Two years after its debut, the Game of Thrones spin-off, House of the Dragon, returns to our screens. Continuing the tale of the Targaryen dynasty’s fall and the civil war between the Blacks and the Greens, this series, driven by Ryan Condal, promises to intensify. Before diving into the new season, let’s review the five crucial things to remember from the first season.
Rhaenyra is the Legitimate Heir
The series begins with King Viserys desperately seeking a male heir. His only child, a daughter named Rhaenyra, stands in stark contrast to the hope that the Queen might give birth to a son. When the Queen dies in childbirth along with her infant, Viserys, struck by tragedy, names Rhaenyra as his successor in a ceremony that not everyone supports. This decision particularly irks Daemon, the King’s brother, and Otto Hightower, who hopes one of his grandchildren from Viserys’s remarriage to his daughter will leapfrog Rhaenyra in the line of succession. Despite the opposition, Viserys remains steadfast until his death—Rhaenyra is the rightful heir.
The Prince That Was Promised
Aegon the Conqueror, who united the Seven Kingdoms, had a prophetic vision of an apocalyptic event threatening the realm’s future. This prophecy, passed down through generations, predicts an evil force that will arise during a great winter. The people of Westeros must unite to combat this threat, known to Game of Thrones viewers as the White Walkers. On his deathbed, Viserys mistakenly conveys Aegon’s dream to Alicent, thinking he is speaking to Rhaenyra. This misunderstanding fuels the rivalry for the throne.
Two Rulers, One Throne
With Viserys’s death, events in Westeros accelerate. Alicent quickly moves to crown her son, Aegon, while Rhaenyra prepares to counter. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, who once lost her claim to the throne to her cousin Viserys, supports Rhaenyra and disrupts Aegon’s coronation. Destroying the coronation venue, she flies off to Dragonstone to rally for Rhaenyra. Meanwhile, Alicent is determined to solidify her son’s position, sending her younger son to secure support from key lords.
Blood Has Been Spilled
The rivalry between Alicent and Rhaenyra turns deadly with the death of a family member. At Storm’s End, Lucerys confronts his uncle Aemond, who also seeks support for his brother. Their confrontation escalates into a dragon battle, resulting in Lucerys’s death when Aemond’s dragon kills him. This tragedy ignites Rhaenyra’s desire for vengeance, setting the stage for further conflict as both sides command devastatingly powerful dragons.
The Dragon Dance
Dubbed “The Dance of the Dragons,” this period marks a critical phase in Targaryen history. The family’s bond with dragons has been central to their dominance over Westeros. Dragons will play a pivotal role in the unfolding conflict. Rhaenyra boasts twelve dragons and riders, compared to Alicent’s four. However, Alicent controls Vhagar, the largest and most formidable dragon.
Mark your calendars for June 17, when House of the Dragon returns on Max. Following its release on the Warner Pass, this new season will coincide with Max’s launch in France, hoping to capitalize on the Game of Thrones legacy to gain a foothold in French households.