House of the Dragon: wild dragon in Arryn's Vale
A significant book change is exposed as Rhaena Targaryen and Joffrey Velaryon find a wild dragon hunting in the Vale of Arryn in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6. The way the show presents this wild dragon differs greatly from George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood book, in which a dragonseed called Nettles claims Sheepstealer. But House of the Dragon offers a fascinating turn-around, changing the narrative of this formidable dragon and its possible rider.
The Undiscovered Dragon
Two huge Dragonstone dragons remain unclaimed: Vermithor and Silverwing following Seasmoke claimed by Addam of Hull in House Of The Dragon season 2, episode 6. Together with the wild dragon in the Vale, these Targaryen dragons reflect the unclaimed dragons still in Westeros. Rhaena's discovery of this dragon in the Vale—described as "large and formidable" by Jeyne Arryn—addresses the Dance of the Dragons from a fresh angle, so influencing the balance of power between the Greens and the Blacks.
The Wild Dragon's Identity: Sheepstealer
Three wild dragons— Grey Ghost, the Cannibal, and Sheepstealer—are reported to have prowled Dragonstone: Grey Ghost, in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood. Although the events of the show point Grey Ghost and the Cannibal may still be at Dragonstone, House Of The Dragon seems to have moved Sheepstealer to the Vale. The program shows this dragon eating herds of sheep in the Vale in line with Sheepstealer's name and so implying its character. This movement of Sheepstealer from Dragonstone to the Vale suggests possible changes in the dragon dynamics and consequent effects for the Dance of the Dragons.
Why did Jeyne Arryn protect Rhaenyra's children?
The wild dragon in the Vale presents an interesting theory for Jeyne Arryn's choice to host Rhaenyra's young children and Daemon's daughter and defend them. Given the dragon's potential, Jeyne Arryn might have been keen to find a rider for Sheepstealer at the Eyrie, considering it as a major advantage in the mounting war. Fire & Blood says Sheepstealer is about the same size as Caraxes, Meleys, Syrax, and Seasmoke, thus he is a quite valuable tool in the hands of a competent dragonrider.
Will Rhaena Claim Sheepstealer?
Jeyne Arryn's possible claim to Sheepstealer seems improbable given Jacaerys and Rhaenyra are actively searching people with Valyrian blood to bond with the surviving dragons. Rhaena Targaryen seems to be the more likely candidate; she has past failed in requesting dragons at Dragonstone. Sheepstealer is a possibly fit match since her lack of a dragon and past attempts to bond with other dragons. But this change in the narrative might result in major changes in Rhaena's part in the narrative and consequent effects for the Dance of the Dragons.
Fate of Sheepstealer in Fire & Blood
Nettles, a brave dragonseed who enlists with Rhaenyra's army, claims Sheepstealer in Fire & Blood. Nettles rises to a major player in Rhaenyra's approach because of her capacity to bond with Sheepstealer by understanding the dragon's needs and bringing slain sheep. But if the show moves Sheepstealer to the Vale, Nettles's plot might be lost and Rhaena will ride instead of Sheepstealer. This change affects the roles among the characters and the possible path of their participation in the Dance of the Dragons.
Remaining episodes from House of the Dragon Season 2
The last House of the Dragon season 2 episodes will clarify Sheepstealer's fate and possible influence on the current war. The show's investigation of the presence of this wild dragon in the Vale begs issues regarding the ultimate rider of the dragon, the possibility of alliances, and the effects for both sides of the Dance of the Dragons. The show straying from the plot of the book allows the viewers to anticipate a fresh and interesting turn of events for Sheepstealer, so influencing the course of the war and the Targaryen dynasty.
