The House of the Dragon Season 1 finale brought some major drama to Westeros, as the Seven Kingdoms prepared for a convoluted war known as “Dance of the Dragons.”
Luckily enough, King Viserys I Targaryen died after seeing his family reunited and at peace. If only he knew what would happen surrounding the succession of the Iron Throne that Viserys had hoped would go to his daughter, Rhaenyra. Here are some details you might have missed in yesterday’s episode. As always, only read this explainer if you have already watched the season finale.
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What Happened in the House of the Dragon Season 1 Finale?
House of the Dragon Episode 10 focused on the Black council’s preparation for war. They support Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne in the same way that the Greens back Aegon II Targaryen (it has already been explained where that name comes from). Basically, the Season 1 finale listed all the possible allies Rhaenyra can rely on. The latest installment ended with a nice cliffhanger, as Aemond Targaryen and his dragon, Vhagar, smashed the poor Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax, starting the civil war.
Who Are the Three Unclaimed Dragons?
Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke are three unclaimed dragons who play a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons. During the war council, Daemon Targaryen stated that the Blacks could count on more dragons than the Greens. In addition to the seven they already possess — Caraxes, Syrax, Meleys, Tyraxes, Arrax, Vermax, and Moondancer — there are three unclaimed dragons Daemon wants to give to some of his allies.
Vermithor is the eldest and most helpful in battle among the three riderless dragons. Vermithor was the dragon of Jaehaerys I Targaryen, Viserys’ father. In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the bronze beast is presented as one of the biggest dragons to ever fly in Westeros, surpassed only by Balerion and Vhagar. Vermithor is very familiar with Silverwing, the she-dragon that Queen Alysanne Targaryen rode. Alysanne was Jaehaerys’ sister and spouse, and the pair used to fly together on the back of their dragons. Alysanne even attempted to pass beyond the Wall on different occasions, but her dragon always refused to do it.
Seasmoke is the dragon who used to be ridden by Laenor Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s first husband. As the series showed, Laenor secretly abandoned Rhaenyra and Seasmoke to spend his life with his lover Ser Qarl Correy. Seasmoke stayed in Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon.
Is There a House of the Dragon Season 2?
Yes, fans can look forward to House of the Dragon Season 2. The first episode of the Game of Thrones prequel saw record-breaking numbers for HBO and HBO Max, and the series was quickly renewed for a second season after the first episode premiered. House of the Dragon showrunner and executive producer Ryan Condal recently revealed that filming for Season 2 will begin in 2023. However, it has yet to be determined whether the sophomore season will be released next year. Realistically, House of the Dragon fans should likely expect Season 2 in 2024.