House of the Dragon season 3 has been packed with huge moments, but there's one in particular that might have you scratching your head.
In the latest episode of House of the Dragon season 3, a major character returns from the dead, with no clue as to how they survive. Below, we've dived into what happens and what it might mean – and, naturally, that means there are major spoilers ahead! Turn back now if you're not up to date!
If you're still reading, then you'll know that Sunfyre returned, and that could be a huge problem for Rhaenyra…
How is Sunfyre still alive in House of the Dragon season 3?
Sunfyre was grievously wounded in the battle over Rook's Rest back in season 2. The dragon was thought dead and abandoned by green forces, but it returned in season 3 when Aegon and Larys approached Rook's Rest and discovered its supposed corpse.
Aegon was convinced his dragon was still alive, though he moved on before we could be sure. Then, in the latest episode, after Aegon makes a rousing speech, his dragon awakens and comes to stand behind him – then burns the black army.
So, how is Sunfyre still alive? In George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Sunfyre was similarly injured at Rook's Rest and spent some time recuperating. However, Sunfyre was lucid enough to feed on dead soldiers and livestock, explaining its recovery. Eventually, much like in the show, Sunfyre attacked Walys Mooton's army. Then, the dragon escaped.
So far, it's not clear how Sunfyre survived in the show, since it was too injured to eat. It would seem the dragon was in some kind of healing coma, instead – it might have even been awakened by the return of Aegon, its rider, then fully restored by the sound of Aegon's speech.
What is clear, though, is that this spells trouble for Rhaenyra. Not only did the Iron Throne cut her last episode, but Alicent failed to kill Aemond, dragonseed Ulf the White looks ready to switch sides to Ormund Hightower's team in Tumbleton, and her greatest rival miraculously has his dragon back. Uh oh…
House of the Dragon season 3 continues weekly on HBO Max, Sky, and NOW in the UK, and HBO in the US.
You can keep up to date with our House of the Dragon season 3 release schedule, and, for even more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Game of Thrones movies and TV shows.
