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Balerion the Black Dread is what the Targaryen family history holds in pride and respect within the universe of House of the Dragon. His contribution to the Targaryen family had been very significant, although by then, his physical existence was something of the past — on the list of the biggest dragons ever to stride on the land of Westeros.
In this article, we elaborate on what happened to Balerion: what his fate was in the world of House of the Dragon, who was his last known owner and where he ended up. The legacy of Balerion explains part of the background that influences the depth of Targaryen's history driving the plot events of the series.
Where is Balerion in House of the Dragon?
Balerion himself doesn't feature in House of the Dragon. With his date of death way back in 94 BC, by the time the show takes place, he's long gone. Yet, the memory lives on through his skull, which is mounted in the Dragonpit in the Red Keep.
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To this end, his impressive skull has served as a strong reminder of the House of Targaryen at its most powerful.
The Dragonpit itself, housing the skull of Balerion, is a testament to the ancient glory and power of the Targaryens when they were strongest. The remains of Balerion and stories about his exploits go on to shape much of the lore and even parts of the history within the Targaryen dynasty.
Although he may not have been alive in the current timeline of House of the Dragon, his legacy is nonetheless imprinted deep within the history and culture of Westeros.
It's felt through the closeness with which his memory is dealt, revealing how deeply the impact of the Targaryen dragons was left on the realm.
Who was the owner of Balerion in House of the Dragon?
Among the Targaryens, during his time, Balerion had few known and very famous owners.
First and foremost, Balerion belonged to Aegon the Conqueror, who established the Targaryen dynasty. After he died, the dragon was passed around through generations as a symbol of power and prestige their rulers held - the Targaryens.
They include Maegor the Cruel, who rode Balerion to enforce his brutal rule, Princess Aerea Targaryen and King Viserys I Targaryen. The last known rider of the dragon was King Viserys I Targaryen. Viserys ruled from 103 to 129 A.C. and flew Balerion in his youth.
His association with Balerion was symbolic of his strength and a continuum of that established by the Targaryens. Thus, upon his death, Viserys retired the dragon, ending the time of the Targaryen dragons.
Is Balerion Still Alive in House of the Dragon?
No, Balerion the Black Dread is not alive in House of the Dragon. Decades before the events of the series, Balerion had died. He was one of the most feared dragons to exist and ws a part of Targaryen history, dying in 94 BC.
This is an important date because it puts his death approximately 50 years before the events of House of the Dragon. Thus, by the time of the series, he was decidedly in the past, where he's more of a historical mention rather than current history.
Although Balerion the Black Dread himself didn't live during the time represented in the series, his impact remains. Having died in 94 BC, Balerion lives on in historical relevance and via the impressive display of his skull within the Dragonpit.
His past ownership by some of the most influential Targaryen figures in history, like King Viserys I, speaks more about his importance to this bloodline. As the events of the series unfold, the dragon is long gone.
However, the respect his memory commands and the effect he held on the bloodline survive as integral parts of what seeks to define the greatness and heritage of the Targaryens.
