The 2011 show Game of Thrones not only set the bar for fantasy and drama shows, but was so successful that HBO Max created a prequel series set 200 years before the original show’s storyline. The 10-episode prequel House of the Dragon first premiered in August 2022 to great success. Now, a second season of the series is set to come out on June 16 on HBO Max.
House of the Dragon’s plot follows the civil war within House Targaryen, more notably known as the Dance of the Dragons. Much like its successor, GOT, the new story will be adapted from the original books of George R.R. Martin‘s Fire & Blood. The new cast is made of some familiar faces like Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, and Matt Smith, and new faces including Milly Alcock, Emily Carey, and Ewan Mitchell.
Let’s refresh your memory on what happened last season on House of the Dragon. We’ll also give our predictions on what might unfold in the new season airing later this week.
Season 1 Highlights
(SPOILERS BELOW!)
In the first season, we are introduced to two best friends of different royal houses: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey). The teenagers are connected through their interests in literature and being part of the realm. The friendship doesn’t last when Rhaenyra’s father and ‘Lord of the Seven Kigdoms’, Viserys I Targaryen shortly marries Rhaenyra’s best friend, Alicent after the loss of his first wife and Rhanyra’s mother Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) during childbirth. Alicent was swayed by her own father, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) (AKA the ‘Hand of the King’), who plays a role by manipulating Alicent to marry the King for his own selfish reasons.
Gradually, the closeness between Rhaenyra and Alicent diminshes after Alicent’s marriage to King Viserys. Two time-jumps occur in just season 1 of House of the Dragon, but within those time jumps, we are given a glimpse into their friendship collapsing entirely. Now, as grown women, the tension between Rhaenyra and Alicent is evident amongst the public. The duo’s issues with each other bleed into their children’s perception of one another. Because of this, the ex-bestfriends’ children also do not get along. This results in a prevalent divide between two houses that both reside and carry power within Westeros: Team Black and Team Green. Tension worsens between both houses after the death of King Viserys I, especially when the decision of the rightful heir to the throne arises between Princess Rhaenyra (Viserys I decision) or Viserys’s first born son, Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney).
Team Black is made of Princess Rhaenyra, two of her children, Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collet) and Prince ‘Luke’ Lucerys (Elliot Grihault). Her uncle and husband Prince Daemon Targaryen along with her aunt Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), and more.
Team Green includes Queen Alicent Hightower along with her three children, Aegon II Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen, and Helaena Targaryen. Alicent’s father, Ser Otto Hightower and her loyal Kingsguard Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Within both of these ‘teams’ are also fire-breathing dragons that are used during times of battle.
During last season’s finale, two princes of both teams, arrive at Lord Borros Baratheon’s (Roger Evans) castle to deliver a message; Prince Luke and Prince Aemond, on behalf of their mother, ask of Lord Baratheon’s loyalty and defense if a war arises between the houses. After Prince Luke leaves Lord Baratheon’s castle, he is then hunted and chased by Prince Aegon and his dragon Vhagar. This stems from the history between the two princes during childhood, which resulted in Aegon permanently losing his eye after a physical fight. Toward the end of the chase, Vhagar kills and eats both Prince Luke and his dragon Arrax. After this major loss, it’s hinted a civil war is on the horizon between Team Black and Team Green.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Predictions
There are more major losses to be expected in the new season of House of the Dragon. After the last few minutes of the first season’s finale, Rhaneyra’s reaction to hearing the news of the loss of her son is full of despair and rage. It’s hinted that Rhaneyra will retaliate in the name of vengeance for her son’s death.
In the official trailer for season 2, a small clip is shown of a conversation between Rhaneryra and her husband Daemond. She asks him whether he sees her fit as the rightful heir and queen to the throne, but Daemond responds with hesitation. With Daemond’s anti-hero persona, it’s fair to assume that Rhaneryra and Daemond will concoct a plan together to strike Team Green. We can only assume a power struggle will ensue between the couple. In the same official trailer, Alicent and her daughter Helaena are seen running for safety as destruction and chaos surrounds them. After Prince Luke’s demise, we can only assume his older brother, Prince Jacaerys will also hold a big place in the war in venegence for his brother.
As anticipation for House of the Dragon season 2 increases, fans are divided between Team Black and Team Green.
What team are you on? Let us know in the comments below.
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