Fans spent much of House of the Dragon season 3 wondering where Vhagar had gone. After Aemond’s retreat to Harrenhal and his recovery under Alys Rivers, many viewers developed a popular theory: Alys was somehow using magic to keep the world’s largest dragon away from her rider.
According to Ryan Condal, that’s probably not what happened.
In an interview with Collider discussing the season finale, the showrunner suggested that Vhagar’s disappearance had less to do with Alys’ powers and more to do with the dragon’s own instincts.
Quick read:
- Condal doubts Alys controls dragon magic.
- Vhagar and Aemond being separated was intentional.
- Season 4 will explore what happens next.
Alys likely wasn’t controlling Vhagar
Speaking about the mystery surrounding Vhagar’s absence, Condal explained that the writers wanted to move beyond the “Aemond the Destroyer” storyline that had dominated much of the war.
“Though the hows and whys of this story are yet to be revealed, we felt that we could only go so far with the ‘Aemond the Destroyer’ storyline.”
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The showrunner noted that Vhagar’s overwhelming power created a challenge for the writers.
“Vhagar is great fun, but she is so all-powerful that we often have to ask ourselves, ‘Why couldn’t Vhagar just kill everyone/thing?’”
That led to the creative decision to separate dragon and rider.
“The idea that everyone is hunting Vhagar as a way of finding Aemond, one (wounded) man, without realizing they were separated was great fun.”
Most importantly, Condal specifically pushed back on the idea that Alys was keeping Vhagar away through magical means.
“I doubt Alys has much power over the world of dragon magic.”
Alys Rivers at Harrenhal In House Of The Dragon Season 3 (Credit: HBO)
Condal believes Vhagar made her own decision
Rather than crediting Alys, Condal suggested the explanation may be much simpler.
“I would guess that Vhagar has been around for a long time and hasn’t survived without being a canny old lady.”
It’s an interesting insight because it treats Vhagar less like a weapon and more like a character with agency. The dragon is the oldest living creature in Westeros and has survived multiple wars, riders, and generations of Targaryens.
Condal didn’t reveal exactly where Vhagar went or why she left Aemond behind, but he teased that the answer is still coming.
With Rhaenyra and Daemon weakened, and Aegon now reunited with Sunfyre, the showrunner hinted that Vhagar’s return could play a major role in the final season.
“Now that Rhaenyra and Daemon are weakened and Aegon has returned with Sunfyre, let’s see what happens next.”
For now, at least, fans can probably retire one theory. If Condal is to be believed, Alys Rivers wasn’t controlling Vhagar. The old dragon may have simply decided to disappear on her own.
Read next: How Aemond Targaryen unravels when he realizes he is “nothing” without Vhagar
