Which Dragon Reigns Supreme: Vermithor vs. Vhagar?

The question of which dragon was larger, Vermithor or Vhagar, is a point of much debate among fans of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” universe. The answer, based on available information, albeit somewhat ambiguous, leans towards Vhagar being the larger of the two. While both were undeniably colossal beasts and among the largest dragons ever to live, Vhagar spent significantly more time alive and growing. This extended lifespan afforded her a size advantage over Vermithor, who, while ancient and formidable in his own right, hadn’t quite reached Vhagar’s legendary proportions.

Vermithor: The Bronze Fury

Vermithor, also known as the Bronze Fury, was ridden by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen after the death of his first dragon, Tyraxes. Vermithor was a formidable dragon, described as being large and powerful, and he played a significant role during the Dance of the Dragons, being claimed by Hugh Hammer, one of the dragonseeds.

Vermithor’s Key Characteristics

• Coloration: Vermithor was bronze in color.
• Rider: King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and later Hugh Hammer.
• Age: Ancient, having lived for nearly a century by the time of the Dance of the Dragons.
• Disposition: Fierce and independent, seemingly more amenable to riders who demonstrated strength and command.

Vhagar: Queen of the Dragons

Vhagar, named after one of the Valyrian gods, was undeniably one of the largest and most fearsome dragons in Westeros’ history. She was ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon’s Conquest and later by Prince Baelon Targaryen and finally, Aemond Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons.

Vhagar’s Key Characteristics

• Coloration: Bronze with green eyes (coloration shifting with age and described differently at different points in her life)
• Riders: Queen Visenya Targaryen, Prince Baelon Targaryen, and Prince Aemond Targaryen.
• Age: The oldest living dragon during the Dance of the Dragons, having lived for nearly two centuries.
• Disposition: Fierce, experienced in battle, and exhibiting a regal presence befitting her status as one of the last surviving dragons from the Conquest era.

Size Comparison: Weighing the Evidence

While precise measurements of dragon sizes are absent from the source material, several clues suggest Vhagar held the size advantage:

• Longevity: Vhagar lived significantly longer than Vermithor. Dragons continue to grow throughout their lives, implying Vhagar had more time to reach a larger size.
• Historical Accounts: While both were described as massive, Vhagar’s reputation often precedes her, with narratives emphasizing her sheer size and destructive power, even more so than Vermithor.
• Battle Outcomes: While both dragons proved formidable in battle, Vhagar’s victories, particularly against smaller dragons, often highlight the advantage her size and experience provided. Notably, in the battle above Shipbreaker Bay, Vhagar killed Arrax, a much younger and smaller dragon, further solidifying her dominance in size.

Conclusion

Although concrete measurements are not provided, based on their lifespans, descriptions, and battle outcomes, it’s highly probable that Vhagar was larger than Vermithor. Both dragons were forces to be reckoned with, but Vhagar’s extended lifespan and the historical context surrounding her existence suggest she held the edge in sheer size and destructive capability. The difference might not have been astronomical, but enough to give Vhagar a considerable advantage in battle and further cement her legendary status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How old were Vermithor and Vhagar during the Dance of the Dragons?

Vhagar was nearly 180 years old, making her the oldest living dragon during the Dance of the Dragons. Vermithor was approximately 100 years old.

2. Who rode Vhagar after Visenya Targaryen?

After Visenya Targaryen’s death, Vhagar was ridden by Prince Baelon Targaryen, and later by Prince Aemond Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons.

3. Did Vermithor have any other notable battles besides the one where he died?

Vermithor engaged in other skirmishes during the Dance of the Dragons, although his most notable battle was the Second Battle of Tumbleton, where he died.

4. How did Vhagar die?

Vhagar died during the Battle Above the God’s Eye, fighting against Caraxes, ridden by Prince Daemon Targaryen. Both dragons, and their riders, perished in the conflict.

5. Was Balerion the Black Dread bigger than both Vermithor and Vhagar?

Yes, Balerion the Black Dread was significantly larger than both Vermithor and Vhagar. Balerion was the largest dragon to ever live in Westeros, reaching a size that dwarfed even the largest dragons of the Dance of the Dragons era.

6. What color was Vhagar’s flame?

The color of Vhagar’s flame is not explicitly stated in the books. However, it is generally assumed to be a typical dragon fire, likely a mixture of red, orange, and yellow.

7. Were Vermithor and Vhagar bonded to their riders in the same way as Drogon and Daenerys?

Dragon bonds are complex and vary. While the bond between Daenerys and Drogon was unusually strong, the connections between Vermithor and his riders and Vhagar and her riders were likely more traditional, based on respect, command, and shared experience.

8. Could anyone have claimed Vermithor or Vhagar as a dragonrider?

No. Dragons typically bond with Targaryens or those with Targaryen blood, and even then, only those with the right temperament and strength of will could successfully claim a dragon. Vermithor, in particular, seemed to prefer riders with a forceful personality.

9. How did Hugh Hammer claim Vermithor?

Hugh Hammer claimed Vermithor during the Dance of the Dragons by demonstrating his strength and arrogance. He was a dragonseed, possessing Targaryen blood, which made him eligible to attempt claiming a dragon.

10. What impact did Vhagar’s death have on the Dance of the Dragons?

Vhagar’s death was a significant blow to the Greens during the Dance of the Dragons. It represented the loss of their largest and most experienced dragon, shifting the balance of power in favor of the Blacks.

11. Did Vermithor lay any eggs?

There is no mention in the available texts of Vermithor laying any eggs. The focus remains on his role in battles and his connection with his riders.

12. How did the common people view Vermithor and Vhagar?

Common people likely viewed both Vermithor and Vhagar with a mixture of awe and fear. Dragons represented immense power and destruction, and their presence would have been a constant reminder of the Targaryen dynasty’s authority.

13. Were there any other dragons of comparable size to Vermithor and Vhagar during the Dance of the Dragons?

Yes, there were other large dragons during the Dance of the Dragons, such as Caraxes (the Blood Wyrm) and Meleys (the Red Queen), but none were considered as large as Vhagar. Vermithor was closer in size to these dragons, but Vhagar stood out as exceptionally large.

14. What made Vhagar such a formidable battle dragon?

Vhagar’s long life, extensive battle experience, and sheer size made her incredibly formidable. She had seen countless battles and grown into a powerful predator, making her a terrifying opponent in any aerial engagement.

15. Is it possible for dragons to continue growing indefinitely?

While dragons do continue to grow throughout their lives, it is likely that there are biological limits to their growth. However, the exact nature of these limitations is not explicitly stated, leaving room for speculation. Vhagar’s immense size, after nearly two centuries of life, suggests that they can reach truly colossal proportions if they live long enough.