Whose Dragon is Vermithor? Unraveling the History of the Bronze Fury
Vermithor, also known as the Bronze Fury, is a magnificent dragon steeped in Targaryen history, and his ownership is a complex and fascinating tale. Initially, Vermithor was the personal mount of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the fourth Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne. Jaehaerys, often referred to as “The Old King,” rode Vermithor for over half a century, establishing a deep bond between dragon and rider. However, the story of Vermithor doesn’t end with Jaehaerys’s passing. While Jaehaerys was his first and primary rider, after his death, the dragon went unridden for almost as long as he was ridden. Vermithor was, eventually, briefly claimed by Laena Velaryon. Vermithor plays a crucial role in the events leading up to and during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, and was ultimately claimed by Hugh Hammer.
The Bond with Jaehaerys I Targaryen
A King’s Companion
The bond between King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Vermithor was a significant aspect of the king’s reign. Jaehaerys, known for his long and prosperous rule, was often seen flying through the skies atop Vermithor, solidifying his image as a powerful and respected monarch. Vermithor, in his prime, was considered the third largest dragon of his era, following only the legendary Balerion the Dread and Vhagar. This pairing symbolized the strength and legitimacy of House Targaryen and the power they wielded.
An Era of Peace
During the reign of Jaehaerys I, the Seven Kingdoms experienced a period of peace and prosperity, often attributed to the king’s wise governance and the influence of his powerful dragon. Jaehaerys I rode Vermithor as a symbol of Targaryen might, using it for travel, diplomacy, and, if needed, a terrifying display of aerial power. This long and fruitful partnership between King and dragon set the stage for the challenges that would come later in Westeros history.
Vermithor’s Time Without a Rider
The Dragonmont Lair
After the death of Jaehaerys I, Vermithor did not choose another rider for nearly half a century. Instead, he made his lair in the volcanic caverns of the Dragonmont on Dragonstone. This period saw Vermithor becoming a solitary figure, a relic of a bygone era when Targaryen dragons ruled the skies. The Dragonmont became his domain, and his massive form became a legendary figure in the lore of Dragonstone.
A Lost Giant
Vermithor’s absence of a rider made him something of an enigma. This period contributed to the anticipation that surrounded his potential re-emergence. He became a symbol of the fading Targaryen dominance and a constant reminder of the power that lay dormant within. Vermithor’s years without a rider added to his mystique and his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Laena Velaryon’s Brief Bond
A Princess Claims a Dragon
Many years after the passing of Jaehaerys I, Vermithor was briefly claimed by Laena Velaryon. She rode Vermithor during the later years of her life. This bond, however, was short-lived, ending with Laena’s untimely demise.
Unfulfilled Potential
Laena’s bond with Vermithor was tragically cut short, preventing us from truly seeing how their relationship could have developed. Laena’s death left Vermithor riderless once more, pushing him back into the narrative as an unclaimed power waiting to be unleashed.
The Dance of the Dragons and Hugh Hammer
The Claim of Hugh Hammer
During the Dance of the Dragons, a bloody civil war within the Targaryen family, Vermithor was eventually claimed by Hugh Hammer. This was a significant turn of events as Hugh was a Dragonseed, a commoner with Targaryen blood who was able to ride a dragon.
A Traitorous Alliance
Hugh Hammer’s claim on Vermithor initially allied him with the Greens. However, Hugh, along with another Dragonseed, Ulf the White (who had claimed the dragon Silverwing), betrayed his allies, turning against the Greens at the Second Battle of Tumbleton, burning the city and its inhabitants. This act further solidified the chaos and brutality of the Dance of the Dragons and cemented Hugh’s name into infamy.
Vermithor’s Demise
The Battle of Tumbleton
Vermithor’s story comes to a tragic end at the Second Battle of Tumbleton. Despite his immense size and power, Vermithor, riderless after the death of Hugh, is overwhelmed in battle. The dragon is engaged by two younger dragons, Seasmoke and Tessarion, and is ultimately killed in the confrontation. This marked a brutal end for a dragon that had witnessed the height of Targaryen glory and participated in its most bitter conflict.
The End of a Legend
The death of Vermithor was a symbolic loss, representing the vast destruction and tragic consequences of the Dance of the Dragons. Vermithor, once the mount of a wise and powerful king, became another victim of the Targaryen civil war. His death further contributed to the decimation of the Targaryen dragon population and the end of an era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Vermithor bigger than Vhagar?
No, Vhagar was larger than Vermithor. While Vermithor was an immense and formidable dragon, he did not surpass Vhagar in size. Vhagar was the second-largest dragon to ever exist, after Balerion.
2. Could Vermithor defeat Vhagar in a fight?
Although Vermithor was a powerful dragon, Vhagar was likely stronger, given her size and age. Vhagar had the edge in pure power and experience.
3. Why didn’t Daemon Targaryen claim Vermithor?
Daemon Targaryen was already bonded with Caraxes, and dragon riders are limited to one dragon. He sought to secure Vermithor’s allegiance to Rhaenyra’s cause, not claim the dragon himself.
4. Is Vermithor a member of Team Black or Green?
Initially, Vermithor was on neither side. He was claimed by Hugh Hammer, who, despite his initial allegiance to the Greens, betrayed them. Thus, Vermithor is neither on team black or team green.
5. What is Daemon doing with Vermithor?
Daemon is attempting to establish a bond with Vermithor to bring him into Rhaenyra’s fold, securing his strength for her cause.
6. Who claimed Vermithor after Jaehaerys?
After Jaehaerys, Vermithor was briefly claimed by Laena Velaryon, before ultimately being claimed by Hugh Hammer during the Dance of Dragons.
7. Who killed Vermithor?
Vermithor was killed in the Second Battle of Tumbleton, where he was overwhelmed by the dragons Seasmoke and Tessarion.
8. What is Vermithor’s nickname?
Vermithor is known as the Bronze Fury due to his bronze scales and formidable nature.
9. Where was Vermithor living after Jaehaerys’s death?
Vermithor made his lair in the caverns of the Dragonmont on Dragonstone.
10. Was Vermithor bigger than Balerion?
No, Balerion the Dread was the largest of all the Targaryen dragons, with Vermithor being third in terms of size and power during his time.
11. What were the two dragons Vermithor was fighting in Tumbleton?
Vermithor was battling Seasmoke and Tessarion when he met his demise.
12. How did Vhagar die?
Vhagar died during a battle at the Gods Eye with Caraxes and his rider Daemon Targaryen. Both dragons and riders died during this encounter.
13. How was Vermithor described in appearance?
Vermithor was a large, bronze-scaled dragon with massive eyes, giving him a formidable appearance.
14. Will we see Vermithor in Season 2 of House of the Dragon?
Yes, it is expected that Vermithor will play a significant role in Season 2, particularly during the beginning of the Dance of Dragons.
15. What role does Vermithor play in the Dance of Dragons?
Vermithor was initially seen as a potential ally for Rhaenyra, before being claimed by Hugh Hammer and becoming a major force in the conflict. His eventual death was a tragic loss for the Targaryen dragons.