Who Is the Wild Dragon in the Vale of Arryn, According to House of the Dragon?

Rhaenyra is worried about how the Blacks will defeat the Greens in HOTD Season 2 Episode 5 since they have the biggest dragon, Vhagar, and her side has no viable dragon left after Meleys. But Jacaerys offers her hope when he tells her that the Dragonstone is home to three formidable monsters; all they need to do is find them good riders. In the sixth episode, however, we find that in addition to Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke, there is one more riderless dragon, the Sheepstealer, who may aid them in gaining the upper hand in the battle at the House of the Dragon.

The Dragon Described as a Wild Dragon is Sheepstealer

Rhaena scared after seeing burnt sheeps — Picture Source: HBO

A charred sheep and scorched field were discovered by Rhaena and Rhaenyra's youngest kids when they were exploring the Vale of Arryn grounds. It didn't take Rhaena long to realize that the Vale was home to a large wild dragon. Although Sheepstealer is identified as the dragon in the novel, nothing about it was revealed in the TV show. One of the biggest dragons that has never been claimed in its youth is this one.

Sheepstealer has existed since the time of King Jahaerys I, but since he was never put to service, he never became used to seeing people.

In the House of the Dragon, who is the sheepstealer?

The last rider Sheepstealer had was Dance of the Dragon. When Jacaerys summoned the dragonseeds to tame the greatest monsters, Silverwing, Vermithor, Seasmoke, and Sheepstealer, he lacked the dragons in his army. Sheepstealer wins because he burns the most men who attempt to control him, even if the other dragons burn a few contenders while vying for their attention. Ser Steffon Darklyn is the most recent victim of the dragon fire in the endeavor to tame the animals. who, in conquering Seasmoke, was burned to a crisp.

Sheepstealer was untamable save for a bastard lady by the name of Nettles. But she also found it difficult to manage him, so she opted for deceit. Knowing that the dragon like mutton, Nettles gave him a sheep every day to help him grow used to her. Sheepstealer became her mount once she succeeded. While Daemon and Caraxes were hunting Aemond, Nettles and Sheepstealer went with them.

Sheepstealer is coming and with a better rider 🤭#HouseOfTheDragon https://t.co/DPqLTl7RRK pic.twitter.com/3N3j1kTiEk— ❂MAR 🧛🏻 | #DoctorWho (@k_omar18) July 22, 2024

Nettles might appear in House of the Dragon and claim the Sheepstealer if the TV adaptation sticks to the texts. But by giving the wild dragon another rider, the TV show's makers may also give him a unique route. It's interesting how Rhaena has been teased by the program for the Sheepstealer. Although she does not already own a dragon, she would be an excellent rider for this wild dragon in the Vale.

The Story of the Sheepstealer Dragon's Destiny

In Fire & Blood, not every character or dragon has a happy ending. Although Sheepstealer and nettles escape the Dance of the Dragons, nobody is sure what will happen to them after. Rhaenyra doesn't trust dragonseed since Hugh Hammer and Ulf White betrayed her; as a result, Daemon assists Nettles in escaping with her dragon so that she won't attract the Targaryen Queen's notice.Aegon II became king when Rhaenyra died, and there were rumors that Sheepstealer had been seen soaring above the Mountains of the Moon and Craklaw Point. There was a Fire-Witch in the Vale, according to some accounts, and it may be Nettles. Nothing in Fire & Blood was ever verified, but as HOTD includes certain changes to the original narrative, it's possible that Sheepstealer's tale will also have a satisfying ending.