Yet, one formidable dragon remains conspicuously absent from “House of the Dragon” — the wild and dangerous beast known as “the Cannibal.” This dragon is particularly notorious due to its feral nature, a point that will undoubtedly weave into the show’s storyline because of its unique connection to a central character. Let’s delve into the details.

The Cannibal, a male dragon of unknown age and completely pitch-black, resides on Dragonstone as a wild creature. This dark hue likely aids it in stalking prey under the cloak of night. Although its exact age remains a mystery, the Cannibal is thought to be older than Sheepstealer, a dragon that emerged during King Jaehaerys I Targaryen’s rule, predating the events of “House of the Dragon.” Unusually hostile towards other dragons, the Cannibal’s behavior is an anomaly, especially considering its likely origins from Westerosi dragon eggs.

In “House of the Dragon,” Lady Baela Targaryen, portrayed by Bethany Antonia, is linked to Moondancer. However, her storyline may eventually intersect with the Cannibal. Interestingly, her sister, Lady Rhaena, played by Phoebe Campbell, who might tame Sheepstealer, isn’t directly involved in this plotline as depicted in George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the Targaryen historical account. Here’s what might unfold based on the book.

Following the discovery of another wild dragon’s remains near the Cannibal’s territory, Rhaenyra’s ally Ser Robert Quince, yet to appear in “House of the Dragon,” proposes a mission to eliminate the Cannibal for public safety. Intimidated by the Cannibal, Ser Robert eventually advises caution rather than action, prompting Baela to pursue the Cannibal herself with Moondancer. To prevent her, Ser Robert confines Baela. Ultimately, as the Dance of the Dragons concludes, the Cannibal is one of the few dragons to survive, continuing to haunt the eastern slopes of Dragonmont, as chronicled in the history.

Within the narrative of “House of the Dragon,” the young noblewoman Lady Baela Targaryen, played by Bethany Antonia, is already bonded to a dragon named Moondancer — but even so, her plotline might end up bringing the Cannibal into the mix. (It’s interesting, though, that Baela’s sister Lady Rhaena, played by Phoebe Campbell and the character who may or may not end up taming Sheepstealer, doesn’t have any part to play in this potential plotline if we go solely off of what’s represented in “Fire & Blood,” the Targaryen family history by George R.R. Martin.) Here’s what we might end up seeing based on “Fire & Blood,” though.

After another wild dragon’s corpse is discovered near where the Cannibal is known to reside, Rhaenyra’s staunch supporter Ser Robert Quince — who, as of this writing, has not appeared on “House of the Dragon” — decides to rally some knights and kill the Cannibal for everybody’s safety. Afraid of the Cannibal, Ser Robert ends up just telling everyone to be more careful, and Baela, unsatisfied with that answer, tries to go after the Cannibal herself atop Moondancer. Ser Robert literally imprisons her to stop her from going. Ultimately, after the Dance of the Dragons ends, we learn that the Cannibal is one of the only known surviving dragons: “The Cannibal still haunted the eastern slopes of the Dragonmont,” the history tells us.

When the Cannibal will show up on “House of the Dragon” is anybody’s guess, but based on just how cinematic it would be to see this massive and terrifying dragon, it feels like a safe bet that he’ll enter the fray. “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones” are both available to stream on HBO Max now.