House of the Dragon: What Was That Antler Creature In The Godswood?

House of the Dragon: What Was That Antler Creature In The Godswood?

As a dedicated fan who’s spent countless hours poring over every nook and cranny of Westeros and Essos, I find the appearance of the Green Men in House of the Dragon to be a delightful surprise! The show has done an excellent job of weaving in references and nods to its predecessor, but without overdoing it. The introduction of these mystical beings adds a layer of depth to the world-building that I absolutely adore.


In essence, the series House of the Dragon tends to shy away from delving deeply into the mystical elements that are prevalent in its original source material, much like its predecessor Game of Thrones. While the latter occasionally dabbled in magic and sorcery, it was more inclined to explore other aspects. In terms of the unusual lore of Westeros, apart from a supposed prophecy, House of the Dragon seldom touches on these strange and wondrous elements. However, there was an exception when Daemon’s character encountered some odd lore during his stay at Harrenhal. As Daemon prepares to watch a memorable scene from Game of Thrones, he encounters an unusual figure with large antlers in the godswood.

In simpler terms, “House of the Dragon” is a story that unfolds 100 years before the events of “Game of Thrones.” Despite being connected, the creators have skillfully minimized numerous references and callbacks to keep it fresh. Characters in this new series are ancestors of beloved characters from the past, but their connection isn’t always at the forefront. So far, Daemon’s strange final hallucination in Harrenhal’s sacred grove is the most direct link to “Game of Thrones.”

What are the Green Men?

House of the Dragon: What Was That Antler Creature In The Godswood?

That tall fellow with the antlers is a member of a group called the Green Men. The Green Men are mysterious figures who sprouted up in the Dawn Age. When the original human settlers crossed the land bridge from Essos into Westeros, they encountered a few indigenous humanoid species. The small Children of the Forest and the massive giants hated the way the First Men treated their natural environment. When humanity burned a field of heart trees, sacred weirwood trees with carved faces that the Children worshiped as gods, they sparked a war with the locals. The First Men and the Children of the Forest fought for thousands of years. While the humans were physically superior to the Children of the Forest and technologically beyond the giants, the locals had access to mystical powers that allowed them to fend off their invaders. They could commune with beasts, see the future, and even command the ocean like a weapon. After generations of needless bloodshed, the wiser voices in both groups prevailed. Finally, the war came to an end with a legendary pact.

In a tranquil setting by the God’s Eye lake, an alliance was formed between Humans and the Forest Dwellers on the Isle of Faces. The indigenous community, outnumbered by the arriving humans, surrendered most of Westeros, choosing to reside deep within the forest. In return, they allowed the First Men control over everything else. To protect their sacred groves, the First Men pledged to preserve the trees. This compromise was symbolized by carving faces into every tree on the Isle of Faces, making it a holy site. The humans also vowed to establish the Green Guardians, tasked with protecting this sanctuary. When the Andals came and tried to conquer, they found the Green Guardians too powerful, possibly due to their magical abilities or knowledge gained from the locals. Some legends suggest that the Green Guardians hide surviving Forest Dwellers on the island, and that they have green-tinted skin and antler-like adornments, but others claim these are simply part of their costumes. What is certain is their unwavering dedication to safeguarding the heart trees.

Why does one appear to Daemon Targaryen?

In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Daemon Targaryen is frequently tormented by hallucinations within Harrenhal Castle, situated in the Riverlands. His purpose there is to rally an army, but his efforts are unsuccessful for a prolonged period. A teenage savior rescues him from a fire and revives his mission. The castle’s sorceress, Alys Rivers, frequently meddles in Daemon’s life, often acting as a supportive figure who encourages him to confront his disturbing dreams and daytime illusions. Over time, these experiences cause Daemon to lose interest in his desire to seize the throne. A brief dream conversation with his deceased brother, King Viserys, eventually helps Daemon understand that the crown may not be as attractive as it appears. The decisive moment comes when Alys summons Daemon to the godswood within the castle, a sacred place for worshippers of the ancient forest deities. The godswood features a prominent heart tree. Harrenhal is located near the God’s Eye coastline, just a few miles north of the Isle of Faces, where visitors are scarce but could theoretically reach the mainland. Before Daemon experiences his final dream sequence, which includes snippets from “Game of Thrones,” he catches a glimpse of a Green Man slipping away. This mysterious figure might be an emissary of the three-eyed crow or a protector of that tree.

Could more Green Men appear in House of the Dragon?

House of the Dragon: What Was That Antler Creature In The Godswood?

In the additional scenes from House of the Dragon’s original material, there’s a possibility that the mysterious Green Men could be consulted by Addam Velaryon, formerly known as Addam of Hull. Known for his unwavering integrity and selflessness, Addam is a man who finds himself in possession of dragon power without even trying. Instead of using this newfound might for personal gain, he vows to do what he believes is right. Loyal, indifferent to power, and eager to serve the greater good, Addam embarks on a journey to the Isle of Faces to seek wisdom from the Green Men. The specifics of their conversation remain unknown, but it’s suggested that Addam may not require their guidance due to his strong moral compass. A fitting quote for this character is: “I do not serve power; power serves me.” This encapsulates Addam’s attitude perfectly.

1. Through tireless devotion, I’ve bled sweat for the Velaryon household. Despite my humble origins, I possess a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to service. If the heavens beckon me towards loftier destinations, who am I to turn them down?

In a subtle manner, House of the Dragon has subtly introduced a significant aspect of the lore. Daemon’s vision carries potential ramifications that could significantly impact upcoming episodes. The Green Men, a seemingly minor aspect of the franchise, may hold greater importance in older tales. They are largely forgotten in history, but the concept of human wizards guarding sacred woods is intriguing enough to warrant further exploration.

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2024-08-11 00:33