Meleys

The Red Dragon, ridden by Rhaenys, met her end in a fatal clash at Rook's Rest.

Meleys is a massive dragon known by her distinctive crimson scales and red hue. In the fourth episode of House of the Dragon's second season, titled "The Red Dragon and the Gold," she serves as the mount for Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. The episode title itself refers to Meleys and Sunfyre, the respective dragons of Rhaenys and King Aegon II. She is central to the climactic battle at Rook's Rest, which involves three dragons.

Quick Facts

Rider: Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Affiliation: The Blacks; House Targaryen
Cause of death: Fatally crushed by Vhagar at Rook's Rest

Lore & Background

Meleys is ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. The dragon becomes pivotal when Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and agrees to send Rhaenys with Meleys to confront Ser Criston Cole and his troops at Rook's Rest. While Rhaenyra initially insists on flying herself, she concedes that Meleys is the most capable choice for the mission. The dragon is described as arriving at Rook's Rest first, where she begins burning the Greens' men and siege equipment before being confronted by the opposing forces.

Reader's Guide

Her primary appearance is the Battle at Rook's Rest in "The Red Dragon and the Gold", which first aired on July 7, 2024. This event marks the final appearance of actress Eve Best as Rhaenys. To engage with this content, one must understand that Meleys was chosen specifically because she is considered the most capable dragon available for the mission against Criston's forces. Her death follows Rhaenys' decision to shun the opportunity to flee after sending Vhagar crashing to the ground: Vhagar ambushes them and fatally crushes Meleys' neck.