Could Sheepstealer be the new wild dragon in The Vale of Arryn in House of the Dragon?

During the most recent episode of House of the Dragon, Rhaena and Joffrey spot a charred sheep carcass in the Vale of Arryn and fans think it’s a clue we’re about to meet the wild dragon Sheepstealer. But, if the theories are right and this wild new dragon is Sheepstealer then it could also mean a huge change from the original House of the Dragon books.

The theory is proven further by the fact that showrunner Ryan Condal confirmed that five new dragons would appear in season two, with us meeting two of them so far. But, what do we know about Sheepstealer and how could this affect the rest of the series?

Via HBO

In the book, Sheepstealer is one of the unclaimed dragons living in the Vale of Arryn and as its name suggests, eats sheep to survive. When Rhaena discovers the sheep remains, Jeyne Arryn describes the beast as “large and formidable”, another clue it is Sheepstealer as they’re one of the largest dragons featured in the series.

If Rhaena does end up claiming the wild Sheepstealer, as she currently doesn’t have a dragon, it would be a massive departure from what happens in the House of the Dragon books. In the books, Rhaena gets her dragon, Morning, when she hatches from an egg. A character named Nettles ends up claiming Sheepstealer after she brings him slaughtered sheep every morning in order to bind with him.

burned sheep right in front of them…..honestly can’t wait to see sheepstealer’s design pic.twitter.com/rKsReNZwKr

— thai. (@nyracult) July 18, 2024

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The two end up becoming key allies to Rhaenyra in her fight against the Greens, however, it seems that Nettles won’t appear in the show at all. Eventually, the pair are sent away by Daemon after he is worried they will become executed by Rhaenyra, who becomes convinced someone is trying to betray her.

Instead, it seems the show is setting up the plotline for Rhaena to be the one to bond with Sheepstealer, meaning we won’t get to meet Nettles or Morning.

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Featured image via HBO.