The Red Dragon and the Gold

"The Red Dragon and the Gold" is the fourth episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. Its title refers to Meleys and Sunfyre, the dragons of Rhaenys and Aegon, respectively. The episode was written by series co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal and directed by executive producer Alan Taylor. It first aired on HBO and Max on July 7, 2024.

In the episode, Ser Criston continues to rally Greens allies and executes Black supporters. He rides to Rook's Rest to attack the last Black stronghold on the Blackwater Bay. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and learns about Criston's plan. She agrees to send Rhaenys with her dragon Meleys to confront Criston and his troops. Feeling his council disrespects him, especially after discovering Aemond's secret communications with Criston, Aegon decides to fly to Rook's Rest with his dragon Sunfyre. Unbeknownst to each other, Rhaenys, Aegon, and Aemond (with Vhagar) converge on Rook's Rest, leading to a climactic battle involving the three dragons.

In the United States, "The Red Dragon and the Gold" gained a viewership of 8.1 million during its premiere night, surpassing the season premiere, with 1.2 million viewers on linear television alone. The episode received widespread acclaim from critics, with many dubbing it one of the series' best outputs. They complimented the direction and visual effects, but particularly the episode's writing for Daemon's scenes in Harrenhal, the increasing friction between Aemond and Aegon, and the Rook's Rest battle sequence, the latter of which was considered the episode's highlight. Acting performances of Eve Best, Matt Smith and Tom Glynn-Carney were a subject of praise.

The episode marks the final appearance of Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen).