Rhaena Targaryen claimed Sheepstealer in a major “House of the Dragon” twist, making Phoebe Campbell’s character a dragonrider instead of following the “Fire & Blood” storyline.
The episode opened with Rhaena facing the wild dragon, who had lived isolated from humans. Sheepstealer is known in the story as a feral and riderless dragon.
Rhaena survived the encounter and bonded with Sheepstealer. She then climbed onto his back, giving the character her first dragon after earlier failed attempts.
The twist changes George R. R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the book that inspired HBO’s “House of the Dragon.” In the book, Sheepstealer is claimed by Nettles, a mysterious teenager of uncertain birth.
Rhaena loses control over Sheepstealer who attacks Baela. Jace tries to save Baela but sees that it's Rhaena so he stops the attack. To avoid Sheepstealer Jace flies too low and he and his dragon are pierced with arrows #Houseofthedragon
pic.twitter.com/mk4CiwMsQK
— Team Black (@bestoftheblacks) June 22, 2026The change also reshapes Rhaena’s role in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaena a different fate while Nettles becomes Sheepstealer’s first and last rider.
In Season 2, Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, considers new dragonriders to strengthen her army. Rhaena had family ties to riders through Baela Targaryen, Laena Velaryon and Daemon Targaryen.
Read: House of the Dragon Season 3 Promises Epic Events and a Bold New Episode
The book version credits Jacaerys, played by Harry Collett in the series, with calling for “dragonseeds” to claim riderless dragons. Addam of Hull, Hugh Hammer and Ulf the White bond with Seasmoke, Vermithor and Silverwing.
Nettles claims Sheepstealer in the book by bringing the wild dragon a fresh sheep each morning. The HBO series instead gives that breakthrough to Rhaena, creating a major departure for book readers.
