With the upcoming release of House of the Dragon season 2, now is the perfect time to catch up on the series and prepare for the new season. The first season of the show ended with a shocking death and set the stage for a full-blown Targaryen civil war.
But First Things First. What is House of the Dragon Hype About?
House of the Dragon, an anticipated prequel to the renowned series Game of Thrones, set approximately 200 years before the events of the original show. This series delves into the intricate family dynamics of the Targaryen dynasty, focusing on the rise and fall of this powerful bloodline in Westeros. The narrative unfolds during the reign of King Viserys I, the fifth Targaryen ruler, and revolves around the question of his succession and the aftermath of naming his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his heir – a groundbreaking decision as no woman had ever assumed such a title before. The show is based on George R.R. Martin’s “history” book, Fire & Blood, which provides a detailed account of the Targaryen reign and the events that shaped their legacy.
As we mentioned before, the most significant event of the season was the announcement of Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) as the heir to the Iron Throne, a decision that is expected to lead to a bloody season ahead. The season also saw the return of familiar families, locations, and tones that fans of Game of Thrones will recognize. However, unlike its predecessor, House of the Dragon is more of a family drama, focusing on the inner workings of the Targaryen family, rather than the epic battles and political intrigue that characterized Game of Thrones
Overall, House of the Dragon offers a compelling narrative that immerses viewers in a world of dragons, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power. It explores the complexities of court intrigue, familial conflicts, and the brutal realities of Westeros politics.
The main characters in House of the Dragon Season 1 include:
- Viserys I Targaryen:
He is the fifth Targaryen king to sit on the Iron Throne, ruling from 103 AC to 129 AC. He was known for his generous and amiable nature, and was well-loved by his lords and smallfolk alike. Viserys I had a peaceful and prosperous reign, but his decision to name his daughter, Rhaenyra, as his heir, led to the Dance of the Dragons civil war.
- Daemon Targaryen:
He is the second son of Prince Baelon Targaryen and Princess Alyssa Targaryen, making him the younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen. Daemon is a formidable warrior and a dragonrider, wielding the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. He is also the uncle and royal consort of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and the heir to the Iron Throne. Daemon’s character is known for his complex personality, which includes a love for warfare and a desire for power.
- Rhaenyra Targaryen:
She is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn and is named the heir to the Iron Throne in the first episode of the series. She is a dragonrider and is of pure Valyrian blood, making her a crucial player in the power struggles and political intrigue within the Targaryen family. Rhaenyra’s sex and her claim to the Iron Throne become central to the drama, as her father’s decision to name her as his heir leads to discussions about whether she can in good faith claim the throne.
- Otto Hightower:
He is a knight from House Hightower and has served as Hand of the King to three kings, including Jaehaerys I, Viserys I, and Aegon II. Otto is known for his great learning and is haughty, blunt, and domineering. He is a methodical and ambitious man, and his greatest rival is Prince Daemon Targaryen. Otto’s daughter, Alicent Hightower, becomes King Viserys I Targaryen’s second wife, and he becomes a bitter rival of the king’s brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen.
These characters hold crucial positions in shaping the dramatic twists and turns of the Targaryen dynasty’s political landscape as it hurtles towards the brink of civil war in the lead-up to the tumultuous Dance of the Dragons conflict in Westeros.
Now, What Do I Need to Know for Season 2?
The second season will officially mark the start of the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating conflict that will see the Targaryens fighting each other for the Iron Throne. The trailers for the new season promise a brutal and fiery battle, with both sides gathering their forces, dragons, and new allies to face off in a deadly confrontation.
One of the most exciting aspects of the new season is the introduction of five new dragons. The first season featured almost 10 magnificent winged creatures, and the addition of new dragons is sure to add even more excitement to the show. While in Game of Thrones we barely saw three dragons, in House of the Dragon, we delve into an era where dragons are far more frequent, to the extent that even young lords have dragons by the age of 15.
The returning cast includes Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen, Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen, and Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, among others.
Season 2 will have eight episodes, two fewer than season 1, but this change is part of a long-term plan for the show, which could include a third season. The showrunners have also teased that they plan to include more humor in the new season, which will be a welcome addition to the often dark and gritty world of Westeros.
In conclusion, House of the Dragon has set the stage for an epic and bloody season ahead, with the inner workings of the Targaryen family taking center stage. With George R.R. Martin’s persistence and HBO’s backing, the show has the potential to become a significant addition to the Thrones Cinematic Universe. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the next season to see how the story unfolds.
