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As fans eagerly anticipate the inevitable battle between Team Green and Team Black in House of the Dragon season 2, it's imperative to recall key highlights from season 1. The ten-episode 2022 series, a prequel spinoff of the global phenomenon Game of Thrones, established the main characters and major events that laid the path for further storylines to be explored in the upcoming season.
Loosely based on parts of George R.R. Martin's novel Fire & Blood, House of the Dragon season 2 is expected to depict the conflict between Rhaenyra and Alicent's families as each fight for control over the throne. To fully understand the plot of the new season, let's take a look back at 10 important moments from the previous season.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1.
Top 10 highlights before watching House of the Dragon season 2
1) King Viserys names Rhaenyra as his heir
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The issue of succession of the Targaryen dynasty is at the forefront in the initial episodes of House of the Dragon season one. King Viserys I is initially presented with the prospect of having a male heir until his wife Aemma dies in childbirth, followed by their newly born son Baelon. The King's pain is exacerbated by the Small Council's hushed voices, urging him to think about the future and stability of the Targaryen family.
Viserys, spurred by a rift with his ambitious brother Daemon, makes a groundbreaking decision: He names Rhaenyra his heir. Now next in line to the coveted throne, Rhaenyra’s new position comes with a revelation. Viserys tells her about an ancient dragon lore handed down from Aegon the Conqueror about a threat called "a song of ice and fire." Thus begins Rhaenyra's journey to power, with secrets and danger looming over her as she prepares to become the Queen.
2) Rhaenyra and Alicent's fallout
In the new House of the Dragon season 2 and the previous one, the relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower is the core of the developing conflict. Otto, Alicent's father, plots to have her wed King Viserys, putting a wedge between the childhood friends. This change puts pressure on their relationship, fraught with aggression and love. Things turn worse when Rhaenyra lies about her affair with Daemon, angering Alicent and leading her to resent her old friend.
When Alicent gives birth to sons Aegon and Aemond, it becomes clear these boys are more legitimate for the Iron Throne than Rhaenyra or her children. Jacaerys and Lucerys suffer from rumors about the genuine identity of their father since their physical appearance does not resemble the Targaryen blood.
The tension that has always existed between Alicent and Rhaenyra comes to a breaking point when their children engage in a bloody fight that leaves Aemond severely injured and almost blind. This brutality inflames an inevitable war and paves the way for revenge and battle over the throne.
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3) Rhaenyra and Daemon
House of the Dragon's first season explored a scandalous Targaryen affair that caused controversy within the show and outside of it. Princess Rhaenyra, the heir to the Iron Throne, engages in a relationship with her uncle, Daemon, who covets the crown. While Targaryen tradition allows for dynastic marriages, their intimacy sparks controversy in King's Landing. King Viserys, torn between familial loyalty and societal expectations, banishes Daemon upon suspicion of their impropriety.
Yet, their bond persists. Daemon, a formidable player in the Westerosi power struggle, proposes marriage to Rhaenyra, a strategic move that secures her future and challenges Westerosi norms. While an unseen power struggle permeates their relationship, it cannot be denied that the two make a power couple who are a force to be reckoned with. With their wit, dragons, and ambitions, the unconventional couple are all set to face their enemies in House of the Dragon season 2.
4) Alicent misinterprets the prophecy
The show House of the Dragon carefully intertwines elements of lore and prophecy with the political intrigue of the Seven Kingdoms in its first season. Rhaenyra is chosen by King Viserys as his successor and he reveals to her the prophecy from Aegon the Conqueror about darkness coming from the North, requiring everyone in Westeros to make a stand. This revelation, based on the rooted mythos of the Targaryens and the saga of the Song of Ice and Fire, implies the doom of the White Walkers and the prophesized "Prince That Was Promised."
When Viserys is near his death, he confuses the conversation that he had with Rhaenyra over this prophecy with "Aegon." Mistaking Alicent for his daughter, he repeats the prophecy in a confused state. Alicent misinterprets this as an indication that Viserys is making their son Aegon the king-designate. This misunderstanding creates a political uproar, leading Alicent's Team Green to officially declare Aegon as a king during Rhaenyra’s presence at Dragonstone.
For Rhaenyra and her supporters, this act is regarded as a plain seizure of power. Thus, a civil war begins, and the full extent of its repercussions will be felt in House of the Dragon season 2.
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5) Aegon's illegitimate children
In the darkness of the brothels of King’s Landing, rumors of Aegon Targaryen's bastards are getting louder, increasing the tension surrounding the Iron Throne. These children kept out of the public eye symbolize a threat that if exposed, can bring the Targaryen lineage to its knees. With at least one child being confirmed to be living in the slums of Flea Bottom, their very existence serves as a time bomb.
The child may prove to become an issue for the Targaryen family, adding yet another problem in the battle for succession. It may also be used by Aegon's enemies against him, thus threatening his position in the Kingdom. With the position of the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms being violently contested, House of the Dragon season 2 promises to be full of treachery, danger, and powerplay.
6) The White Worm
Several side characters in House of the Dragon season 1 appear to be more than what they seem and simultaneously contribute to a complex web of subplots and tensions. One of them is the 'White Worm,' a commoner named Lady Mysaria.
Initially being Daemon’s mistress, Mysaria turns into a shadowy political force. When Daemon is exiled, she tries to navigate through the political arena as a scheming mastermind of King’s Landing. Her loyalty remains unclear as she is aligned with Queen Alicent and the Hightowers.
However, the season ends with her establishment being burned down by the people she thought were her allies. With her network of spies and intimate knowledge about the city's secrets, Mysaria is expected to play a significant role in House of the Dragon season 2, threatening to turn the tide of the war.
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7) The Velaryons join Team Black
In House of the Dragon, one of the main families of Westeros ruling the region of the narrow sea is the Velaryon family with Lord Corlys the Sea Snake, and his wife, Princess Rhaenys. This makes them a major power in terms of naval strength, an aspect that earns them a strategic power stake in the realm. Lord Corlys is one of the sea’s most famous adventurers and mariners, supported by his wife Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaenyra's aunt, often called the "Queen who never was."
In House of the Dragon season 2, the loyalty of the Velaryons and the resources they bring in will be instrumental in the upcoming war. Both Coryls and Rhaenys barely survive the events of the first season – the first is nearly killed by a battle wound and the second is imprisoned by Hightowers. Towards the end, they pledge loyalty to Rhaenyra's "Black" faction. With the naval power and political plays of the Velaryons, the family is sure to make a big impact in House of the Dragon season 2.
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8) Aegon's coronation
The Targaryens' love for dramatic flair is showcased masterfully in a climactic scene in House of the Dragon's first season. After King Viserys' death, Alicent and her allies do not waste much time in arranging for her son Aegon to sit on the Iron Throne and take it from Rhaenyra. As the ceremony for Aegon's coronation is held at the grand Dragonpit, Princess Rhaenys is determined to escape from the Red Keep where is being held prisoner.
With the help of one of the Cargyll twins, Rhaenys manages to escape imprisonment and plans a risky spectacle. As Aegon is crowned King and attempts to win over his citizens, Rhaenys bursts dramatically into the hall from the floor on her dragon, Meleys. Despite having the chance to kill the usurpers, she chooses to spare them in an act that leaves many fans torn. This act of mercy is sure to leave a trail of repercussions that will be seen in House of the Dragon season 2.
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9) Helaena Targaryen's predictions
One unique character in House of the Dragon is Helaena Targaryen, the daughter of Alicent and Viserys. Living a reclusive life with eccentric mannerisms, her words are often overlooked by others. However, viewers soon notice that Helaena, like her ancestor, Aegon the Conqueror, possesses the gift of prophetic vision. Her peculiar statements are full of riddles that foreshadow significant events, including Aemond's eye loss, and the upcoming war between Team Green and Team Black.
Despite her marriage to her brother, Aegon, and her role as Queen, Helaena is perceived by her family members as relatively insignificant who completely disregard her prescient abilities. This proves costly for everyone since her prophecies could have helped prevent many tragedies. Fans of the Fire & Blood book know that Helaena's function will be even more important as the series continues.
Thus, House of the Dragon Season 2 is expected to delve deeper into her character as her prophetic mutterings may hold important hints about what's to come.
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10) Aemond kills Lucerys
In House of the Dragon's climactic first season, the seeds of the war known to fans as 'Dance of the Dragons' are sown through a series of escalating tensions and tragic events. The simmering enmity between Alicent and Rhaenyra reaches a boiling point when their respective sons engage in a terrible fight.
Young Lucerys Velaryon, tasked with securing the Baratheons' support at Storm's End, finds himself face-to-face with his old rival and uncle, Aemond Targaryen. The reunion is fraught with tension, their past violence casting a long shadow.
In a stormy sky above Storm's End, Lucerys attempts to escape on his dragon, Arrax but is pursued by Aemond and the massive Vhagar. Despite Aemond's intent to intimidate, Vhagar kills Lucerys in a horrifying sequence that seals the young prince's fate. The season ends with Rhaenyra's cold, determined expression, a harbinger of the bloodshed and all-out war that is to come in House of the Dragon season 2.
Read More: How many episodes will there be in House of the Dragon season 2? Tentative release schedule explored
As fans buckle up to watch the upcoming House of the Dragon season 2, it's crucial to remember the major events from the previous season. These moments all add up to set the plot into motion, setting the stage for the events of the new season.
House of the Dragon season 2 is set to premiere on June 16, 2024, on HBO, with its eight episodes scheduled to be released weekly.
