Vermithor

Vermithor, known as the Bronze Fury, was one of the largest and most powerful dragons of House Targaryen, second in size only to Vhagar among the dragons alive during the Dance of the Dragons. Hatched on Dragonstone during the reign of Aegon I Targaryen, Vermithor was bonded to King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, under whom he became one of the most prominent dragons of the Targaryen golden age. He was described as having bronze-colored scales and tan wings, with a formidable presence in both size and strength.

Under Jaehaerys I, Vermithor was primarily used for royal travel and display rather than sustained warfare, reflecting the relative peace and stability of the realm during that period. Following the king’s death in 103 AC, Vermithor remained riderless for many years, residing on Dragonstone and growing to immense size. By the time of the Dance of the Dragons, he was one of the oldest and most battle-capable dragons still living, though he had not seen significant combat in decades.

During the Red Sowing in 130 AC, Vermithor was claimed by Hugh Hammer, a dragonseed of uncertain origin. With Vermithor as his mount, Hugh quickly became one of the most powerful dragonriders in the war. Initially aligned with Rhaenyra Targaryen’s faction, Hugh’s loyalty proved unstable, and he later defected during the conflict, contributing to the internal divisions that weakened the Black cause.

Vermithor played a major role in the battles at Tumbleton, particularly the First and Second Battles of Tumbleton, which saw some of the largest concentrations of dragons during the war. His size and strength made him a dominant force in these engagements. However, the chaotic nature of the fighting, combined with shifting allegiances among the dragonseeds, led to a multi-dragon confrontation during the Second Battle of Tumbleton in 130 AC.

In that battle, Vermithor was engaged by other dragons, including Seasmoke and Tessarion. The fighting was intense and destructive, with multiple dragons sustaining severe injuries. Vermithor was ultimately brought down during the clash, though the exact sequence of events varies among accounts. His rider, Hugh Hammer, was killed during the conflict, and Vermithor died soon after, marking the loss of one of the most powerful dragons remaining in the war.

Vermithor is remembered as one of the greatest dragons of the Targaryen dynasty, representing the strength and stability of the realm under Jaehaerys I as well as the destructive potential unleashed during the Dance of the Dragons. His immense size and late entry into the war made him a decisive force, but his death reflects the broader collapse of dragonpower during the conflict. As one of the last great dragons to fall, Vermithor’s end signifies the closing phase of the age of dragons in Westeros.