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. While House of the Dragon is set 172 years BEFORE Game of Thrones, the connections are endless as it tells us so much about the House of Targaryen’s origin story.
Each week, we’ll be answering all your burning questions on how House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones are connected. The first big question we're exploring? Will we see the White Walkers in House of the Dragon? The White Walkers played a huge role in the Game of Thrones mythology. . . so here’s what we know so far . . .
Who are the White Walkers from Game of Thrones?
Arguably the primary antagonists featured on Game of Thrones, the White Walkers were an ancient race of humanoid ice creatures (formerly human) coming from Beyond the Wall, far north of Westeros. Featured prominently, fans watched as they marched north during eight seasons on Game of Thrones. Their ultimate goal? The death of every living creature in existence and creating an endless winter— with dead beings reanimated to serve them as “wights.”
What happened to the White Walkers on Game of Thrones?
Night King, the leader of the White Walkers, had a plan that ultimately fell short after he was killed by Arya Stark at the Battle of Winterfell. This resulted in the immediate annihilation of the White Walker’s and their reanimated army of the dead, ending the Great War prematurely.
Are White Walkers a part of House of the Dragon?
In the premiere episode of House of the Dragon, a reference to this future, was made. King Viserys Targaryen informs his daughter Rhaenyra of a prophecy that has been passed from Targaryen ruler to ruler. The first Targaryen monarch of Westeros had a dream (known as the “Song of Ice and Fire,” a reference to the original books by George R.R. Martin) in which he saw what we know as the Great War from Game of Thrones, the long winter being brought upon Westeros by the White Walkers.
How Did the Prophecy Passed to Targaryen Rulers Begin?
The prophecy came from Aegon the Conqueror, the first Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and the King on the Iron Throne, who founded the ruling Targaryen dynasty. King Viserys tells Rhaenyra that Westero men must stand together against the common enemy, should they have a hope of defeating the White Walkers, but that a Targaryen specifically must be on the Iron Throne to ensure victory.
Was Daenarys Targaryen on the Iron Thone When The Great War Ended?
As Game of Thrones fans recall, Daenarys Targaryen wasn’t, in fact, on the Iron Throne when the Great War ended, which complicates the prophecy as we know it. To refresh your memory: Cersei Lannister was on the throne instead. Furthermore, while Daenarys ended up taking the Iron Throne by force, she was killed before she could sit upon it, by Jon Snow. Snow, arguably the main protagonist of the original show, was actually named Aegon Targaryen, by his mother Lyanna Stark. Lyanna had secretly betrothed Rhaegar Targaryen in a union that largely led to the events of Game of Thrones, preceded directly by Robert’s Rebellion.
Will Aegon the Conqueror’s Prophecy about the Great War and the Song of Ice and Fire Be Featured in House of the Dragon?
Possibly, but it seems incredibly unlikely that White Walkers themselves are featured in the show as they were largely thought to be creatures of legend— and nothing more—in the events of Game of Thrones taking place 172 years later. To feature them in House of the Dragon would create some big plot holes for the original show.
Would it Be a Surprise to See or Hear References to Aegon’s Prophecy as House of the Dragon Continues?
No, as the prophecy itself seems to be an important element of knowledge passed down from Targaryen ruler to ruler, and thus should play out in the impending conflict that we can see brewing between new heir Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle, Daemon Targaryen.
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Here’s the rundown:
- Free now through 9/5: Watch the complete first season of the hit HBO Original series Game of Thrones
- Free now through 10/31: Enjoy 16 episodes of the Best of Targaryen, a curated collection from the HBO Original series Game of Thrones
- COMING SOON: 9/6 – 9/10: Mark your calendars for the House of the Dragon Free Preview Event and watch the first three episodes free.
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