Balerion the Black Dread was a legendary dragon from the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, created by George R.R. Martin. He was the largest and most fearsome dragon of the Targaryen dynasty, known for his massive size and black scales. Balerion played a crucial role during the conquest of Westeros, helping Aegon the Conqueror establish Targaryen rule. Balerion's flames were said to be hot enough to melt stone, and he was capable of carrying a fully armored knight into battle. After his death, he was buried in the Dragonpit in King's Landing, and his skull became a symbol of Targaryen power.