The article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon. The article also contains TV clips that show graphic depiction of violence.With one episode left of House of the Dragon before wrapping up season 1, the last few events illustrated the ramifications that triggered the Dance of the Dragons. Whether Viserys' poor decision-making or Otto Hightower's scheming, the HBO prequel was always destined to lead up to this tragic event, which will continue to become the focus with a season 2 already renewed.
Although most of the story was established in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood, the books only described the historical aspects of the Targaryen family, which allowed some creativity to fill in the gaps. Hence, the show threw fans off with elaborate plot twists and shocking moments that altered the trajectory of the entire series.
The Song Of Ice And Fire
Despite already making a strong case for its standalone nature, the first episode of House of the Dragon ended with a surprising conversation between King Viserys I and his daughter that connects the series to its predecessor. After declaring that he will name Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne, Viserys shares a secret prophecy known only to the ruling Targaryens, a dream by Aegon the Conqueror known as "A Song of Ice and Fire."
Fans who believed that House of the Dragon would have little to do with the events of Game of Thrones were surely taken aback by the proclamation, which alludes to the Marching North and the events in the final seasons of the original series. Not only is "A Song of Ice and Fire" the official name of George R.R. Martin's series of books, but it is now the in-universe term for the events of the original series as well.
Daemon Wins The War
After flagrantly disobeying his brother by starting a war in the Stepstones, Prince Daemon Targaryen appears to be on the verge of total defeat in House of the Dragon's "Second of His Name." However, after receiving word that Viserys will aid the war effort, Daemon takes things into his own hands, winning the war before his brother's troops arrived.
Daemon began his final attack with what would now be considered a war crime, flying a white flag before tricking his enemy into a trap. His actions were unexpected and shocking, leading to a new dynamic between himself and his brother and proving that he did not need Visery's help after all.
Rhaenyra Sleeps With Criston Cole
Princess Rhaenyra experiences somewhat of a sexual awakening in the early episodes of House of the Dragon, exploring her attraction to several men, including her sworn protector, Ser Criston Cole. After being spurned by her uncle, Rhaenyra lures Ser Criston into her bed at the end of "King of the Narrow Sea."
While not totally unexpected, given the two character's clear attraction to one another, this moment altered the course of the series forever, as Ser Criston would develop a seething hatred for Rhaenyra after she refused to pursue their relationship any further. This twist of fate that brought them together would also tear apart the uneasy peace that had resided in the Targaryen family for years.
Daemon Murders His Wife
Despite his fan-favorite status, Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen is truly an unsavory character who audiences should not trust. Perhaps the best indication comes at the beginning of the show's "We Light the Way" when he brutally murders his wife, whom he had avoided for years.
The episode begins with a relatively normal morning wherein Daemon's wife, Lady Rhea Royce, is introduced for the very first time. Mere moments later, she finds herself strewn on the ground beneath her horse, with her husband standing over her. Daemon ruthlessly finishes the job, freeing himself to take another bride with whom he finds more enjoyment.
A Red Wedding Of Sorts
The Game of Thrones franchise is known for its memorable weddings, which usually end in horrific bloodshed. House of the Dragon continues this tradition with Rhaenyra's marriage to Laenor Velaryon in "We Light the Way." During the ceremony, Queen Alicent Hightower silently announces her disapproval of Rhaenyra's cover dealings, and Ser Criston Cole snaps, killing a fellow knight in cold blood.
Though decidedly less bloody than the Red Wedding, this wedding ceremony is certainly a toned-down version of the infamous Game of Thrones event. As various plotlines present their next steps, Ser Criston's violent turn punctuates the hopelessness of this endeavor, as the audience knows that only trouble will ever come of Rhaenyra and Laenor's arrangement.
Larys Strong Kills His Family
Larys Strong quickly established himself as one of the least trustworthy characters on House of the Dragon upon his introduction, advising Queen Alicent but clearly holding back a more sinister motive. His true colors show when he tricks the Queen into ordering the death of his father and brother.
In one fateful night, the club-footed second-born son of Lyonel Strong was the new lord of his house, throwing his lot in with the Queen in the upcoming conflict. The character quickly became known as the new "Littlefinger" among Game of Thrones fans, who are interested to see what atrocities he may commit next.
Aemond Loses An Eye, But Gains A Dragon
After the major time jumps in the second half of the season, Rhaenyra's and Allicent's children begin to play a major role in the plot, especially in the final act of "Driftmark." After stealing the late Lady Laena's dragon, Prince Aemond gets into a heated scuffle with his nephews and cousins, which ends with him losing an eye.
This moment of pure brutality on the part of children signaled to the audience that these characters, though young, were already affected beyond repair by the tension in their family. Though more bloodshed is temporarily averted, this scene portends greater violence on the part of these characters, who will play major roles in the upcoming Targaryen civil war.
Laenor Fakes His Death
Prince Laenor certainly couldn't catch a break with all the pressures he had to endure in his failed marriage with Rhaenyra, and this complicated matters with the parentage of their children. To continue in the plot designed by George R.R. Martin's original novella, he is seemingly killed at the end of "Driftmark," only for the closing moments to reveal that he had faked his death.
This is truly a brilliant moment of subverting audiences' expectations, as the writers found a clever way to write Laenor off of the series without predictably playing into Martin's prescribed history. Though the audience is given a glimmer of hope in previous scenes, they are left wondering if Laenor truly died until the episode's very final moments.
Daemon Kills Vaemond
After losing out on his bid to the Driftmark throne, Lord Vaemond Velaryon lashes out at his brother's ascribed successor, who he deems to be illegitimate. He publicly accuses Princess Rhaenyra and her family of illegitimacy, leading Prince Daemon to cleave his head in half with a sword from behind.
While many viewers might have suspected that Vaemond's declaration would result in his execution, few would have expected his end to come so soon. His gruesome and shocking death further extenuate Daemon's more unsavory characteristics, as he is more than willing to kill a former ally from behind over an offense.
Rhaenys Attacks The Coronation
Lady Rhaenys is very much proving to be one of the most compelling characters in House of the Dragon, especially following her action in the season's penultimate episode. During Aegon's coronation ceremony, Rhaenys bursts into the hall on dragonback, causing intense death and destruction as she steals the show from the future king.
Though Rhaenys may come to regret this action in later episodes, it is certainly a moment that audiences will never forget. Her entrance is spectacular and unexpected, as she takes a moment to prove to the entire royal family that she could seize their power if she truly wanted to before flying away into the far-off sky.