House of the Dragon Star Discusses Avoiding Comparisons to Controversial Game of Thrones Character

Despite Rhaenyra’s relentless efforts to claim the Iron Throne, Emma D’Arcy does not desire to be likened to the original Dragon Queen, Daenerys Targaryen.

In the seventh episode of House of the Dragon Season 2, Rhaenyra escalates her dragonseed strategy by ruthlessly burning a group of potential riders, ultimately recruiting only two: Hugh Hammer and Ulf the White.

Viewers of House of the Dragon are questioning the Black Queen’s intentions and actions, as her drastic plan and subsequent response have raised comparisons to her ancestor, Daenerys Targaryen, and her potential descent into darkness.

According to GQ, when questioned about the comparison, D’Arcy stated, “I am resistant to the Daenerys comparison, I don’t know why, but I am.”

Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon — HBO

Rhaenyra leads the dragonseeds to their death in Season 2 Episode 7

Fans of Game of Thrones will recall the controversial ending that saw Daenerys’ descent into madness, leading to the devastation of King’s Landing and the loss of countless lives. This twist left many viewers perplexed and bewildered.

Despite being a character many fans had supported throughout the show, Daenerys’ sudden transformation into a ruthless conqueror was a disappointment to many. Similarly, Rhaenyra’s willingness to sacrifice innocent lives for her cause suggests that she may be following a similar path.

Despite D’Arcy’s hesitance to draw that correlation, their understanding of the crucial moment in the episode enables some foreshadowing.

Despite the discomfort, Rhaenyra likely felt a sense of pride and godliness as she watched the dragonseeds burn, according to those who asked.

There is something that connects to the religious aspect as well – being in close proximity to dragons and their fire feels like living out her rightful destiny. It is a way of absorbing the divine in some sense.

Despite the horrendousness of the situation, I believe she has become an emboldened fanatic and is now viewing events within a larger context. She seems to be imagining how this will be recorded in history books. However, she cannot ignore the awfulness of what is happening right in front of her.

“In the span of 300-400 years, history may remember a brief conflict and averted civil war, as well as the first ruling queen and her efforts to expand the Targaryen’s access to dragons in their arsenal.”

Discover the release date of the Season 2 finale and also explore the various filming locations of House of the Dragon.