Aegon Targaryen scarred and burned, leading a horse. Image via HBO By Kendall Myers Published Aug 2, 2026, 11:00 PM EDT Kendall Myers is a Senior Author with Collider. As part of the TV and Movies Features team, she writes about some of the most popular releases before, during, and after they premiere. In three years, she has written over 900 articles with topics ranging from classic sitcoms to fantasy epics. Sign in to your Collider account Add Us Add on Google Preferred Source Google News Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Listen Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap Editor's note: The below contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 7.
As House of the Dragon explores a divided Westeros, each dragon taking part in the civil war has a vital role to play. Yet, in Season 3, the Dance of the Dragons has become more of a one-sided conflict. With Rhaenyra ( Emma D'Arcy ) holding King's Landing, the Greens divided , and Vhagar nowhere to be found, there is little hope for Aegon ( Tom Glynn-Carney ) and his allies. However, Episode 7 drastically alters the situation by bringing one important figure back into play in a fiery twist that will have a major impact on the ongoing conflict .
Both sides have suffered major losses, but Sunfyre's apparent death in Season 2 was one of the worst. This blow not only cost the Greens a dragon, but put the king out of commission; for much of Season 3 , Aegon has been barely surviving and has gained almost no power to oppose Rhaenyra's rule. However, with the dragon back, this is a turning point for the Greens. Sunfyre's reappearance puts Aegon back in the game. While Sunfyre's survival won't be enough to fully tip the scales of the war, especially when Rhaenyra still controls so many dragons, Aegon once again has a chance, which is an exciting prospect as the series heads into its Season 3 finale.
Since Aegon and Aemond's ( Ewan Mitchell ) fiery clash at the Battle of Rook's Rest , everyone has believed Sunfyre to be dead. House of the Dragon leans into this, with Season 3's fourth episode even revealing Sunfyre's seemingly dead body after Aegon returns to the scene of the battle. Though he stops to mourn his friend, Sunfyre shows no signs of life. However, in the season's penultimate episode, when Lord Mooton's army corners Aegon and Tyland Lannister ( Jefferson Hall ), the king makes a stand, revealing his identity and expecting to be killed for it. In a shocking twist, Aegon's loyal dragon suddenly appears and saves him by burning his enemies.
Risky deviations can elevate a story, but let's leave this one alone, please.
Sunfyre may not be at full strength and will always bear scars from the battle, much like Aegon himself, but the creature's return is nothing but good news for the Greens. With this, Aegon now holds a new advantage as Sunfyre provides his side of the war with the element of surprise. Of course, the dragon has a continuing role to play, as fans of Fire & Blood already know . But for now, Sunfyre's seemingly miraculous survival offers new hope to Aegon and his supporters , setting up a major shift in the Dance of the Dragons.
'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Episode 5 Image via HBO Max Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) touching the golden dragon Sunfyre as Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) comforts him in House of the Dragon Image via HBO Aegon II (Tom G…