The most recent episode of House of the Dragon season 2, titled “Smallfolk,”followed a similar pattern to the previous episode, “Regent,”by focusing less on action and more on building up to a dramatic finale.
Despite being based on George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, a history of House Targaryen, the ongoing conflict between the Greens and the Blacks has only intensified. However, there are slight differences in the portrayal of the story between the two mediums.
Book vs Series Comparison
Triarchy and the Blockade of the Gullet and Blackwater Bay
The final episode of this season sees a conflict that was instigated by Regent Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) in the previous episode.
Aemond suggested that the Greens align themselves with the Triarchy, a coalition of the independent cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh. In Season 1, Daemon and Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) successfully defeated and took control of the Triarchy.
This alliance is only achieved in the book through the cunning plans of Lord Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). It is expected that Season 2 will end with the Battle of the Gullet, where the Triarchy fleets launch an assault on Gay Abandon, the vessel carrying Rhaenyra’s sons. However, there is also a possibility of a Battle at the Red Fork.
Is Mysaria an Important Character?
In the book, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) may be considered a minor character, but in the show, she holds much more significance. While her kiss with Rhaenyra is also present, she plays a more prominent role in the drama and serves as a crucial player for the Blacks. The Rhaenyra depicted in the book displays a stark contrast, exhibiting a more hot-headed and impulsive nature.
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Seasmoke and Addam of Hull
Prince Jacaerys extends an invitation to those with Targaryen or Velaryon ancestry, known as Dragonseeds, to attempt riding the riderless dragons in the book.
In the book, Seasmoke gains a new rider, Addam of Hull, who also rides in the show. However, in the show’s episode, Seasmoke specifically seeks out Addam after sensing the Velaryon blood of Corlys in him, while in the book, Addam simply tries his luck and succeeds in becoming Seasmoke’s rider.
Daemon Targaryen at Harrenhal
Prior to this incident, Daemon and Rhaenyra had an aversion to each other’s names, but now they openly acknowledge and address their conflicts.
At the start of the episode, they both courageously reveal their greatest fear: that their partner is scheming against them. “Could it be Rhaenyra herself?”Daemon inquires of Ser Simon Strong.
It is absurd to me that Daemon accused Ser Simon and Rhaenyra of mind control, yet he did not mention Alys, despite having consumed a magical potion from her.
Despite what is stated in the book about Daemon’s apparent immunity to Alys’s charms, it bewilders me that he chooses to confide in her instead of being cautious. As I continue to watch, I fear that the show may portray Alys as Daemon’s supposed lover rather than Aemond, as has been depicted thus far.
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2. 5 Fun Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed Out On
Aegon and Larys Strong’s Alliance
After the events at Rook’s Rest, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) is left with serious injuries that may never fully recover, making him an improbable adversary.
Despite being born with a twisted foot, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) shares wise words about how society may underestimate him and how, with a fully functioning mind, he can use his disability to his advantage.
In the future, Larys Strong and Aegon II Targaryen will continue to be strong allies as their alliance begins to form. As Rhaenyra takes the Iron Throne, Larys will help Aegon escape from King’s Landing. And when Rhaenyra passes away, he will once again support Aegon in reclaiming his position at the top.
Hugh the Hammer’s selfishness
Despite his introduction in Season 2, Hugh the Hammer (Kieran Bew) is a character who faces conflict as his family struggles with a shortage of provisions. When Rhaenyra brings supplies to King’s Landing, he acts selfishly and attacks another smallholder, stealing their goods.
Despite frequently utilizing this quality, Hugh ultimately betrays Rhaenyra and the Dragonriders of Vermithor during the first battle of Tumbleton, following her capture of King’s Landing.
According to the book, he boasts of possessing the most powerful dragon in the seven kingdoms and possesses a single-minded desire for the Iron Throne after the death of Vhagar.
Alyn of Hull’s Velaryon hair
Alyn of Hull’s connection with Corlys Velaryon has been subtly alluded to in the initial episodes of the second season. The most significant indication of their relationship was revealed in Episode 6.
In an effort to conceal his Velaryon heritage from his fellow shipmates, Alyn was seen shaving his hair. There is speculation that Alyn is the illegitimate child of Corlys Velaryon, and he is eventually legitimized as a Velaryon by Rhaenyra.
Sheepstealer
During her time in Vale, Rhaena Targaryen comes across evidence of a colossal dragon and burnt lambs, with the dragon in question being Sheepstealer. In the books, Nettles, a female character, is the rider of this dragon.
In the screen adaptation, Nettles has been incorporated into Rhaena’s character, making her another dragon rider who assists Rhaenyra in her quest to claim the Iron Throne.
Triarchy and Gullet
Following his removal from the role of Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) has been noticeably absent from the last few episodes. In the upcoming episode, Aemond proposes that the Triarchy should intervene in the ongoing siege at Gullet.
This foreshadowed the events that would unfold at the Battle of Gullet, where Otto Hightower would turn to the Triarchy to break the Gullet Blockade and rejoin the war after King’s Landing had fallen.
3. About House Of The Dragon
The prequel series to HBO’s hit show Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, is based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood.
House of the Dragon takes place three hundred years prior to Game of Thrones and depicts the Targaryen family’s reign over Westeros before the extinction of dragons. The series will chronicle the Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war between siblings Aegon II and Rhaenyra, as they fought for the throne following the passing of their father, Viserys I.
The show, directed by Ryan Condall and Miguel Sapochnik, showcases a star-studded cast including Paddy Considine as Viserys I Targaryen, Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Craney as Aegon II Targaryen, Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon, Eve Best as Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Fabien Frankel as Criston Cole, and Graham McTavish.
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