Though many fans were initially hesitant about revisiting the world of Game of Thrones after the original series' divisive final seasons, House of The Dragon has erased all doubts from fans minds, returning to the slower pace and higher-quality writing of GoT's prime. Even with the significant recast of Rhaenyra, Alicent, and other younger characters after House of the Dragon's 10-year time jump, the popularity of HoTD has stayed soaring, especially on Twitter.Rhaenyra Targaryen has emerged as the most popular character, both the younger and older version (performed by Milly Alcock and Emma D'Arcy respectively.) Her life in King's Landing, along with all of her relationships and family drama, have provided ample fodder for funny tweets.
Team Rhaenyra Rise
Rhaenyra has a morally gray character, as have most others in House of The Dragon. Especially in her youth, she tried and tested many things which led her to lie about her actions, but the Princess already has a solid fan base that supports everything she does - either in earnest or because it makes great, dramatic television.
She grew up quickly from a child to a politicking monarch, and fans were here for it. Time will tell if Rhaenyra leans into the underhanded deals and backstabbing that seem necessary for success in Weserosi politics or if she'll find a way to do otherwise.
Two Birds, One Stone
Fans had assumed in the first 3 episodes that Rhaenyra was a sweet and innocent young lady, but she exceeded expectations with her early politics as a young Princess of Westeros.
As Alicent questioned her virtue, Rhaenyra lied smoothly about not being involved with Daemon, convinced her successfully and also managed to make her father throw out the self-serving Otto Hightower. There may be many unpopular opinions about House of The Dragon, but Rhaenyra's style is never questioned.
Rhaenyra's Awakening
Fans cheered for the Realm's Delight as she explored her sexuality as much as she could, without restrictions in episode 4 of House of The Dragon. It was very pleasant to see a woman doing so unfettered, even though it was not accepted in Westeros.
Rhaenyra accepted her sexuality that she felt was being repressed by her role as a female monarch in Westeros, though the decision resulted in serious complications at her wedding and after the show's time-jump, as rumors about her children's father have started spreading and are being used to challenge her position as heir to the throne.
Can't Feed A Dragon With Oranges
After spending a single night with Rhaenyra, Ser Criston Cole thought that she would run away with him and renounce the throne. He was, of course, sorely mistaken, and Rhaenyra made it quite clear that she did not intend to live a lowly life since she was the Crown.
It was incredibly presumptuous of Cole to think she would give up her whole legacy for a fairytale he spun for her. Fans love to laud Rhaenyra for her high-maintenance ways, even if the truth is a little less extreme.
Family Matters
It's no secret that the Valyrian Houses liked to keep things within the family. They had a tight circle, and they historically married their brothers, cousins, and uncles. The Green Wedding was a chaotic one for many reasons, including Rhaenyra marrying her cousin and some questionable dancing with her uncle.
Daemon showing up at the wedding was tense for everyone, whether it be because of their nerves about his ambitions for the throne or Rhaenyra's complex feelings for him. This bloody wedding turned out to be quite a parallel to Game of Thrones as well, though certainly not quite as extreme.
Rhaenyra The Ally
Unlike commoners, Rhaenyra could not avoid her responsibility of marrying and furthering her bloodline due to her royal status as a member of House Targaryen. So, she agreed to marry Laenor, but on her own terms.
Since Laenor is gay, she let him have his freedom while he let her have hers, in a rather modern, open arrangement much before its time. It seems to work for both of them, who are still together and operating under their agreement after the time jump.
Team Daemyra
Princess Rhaenyra was not a bad child, but she was not an easy one either. In fact, as she grew up, she became quite a handful. Her poor father was struggling to stay healthy in a toxic environment anyway, but Rhaenyra chose to develop feelings for the one man who increased Viserys' blood pressure.
The two, together, definitely made life very difficult for Viserys, who had to watch out for his daughter, his throne, and everything else in between while worrying about Daemon and Rhaenyra.
A Modern Family
Adult Rhaenyra settled in nicely into the arrangement she had made when she was younger. Following rules was never her cup of tea, and her family certainly didn't follow the expected social norms of her time or station.
She was married to her gay cousin and had her own companion in Ser Harwin. They had babies together that Laenor parented like his own. It seemed to work for everyone involved, though the rumors about her heir's lineage is already causing trouble among those that don't wish to see her take the throne.
A Loaded Question
Like Rhaenyra, her children are also extremely sharp. Jace caught on to all the strife in the castle over his parentage and, in an extremely awkward moment, asked his mother outright if Ser Harwin was his father.
In this one moment, poor Rhaenyra was genuinely stumped. She managed to bat away the question by not really answering it, but it was reminiscent of another popular HBO character.
Bring Him Along
In another funny but sweet encounter between Rhaenyra and Laenor, she graciously asked her husband to bring Ser Qarl along with him as she made the decision to move to Dragonstone.
It showed her kind and open heart and also made for a slightly comical situation. Rhaenyra was easily one of the least pedantic and most accepting women in Westeros, which was they key to her marriage working in its unique way.