-How was Lohar different in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8? Book vs. series differences explored

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8, the season finale, premiered on August 4, 2024, on HBO and Max.

The viewers get introduced to Shakaro Lohar in Season 2, Episode 8 of House of the Dragon, who deviates heavily from the source material in George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. It doesn't just gender-swap the character but also incorporates elements different from the source characters to make the series adaptation of the character truly unique.

Admiral Lohar in House of the Dragon is played by Abigail Thorn. Abigail is known for working both as an actress and a YouTuber, particularly through the channel Philosophy Tube. She also starred in such TV series as Django and The Acolyte.

Let's have a look at the alterations made to Lohars character in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8.

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Shakaro Lohar's gender swap in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8

In the book, Shakaro Lohar is a male admiral who leads the fleet of the Triarchy during the Battle of the Gullet; this has been remade for television as a female character portrayed by Abigail Thorn. Of course, this adds a new dynamic to Lohar's interactions, particularly in her negotiations with Tyland Lannister.

In the entire House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8, Shakaro Lohar has been portrayed as a powerful woman in what is originally a male-dominated role, thereby affecting her character presence and interactions throughout the episode.

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Character background and role in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8

Shakaro Lohar in Fire & Blood is a Lysene admiral commanding a fleet of ninety warships. That is all the book has about this character; the series has however deepened the character by borrowing from Racallio Ryndoon, a captain-general from Tyrosh famed for his antics.

From this character, the show depicts Lohar as a woman dressing herself as a man with multiple wives. This hence adds to the overall complexity of Lohar's role, commensurate with the series' tendency to extend and increase the role of characters beyond what is found in the book counterparts.

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Tyland Lannister's interaction with her in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8

In House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8, Shakaro Lohar undergoes a number of trials and interactions with Tyland Lannister, from playful mockery to physical combat.

Abigail Thorn as Admiral Lohar (Image via HBO)

This interaction, in addition to underscoring the imposing Lohar, is also imbued with an added layer of strategic negotiation not quite so foregrounded in the book. The light, playful, and confrontational nature of their interaction served to increase tension and the stakes around the impending Battle of the Gullet.

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Future implications in House of the Dragon series

Shakaro Lohar's characterization evolves over the course of the series, which will definitely affect major plot developments in Season 3 of the show. Originally, she remained integral to the plot as the admiral of the Triarchy and eventually captured Prince Viserys, which is depicted in the book.

But the TV series adaptation might bring out many aspects of her character in a new light, especially how she will impact the bigger conflict at large and the House Targaryen legacy.

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Overall, House of the Dragon season 2 episode 8 gives major plot twists regarding Shakaro Lohar compared with what was written about her in Fire & Blood. The gender swap and character blending take new views regarding Lohar, setting the stage for some really interesting developments moving into the next season.