With its "Game of Thrones" prequel series, HBO took fans from the age of dragons to a time when their (and the riders of House Targaryen) power was at its peak. House of the Dragon takes place about two centuries before we meet the three children of Daenerys, with many more winged creatures to come. As the season progresses, we are approaching a full-blown civil war between the two branches of House Targaryen (known as the Green and Black Houses), making it more important than ever to know which side each creature is sitting on during the "Dance of the Dragon."

The dragons of the House of Dragons are presented in the order in which they appear.

Rider Rhaenyra Targaryen

Loyalty: the Blacks

This female dragon with yellow coloring was united to Rhaenyra when the princess was only nine years old. Syrax opens the series, but we have not seen her since the first episode (i.e., about 10 years in show time). Also, Lenila has never ridden her into battle, but that will change once "Dance of Dragons" begins.

Rider: Daemon Targaryen

Allegiance: the Blacks

Also known as Blood Wyrm, this red, horned male is bonded to daemons and is known to be as fearsome and ferocious as his rider. We saw Carax in action in the battle against the Triarchy in episode 3.

Dead

Rider: Aegon the Conqueror

The largest and oldest Targaryen dragon, known as the "Black Dread," is mentioned several times throughout The House of Dragons. This is because when the characters talk about the history of Westeros and the House of Targaryen, the story of him and his rider, Aegon the Conqueror, are brought up. The black and red Mal Dragon and its rider are long dead by the time of HotD, but Balerion's head is on display in the Red Keep.

Rider: Laenor Velaryon ("deceased")

Loyalty: unknown

This pale silver dragon was a younger and more agile dragon and bonded with Laenor while still young. During the battle of Stepping Stones in episode 3, Laenor and Seasmoke attacked the triarchy from the flanks while the daemons distracted the crab feeders. Because Raenor faked his death in episode 7, Seersmoke is now considered wild, but is still owned by Raenor and his sons.

Rider: Rhaenys Targaryen

Allegiance: the Blacks

Known as the "Red Queen," this female dragon has a red body with copper bands and is known as one of the quickest dragons. She was seen by the Velarion clan when they visited King's Langing for the nuptials of Lenor and Lenira, and Lenis arrived for the nuptials of her son.

Rider: Jakaeris Velarion

Loyalty: black

We meet this young horned dragon after the time jump in episode 6, after he has already bonded with Jakaeris and the prince is learning to command. Vermax is born from an egg laid by Jakaeris in his cradle, indicating that Jakaeris has "dragon's blood" and is a true Targaryen (although there are doubts on the Velarion side).

Rider: not possessed

When Aemon enters the dragon pit in episode 6, he is almost smoked by Dreamfire, who was hatched during the time of Aegon the Conqueror. According to the books, Aemon's sister Helena is united with a blue female dragon. She is the mother of several other dragons, including the egg that Daemon and Rainila fought over at the beginning of the season. (Some say she is the mother of the eggs that become Drogon, Viserion, and Regal.)

Rider: Aegon Targaryen

Loyalty: the Greens

A male dragon known as "Golden Sunfyr" for his bright gold scales and pink membrane-covered wings. He was already bonded to the younger Aegon when he met him after the time jump in Episode VI. (He is mentioned, though not seen). )

Rider: Aemond Targaryen

Loyalty: the Greens

Female Vergar is the oldest and largest Targaryen dragon in existence, an ancient beast that Queen Visenia rode during Aegon's conquest. As we hear from the young Raina Velarion in episode 2, she was missing for many years until Raina herself met and bonded with her. After Raina's death by Dracarys, Vahar was brought to Westeros and bonded with Aemon, the third eldest daughter of Viserys and Alicent, in episode 7.

Rider: Lucerys Velaryon

Allegiance: the Blacks

Lucerys' dragon has not yet been introduced, but author George R. R. Martin described it as "pearly white with yellow flames, golden eyes, golden breasts" (new tab to open) the newly matured beast, which will be named Arax. (Let's see if it looks the same in HotD).

Rider: Baela Velaryon

Allegiance: the Blacks

Another young dragon we have yet to meet is Moondancer, a slender, light green body with pearly horns and wing bones. For those wondering why Moondancer and Seasmoke have such different names, apparently Rainer and Baela did not follow the custom of giving new dragons Valyrian names (which is why the language has so many "ae" characters).