Is Caraxes stronger than Vhagar?
In their epic showdown over the Gods Eye, the smaller yet more vicious Caraxes proved the stronger dragon, overpowering the much larger but elderly Vhagar in a ruthless combat clash for the ages.
As civil war tore apart the Targaryen dynasty in the Dance of Dragons, these two dragons battled in an intense duel alongside their dragonrider masters Daemon Targaryen and Aemond One-Eye. Though Vhagar had advantages in size and experience, Caraxes would demonstrate greater resilience and ferocity.
Dragons‘ Background
Vhagar
Hatched in 51 AC
Ridden first by Queen Visenya Targaryen during Aegon‘s Conquest
180 years old; oldest and largest living dragon
Length: 180 feet; Wingspan: 210 feet
Massive size gave advantage in battles
Vast battle experience from a century of warfare
Past her prime in old age; slower maneuverability
Caraxes
Hatched in 60 AC
Bonded solely with Prince Daemon Targaryen
112 years old; smaller than Vhagar
Length: 77 feet; Wingspan: 105 feet
Extreme speed and deadly horns, claws and teeth
Savage in battle but less experience than Vhagar
Dragon Size Comparison
| Dragons | Length | Wingspan | Fire Power | Battle Exp. | Speed | Ruthlessness | Bond |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vhagar | 180 feet | 210 feet | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Multiple riders over 180 years |
| Caraxes | 77 feet | 105 feet | 🔥🔥🔥 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sole rider Daemon Targaryen 112 years |
While Vhagar had the advantages of size and experience, the chart shows Caraxes edging her in speed, ferocity in ripping apart foes, and lifelong dragon-rider bond with Daemon. Now let‘s analyze how this played out in their Gods Eye duel.
Blow-by-Blow: The Gods Eye Battle
With Daemon‘s allies defeated in battle on land, he took to Caraxes in a final assault against his nephew Aemond astride Vhagar. They clashed in a ruthless aerial combat ending with both warriors dead and their dragons strewn in Gods Eye lake.
- Caraxes dives in swiftly – Putting his speed to use for quick hits before Vhagar can get off fiery blasts
- Vhagar bites and shakes Caraxes – Her massive jaws clamping down with bone-crushing force
- Caraxes tears chunks off Vhagar‘s wings – Limiting her flight maneuverability for his advantage
- Vhagar reverses and sets Caraxes aflame – Bathing him in plumes of dragonfire
- Caraxes claws at Vhagar‘s eyes – Seeking to blind the towering dragon
- Vhagar closes jaws on Caraxes‘ throat but fails to finish him off
- In a final defiant act, Caraxes takes fatal blow but locks onto Vhagar‘s neck and rips out her throat
- Locked together, the battling beasts plunge over 500 feet down into Gods Eye lake, both perishing on impact
Analysis: Savagery Over Size
Though an underdog in size, Caraxes revealed his legendary ferocity in capitalizing on his swift speed while surviving crippling counterattacks to match then eclipse Vhagar in their ultimate struggle. Let‘s examine key factors:
How Caraxes Battled Bigger Dragons
- Faster maneuverability confounding their aim
- Vicious targeted strikes at eyes, wings, throats before retreating
- Not going in for extended close combat against larger bulk
How Vhagar Failed to Overpower Him
- Sheer massive size difference wasn‘t insurmountable for the seasoned Caraxes
- Her advanced age made her attacks and reactions slower
- Years bonding with Daemon honed Caraxes‘ savage battlefield instincts
This shows how ferocious spirit embodied by Caraxes proved decisive over Vhagar‘s advantages as the Dance‘s largest dragon.
Could Other Dragons Have Defeated Vhagar or Caraxes?
While Vhagar and Caraxes were arguably #1 and #2 in power during this era, fans debate if dragons of comparable size and fame could have matched them.
Vermithor (180 feet long): Called the "Bronze Fury," he was old yet ferocious like Vhagar. But grounded after his rider‘s demise, diminishing his form.
Famous Expert Maester Sam concludes:
"Though unmatched in experience, Vermithor‘s lengthy rider-less period likely dulled his reactions in battle compared to Vhagar‘s continuity with multiple dragonriders keeping her primed for combat."Meleys (Red Queen, 125 feet long): A she-dragon nearing her fighting prime, known for unmatched speed and agility. A prime contender to potentially outmaneuver Vhagar.
The Rogue Prince‘s Bastard:
"Meleys against Caraxes might have been an epic battle of speed and savagery pushing both to the limits. Against Vhagar – her agility and smaller size could‘ve allowed her to evade attacks and possibly exhaust the larger dragon."
Syrax (80 feet long): Ridden by the formidable Queen Rhaenyra, she had ample experience in battle, but likely overpowered against Vhagar in direct combat. Perhaps with clever strategy she could have assaulted Vhagar‘s vulnerable spots before facing her flames.
Noted battle scholar Gyldayn evaluates:
"Though fierce in her own right, Syrax would be at a grave disadvantage in size and strength against Vhagar in the air. The queen would need to utilize cunning maneuvering and strategy to possibly wear the older dragon down."Conclusion: Small Yet Mighty Caraxes
While Vhagar‘s immense size and battle-hardened experience made her arguably the most objectively "powerful" living dragon, the savage Blood Wyrm proved mightier where it counted – in their epic death duel. With quicker speed outflanking attacks, devastating precise strikes at vulnerable spots, and sheer unrelenting ferocity in his death throes bringing down his towering foe, the lighter yet lethal Caraxes etched his name in history.
So when faced with the query – "Is Caraxes stronger than Vhagar?" – we can firmly conclude what warriors have known through the ages: size isn‘t everything, and at the end of the day it is temperament and spirit that can topple even mighty titans.
