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Warning: This article contains major spoilers for season two, episode four of “House of the Dragon.”
“House of the Dragon” is known for its intense and unexpected moments, but the latest episode, “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” delivered its most heart-wrenching twist yet.
Fans who have read “Fire and Blood” were not shocked to see Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, also known as the Queen Who Never Was, and her dragon Meleys meet their end at the hands of Aemond Targaryen and his dragon Vhagar. Rhaenys traveled to Rook’s Rest, a small castle near Rhaenyra’s base at Dragonstone, to confront Ser Criston Cole’s approaching army. However, she encountered two dragons: Sunfyre, ridden by King Aegon II, and Vhagar, ridden by Aemond. Despite a fierce fight, Vhagar overpowered them, leading to Rhaenys’ tragic death.
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Rhaenys’ death is a significant moment for viewers. For “House of the Dragon” to truly embrace its dark and tumultuous dragon war, between a rightful female heir and her usurper half-brother, such a devastating event was necessary.
“House of the Dragon’s” initial mistake was denying Rhaenys the throne.
The series unfolds during a brief period of Targaryen history, with many significant events preceding and following it. The story kicks off during the Great Council meeting to determine King Jahaerys’ successor.
With Jahaerys’ sons dead, the council faced a choice: Rhaenys, his eldest descendant, or Viserys, his eldest male descendant. Historically, no Queen had ever sat on the Iron Throne, leading the council to choose Viserys. His rule eventually sowed the seeds of the conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon. Throughout her life, Rhaenys gracefully endures this slight as the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon of Driftmark.
Though Rhaenys accepted her fate, the injustice of her denial casts a shadow over “House of the Dragon,” especially affecting Rhaenyra. Rhaenys embodies the old order, where a man is seen as a more legitimate ruler than a woman, regardless of her rightful claim. This perspective is demonstrated when she worries about her son Laenor’s safety in a succession battle and confronts her husband Corlys about her suppressed ambition.
Rhaenys’ perseverance throughout the series accentuates the challenges Rhaenyra faces. If Rhaenys could accept not becoming Queen, why couldn’t Rhaenyra?
Rhaenys’ sacrifice marks the true onset of the war.
When Rhaenys supports Rhaenyra, it feels unexpected, though she does so reluctantly. Acknowledging that Rhaenyra’s claim will lead to chaos, Rhaenys refuses to participate in initiating the war when Alicent installs her son Aegon on the throne.
“That war is not mine to begin,” Rhaenys tells Daemon and Rhaenyra.
By the end of season one, Rhaenys convinces Corlys to back Rhaenyra, emphasizing the safety of their grandchildren. She also praises Rhaenyra’s restraint in avoiding all-out war, a prevalent theme in season two. Rhaenys encourages Rhaenyra to seek peace with Alicent, hoping to prevent a dragon conflict.
In the latest episode, Rhaenyra visits her stepmother, Alicent, attempting to avert civil war. However, peace efforts fail, and Rhaenys must intervene. Eve Best, who portrays Rhaenys, explained that as the voice of reason and Rhaenyra’s strongest warrior, she had no other choice.
Thematically, Rhaenys’ sacrifice is crucial. As a symbol of the old order, she understands Rhaenyra’s struggles and the difficult choices she faces. Her final decision to risk her life for Rhaenyra’s claim indicates her refusal to bear the insult any longer, though she fights for Rhaenyra and not herself. Rhaenys’ sacrifice opens the door to a potential new era, however bloody it may be.