Princess Rhaenyra
The historic Civil Battle of Accession known as the dragon dance, which nearly wiped out the Targaryens and rendered them defenseless is well known to devoted Game of Thrones bibliophiles and viewers. The dance is complex, treacherous, and filled with friendships, infidelities, and bloodshed, much like the rest of George RR Martin’s mythology.
One of the most pivotal moments in the annals of Westerosi, this conflict forever changed the course of the kingdom. House of the Dragon offers non-readers a great opportunity to learn more about the conflict that toppled a monarchy.
So, that being said, here are some facts that all GOT fans should know about the infamous Dance of the Dragons.
1. Stark never changed sides
The Stark family honor has been a source of jokes among fans. Ned and Robb fight for the position of worst Stark because of their naivety and madness, while Jon’s many bad decisions have led to several disasters, like his own martyrdom. Nevertheless, the housekeeper is the most common character in the series, so it is impossible for viewers to hate them.
The Starks kept their word and showed their allegiance to Rhaenyra throughout the dance, as expected. The extent of their involvement in House of the Dragons has not been revealed, and they may not emerge until later seasons, though they were instrumental in Rhaenyra’s efforts to protect the North and Riverlands.
2. Fight for Dragon Seeds
Fans of the books know that almost every household in Westeros had a penchant for extramarital affairs and produced a number of ugly, bastard offspring. At a crucial point in the dance, Rhaenyra gave money and honors to any man able to subdue the six flying beasts residing in Dragonstone; those who succeeded were known as Dragonseeds.
Like the rest of Game of Thrones’ growing cast of protagonists, a few of these dragonseeds are likely to grow up to take on important roles in House of the Dragons. Stories like this are compelling and tumultuous, much like the realm of Westeros.
3. Rhaenyra sat on the Iron Throne
Even if the majority of Westeros doesn’t realize or chooses to ignore the fact, Rhaenyra Targaryen is, in fact, that Rhaenyra had time with the Iron Throne. She and her consort plunged into King’s Landing riding their firebeasts and quickly overran the kingdom after her consort tricked their enemies into fleeing.
The commoners despised Rhaenyra and her brief and sad reign. Due to the Blood and Cheese incident and her subsequent violent conquest of the city, she became the antagonist of the plot. Fans can’t wait to see how Emma D’Arcy handles the complexities of her character’s journey in House of the Dragon.
4. Blood and Cheese
Fans of “Game of Thrones” probably wouldn’t want to go to Westeros or any other place in the show’s fictional world. The show’s notoriety as one of television’s cruelest, however, was earned by the presence of multiple unlikable personalities.
Blood and Cheese, two of the series’ most forgotten and despised characters, will make an appearance in House of the Dragon. In retaliation for the murder of Rhaenyra’s child by Aegon’s siblings, these two men murdered the king’s granddaughter in the presence of her mother. It was a game-changing event for the saga as it turned the battle into an all-out war.
5. Everyone has chosen sides
As the battle progressed, several of Westeros’ greatest households pledged their loyalty from green to black. Following an agreement with the princess’s father, the Starks sided with her. After Queen Aemma’s disappearance, Ser Tyland Lannister quickly took a stand against the princess, arguing that the promises given back then were no longer genuine since they had been sworn so long ago. Daemon Targaryen, whom Rhaenyra had married, was widely regarded by Hightower and many as the rightful successor to the Iron Throne.
6. Rhaenyra had support from the start
King Viserys I married Aemma Arryn and later gave birth to three children, but only Princess Rhaenyra did so. Her father adored her and groomed her to take over the kingdom. Princess Rhaenyra’s formal education in politics and royal affairs began when she was little, and she occasionally attended audiences. Because of this, many aristocrats from rival families began to support her as she grew into a young woman and a potential heir to the Iron Throne.
7. It was considered preferable to have a male heir
Aegon II’s reign was short-lived – around six months – after he sacrificed Rhaenyra to his expiring beast Sunfyre. Aegon III, the child of Rhaenyra, was crowned king after a period of civil unrest, but since he was so young he was forced to live under the control of a guardian for many decades. The longer-term impact would be seen in the Targaryen family’s new preference for male children over female children.
