Sunday nights are now for deciphering new clues on House of the Dragon that will surely spark debate—and our utmost curiosity—about its Game of Thrones foreshadowing. Episode seven picks up where episode six left off, showcasing the rising tensions that come with familial drama—especially as the strain between the “Greens” and the “Blacks” rear their ugly heads.
This week, we’re touching upon the ever-important topic of legacy and answering the question:
How will the newfound Targaryen legacy be impacted by the marriage of Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen?
In episode seven, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) marry, effectively binding two of the most important characters together for (likely) the remainder of the series. By giving Rhaenyra the strongest fighter in Westeros on her side, the heir to the Iron Throne now has a formidable chess piece on her side of the board. As we saw during a mildly uncomfortable consummation scene, Rhaenyra will likely bear a child to Daemon as well. And that future child will be of pure Valyrian/Targaryen blood, something that used to be tradition among Targaryens (referenced by Rhaenyra when Aegon the Conqueror married his sister-wives. This was also referenced quite a bit in Game of Thrones).
The idea of building one’s familial legacy is touched on heavily in episode seven, and what better way to accomplish that for Rhaenyra than by birthing children of pure Valyrian blood? It’s almost an expanded upon idea that was first pitched as part of the appeal for her marriage to Laenor Velaryon (Matt Macmillan), as it theoretically would’ve produced a child of pure Valyrian (not Targaryen pure) blood as well.
Side Note: Did you catch when Aegon Targaryen (Ty Tennant) mentioned he was to marry his sister Helaena Targaryen (Evie Allen)? There is certainly much inbreeding among the Targaryens!
Is Ser Laenor (Finally) Able to Live His Life?
One of the more heartbreaking scenes of episode seven begins with Ser Laenor Velaryon mourning the death of his sister Laenor (Nanna Blondell). We don’t see him much more throughout the episode—but are then treated to what appears to be his tragic death—orchestrated by Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen during a duel with his paramour, Qarl Correy (Arty Froushan). We even bear witness to his mother, Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) and father, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) mourning his demise as his corpse burns in a fireplace in The Great Hall.
However, it turns out to be a trick, orchestrated by Daemon and Rhaenyra! The trick allows them to marry while allowing Laenor (who Rhaenyra calls “a good man”) to live out the rest of his life, free from his title with Qarl.
In a weird way, this always felt like the endgame legacy for Ser Laenor, though his sexuality had never been confirmed.
What Did It Cost Aemond to Cement His Legacy by Claiming Vhagar?
So far in House of the Dragon, Aemond Targaryen (Leo Ashton) had largely been an afterthought, the younger sibling everyone loves to bully. Yet, upon claiming Vhagar, his entire personality changes, and he becomes emboldened – provoking a fight with Daemon’s daughters and Rhaenyra’s sons. That fight ultimately costs him an eye.
Even though this is a move that might put an end to any relationship/friendship between Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra—Aemond clearly has no regrets. In fact, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ilfans), says it best later on by commenting on how an eye is a small price to pay for bringing a dragon such as Vhagar to this side of the “Greens.”
Which Legacy is Viserys Most Concerned With?
When word of Aemond’s mutilation comes to light, we’re treated to an intense scene that becomes an all-out verbal war between proponents of Rhaenyra and defenders of Alicent. Despite Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) largely being a weak-minded king thus far in the series, he aggressively asserts his position as ruler and defends his daughter over his children/wife.
Contrary to what we might have expected, Viserys is hellbent on defending the heir claim that he bestowed upon Rhaenyra, even as Alicent plots behind his back to prepare her son Aegon for his eventual ascension to the Iron Throne.
Alicent’s constant conversations with the conniving Petyr Baelish clone of House of the Dragon, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) certainly suggest that Viserys might not be around for much longer. And as we already know, his death will likely trigger the Dance of the Dragons battle for the Iron Throne.
How to Watch House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones
You'll never miss a moment when you watch House of the Dragon AND Game of Thrones with Xfinity. Not only can you watch House of the Dragon every Sunday night at 9pm ET, there’s also free Game of Thrones episodes, and content extras like behind the scenes looks, cast interviews, and much more. Not to worry if you’re not a current HBO/Max subscriber as Xfinity has loads of free episodes to watch now on X1, Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity or on the Xfinity Stream app.
Free now through 10/31: Enjoy 16 episodes of the Best of Targaryen, a curated collection from the HBO Original series Game of Thrones
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