'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 3: Who is the little blue dragon?

We love a petite cobalt queen.
 By 
Shannon Connellan
 on 
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Matt Smith and James Norton in "House of the Dragon."
Tessarion still has yet to enter the Dance of the Dragons. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

We're well acquainted with most of the winged stars of House of the Dragon, past and present: the colossal Vhagar, the fierce Caraxes, the mighty Vermithor, the misunderstood Sheepstealer. But there's one dragon in Season 3 who keeps showing up and is yet to receive a full introduction.

In the military ranks of Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton), there's a smaller blue dragon who appears constantly grounded. Who is she, and will we get to see more of this little cobalt gem?

Meet Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen, a dragon ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), Ormund's ward and the youngest son of Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and King Viserys (Paddy Considine) — meaning he's a direct threat to Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) throne.

We first spy Tessarion in Season 3, episode 1, when we're introduced to Ormund at his army camp. Tessarion's not fully grown, standing only two humans high and wearing a small saddle. And she's so cute. But she's fenced in with spears, in a move that likely keeps the troops calm and horses uneaten more than anything (and keeps out thieves). At this point, we don't know House of the Dragon is hiding Daeron in plain sight, ready for the Hightower lord to pull the switcheroo in episode 3.

In the latter episode, we get a better look at Tessarion when she's in the front line of Ormund's troops, during his confrontation with Daeron Targaryen (Matt Smith). In this scene, Ormund is forced to surrender and hand over Dearon as a prisoner of war. Importantly, Ormund had the foresight to know Daemon would demand such a captive, so has his decoy ready — not mounted on Tessarion (she would not allow this) but beside her.

Just watch her little face when the decoy walks over to Daemon. Utter confusion that plays as concern. If dragons could furrow their brow, Tessarion would do it. Daemon doesn't even try to take her along as hostage, as this relatively peaceful transfer would inevitably turn hostile.

Without spoiling anything from George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Tessarion's plight is not to remain a grounded dragon. She'll have a part to play in the Dance of the Dragons yet.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

A photo portrait of a journalist with blonde hair and a band t-shirt.
Shannon Connellan
Senior Editor

Shannon Connellan is Mashable's Senior Editor, General Assignments, based in London. She has been Mashable's UK Editor (and still manages the illustrious UK team) and Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives searching for Exit 8. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror, and loves to nerd out with movie stars, filmmakers, and TV creators.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You


This 'House of the Dragon' character joins Westeros' most illustrious tradition
Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) in "House of the Dragon."

'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 1: Who is Ormund Hightower?
A man in armour stands in a campsite with soldiers in the background.

'House of the Dragon' Season 3, episode 1: Why Rhaenyra destroying her court dress is complicated
Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in "House of the Dragon."

More in Entertainment
How to watch Spain vs. Belgium online for free
Lamine Yamal holds out his arms at the World Cup

How to watch Sinner vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2026 online for free
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates

How to watch Fery vs. Zverev online for free
Arthur Fery of Great Britain celebrates

How to watch France vs. Morocco online for free
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free
A FIFA World Cup soccer ball

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 10, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 10, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 10, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 9, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!