Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6, “Smallfolk.”
Summary
- Caraxes’s lack of response to Daemon’s mental turmoil in season 2 of House of the Dragon raises questions about their bond.
- Despite being known as one of the fiercest dragons, Caraxes has been underutilized so far in season 2.
- Fans can look forward to Caraxes playing a pivotal role in the upcoming battle against Aemond and Vhagar in future episodes.
I can’t get enough of the dragon action in House of the Dragon season 2, but the “Smallfolk” episode had me questioning something about Daemon Targaryen’s link to Caraxes that I hadn’t thought of before. Following House of the Dragon season 1’s ending, pitting Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen in a deadly dragon battle, I haven’t been disappointed with season 2’s use of the mystical beasts. The highlight thus far has been the Rook’s Rest battle sequence, which featured Vhagar killing Meleys and Princess Rhaenys, as well as critically injuring King Aegon.
While Vhagar has been taking the spotlight, and understandably so, based on his status as the biggest dragon alive, the Team Black members among House of the Dragon‘s characters are now tasked with finding a solution to their dragon problem. Rhaenrya’s dragon, Syrax, is too small to go up against Vhagar, as is Prince Jacaerys’ dragon, Vermax. Aside from the struggle of trying to acquire more dragonriders, Seasmoke’s new rider may further complicate Team Black’s efforts. That said, it’s important that we don’t forget Caraxes, even if House of the Dragon seemingly has this season.
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Team Black’s Dragons & Riders In Fire & Blood |
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Dragon |
Rider |
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Syrax |
Rhaenyra Targaryen |
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Caraxes |
Daemon Targaryen |
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Meleys |
Rhaenys Targaryen |
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Vermax |
Jacaerys Velaryon |
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Arrax |
Lucerys Velaryon |
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Moondancer |
Baela Targaryen |
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Seasmoke |
Addam of Hull |
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Silverwing |
Ulf White |
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Vermithor |
Hugh Hammer |
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Sheepstealer |
Nettles |
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Morning |
Rhaena Targaryen |
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Stormcloud |
Aegon Targaryen |
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Tyraxes |
Joffrey Velaryon |
What Has Been Happening To Caraxes While Daemon Has Had His Visions?
Caraxes Doesn’t Seem To Be Feeling Daemon’s Confusion
As seen throughout Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, dragons have a very unique bond with their chosen rider. The connection stems from the bloodline, but there also has to be a strong emotional and mental bond for the pairing to work. There’s no doubt that the dragons in the franchise are remarkably intelligent, but we’ve seen how in tune they are with everything going on around them. Granted, Daemon has been experiencing strange visions in House of the Dragon season 2 while staying at Harrenhal. If Daemon’s mind is being messed with to the point that he’s losing his sanity, I now wonder why his dragon Caraxes isn’t also being affected.
it would make sense if Caraxes were feeling the same type of mental turmoil that Daemon has been experiencing
When Rhaenyra suffered a miscarriage in House of the Dragon season 1, Syrax showcased some of that same pain. The grief between dragon and rider was also shared when the pair sought Luke and Arrax’s remains. Therefore, it would make sense if Caraxes were feeling the same type of mental turmoil that Daemon has been experiencing, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. In “Smallfolk,” Caraxes is still relaxing near the weirwood tree in the courtyard, but I haven’t seen any signs that he’s going through the same mind games as his rider. We know dragons need to sleep, but does that mean they can’t feel their riders’ emotional dreams and visions?
Related
House Of The Dragon Officially Debunks The Biggest Theory About Daemon’s Story (But May Confirm Another)
While it also lends more support to a separate claim, House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 debunks a big theory about Daemon’s Harrenhal storyline.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Has Mostly Wasted Caraxes So Far
Daemon’s Dragon Will Still Be Important
Warning: Spoilers for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire!
Again, I can’t state enough that I’ve enjoyed how House of the Dragon season 2 has showcased the dragons as a whole. But even with that said, I acknowledge that the season has underutilized Caraxes so far. Aside from short trips as part of Daemon’s escapades to acquire allies, Caraxes has been stuck at Harrenhal and away from the action. We’ve seen why Caraxes is known as one of the fiercest dragons, and he certainly doesn’t lack battle experience, but he hasn’t had much to do in season 2. Though it’s a shame, it’s important to note that he won’t be trapped in Harrenhal’s courtyard forever.
Like Daemon, Caraxes has a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons. According to A Song of Ice and Fire lore, Daemon and Caraxes will eventually fight Aemond and Vhagar near Harrenhal in what becomes known as the Battle Above the Gods Eye. During the battle, which I could see happening in House of the Dragon season 3, Daemon stabbed Aemond in the eye, killing his nephew. Whereas Vhagar was killed during the fight, Caraxes would die shortly after due to injuries, while Daemon’s body was never found. It might take time, but Caraxes still has more action to come.
