transpired in season 3, Syrax's presence echoes his arrival in King's Landing with Rhaenyra, which would up being a turning point in the ever-ongoing Dance of the Dragons. Of course, this mechanical beast wasn't too keen on usurping any kings.
House of the Dragon season 3 is currently airing Sundays on HBO and HBO Max, with three episodes left as of writing. The show is one of multiple spinoffs in the world of Westeros following the end of Game of Thrones. This includes the forthcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms season 2, which arrives next year, and Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest, a movie that, as of writing, is yet to set a release date.
The dragon is but one glimpse into the scale at which House of the Dragon is currently operating, even if it's only flying overhead for the Commonwealth Games. It's a reminder of how much goes into the franchise, even when it comes to marketing, while the history of Westeros expands onscreen. As the show continues, it opens the door for even more promotional ideas following Syrax's morning flights.