House of the Dragon has arrived, plunging viewers back into the intricate world of Westeros, centuries before the events of Game of Thrones. This new series introduces a fresh ensemble of characters, each navigating a landscape of power struggles, political maneuvering, and familial tensions within House Targaryen. For those seeking to understand the key figures driving this captivating prequel, this character guide serves as your essential companion to HBO’s saga of succession and dragonfire.
The conclusion of Game of Thrones on May 19th, 2019, marked the end of an era, leaving a void for fans craving more of Westeros’s rich lore. The world has shifted significantly since then, and amidst global changes, anticipation has built for House of the Dragon, a prequel poised to reignite the passion for this universe.
But what exactly is House of the Dragon, and why should both devoted fans and newcomers alike be excited? This series delves into a pivotal chapter of Targaryen history, promising a deeper exploration of the dynasty that once ruled Westeros with dragonfire and political prowess. Prepare to be enthralled by a story rich in intrigue, ambition, and the majestic presence of dragons.
As we journey through this new chapter, I will be providing weekly recaps and reviews immediately following each episode. Stay connected through my blog, Twitter, and Facebook to share your thoughts and reactions as House of the Dragon unfolds.
Adding to the excitement, George R.R. Martin himself has shared his enthusiasm for the series, stating on his blog:
“I’ve seen all ten episodes now (albeit in rough cuts), and I love what I’ve seen. Ryan and Miguel and their amazing cast and crew have done some magnificent work. Hot D is all I hoped it would be; dark, powerful, visceral, disturbing, stunning to look at, peopled with complex and very human characters brought to life by some truly amazing actors.”
The Story and Setting of House of the Dragon
George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series draws inspiration from historical events, notably the War of the Roses in English history. This period of conflict saw powerful houses vying for the English throne, mirroring the Targaryen’s own struggles for power in Westeros.
The Plantagenet dynasty, a lineage of English kings starting with Henry II, serves as a key inspiration for the Targaryen dynasty. Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion of Westeros echoes William the Conqueror’s Norman conquest of England, which dramatically reshaped England’s society, politics, and language. The Targaryens embody a fusion of these historical influences, blending the Norman conquerors with the long-ruling Plantagenet dynasty.
House of the Dragon specifically focuses on the reign of House Targaryen and a critical point of succession. The series begins at the end of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen’s peaceful and prosperous rule, which ends without a clear male heir. Unlike many succession crises, the transition to his grandson, Viserys I Targaryen, was initially smooth.
King Viserys I, quite different from his namesake in Game of Thrones, continues to rule peacefully. However, the narrative of House of the Dragon quickly reveals his struggle to produce a male heir, setting the stage for the “Dance of the Dragons,” a brutal civil war erupting after his death. This conflict is triggered by competing claims to the Iron Throne.
This succession issue resonates with the historical predicament of Henry I of England, whose only male heir tragically died in the White Ship disaster, leaving the succession uncertain. The ensuing period, known as the Anarchy, plunged England into civil war between supporters of Henry’s nephew, Stephen of Blois, and his daughter, Empress Matilda.
Similarly, House of the Dragon, often compared to HBO’s Succession in its themes of power and family strife, centers on the succession dispute between Viserys’s daughter, Rhaenyra, and her half-brother, Aegon.
This historical backdrop and the intricate Targaryen family history are detailed in Martin’s fictional historical work, Fire & Blood. However, while the book spans 300 years of Targaryen history, House of the Dragon concentrates on a narrower, but intensely critical period.
This focused scope distinguishes House of the Dragon from the broader epic canvas of Game of Thrones. The prequel emphasizes courtly intrigue, betrayals, and political machinations within a powerful dynasty facing internal crisis. This approach harks back to Cersei Lannister’s warning to Eddard Stark in Game of Thrones: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.”
Furthermore, House of the Dragon is set in an era where dragons are still numerous. Though not in the vast numbers of ancient Valyria or of immense size, viewers can expect to see around twenty dragons, ridden by Targaryens, adding a spectacular dimension absent in much of Game of Thrones.
The timeline of House of the Dragon is set approximately 200 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s birth, covering a significant period and likely incorporating time jumps, unlike the more compressed timeline initially planned for Game of Thrones.
Meet the Key Characters of House of the Dragon
Similar to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon presents a sprawling cast of characters – lords, ladies, kings, queens, knights, and schemers. While a comprehensive character guide is in development, here’s an introduction to the central figures at the outset of House of the Dragon:
King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine)
King Viserys I Targaryen is portrayed by Paddy Considine. Unlike the arrogant Viserys from Game of Thrones, Viserys I is a benevolent and kind-hearted ruler. His primary weakness is his aversion to conflict, making him a king better suited for peaceful times. He is known for his good nature, easygoing demeanor, and complacency.
Though a good man at heart, Viserys lacks the ruthlessness often associated with his lineage. He is married to Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke), and their struggle to produce a male heir is a central plot point. Their daughter, Rhaenyra, is fifteen years old at the beginning of the series.
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)
Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith, is the fiery younger brother of King Viserys and, initially, the heir presumptive to the Iron Throne. In Westeros, as in many medieval societies, male heirs typically take precedence in succession, making the absence of a male heir for Viserys a critical issue.
Daemon commands the City Watch of King’s Landing, the Gold Cloaks, who are fiercely loyal to him. He is depicted as a rogue, independent, and self-assured, contrasting sharply with his brother’s more passive nature. Daemon is also known to be impulsive and dangerous.
He rides Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm, a formidable red dragon as aggressive and formidable as Daemon himself.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy / Milly Alcock)
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is portrayed by Milly Alcock as a younger princess and Emma D’Arcy as the older version, indicating the series will span a significant period. As King Viserys’s only child, Rhaenyra is frustrated by the limitations placed upon her as a woman in the royal court. She is intelligent, compassionate, and brave, sharing the boldness of her uncle Daemon, though initially less experienced.
Rhaenyra rides Syrax, a golden dragon nearly as large as Caraxes but not as battle-hardened, reflecting her own journey of growth and power.
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke / Emily Carey)
Alicent Hightower is played by Emily Carey in her youth and Olivia Cooke as an adult. Daughter of Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, Alicent is Princess Rhaenyra’s closest friend. Her character is pivotal to the unfolding events of House of the Dragon, particularly in the Dance of the Dragons.
Her role and decisions significantly impact the Targaryen dynasty’s fate, making her a central figure in the conflicts to come.
Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans)
Otto Hightower, portrayed by Rhys Ifans, serves as the Hand of the King and is Alicent’s father. He is a seasoned politician, embodying the cunning and strategic thinking required in the game of thrones, a stark contrast to the more honorable but less politically adept Eddard Stark.
Otto is a powerful figure in the Seven Kingdoms, using his position to influence the realm. He and Daemon Targaryen share a mutual distrust, adding to the brewing tensions within the court.
Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best)
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, played by Eve Best, holds the title of “The Queen Who Never Was.” During the succession crisis under King Jaehaerys I, Rhaenys, as the daughter of Jaehaerys’s eldest son, Aemon, was passed over in favor of Viserys, the son of Jaehaerys’s younger son, Baelon. Despite having a strong claim and support, the realm favored a male heir.
Rhaenys remains a significant figure in court, married to Corlys Velaryon, the wealthiest man in Westeros and Master of Ships. She is a dragon rider, soaring on Meleys, the Red Queen.
Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint)
Corlys Velaryon, portrayed by Steve Toussaint, is the Lord of House Velaryon, which rules Driftmark and is sworn to Dragonstone. Like the Targaryens, House Velaryon is of Valyrian descent, sharing distinctive features like white hair and purple eyes. Lord Corlys is the wealthiest man in Westeros, husband to Rhaenys, and father to their children. He is driven by ambition, often grounded in practicality and reason.
Known as the Lord of the Tides, Corlys is a master mariner and one of the most influential and powerful lords in Westeros.
The Showrunners Crafting the Dragon’s Tale
A significant factor contributing to the anticipation for House of the Dragon is the experienced team of showrunners at its helm. While numerous individuals contribute to a series of this magnitude, the showrunners are pivotal in shaping the narrative and guiding the creative direction.
Ryan J. Condal
Ryan J. Condal was personally selected by George R.R. Martin to co-showrun House of the Dragon. Their collaboration began after they met in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where Martin resides, leading to a strong working relationship. Condal’s deep knowledge of Martin’s world and writing impressed the author.
Martin, determined to bring the Targaryen history to screen, found in Condal a kindred spirit. “hand-picked” by Martin, Condal shared Martin’s vision for the project. “George was frustrated because this was the story he really wanted to tell,” Condal explained to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I wasn’t ready to give up on it,” Martin added. “And I liked Ryan’s writing and he really knew my world well — which was a big thing.” Condal’s previous work includes the show Colony, and he is a long-time fan of Game of Thrones.
Miguel Sapochnik
Miguel Sapochnik, Condal’s co-showrunner, initially hesitated to return to the world of Westeros. Sapochnik directed some of Game of Thrones‘ most acclaimed episodes, including “Hardhome,” “Battle of the Bastards,” and “The Winds of Winter,” earning him awards and recognition for his directorial skill, particularly in large-scale battles. Despite his success, he was initially reluctant to revisit the franchise.
“Miguel said, ‘I’m never doing Thrones again,’” Condal recounted to THR. However, his friendship with Condal persuaded him to join the project. Sapochnik focused on directing key episodes, including the premiere, as well as episodes 6 and 7, while Condal took the lead on writing.
The combined experience of Condal and Sapochnik, both seasoned television producers with writing and directing backgrounds and a deep understanding of Martin’s universe, positions them as ideal stewards for House of the Dragon. Unlike the showrunners of early Game of Thrones, who were relatively new to such large-scale productions, Condal and Sapochnik bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record within the fantasy genre. HBO’s confidence in their leadership was evident in the series being greenlit straight to production without requiring a pilot episode.
Watch the House of the Dragon Trailer
Get a glimpse into the world of House of the Dragon with the official trailer, and tune in every Sunday night at 9pm ET on HBO to witness the unfolding drama.
Explore More House of the Dragon Content
For further reading and viewing, explore my articles and videos on House of the Dragon:
My House Of The Dragon Writing (So Far)
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My House Of The Dragon Videos (So Far)
House Of The Dragon Isn’t Woke (Commentary)
Stay updated with all my House of the Dragon coverage by following my Forbes blog and connect on Twitter and Facebook for reviews, analyses, and discussions. Video content is also available on my YouTube channel. My past Game of Thrones reviews are accessible here.
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