Viserys claims Balerion the Black Dread

The last rider of Balerion was Prince Viserys Targaryen, who entered the Dragonpit to claim the dragon in 93 AC.
Balerion had finally stopped growing, he had grown sluggish and heavy and was difficult to rouse. When Viserys claimed the dragon that year, the dragon struggled to take to the air.
They flew around King's Landing three times. Viserys believed the dragon no longer had the strength to fly from King's Landing to Dragonstone.

Balerion died in 94 AC, less than a year after Viserys claimed him as his mount, he was two hundred years old when he died.

#houseofthedragon #gameofthrones #beadragon

[TheFowlWitch]

I actually really love how you can feel the weight of Balerion. You can tell its a struggle for him to fly and it takes it all out of him once he lands.

[joelhutchings]

This is just incredible, the last flight of the last dragon to see Valyria in its glory.

[jonbw]

Wish they could do a flashback to Balerion with the original actor of Viserys doing this scene. It would be so iconic

[mansm]

It was symbolic that Viserys was the last dragonrider of the Balerion and the doom of its dynasty.

[phil.moloney]

You know what the sad thing is, it probably took all his remaining strength to fly like that, and remember as he flying over kings landing lets not forget he reason that city is even there his mark on history is legendary, rest in peace king of dragons.

[MasterOfTheElements]

I love that you gave him a turkey neck like Granny Vhagar, they're the grandparents of the dragons, they earned their retirement.

[SmallTownResident]

I love how Vizzy T just straight up ignored the burned dragon keepers lol. He was like "Hey sorry dudes, but the Big B will do whatever he wants."

[fang]

Apsolutly phenomenal job on this one, love how you combined elements from Drogon, Vermithor and Granny for Balerions look. Also spot on with the flight cycle by the way you really feel the struggle for him to stay airborne but also the strength it takes to move his massive body. F for those dragonkeepees tho guess even with his old age Grandpa still got em

[ryanandutan]

This is like a grizzled war veteran grandpa going soft and choosing to bond with his gentlest & playful grandkid.

[Ray.]

Interesting to see him kinda struggle to keep himself in the air and then be unbelievably exhausted after landing. Nice details!

[ryanandutan]

Despite being old & slow, him taking one last flight with Viserys riding him was like Vizzy's crowning moment which made most Lords of the realm choose him to be the heir.

[cesarmiguelmorapena]

Okay, I didn't expected that ending. It almost brought a tear to my eye.
<3

[KALT]

The last rider of Balerion was very kind to him.

[israelcervantes]

Hey this idea popped in my head, but imagine if Balerion's first appearance scene has him flying around with Aegon to Dragonstone with this soundtrack; foreshadowing the future dynasty, followed by Rheanys on Meraxes and Visenya on Vhagar.
It could be used as an introduction to Aegon and his sister/wives.

[devintaylor]

This is honestly a gorgeous thing you've created, the scenery with King's Landing at sunset to the intricate details of Balerion, Viserys, and the buildings. You can see the weight taking effect on his flight yet still maintaining smoothness. I would love to play a game of this or even just fly around with old Balerion around King's Landing as well as another couple dragons from the franchise. Well done. Absolutely beautiful. Please do Syrxax and Rhaenyra.

[mgrant]

Balerion was very old, sick at that time and have fought many battles. Everyone wanted The Black Dread. He just wanted to rest and live out his days in peace

[varun]

Balerion burning the dragon keepers is a nice touch. Could possibly be the thing Viserys refers to from his only experience as a dragonrider when he later says "The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion"..

What a magnificent edit though hats off 🙌👏👏

[billiejeanslover]

This is godly. The weight behind Balerion's movements, the scenery, the lightning, the music, the setting, the sun in the orizon. I do really hope that this game comes to be a reality.

[Valerio_the_wandering_sprite]

I read that Balerion died a year after being claimed by Viserys, but here he seems to kick the bucket barely a minute after landing. 😢

[felixanderfuertes]

Beautiful! Simply beautiful! Everything about this is perfect down to the most minute detail, from the flight itself, the music, and the weight of the dragon itself as he uses his powerful wings to keep him steady, amazing job I salute you and your animation!