Vhagar, the largest and oldest living dragon during the Dance of the Dragons civil war, was killed by Prince Daemon Targaryen and his dragon, Caraxes, in a legendary confrontation known as the Battle Above the Gods Eye. This pivotal event is detailed in George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, the historical account of the Targaryen dynasty.
The Epic Confrontation: Battle Above the Gods Eye
The demise of Vhagar occurred during one of the most brutal and strategically significant dragon duels of the civil war. Vhagar, a magnificent beast aged over 180 years, had been ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon's Conquest and later by Prince Aemond Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. Her immense size and battle-hardened experience made her a formidable force, representing a major advantage for the "Greens" faction.
The duel saw her pitted against Caraxes, known as the "Blood Wyrm," an agile and fierce dragon ridden by the cunning and ruthless Prince Daemon Targaryen, a key leader for the "Blacks" faction.
Key aspects of the battle include:
- Location: The deadly encounter took place high above the Gods Eye, a vast lake located in the Westerlands, near Harrenhal.
- Combatants:
- Prince Aemond Targaryen on Vhagar
- Prince Daemon Targaryen on Caraxes
- The Fatal Plunge: In a desperate and daring maneuver, Daemon steered Caraxes directly into Vhagar. The two dragons became locked in a terrifying embrace as they plummeted from the sky. As they fell, Daemon, exhibiting incredible courage or suicidal madness, leapt from Caraxes's back onto Vhagar's. With his Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister, he plunged the blade through Prince Aemond's empty eye socket, instantly killing him.
- Aftermath: Both dragons, still entangled, crashed into the Gods Eye. Vhagar, along with Prince Aemond, was killed by the impact and Daemon's desperate act. Caraxes, though mortally wounded, managed to drag himself onto the shore before succumbing to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Significance of Vhagar's Death
The death of Vhagar, the largest dragon alive at the time, marked a profound turning point in the Dance of the Dragons. It was a massive blow to the "Greens," depriving them of their most potent aerial weapon. For the "Blacks," it was a costly victory, sacrificing one of their own leaders and a powerful dragon, but eliminating a significant threat.
Vhagar's end also marked the close of a major Targaryen era, as she was one of the last living dragons from the original conquest of Westeros, having lived for over 181 years. Her demise underscored the brutal and self-destructive nature of the Targaryen civil war, where even the most ancient and powerful creatures were not immune to the conflict's devastation.
Summary of Vhagar's Demise
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Killed By | Prince Daemon Targaryen (rider) and Caraxes (dragon) |
| Rider | Prince Aemond Targaryen |
| Battle | The Battle Above the Gods Eye |
| Location | Over the Gods Eye lake |
| Context | The Dance of the Dragons civil war, as chronicled in George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. More information on this period can be found in the A Wiki of Ice and Fire. |
| Significance | Vhagar was the oldest and largest dragon (over 181 years old), her death was a major loss for the "Greens" faction and a symbolic end to an ancient Targaryen legacy. |
