As a weary and battle-hardened survivor of the ongoing civil war between Rhaenyra and Aegon Targaryen’s claimants, I have seen the devastating consequences that this senseless strife has brought upon the people of Westeros. Having lost my home, my family, and many dear friends to this endless conflict, I cannot help but reflect on the tragic events that led us here and the choices that shaped our present reality.
The “Dance of the Dragons” is so named due to the dragons, symbolic or real, suffering heavy losses during this series of conflicts between branches of House Targaryen. Initially starting as a family dispute between Queen Rhaenyra and her half-brother Aegon II over succession, it escalated into a full-blown war throughout the realm.
In relation to HBO’s portrayal of “House of the Dragons,” the Black family strongholds near King’s Landing, including Stokeworth, Rosby, Duskendale, and Rook’s Rest, experienced a rapid decline. The Riverlands become the focus of military and diplomatic efforts, with key players being the Tullys, Brackens, Blackwoods, Freys, and Strongs. Amidst all the turmoil surrounding Rhaenyra’s succession, it is crucial to examine “House of the Dragon” and its depiction of the Dance of the Dragons.
WARNING! Spoilers ahead!
6 “There Is No War So Hateful To The Gods As A War Between Kin…”
Season 2, Episode 3: “The Burning Mill”
- Rhaenys Targaryen
- “There Is No War So Hateful To The Gods As A War Between Kin, And No War So Bloody As A War Between Dragons.”
In the council meetings during “House of the Dragons,” the most sagacious advisor to Rhaenyra, Rhaenys, acknowledged the irony of the situation. Although she gained her husband’s allegiance for the Blacks, she also showed Rhaenyra that they were in fact uniting against their own family members at King’s Landing.
Rhaenys considered her family members, Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron, as well as Rhaenyra, to be part of her bloodline. She wisely suggested that Rhaenyra visit Alicent Hightower at King’s Landing in an attempt to negotiate peace, recognizing that the dragon war could potentially drive them both dangerously close to the brink.
5 “Is There No Honor Left In This World, Cole?”
Season 2, Episode 4: “The Red Dragon and the Gold”
- Gunthor Darklyn
- “Is There No Honor Left In This World, Cole? Sacking Your Queen’s Own Castles And Putting Her People To The Sword? Kingmaker!”
Criston Cole exits King’s Landing and proceeds to destroy smaller fortifications in the Crownlands, incorporating their soldiers into his growing army. The Darklyn stronghold in Duskendale is also ransacked by Cole’s troops, resulting in the execution of its lord, Gunthor. Criston personally decapitates Gunthor, whose eldest son, Steffon, previously served as the Commander of Rhaenyra’s Queen’s Guard.
As a dedicated follower of Rhaenyra, I, Gunthor, express my contempt for Cole’s actions by spitting on the ground. In my opinion, there’s no honor in trying to win the war by ransacking the queen’s castles and slaughtering her supporters. I firmly believe that you, Cole, don’t deserve the white cloak since Kingsguard and Lord Commanders have no personal stakes in the conflict.
4 “Rhaenyra’s Supporters Will Believe What They Wish. And So Will Aegon’s…”
Season 2, Episode 4: “The Red Dragon and the Gold”
- Alicent Hightower
- “Rhaenyra’s Supporters Will Believe What They Wish. And So Will Aegon’s. The War Will Be Fought, Many Will Die And The Victor Will Eventually Ascend The Throne. The Significance Of Viserys’ Intentions Died With Him.”
Alicent Hightower acknowledges that the dragons’ war has made the late King Viserys’ wishes obsolete. Although delusional in his dying moments, Viserys advocated for Rhaenyra’s claim, which Alicent believed referred to their son, Aegon, being named as the new ruler. Consequently, she took action based on this assumption.
Alicent no longer blindly backs her son due to her husband’s plans. Instead, she recognizes the divided kingdom between Rhaenyra and Aegon’s competing claims, and realizes that Viserys’ desires hold minimal significance in this power struggle.
3 “But To Unite The Realm, I Had To Send The Dragons To War…”
Season 2, Episode 4: “The Red Dragon and the Gold”
- Rhaenyra Targaryen
- “But To Unite The Realm, I Had To Send The Dragons To War.”
Following her coronation as queen, Rhaenyra focused on building alliances by dispatching envoys to various realms. Despite the Greens seizing the throne, she remained cautious and refrained from immediate action.
After being informed by Daemon about Lucerys Velaryon’s passing, Rhaenyra hesitated before taking action. However, she covertly made her way to King’s Landing with the intention of negotiating peace with Alicent. Alicent rejected her proposal, leading Rhaenyra to recognize the necessity of acquiring additional dragons in order to confront Aemond and his dragon Vhagar. Ultimately, Rhaenyra has come to accept that war may be the solution for securing long-term peace, and she has put her faith in the power of dragons.
2 “We Want Meat! Meat!”
The Smallfolk Chant
- Season 2, Episode 5: “Regent”
The inhabitants of King’s Landing, referred to as Smallfolk, are becoming restless due to the Sea Snake’s blockade of the Gullet. This has led to a food shortage within the city, resulting in hunger for its people. Desperate to leave but unable to do so, they are trapped inside as Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen has commanded the guarding of King’s Landing’s gates.
The House of the Dragon offers an insight into the hardships faced by the common people, or Smallfolk. Faced with homelessness and hunger, they are expected to join forces against the Greens, rallying behind Rhaenyra instead.
1 “Shall I Fight For My Birthright? Or Shall I Wait Here Until We Are All Destroyed?”
Season 2, Episode 5: “Regent”
- Rhaenyra Targaryen
As a seasoned advisor who has witnessed the tumultuous politics of the Seven Kingdoms for decades, I strongly urge caution to young Queen Rhaenyra. Her councilors’ pleas resonate with me – they are genuinely concerned for her safety and wellbeing. After all, the ongoing war is being waged in her name, and the stakes are high.
She is losing allies one after another. Cole has felled numerous strongholds in the vicinity of the capital and executed people who steadfastly upheld the Queen’s claim. After Princess Rhaenys’ death, Rhaenyra convinces her son, Jace, why she herself must make a move.
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2024-07-23 19:54