House of the Dragon fanfiction has taken flight alongside the soaring popularity of HBO’s House of the Dragon, the prequel series to Game of Thrones. As viewers dive deeper into the complex world of the Targaryen dynasty, fans have taken to writing their own stories—expanding the lore, imagining new romances, exploring what-ifs, and creating original characters to walk alongside dragons.
Set nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon offers a rich historical backdrop for writers. Fanfiction not only keeps the fandom alive between seasons but also allows for deeper explorations of beloved characters like Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen, and Alicent Hightower. From alternate timelines to fix-it fics, the possibilities are as endless as the flames of Balerion himself.
Whether you’re a reader looking for your next binge or an aspiring writer seeking inspiration, this guide to House of the Dragon fanfiction is your gateway to a thriving and imaginative fandom.
What Is House of the Dragon Fanfiction?
Fanfiction, often shortened to fanfic, is original content created by fans based on existing characters, settings, or universes. In the case of House of the Dragon, fanfiction allows authors to:
- Continue unfinished storylines
- Rewrite canon events (often called “fix-it fics”)
- Explore “what if” scenarios
- Create alternate universes (AUs)
- Add original characters (OCs)
- Expand on minor characters
Because House of the Dragon is rich in family drama, betrayal, and political intrigue, it serves as fertile ground for storytellers who want to imagine new plots or develop deeper emotional arcs.
Why Fanfiction Is So Popular in the House of the Dragon Fandom
1. Unanswered Questions
While the show is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, many of the events are open to interpretation. Fanfiction gives writers the freedom to explore these ambiguities and fill in the gaps.
2. Emotional Investment
Characters like Rhaenyra and Daemon inspire strong emotional responses. Fanfiction offers a way for fans to process these feelings, whether through romance, redemption arcs, or reimagined betrayals.
3. Creative Freedom
Fanfic isn’t bound by canon. Want a modern AU where the Targaryens are a political dynasty in Washington D.C.? Or a fantasy AU where dragons are sentient advisors? It’s all possible.
Popular Types of House of the Dragon Fanfiction
Romance
One of the most popular genres. Common ships include:
- Rhaenyra x Daemon – Canon-inspired, but explored more emotionally in fanfic.
- Rhaenyra x Alicent – A popular sapphic ship, exploring friendship turned rivalry turned romance.
- Aemond x Original Character (OC) – Aemond’s mysterious and brooding nature makes him a favorite for romantic stories.
Alternate Universe (AU)
Writers enjoy placing Targaryens in modern-day settings, fantasy kingdoms beyond Westeros, or even high school dramas. AUs provide the characters with fresh challenges while retaining their core personalities.
Fix-It Fic
What if Lucerys lived? What if Rhaenyra became queen without war? Fix-it fics offer emotional closure or happier outcomes.
Character Studies
These delve into a character’s thoughts, trauma, or motivations. Alicent Hightower and Daemon Targaryen are frequent subjects due to their moral ambiguity.
Crossovers
Some fanfics bring in characters or elements from Game of Thrones, The Witcher, or Lord of the Rings, creating massive fantasy universes.
Where to Read and Share House of the Dragon Fanfiction
1. Archive of Our Own (AO3)
Currently the most popular platform for House of the Dragon fanfic, AO3 offers tagging, filters, and an active reader/writer community.
2. FanFiction.net
Though less active for newer fandoms, it still holds classic-style writing and some long-running stories.
3. Tumblr
Writers often share one-shots, drabbles, or ongoing stories on Tumblr, along with beautiful fan edits and moodboards.
4. Wattpad
Popular among younger audiences, Wattpad features stories with a more casual tone and often original female leads.
5. Reddit
Communities like r/HouseOfTheDragon or r/asoiaffanfiction allow fans to share recommendations and get feedback.
Tips for Writing Great House of the Dragon Fanfiction
1. Know Your Source Material
Familiarize yourself with both the show and Fire & Blood. Understanding Targaryen lineage, Westerosi politics, and house rivalries adds depth.
2. Develop Compelling Characters
Canon characters are complex. Keep their personalities intact while giving them new dimensions. For OCs, avoid clichés—give them flaws, backstories, and stakes.
3. Use Tags Effectively
On platforms like AO3, tagging helps readers find your work. Use ship tags, trigger/content warnings, and genre tags accurately.
4. Balance Dialogue and Description
Let your characters speak naturally, but immerse readers in the world with vivid description—especially if writing political intrigue or fantasy elements.
5. Edit and Revise
Even though fanfic is free, quality matters. Readers appreciate well-edited content. Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can be helpful tools.
Common Fan Questions
Is writing House of the Dragon fanfiction legal?
Yes—fanfiction exists in a legal gray area but is widely accepted as long as it is not for commercial use. Most platforms are non-profit and allow users to post freely under this understanding.
Can I write smut or mature content?
Absolutely. Just be sure to include content warnings and age ratings. AO3 and Wattpad are supportive of mature themes as long as they are properly tagged.
Do I need to follow canon?
Not at all. While some readers prefer canon-compliant stories, many enjoy alternate outcomes, modern settings, or complete rewrites.
Character Deep-Dives for Fanfiction Inspiration
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Strong-willed and politically ambitious, Rhaenyra offers a wealth of emotional conflict. Writers often explore her role as a mother, queen, or rival.
Daemon Targaryen
Charismatic and violent, Daemon’s unpredictability makes him a fanfic favorite. Writers love to explore his motives, loyalties, and romantic connections.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond’s brooding intensity and tragic backstory make him ideal for redemption arcs, slow-burn romances, or dark fantasy plots.
Alicent Hightower
Complex and morally gray, Alicent inspires both sympathy and frustration. Fanfic often reimagines her relationship with Rhaenyra or explores her life after Viserys.
Trends in House of the Dragon Fanfiction (2024–2025)
- Reverse AU: Modern characters placed in Westeros as nobles or dragonriders.
- Polyamorous Ships: Stories exploring multi-character relationships in dynastic settings.
- Targaryen-centric Mythology: Fanfics that deepen Valyrian culture, language, or religion.
- Dark Fantasy: Inspired by the show’s tone, with heavy political themes and complex power dynamics.
Conclusion
House of the Dragon fanfiction offers a powerful way to connect with the world of Westeros beyond the screen. Whether you’re reading romantic what-ifs, rewriting war outcomes, or crafting your own dragon-riding characters, the fanfiction community is rich with imagination and storytelling talent. As the series continues to unfold, fans will keep expanding the universe in their own unique ways—proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones we write ourselves.
