The first season of House of the Dragon built the backstory of the Targaryen family and set the stage for the Targaryen Civil War. Aegon the Conqueror was the first to unite the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and conquer them all. He placed himself on the throne which he established himself. Over the 10 episodes of House of the Dragon, the show explored much of Westeros including King’s Landing, Dragonstone, Driftmark and Storm’s End. In the last episode, when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the blacks begin to prepare for the Dance of the Dragons, they talk about a hotly contested area which is the Riverlands. The Blacks had to take control of this area before the Greens. So let’s explore why.
The Riverlands were mentioned during House of the Dragon
The Painted Table seen in episode 10 of House of the Dragon
The latest episode of House of the Dragon showed us the Blacks led by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen planning their next move. Rhaenyra, Daemon and the rest of their followers stood around the Painted Table in Dragonstone and plotted for the Dance of the Dragons. The painted board displays the entirety of Westeros, and black people have used certain objects to mark their territories. This is when Prince Daemon Targaryen spoke of conquering the Riverlands and their importance during the Dance of the Dragons. In fact, while Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sent messengers to the other regions, Daemon Targaryen himself took it upon himself to conquer the Riverlands. Given the fact that Daemon never does anything without a reason, the question is why he thinks the Riverlands are so important. After all, Daemon Targaryen has a keen sense of politics and a military spirit.
Why are the Riverlands important to the Dance of the Dragons?
Riverlands on Westeros map
The Riverlands are essentially the central region of Westeros. This central position makes the Riverlands extremely viable. The Riverlands provide easy access to the rest of the continent of Westeros and give the conqueror an advantageous position for further attacks. Additionally, the lack of borders in the Riverlands makes it an ideal location for battles. In fact, in the history of Westeros, the Riverlands has been the most common battleground over the years. Another key importance of this region is the fact that it has rich and fertile soil which greatly benefits the people who occupy it.
Naturally, the place gets its name from the fact that a number of rivers flow through it. These rivers are also of great importance to the Kingdom as they help transport goods. The Riverlands also have great hardened warriors who often take part in these battles. This area is occupied by the Tully house mainly with the Blackwood house, the Bracken house and especially the Strong house.
What role will they play in the Targaryen Civil War?
Daemon Targaryen will leave for the Riverlands to prepare for the Dance of the Dragons in House of the Dragon
The Riverlands due to its importance will be an important battleground during the Dance of the Dragons in House of the Dragon season 2. Blacks and Greens will fight tooth and nail for control of the territory. Most of the Lords of the Riverlands supported the cause of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Blacks. As we mentioned before, Prince Daemon Targaryen will personally go to conquer the Riverlands. In fact, he will center his attack around Harrenhal. He would lead the assault on Harrenhal and emerge victorious on several occasions.
Assault on Harrenhal during the Dance of the Dragons
In retaliation, the Green Prince Aemond Targaryen will set fire to much of the Riverlands with his dragon Vhagar. However, Daemon will soon defeat Aemond Targaryen in the Battle in God’s Eye. At the end of the Dance of the Dragons, Borros Baratheon, a fiery member of the Green faction would lose devastatingly to the Blacks and cede control of the Riverlands to none other than Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon’s eldest son, Aegon III Targaryen .
