Meleys

Lore & Background

According to the source, Meleys is ridden by Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. The dragon becomes pivotal when Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and agrees to send Rhaenys with Meleys to confront Ser Criston Cole and his troops at Rook's Rest. While Rhaenyra initially insists on flying herself, she concedes that Meleys is the most capable choice for the mission. The dragon is described as arriving at Rook's Rest first, where she begins burning the Greens' men and siege equipment before being confronted by the opposing forces.

In Their Own Story

The battle unfolds when Rhaenys arrives on Meleys to attack Criston Cole's advancing army. Having laid a trap, Criston signals Aemond, who is hidden nearby with Vhagar. However, Aemond spots Aegon II approaching on Sunfyre and delays his action. Meleys confronts Sunfyre directly, mauling the younger dragon. When Aemond finally charges with Vhagar, he commands her to burn both dragons, causing heavy harm to Aegon and incapacitating him along with Sunfyre. Rhaenys then turns Meleys against Vhagar, sending them crashing to the ground. In a tragic turn, Rhaenys shuns the opportunity to flee but is ambushed by Vhagar, who fatally crushes Meleys' neck. The episode concludes with Rhaenys, still strapped to her dying dragon, plummeting to her death.

Reader's Guide

Her primary appearance occurs during the Battle of Rook's Rest on July 7, 2024 (in-universe context via the episode air date). The source notes that this event marks the final appearance of actress Eve Best as Rhaenys. To engage with this content, one must understand that Meleys was chosen specifically because she is considered the most capable dragon available for the mission against Criston's forces. Her death is a direct result of her loyalty to Rhaenys and the decision to stand ground rather than flee after incapacitating Sunfyre.

Did You Know?

• The episode title "The Red Dragon and the Gold" refers specifically to Meleys (the red dragon) and Sunfyre (the gold dragon).
• Meleys was chosen over Rhaenyra because she is described as the most capable dragon for the mission at Rook's Rest.
• Actress Eve Best, who plays Rhaenys riding Meleys, stated that her character knowingly undertook a "kamikaze mission" during the battle.
• Meleys managed to maul Sunfyre and send Vhagar crashing to the ground before being fatally crushed by Vhagar herself.
• The Battle of Rook's Rest involved three dragons: Meleys, Sunfyre, and Vhagar converging on the location.