In the latest episode of House of the Dragon season 3, Aegon goes to visit his dragon, Sunfyre. It's something of a mystery, however, if the dragon is truly dead – and that could have huge implications on the rest of the show.
Below, we've broken down exactly what it might mean if Sunfyre is dead, using George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood book as our guide. So, that means there are major book spoilers that could give away the ending of the show ahead. Turn back now if you're not up to date!
If you're still reading, then you're ready to dive into what the fate of Sunfyre might mean for the show beyond House of the Dragon season 3.
Is Sunfyre really dead in House of the Dragon season 3, episode 4?
Aegon and Larys find Sunfyre's body at Rook's Rest in season 3, episode 4, which is where Aemond turned on his brother and ordered Vhagar to burn him and his dragon in season 2. They crashed into the forest, and Criston Cole later seemed to confirm that Sunfyre had died from his wounds.
However, when Aegon finds his dragon in the latest episode, he is convinced that Sunfyre is still alive and claims to hear the heartbeat. He's forced to leave before we find out for sure, though – and the dragon does look pretty dead…
How would Sunfyre being dead change George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood?
In the book, Sunfyre plays a pivotal part in the ending of the Dance of the Dragons. Aegon manages to claim Dragonstone while Rhaenyra is ruling in King's Landing. When she is forced to flee the city when the small folk turn on her, she stumbles straight into the grasp of the greens on Dragonstone.
Aegon then executes her in a particularly sadistic way – by using Sunfyre. The dragon is at first uninterested in hurting Rhaenyra, until one of Aegon's supporters cuts her to draw blood. Sunfyre then blasts her with fire and eats her in six bites, all while her young son Aegon is forced to watch. Only her leg below the shin is left. You might remember this moment was spoiled by Joffrey Baratheon in Game of Thrones season 3.
It's bound to be a brutal, cruel moment, and, unless the show plans on making its biggest change yet to the book, Sunfyre will play a huge part in Rhaenyra's gruesome downfall. So, if Sunfyre is truly dead, it's a sign that the show is indeed changing Rhaenyra's horrific ending.
House of the Dragon continues weekly on HBO in the US and HBO Max, Sky, and NOW in the UK. Keep up to date with our House of the Dragon season 3 release schedule.
For even more, check out our House of the Dragon season 3 review or our guide to all the upcoming Game of Thrones movies and TV shows.
