Spring of 2011, Game of Thrones, an epic tale of kingdoms of a distant land and their rulers, found its home on HBO. The series was successful and dominated the small screen. Seven Kingdoms (nine realms) -- the kingdom of the North, Mountain and Vale, Iron Islands and Riverland, the Kingdom of Casterly Rock (Westerlands), the Stormlands, The Reach, the Principality of Dorne -- and its rulers reigned over the airwaves.
For eight years, the series prevailed with an iron fist. Hours of unfiltered content filled with conquest, betrayal, bloody violence, lasciviousness, and sheer satisfaction were the series' signature. Either you were team Stark, Lannister, Greyjoy, Baratheon, Tully, Tyrell, Arryn, or Martell. Or perhaps your allegiances were with the Targaryens, the proclaimed rulers of the seven kingdoms and rightful heirs to the iron throne. But some viewers had no fidelity to rulers or their houses. But instead, the drama of it all and whoever seemed the conqueror in any given episode.
It was May 2019, but it was Winter in Westeros, and Game of Thrones was reaching its end. For some, the ending was bitter, perhaps, because things did not end as hoped. The Night King's defeat went too easy. Cersei's end was most unpalatable, a closure most benign given her loathsome deeds. Some felt the Daenerys arch was too predictable or as insane as she became. And for a great majority, the conclusion was unacceptable and anticlimactic. Bran Stark upon the throne was simply unsatisfactory. Finally, of course, there is a probability that fans merely sensed the loss of Martin's touch in the later seasons.
Despite the sentiments, the culmination of it all left fans with what remains undeniable. Game of Thrones provided fans with years of fulfilling content unparalleled. However, beyond its conclusion, what was most pertinent, was what would come of the rumors of sequels or prequels. August of 21st, all rumors were put to rest with the House of The Dragon series premiere predicated on George R. R. Martin's novel Fire & Blood.
For George R. R. Martin, writing was inborn. And thus, writing has been his enterprise since childhood. His first foray into writing was as a youth when he would sell his work to his peers for mere change. As it is now known, writing has become much more than that. It has become Martin's legacy. Martin began cementing that imprint in 1979 at the age of 31 when he took on writing full-time. In 1986, he began lending his creative talents to Hollywood, contributing to such shows as Twilight Zone and Beauty and the Beast.
Since then, Martin has written many novels, with The Game of Thrones series being one of his most notable. While the earlier televised adaptation was predicated on a Song of Ice and Fire, the newest adaptation House of the Dragon, is based on his book Fire and Blood, a 2018 publication. This book details the history of the rulers and the descendants of the House Targaryen. And as most will find, the HBO series is not only predicated on Martin's work but also carries the author's blessing. He proclaims House of Dragon is all he hoped it would be. And in his biography, Martin gives an open statement of gratitude:
"Whatever happens from here, my sincere thanks go out to Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik, to one of the most astonishing casts it has ever been my honor to work with, to an incredible crew, to an amazing writing staff, to my friends at HBO, past and present, who have worked for years to bring HOTD to fruition. and to the fans, without whom none of this would be possible."
King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), the grandson of Jaehaerys, now sits upon the throne and awaits his heir's birth. He has but one true-born child Rhaenyra Targaryen. But, as Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke) expresses before her tumultuous labor, she has been unlucky in childbearing. She has borne as many who have flown their physical forms as she has successfully delivered. But by tradition, the birthright of sovereignty is no role for a woman.
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So, although he is the proud father of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock), tensions and expectancies are high. Finally, however, strenuous labor claims the lives of the Queen and Visery's firstborn son. Arrogantly and unceremoniously, the King's brother Prince Daemon (Matt Smith), mocks the heir's death, calling him "king for the day." And so, a grievous and enraged king banishes his brother for his distasteful remarks and celebration of a tragic event.
Daemon is a rueful and spiteful sort with a blackened heart with designs for the throne. And the only way he is to secure the throne is if Viserys dies and no longer has an heir or suitable successor. The recent events put the King in a vulnerable position. Thus, he makes the tough decision to promise the throne to Rhaenyra. Of course, this is contentious, given the rules of order. And Daemon, who is bitter, presses his luck. Rhaenyra is the only one to prevent undue bloodshed and the start of what could be anarchy.
However, this is only the beginning of the King's worries as he is now pressed on every side. Pressures flow from Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) to Daemon and his advisors. But, Daemon is subdued for the moment. But the episode ends with Corlys disgruntled and Visery's betrothed to Rhaenyra 's dear friend Alicient (Emily Carey).
The new Queen gives the King what he so desires a male heir, which he names Aegon. Rhaenyra is discontent and bitter. Corlys and Daemon have allied without the King's wishes. Subsequently, they have moved to take on the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith), who sees to control the Stepstones. The pressure on the King only intensifies. Viserys is pressured to hold to tradition, name Aegon his successor, and address Daemon's and Corly's alliance. Viserys, for the moment, pledges to stay true to his original heir selection. But, before Viserys can send aid, Daemon takes the bull by the horns and goes full assault.
With the assistance of Corlys, his army, and those in allegiance, the tide turns. What seems like Dameon's death run becomes his victory. It is assured by the end of episode three. Things look ominous for Viserys.
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Given the drama that has occurred so far, there is no shortage of theories for what's ahead. But of all fan theories, three carry the most weight. The writing is on the wall; peace will flee Visery's Kingdom. Daemon will rise. And Rhaenyra's future will be shocking.
Viserys has seen his last days of peace. His current strife with his brother and Rhaenyra, who wishes to rule, is a telling omen. Rhaenyra has no interest in tradition or things required of a princess. She wants nothing more than her father to keep true to his promise. She is also very aware of the ceremony and the sentiments of many other allies to the kingdom. Aegon's birth puts a kink in her dreams. She is stubborn and not one to go down without a fight.
The question becomes whether her revolt will be an open challenge. Or will she undermine the King by other means to exercise her will and desire to secure the throne? Whether it is Dameon or Rhaenyra, both pose severe threats to Viserys. Rhaenyra, Dameon, or both could end his life.
Dameon will become a festering thorn in Viserys' side and rend the kingdom. Daemon's victory is a death knell for Viserys. He has proven himself decisive, a worthy leader, and a victor. His willingness to risk everything to aid Corlys, taking down a rising enemy and thus removing a threat, will earn him much respect and allegiance. He will revolt against Viserys as he already has an extreme disdain for his treatment at the King's hand. And Viserys' unwillingness to send reinforcements has incited him beyond reason.
It is reasonable to conclude that any love he has had for his brother is waxed cold. The chess board is set, and the pieces have been moved where Viserys is in check, making his next move critical.
Rhaenyra is a pivotal character in this series. She is Daenerys's sixth great-grandmother, so she will continue to play a significant role throughout the series. Equally apparent are the many contenders for the throne. Viserys will not last until the end of the season. He will be, at some point, dethroned. That leads us to what will happen and what role Rhaenyra will play. If one thinks about what has happened thus far, there are a few probable theories.
Targaryens are known for incestuous relationships to keep the bloodline pure. This will be a significant plot point. Rhaenyra could become betrothed to Aegon, which was suggested. However, another theory would fall more in line with the novel. According to Esquire, Rhaenyra is the mother of Viserys II, who will eventually become King. However, here is the plot twist and, for some, a major spoiler. The father of Viserys II is Daemon Targyrean. And so, both Rhaenyra and Daemon are the parents of Viserys II. So, one must make of that what they will.
House of The Dragon continues the success of its forerunner. And it is reigniting fans' love for Game of Thrones. The drama is robust. The build-up is gradual but scintillating. But, most importantly, the hook is strong. Game of Thrones has never been without its shock factors, so it's safe to assume that House of the Dragon shall follow suit.