Times Where Dragons Changed The Course Of Events In HotD

Highlights

Dragons play a crucial role in the war for the throne, with key deaths and power shifts happening in Season 2.
Family rivalries, dragon battles, and strategic moves shape the storyline, leading to shocking and pivotal moments.
Powerful dragonriders take center stage, changing the course of the Targaryen dynasty.

As a seasoned chronicler of the Seven Kingdoms, I have witnessed many tales of valor and treachery unfold before my very eyes. Yet none compare to the saga of Chase Criston Cole, a man whose actions have led to both the rise and fall of kings.

In its second season, “House of the Dragon” – a prequel to the highly acclaimed HBO show “Game of Thrones” – unfolds further tales about the Targaryen dynasty. By this point in the series, the events involving the Targaryens had progressed significantly beyond what we saw during the timeline of “Game of Thrones.”

In the initial ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, dragons were largely extinct, resulting in minimal dragon-related events. Contrastingly, in the prequel series, dragons were more prevalent across Westeros. Notably, most principal characters are Dragonriders, which means that dragons have ample chances to influence the storyline, particularly during the struggle for the throne.

Contains spoilers for House of the Dragon, Season 2!

1 Laena Valaryon Dies A Dragonrider’s Death

Sets Up Daemon & Rhaenyra’s Marriage & Prompted Aemond To Snatch Vhagar

Season 1, Episode 6: “The Princess And The Queen”

During a startling turn of events in the series, Laena Velaryon, wedded to Daemon Targaryen, was experiencing difficulties during the delivery of their firstborn son. The maester delivered the grim news to Daemon: he could only rescue one – either his child, who would be his heir, or his cherished wife. This heart-wrenching choice had once been faced by Viserys, Daemon’s brother and king, many years earlier.

Instead, Lady Laena chose not to let others decide her fate. Instead, she sought a dragonrider’s honorable death. Ordering her ancient dragon, Vhagar, to burn her with fire was her command. This act left Daemon and the spectators in disbelief. This selfless act was significant as it led Prince Aemond to claim Vhagar, an event that would later have far-reaching consequences.

2 Vhagar Starting The War

Vhagar Killing Lucerys & Arrax Started The War For The Crown

Season 1, Episode 10: “The Black Queen”

In their youth, Prince Aemond and Prince Lucerys nurtured a rivalry that culminated in a fight where Aemond lost an eye at Lucerys’ hands. Queen Rhaenyra dispatched her son, Luke, to garner support for her claim to the throne, but Aemond, riding his dragon Vhagar, pursued, creating further tension.

Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, dwarfed Luke’s dragon, Arrax. In a fateful encounter, Vhagar swallowed both dragon and rider without mercy, leaving the young prince no chance of survival. The loss of her son proved to be the breaking point for Rhaenyra, compelling her to declare an open conflict against her own family.

3 Moondancer And Baela Chase Criston Cole

Led To The Truth Of Aegon’s Claim To The Throne

Times Where Dragons Changed The Course Of Events In HotD

Season 2, Episode 3: “The Burning Mill”

Knight Ser Criston Cole and his troops devised a strategy to capture Harrenhal. Meanwhile, Lady Baela, accompanied by her dragon, Moondancer, was patrolling when she spotted them in a thrilling encounter. In this scene, Cole and his soldiers came dangerously close to the fury of the dragon, narrowly escaping as they darted beneath the protective cover of a forest.

1. If they had been mere seconds further apart, they would have encountered Moondancer’s fire. In a report to her queen, Rhaenrya’s advisors suggest employing dragons in warfare, but she insists on pursuing peace. Alternatively, Rhaenyra decides to secretly enter King’s Landing with the intention of negotiating peace with Alicent Hightower. It is during this visit that Alicent realizes her son’s claim to the throne had been incorrectly associated with the tale of Aegon the Conqueror.

4 Vhagar Takes Out Two Dragons

Led To The Death Of Rhaenys & The Injury Of The King

Season 2, Episode 4 “The Red Dragon And The Gold”

On another occasion, Aemond demonstrated his merciless nature, this time with his dragon Vhagar. During the skirmish at Rook’s Rest, Ser Criston Cole and his troops were pushing forward. Rhaenys, riding Meleys, lent her support to the defenders by unleashing dragonfire. However, King Aegon chose not to remain idle in this conflict, taking to the skies on Sunfyre to assist Ser Criston.

Initially, the two dragons were equally powerful, but the situation changed when Aemond and Vhagar entered the scene. They unleashed flames upon both dragons. Seizing the moment, Aemond chose to eliminate his brother, whom he believed was unsuited for rule. Tragically, Vhagar ended the lives of Meleys and Rhaenys and inflicted severe wounds on Aegon and his dragon. This violent act allowed Aemond to assume the role of regent while his brother recuperated, all under the veil of undetected deceit.

5 New Riders For The Blacks

Rhaenyra And Her Army Are Strengthened With Three More Dragons, Outnumbering Her Enemy

Season 2, Episode 7 “The Red Sowing”

At the conclusion of Season 2, Rhaenyra understands that she requires additional riders for dragons yet unclaimed. In defiance of some family members’ wishes, she broadcasts an invitation encouraging those carrying Targaryen lineage to travel to Dragonstone, where they may endeavor to form a connection with one of the beasts.

Although numerous lives were lost, the endeavor proved successful, resulting in the capture of two dragons and Seasmoke, who was previously owned by Addam Velaryon. This expansion of his retinue to include three more members did not escape Aemond’s notice as the episode concluded.

2024-08-02 03:03