Why did Aegon II’s dragon Sunfyre not appear in HOTD S1?

We’ve seen eight dragons in House of the Dragon so far. Legendary, mighty, and fearsome, most fans couldn’t get enough of these creatures. Curiously enough, one iconic dragon does not make an appearance this season—Aegon II’s Sunfyre.

Now, everyone is wondering why. Especially because he should’ve been present to defend his rider when Rhaenys and Meleys almost threatened to roast Aegon II alive in Ep 9.

Aegon II’s dragon, Sunfyre, will have a major role in the Dance of the Dragons, directly concerning Rhaenyra. To build up hype for this scene, it is possible that Sunfyre was deliberately left out of Season 1. The dragon will be properly introduced in HOTD S2.

The show has given us no explanation for why Sunfyre did not make an appearance. The exclusion has definitely disappointed some fans, for Sunfyre is supposed to be the most beautiful dragon ever seen.

Aegon II Targaryen crowned in House of the Dragon
Aegon II Targaryen

In particular, fans expected Sunfrye in Episode 9, as Aegon was supposed to have flown him during his coronation, as per the books. Instead, we got the non-canonical scene of Meleys breaking through the Dragon Pit, posing the threat of ending the Greens.

But there might be several valid reasons why the dragon is a no-show.

With eight dragons already in the show, they saved up on unnecessary CGI as Sunfyre’s appearance did not serve the story of Season 1.

Having eight dragons also brings forth another point—it’s possible that viewers could get overwhelmed or confused if all the dragons were introduced in the first season. Remember, the show has promised us 17 dragons, so they will take their time bringing them to the screen.

Viewers must keep up with different characters, the multiple actors that play different age versions, numerous time jumps, and more. Keeping up with the dragons, their personalities, and their riders would’ve added to the sensory overload.

Caraxes, Rhaenyra Targaryen's dragon
Caraxes

By not having Sunfyre in S1, the show has already given us something to look forward to in S2. Plus, we haven’t seen Moondancer, Tyraxes, Silverwing, and the other wild dragons yet, either. Expecting more dragons on screen might make Sunfyre’s introduction even more impactful.

As Sunfyre is (by all most accounts) a king’s dragon, he’s bound to have a spotlight on him. Most famously, this dragon will face Meleys and be one that brings upon Rhaenyra’s downfall.

Although I don’t support the Greens, I can’t wait to see how glorious Sunfyre will look in Season 2. 

About House Of The Dragon

House of the Dragon is the prequel series to HBO’s blockbuster Game of Thrones based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood.

Set three hundred years before the events of Game of ThronesHouse of the Dragon will show Westeros under the Targaryen family’s rule before the dragons went extinct. It will follow the Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen civil war between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra, who fought for the throne after the death of their father, Viserys I.

Directed by Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik, the show stars Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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