The fateful day when HBO launches the House of the Dragon season 3 finale draws ever closer, and with each passing hour, the anticipation grows. Episode 308 is slated to feature the Battle of Tumbleton, which the television show has positioned to be an even bigger event than it was in George R.R. Martin's novel, Fire & Blood. As the forces loyal to Rhaenyra Targaryen gather outside the city, her enemy Ormund Hightower prepares a lethal trap thanks to the betrayal of one of Rhaenyra's most important allies, the dragonseed Ulf the White. If only she'd let the jovial Ulf have his one ale with the lads!
As with most major House of the Dragon setpieces, we're expecting quite a few dragons to show up at the Battle of Tumbleton. But those aren't the only dragons we want to see in the season finale. Let's run through six of them who absolutely need to show up in this last episode of season 3 — as well as three who we really don't want to turn up, for their own safety.
Dragons who need to show up in House of the Dragon's season 3 finale
1. Vhagar
Vhagar is the oldest and largest living dragon, once ridden by Aegon the Conqueror's fierce sister-wife Visenya. She's bonded to Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon, but after helping the one-eyed prince take the castle of Harrenhal in the season's second episode, Vhagar hasn't appeared a single time. Her presence has still been felt though, as she's scorched village after village in the Riverlands, presumably whenever she's feeling peckish.
With the finale upon us, now is the time for Aemond and Vhagar to reunite. We need these two back together as they head into the show's final season, and considering how much time she's spent off-screen, Vhagar is due an epic return.
2. Tessarion
Tessarion, nicknamed the Blue Queen, is the young dragon of Prince Daeron Targaryen. She's been locked up in the sept in Tumbleton since the season's fourth episode, which is no way to treat a dragon. She needs to spread her wings, and fly with Daeron at least once on screen this season.
The Battle of Tumbleton is the perfect place for that to happen. Daeron and Tessarion play a crucial role in that battle in the book, and considering how the show has set up these two having a close but strained bond thanks to Ormund, Daeron needs to spread his wings every bit as much as his dragon. Like Aemond, the reunion of Daeron and his dragon stands to be just as much of a culmination for his character arc as it does a visual spectacle.
3. Silverwing
Considering House of the Dragon has laid the groundwork for Ulf's betrayal, which becomes part of what's known as the Treasons of Tumbleton, it's pretty much a given that his dragon Silverwing will feature heavily in the finale. Silverwing may be an elegant dragon with a gentler disposition than some others, but that won't stop her from torching armies if she's given the order by her rider. And if Ulf wants to get that castle that Ormund promised him, he'll have to unleash devastation. We should see plenty of Silverwing in action this week.
4. Vermithor
Vermithor, the Bronze Fury, is the second largest dragon after Vhagar. We've seen a decent amount of him this season, while his rider Hugh the Hammer has been camped out at Tumbleton keeping watch for the Blacks. How Hugh and Vermithor will factor into the finale remains one of the more intriguing questions as the premiere date approaches. Without going too deep into spoilers, these two also have a role to play in the Treasons of Tumbleton, but the show hasn't quite brought Hugh to the point where we can easily predict what will happen, like it has for Ulf. The finale will have to bridge that gap, and it's anyone's guess how Hugh the Hammer and the mighty Vermithor will shift the tide of the battle.
5. Sunfyre
The triumphant return of Aegon Targaryen's dragon Sunfyre in episode 307 is a standout moment for the season, and if it's the last we see of Sunfyre for a while, I can live with that. Personally though, I'm hoping we get a bit of wrap-up for Aegon and his horrifically maimed mount in the finale, showing them together in a moment of calm after their fiery reunion. We need to get an idea of where they'll head next, especially considering that the entire realm is about to learn of their survival.
6. Caraxes
Daemon Targaryen's vicious dragon Caraxes has had more screentime than any other this season, and for good reason. If there's one dragon who has become the standout on this series, it's the Blood Wyrm. Whether it's because of his long, noodly body, his ornery disposition, or his bond to the most seasoned dragonrider in the war, Caraxes has made his mark on viewers.
Considering how many scenes have spotlighted Caraxes this season, I wouldn't mind if we don't see too much of him in the finale; Daemon isn't even present at the Battle of Tumbleton in the book, after all. But since the show is bringing the rogue prince to the battle, and we've even seen scenes of Caraxes there in the trailer, we need more. The Treasons of Tumbleton were so horrific in the book precisely because one side had dragons and the other didn't. That equation is changed with Caraxes in the mix, and we have to know how it plays out.
Dragons we don't want to see in House of the Dragon's season 3 finale
1. Sheepstealer
Rhaena Targaryen's wild dragon Sheepstealer featured prominently in episode 7, where Caraxes, Syrax, and Seasmoke all ganged up on the poor guy and tore him to shreds. While I've wanted more of Sheepstealer all season, after that horrific dragon brawl, I don't want him to return this week. Since Rhaena is already in King's Landing, it's doubtful she'd be in any position to reunite with Sheepstealer in the next episode.
To me, that means that if we see Sheepstealer again in the finale, there's a good chance the show will only bring him back for some dragon or other to finish him off. We last saw Sheepstealer fleeing into the Riverlands, badly wounded and unable to fly. That puts him in a spot where he could cross paths with Vhagar, and I think we all know how that would go.
Ideally, Sheepstealer will remain off-screen for the season finale, so that if and when the show does bring him back in season 4, it'll have more impact. Stay hidden and stay alive, Sheepstealer!
2. Seasmoke
Another dragon I really do not want to see much of in the House of the Dragon season 3 finale is Seasmoke, and there's a very specific reason for that. Addam of Hull and his dragon don't take part in the First Battle of Tumbleton in the book, but they are absolutely crucial in the Second, which happens a short while later and sees the death of a number of main characters and dragons. It's not clear yet whether House of the Dragon will keep these two battles separate or merge them into one mega-event for the finale...but if Seasmoke and Addam play a prominent role, it'll almost certainly be because the show went the latter route. And if that happens, it won't end well for them.
Personally, I'm hoping that House of the Dragon sticks to the First Battle of Tumbleton in the finale, and gives us Second Tumbleton early in season 2. That would give Addam and Seasmoke a bit more time to develop before their heroic last stand.
3. Syrax
Episode 7 also heavily featured Syrax, the dragon of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, who was the first to attack in the standoff with Sheepstealer. Syrax got savaged by the wild dragon, and while she was still able to fly Rhaenyra and Rhaena back to King's Landing, she's not in any shape to head to a battle. She needs to rest up in the season finale.
Beyond that, I also don't even want to see a scene of Rhaenyra with her dragon at all, even if it's just in the Dragonpit. Season 3 has centered around Rhaenyra's mental decline as the hardships of rule continuously pummel her. She's made bad decisions and alienated her allies, and with the Treasons about to happen, she's going to be in her darkest place yet. If the show gives us any scenes of Rhaenyra and Syrax in the finale, I fear it will only be to drive home how far gone the queen is by having her ignore her dragon's well-being. Syrax deserves better!
We'll see which of these dragons take to the skies when the House of the Dragon season 3 finale premieres this Sunday, August 9 on HBO and HBO Max.
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