House of Dragons

Alicent and Rhaenyra's strained relationship hit an impasse in last week's episode, when one of Rhaenyra's second-born son Aemond cut out the eye of Alicent's ...

In the House of the Dragon era, the members of the High Council who have yet to take sides as of episode 7 include Grand Maester Mellos, Master of Ships Ser Tyland Lannister (which is a less powerful house at the moment), and Master of Coin Lord Lyman Beesbury. So Rhaenyra has the support (and dragons) of the second most powerful family in Westeros on her side. On the side of the Blacks, we have Rhaenyra and her new husband Daemon. Baela and Rhaena's grandparents Corlys and Rhaena also appear to be on the Blacks side, with Corlys wanting to maintain the legacy of his house. Aside from Alicent's branch of the family tree, we have her allies, including her father, Ser Otto Hightower, who is newly reinstated as Hand of the King, and Ser Criston Cole, who's now her sworn sword and never got over getting dumped by Rhaenyra a literal decade ago. Their side of the succession battle supports Aegon as the true heir, since he's the king's firstborn son and many lords of Westeros expected Viserys to name him as heir as early as his second birthday. The king seems to be Switzerland in this whole thing, not taking the title away from Rhaenyra but also not disciplining Alicent when she goes off the rails in episode 7 (of course, since the succession battle hinges on him dying, it doesn't matter as much what side Viserys is on). [time jump](https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/tv-shows/house-of-the-dragon-timeline/) (opens in new tab)), it's now the eve of the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra was wearing a black and red dress at the time, thus her side becomes known as the Blacks. Her grand entrance signaled the shift in her alliances, from being the perfect wife and stepmother dressed in the Targaryen colors of black and red, to focusing more on her own self-interests and wearing her Hightower family color of green. As for where the name of the Blacks comes from, black is one of the traditional House Targaryen colors, from their sigil having a red dragon on a black background. For viewers who can't list off the colors of the noble houses of Westeros (i.e.

Who rides Seasmoke after Laenor in 'House of the Dragon'? Laenor fakes his death, but he has to leave his beloved dragon behind.

And in the Dance of the Dragons, Targaryens fight against each other on their dragons. Watch House of the Dragon on Sundays at 9 p.m. In the show, he fakes his own death. [Laenor](https://www.distractify.com/p/is-laenor-alive) faked his death in [House of the Dragon](https://www.distractify.com/t/house-of-the-dragon), it was a shock to noth book and TV fans. In the Fire & Blood book, Seasmoke does move on with a new rider more than 10 years after Laenor's actual death. But now that we know he's not dead and is instead alive on the other side of the world, what happens to his dragon, [Seasmoke](https://www.distractify.com/p/which-dragons-are-in-house-of-the-dragon)?

House of the Dragon is full of powerful and influential figures, but the series is highlighting how Daemon may be the most pivotal Targaryen.

[Rhaenyra needs his experience to help her win](https://www.cbr.com/house-of-the-dragon-daemon-rhaenyra-targaryen-marriage-hbo/) the Dance of the Dragons, and his presence on her team is essential to ensuring her victory. House Targaryen is falling to pieces, yet Rhaenyra and Daemon are hellbent on restoring the unity of their House and removing the warring factions. [war is coming to House Targaryen](https://www.cbr.com/house-of-the-dragon-civil-war-fire-hbo/). [ Alicent and her allies](https://www.cbr.com/house-of-the-dragon-criston-cole-karma-hbo/) by herself and needs Daemon by her side to face the challenges ahead. One of the reasons he wanted to marry Rhaenyra originally was so that he could keep House Targaryen strong. He won the war for the Stepstones -- almost out of spite -- and continued to fight for his family and the people he loved.

Who are the blacks? Characters and dragons backing Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon. Rhaenyra Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne by her father King ...

Alicent Hightower is the second wife of King Viserys after his first wife Aemma died in childbirth. Rhaenyra Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne by her father King Viserys in House of the Dragon Episode 1. Team Rhaenyra and Team Alicent in Game of Thrones show

House of the Dragon star John Macmillan, who plays Laenor, breaks down a crucial scene between his character and Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra in episode 7.

[Vulture](https://www.vulture.com/article/house-of-the-dragon-laenor-escape-john-macmillan-interview.html), Laenor actor John Macmillan breaks down the House of the Dragon episode 7 scene between his character and Rhaenyra. Alicent is clearly committed to undermining Rhaenyra's place as heir to the Iron Throne and the discovery of their Laenor plot could be a significant blow. [Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon's latest episode](https://screenrant.com/house-dragon-episode-7-rhaenyra-daemon-viewer-reactions/) is followed by the character's apparent death. [Game of Thrones was known for its brutality](https://screenrant.com/game-thrones-daenerys-kings-landing-reason-why-explained/) and twists and House of the Dragon season 1 has delivered plenty of both so far, with episode 7 being a standout. But then he says, 'Ser Qarl’s returning to the fighting in the Stepstones, but I’m not going to go.' He’s foregoing the two avenues of his life that are extremely important to him: (a) a chance to return to the battlefield and (b) a chance to do it with Qarl, who was the first meaningful relationship he’d had since Joffrey. [House of the Dragon](https://screenrant.com/tag/house-of-the-dragon/) star John Macmillan breaks down a key scene in episode 7 between his character, Laenor, and Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra.

Fans would recall that one scene from HBO's House of the Dragon where Aegon II Targaryen was caught by his mother, Alicent Hightower, playing with himself ...

Set two hundred years before the events in Game of Thrones, Indeed, that window has seen a lot of things throughout the years that followed. He was horrified at the thought of betrayal and the murder of his wife, the newly crowned Queen Margaery Tyrell. Rhaenyra proves to be more deserving of the Iron Throne, not only because she has been named as heir but also demonstrates an eagerness to claim the crown. This already served as a hint as to what will happen to the young prince once King Viserys I Targaryen draws his last breath. While this scene seemed unnecessary, as mentioned by fans, it showed Aegon at the height of his teenage years and what his future interests will be.

Rhaenyra Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne by her father King Viserys in House of the Dragon Episode 1. The lords of Westeros bent the knee to her, ...

Alicent Hightower is the second wife of King Viserys after his first wife Aemma died in childbirth. Rhaenyra Targaryen was named heir to the Iron Throne by her father King Viserys in House of the Dragon Episode 1. Team Rhaenyra and Team Alicent in Game of Thrones show

Lady Laena Velaryon was the eldest child and only daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. She is portrayed by Nova Foueillis-Mosé, ...

The wig is reminiscent of the one that Emilia Clarke sported in the original Game of Thrones, and looks the more convincing and better-groomed compared to others in the series. Rhaenys Targaryen is played by Eva Best, and her character is the wife of Lord Corlys. [played by Matt Smith](https://movieweb.com/matt-smith-reveals-reason-for-joining-hbo-house-of-the-dragon-cast/), and he is often referred to as the "Rogue Prince," with a less predictable nature to other members of his family. He sports a platinum loc wig, which is styled in the half-up-half-down style of the Targaryens, and he makes it look great. She has an intense and gruesome scene in the opening episode of House of the Dragon, and ultimately meets a brutal ending that effectively kick-starts the beginning of the end for the Targaryen dynasty. While bringing us back to familiar geographic and thematic territory, House of the Dragon significantly introduces new characters and depicts the beginning of the end of [House Targaryen's family tree](https://movieweb.com/house-of-the-dragon-targaryen-family-tree/).

Not even royal spouses are safe in Westeros. Let's dive into what happened to Laenor Valeryon in the most recent episode of House of the Dragon.

At the end of "Driftmark," after Laenor's untimely death at the hands of Ser Qarl Correy, couple, as Ser Otto Hightower put it in "King of the Narrow Sea." In "Driftmark," the two finally see one another after almost a decade apart and quickly pick up their relationship where it left off, sneaking off to a remote corner of the beach to... Later in the episode, he apologizes to Rhaenyra and promises to recommit himself to their marriage, but it is too little, too late for the Princess. Though, the legitimacy of their three heirs is the subject of much dissent in the Kingdom. In the war for the Stepstones archipelago that took place over the first few episodes of

Daemon Targaryen has been the best source of humor and drama this season, and people LOVE it.

"House of the Dragon" co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal is extending his relationship with HBO and has renewed his overall deal, Variety has confirmed.

He also penned the film “Neo Earth” for Netflix and wrote “Highlander” for Chad Stahelski, which is set up at Lionsgate. The years we’ve spent collaborating with him on ‘House of the Dragon’ have affirmed our desire to expand our partnership with him now and in years to come,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films. After opening to the largest audience for a new original series in HBO history in August, the “Game of Thrones” prequel series, which is now averaging 29 million viewers per episode in the U.S., has been renewed for a second season, with Condal to continue as showrunner. He has a magnificent ability to tell stories, build worlds, and shape character, as well as deep passion and respect for George R.R. Martin for believing in me and to HBO for placing their trust in me. For Season 2, Condal was elevated to sole showrunner.

EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Condal succeeded where others failed — out of half-dozen or so writers who took a stab at co-creating a Game Of Thrones prequel with author ...

I’m thrilled to be partnering with HBO to tell the next chapter in the Targaryen saga, and I’m hoping that it’s just one of many to come.” Martin for believing in me and to HBO for placing their trust in me. “The years we’ve spent collaborating with him on House of the Dragon have affirmed our desire to expand our partnership with him now and in years to come.” After a big launch, the fantasy drama [was quickly renewed for a second season](https://deadline.com/2022/08/house-of-the-dragon-renewed-season-2-by-hbo-1235100967/), and now HBO also has renewed Condal’s overall deal. Martin’s universe,” said Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. [Ryan Condal](https://deadline.com/tag/ryan-condal/) succeeded where others failed — out of half-dozen or so writers who took a stab at co-creating a Game Of Thrones prequel with author George R.R.

"House of the Dragon" co-creator, writer, executive producer and showrunner Ryan Condal has extended his overall deal with HBO.

21 premiere, “House of the Dragon” garnered the largest audience for a new original series in all of HBO history. The years we’ve spent collaborating with him on ‘House of the Dragon’ have affirmed our desire to expand our partnership with him now and in years to come.” The series is now averaging 29 million viewers per episode in the U.S. Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films, added, “Ryan Condal is a singular talent. “House of the Dragon” co-creator, writer, executive producer and showrunner Ryan Condal has extended his overall deal with HBO. Martin for believing in me and to HBO for placing their trust in me.

Queen Aemma Targaryen is Viserys' first wife, and mother of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Before she married into the royal family, she was Aemma Arryn, making her a ...

King Viserys may be the central character of House of the Dragon's first season, but the star character is Rhaenyra Targaryen. (In [episode 3](/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-episode-3-recap-daemon-targaryens-big-bloody-day/), Hand of the King Otto Hightower suggested King Viserys wed Rhaenyra to Prince Aegon.) In [episode 7](/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-episode-7-recap-kings-landing-has-a-new-power-couple/), Daemon marries Rhaenyra without the king's knowledge. Following the death of Baelor, who only lived for around 10 hours in episode 1, Viserys declared Rhaenyra the rightful heir to the throne. Though her death was a natural consequence of childbirth in the Fire and Blood book, in House of the Dragon Rhaenyra is the only surviving child of King Viserys and Queen Aemma Targaryen. Though the Lannisters were known for their riches in Game of Thrones, in this era it's Lord Corlys' House Velaryon that's the most cashed up in Westeros. [episode 4 of House of the Dragon](/culture/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-episode-4-recap-daemon-returns-to-kings-landing/), we see Daemon Targaryen make out his his niece, Rhaenyra, and ask King Viserys to allow him to marry her. Arguably the biggest star going into House of the Dragons is Matt Smith, who plays Daemon Targaryen. Often referred to as Aegon the Conqueror, Aegon was the first king of Westeros. He's the grandson of Jaehaerys Targaryen, and was the winner of the contest that determined Jaehaerys' successor. "King Viserys I Targaryen was not the strongest-willed of kings, it must be said; always amiable and anxious to please, he relied greatly on the counsel of the men around him, and did as they bade more often than not." (The clue is actually in the name.) As it turns out, there are a lot of Targaryens, and -- surprise -- they don't all like each other.

House of Dragon actor, 14-year-old Leo Ashton, reveals all about playing young Aemond Targaryan in the hit prequel to Game of Thrones.

Really I have trained all my life for it and I think my confidence went but it came back and the next day I gave it my all.” And while he has plenty of support from friends and family, his parents do try to keep their son’s feet firmly on the ground. I was actually still at my old school when I started this job and all my schools have been supportive of what I do. It was top secret but I later found out what the show was and by Googling I worked out that I was auditioning for the role of Aemond. In order to fulfil filming commitments, Ashton has been home educated, something he first experienced in the pandemic. “Filming the dragon scenes was actually harder than I had expected and really technical,” Ashton admits. And the attention to deal, like the carvings in the wall and the paintings blow your mind.’ “Acting is all about reacting before you do or say something and it was hard to remember all the reactions when hanging in the air. And they are all nice, down to earth people.” It was about six auditions in total and my agent eventually called to tell me the good news.” Martin, the series is set about 200 years before the events of GoT portraying the beginning of the end of The 14-year-old said: “At the first audition, I didn’t know what I was auditioning for and I did it in a Chorley accent.

House of Dragon actor, 14-year-old Leo Ashton, reveals all about playing young Aemond Targaryan in the hit prequel to Game of Thrones.

Really I have trained all my life for it and I think my confidence went but it came back and the next day I gave it my all.” And while he has plenty of support from friends and family, his parents do try to keep their son’s feet firmly on the ground. I was actually still at my old school when I started this job and all my schools have been supportive of what I do. It was top secret but I later found out what the show was and by Googling I worked out that I was auditioning for the role of Aemond. “Filming the dragon scenes was actually harder than I had expected and really technical,” Ashton admits. And the attention to deal, like the carvings in the wall and the paintings blow your mind.’

One of the most remarkable outdoor locations that everyone can see in real life is Dragonstone Castle — an islet on the coast of the Bay of Biscay in Spain.

It is probably the most photographed and painted location in Cornwall. The island is connected to the Spanish mainland by a zig-zagging man-made bridge. The outdoor sets are filmed across a number of locations in Europe, including England, Croatia, Spain, Malta, and Iceland. The world returns to the brutal world of Westeros (basically romanticized medieval England with dragons). Many of the recurring indoor stage sets were filmed in Paint Hall studios in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones has returned to screen with the new prequel series, House of The Dragon.

io9 has your first look at the upcoming release all about the creation of HBO's hit Game of Thrones spinoff.

[is awesome](https://gizmodo.com/house-of-the-dragon-premiere-recap-game-of-thrones-1849435926). As a result, you might find yourself wondering, “How did they do it?” How did the team behind the show [reach that golden standard](https://gizmodo.com/house-of-the-dragon-recap-episode-6-princess-and-queen-1849577940) Game of Thrones created all those years ago? Fast forward to today, though, and [House of the Dragon has not just erased](https://gizmodo.com/everything-we-know-about-house-of-the-dragon-1847808778) any doubt, it’s burned it to the ground as if from the mouth of a dragon.

A sword expert has shared his praises for House of the Dragon episode 1, calling its depiction of jousting second only to A Knight's Tale.

Premiering in August, the first episode of HBO’s [Game of Thrones](https://screenrant.com/tag/game-of-thrones/) prequel introduced a host of new characters and [contenders for the Iron Throne](https://screenrant.com/house-dragon-rhaenyra-daemon-deserve-iron-throne/). Still, HBO undoubtedly helped to set the tone for its new show and heightened audience expectations in episode 1 with a carefully choreographed jousting scene that proved to be as exciting as any battle depicted in Game of Thrones. Paying particular homage to Daemon’s first contest against Gwayne Hightower, Easton described the scene as, “The best jousting I have seen in anything, [except for A Knight’s Tale](https://screenrant.com/heath-ledger-knights-tale-behind-scenes-set-photos/).” Check out his full comments below: While Martin’s work is grounded in pure fantasy, the author has admitted to finding a great deal of inspiration from the history of the English monarchy. [IGN](https://youtu.be/WkxKZQL0R6E?t=417), sword expert Matt Easton shared his praise for House of the Dragon’s jousting scene in episode 1. [House of the Dragon’s](https://screenrant.com/tag/house-of-the-dragon/) jousting scene in episode 1.

Viserys' daughter and heir Rhaenyra Targaryen wants to inherit the Iron Throne. His wife Alicent is dead set against it. Both of them have gathered their ...

He showed restraint in “Driftmark” when Alicent asked him to bring her one of Lucerys Velaryon’s eyes, and he read the room and decided that would be seen as excessive. [Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels](https://www.amazon.com/b/?rh=i:instant-video,n:2858778011&ie=UTF8&filterId=OFFER_FILTER=SUBSCRIPTIONS&node=2858778011&ref_=assoc_tag_ph_1465430649312&_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=pf4&tag=fs-livedrops1-20&linkId=90b2815fb79ba0e403137c68e139db16%E2%80%9D) Rhaenyra rejected Criston’s advances over 10 years ago at this point, and the guy still isn’t remotely over it. He also brings his two children with Laena Velaryon into the marriage: Baela and Rhaena. Otto Hightower was impressed with his daughter’s homicidal outburst on Driftmark and seems to be taking her opinion more seriously now. To that end, she’s married Daemon Targaryen, probably the most experienced highborn warrior in the Seven Kingdoms. Viserys’ daughter and heir Rhaenyra Targaryen wants to inherit the Iron Throne. Rhaenyra isn’t quite at war with Alicent Hightower yet, but the incident at Laena’s funeral drove them so far apart that no marriage offers will set things right. Both of them have gathered their followers and are digging in for war. Let’s check in with them, starting with the only man still pushing for peace: Two rival branches of the Targaryen dynasty are now vying for the future of the realm, and bloodshed seems unavoidable. The lines in the sand have been drawn.

The threat of war looms on multiple fronts as we march toward the season finale.

Martin insist there’s an abundance of material yet to cover, and they plan on continuing the series for a total of three to four power-hungry, family-destroying seasons. Hold on to your timepieces as we prepare for a final leap into the future, with the Episode 8 preview suggesting several years have passed. Civil conflict is a foregone conclusion at this point. During the tense discussion that follows, Queen Alicent takes retribution into her own hands by swiping her husband’s dagger and attacking Rhaenyra, shocking the crowd. Here’s everything you need to know as conflict looms on the horizon. Insults were hurled, and Aemond ended up losing an eye.

Is there another succession battle brewing? Is Rhaenyra losing valuable allies? Will any of it matter if the next episode is as dimly lit as the last one?

Who will fill in the cracks that are starting to form as the power structure crumbles? We’re getting tired of asking, “Is he done for real this time?” so we’re skipping that question, though it’s safe to assume we’re always wondering. After “Driftmark” put the “fun” in “funeral” we’re jumping forward in time once again for the next chapter in the saga of who will win the right to cut themselves to pieces on the Iron Throne.

House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal and Aemond actor Leo Ashton discussed the character's turn to villainy in the latest episode.

But the foundation of that portrayal will be due to Ashton's sympathetic, then complicated, performance as the character - a rare and notable feat for such a young actor. [House of the Dragon](https://gamerant.com/tag/house-of-the-dragon/)'s seventh episode was a rollercoaster of emotions. The character has a pivotal role to play in the Dance of the Dragons yet, and he will surely be a character fans love to hate. Aemond's turn speaks to some of the greater themes of the franchise. Earlier scenes in the episode depicted Aemond in a positive light; he protected his sister Helaena (Evie Allen), attempted to comfort Jace over his father's Discussing the events leading up to Aemond's bonding with Vhagar, Condal said, "We really did want to dramatize the claiming of a dragon.

Every Friday, Ringer staffers who haven't read any of the 'Game of Thrones' books gather to answer one key question ahead of Sunday's 'House of the Dragon' ...

If anything, this course of action is a compliment to Rhaenyra: She seems to value intangible attachments other than power—like love, the pursuit of pleasure, and the bonds she shares with her kids. Clearly those two have been up to no good for years, and have poisoned the minds of many. Maybe a couple of roasted marshmallows and a bottle of red? So the best way for Viserys to avoid civil war is to go back in time, reject the crown, and let Rhaenys become queen. Have her abdicate the future throne so she can enjoy a charming life full of romance and self-determination in the Free Cities, which Daemon now knows like the back of his hand. Unfortunately, we may have passed the point when Rhaenyra is willing to negotiate, and Alicent never really was in the first place. There’s a reason nuclear weapons are the provenance of national governments, and not, for example, the head of state’s cousin’s granddaughter (or the head of state’s brother’s daughter, or the head of state’s daughter’s stepdaughter, or however we’d like to describe the unholy multitude of ties leading to Baela and Moondancer). It’s clear our king is at his wit’s end trying to navigate the ongoing cold (now extremely hot) war between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra, and I’m sure any avenue that would have those two talking it out instead of threatening children’s eyes and coming at each other with Valyrian-steel daggers would be a welcome change. [Khal Davenport](https://www.theringer.com/authors/khal-davenport): Would I be able to [turn back time](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n3A_-HRFfc)? At the end of the day, this ship’s on course to Civil War Island, and Viserys looks like a king with few real shipmates to help him get this vessel back on the right track. And unlike a nuke, which will placidly obey whoever has access to the button, a dragon takes orders from only its rider. But since some of The Ringer’s staff have yet to read any of Martin’s novels, we decided to create this weekly precap for those of you who remain blissfully unaware of what’s about to happen next.