1.The Death of Viserys I Targaryen and the Heir's Dilemma
The death of King Viserys I Targaryen was one of the most impactful moments of the first season of "House of the Dragon". His death triggered a fierce dispute between the members of House Targaryen, dividing the family.
It all started when Alicent Hightower, Viserys' wife, "misinterpreted" the King's last words, believing that his final wish was for Aegon II Targaryen, his son with Alicent, to take the Throne.
However, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys' daughter with Aemma Arryn and the King's firstborn, was the legitimate heir according to the laws of succession in Westeros. However, the traditional preference for male rulers fueled resistance to Rhaenyra's coronation, intensifying the conflict between the Houses.
2.Aegon II Targaryen on the Iron Throne
The ascension of Aegon II Targaryen to the Iron Throne, following the death of Viserys, is a crucial milestone in the prelude to the Targaryen civil war. Despite the dilemma involving Rhaenyra Targaryen as the legitimate successor, Alicent and Otto Hightower's decision to place Aegon on the throne was based on the misinterpretation of Viserys' last words and the growing rivalry between Rhaenyra's supporters and opponents.
Initially reluctant, Aegon accepts his "destiny" and is crowned in the ninth episode. He then sets off with Alicent and Otto on a mission to ensure the loyalty of other Houses to his reign.
3.The Dance of the Dragons: The Green vs. Black Conflict
The conflict between the Greens and the Blacks is essential before watching the new chapter of "The House of the Dragon". The split in the Targaryen family, between those who support Rhaenyra and those who defend Aegon, sparked a civil war that almost extinguished the dynasty.
The Greens, led by Alicent Hightower, believe that Aegon II Targaryen is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne after the death of Viserys. On the other hand, the Blacks, supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen, maintain that she is Viserys' true successor.
This division culminated in the brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, a confrontation that deeply marked Westeros.
4.The Rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent
The rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent is one of the elements that intensifies the dispute for the Iron Throne in House Targaryen. What began as a beautiful friendship in their youth turned into hatred when Alicent married Viserys, Rhaenyra's father. This marriage cooled their relationship, leading to a definitive break-up.
The civil war between the Greens and the Blacks was also fueled by this personal rivalry, culminating in the death of one of Rhaenyra's sons. This personal conflict adds even more tension and drama to the struggle for power in Westeros.
5.Larys Strong can't be trusted
The House of Dragon has its own Littlefinger: Larys Strong. Although he appeared little in the first season, the Lord of Harrenhal promises to be an important player in the future, especially because of his curious relationship with Alicent.
Responsible for the death of his father and brother in a fire that made him Lord of Harrenhal, Larys served as Alicent's informant in King's Landing. In return, he made bizarre requests, such as seeing Alicent's feet, proving to be an unreliable figure.
6.How It All Started
Struggling to remember how all the drama began? The trouble in "House of the Dragon" started when Viserys disinherited his brother, Prince Daemon, and named a new successor. Many on Viserys' council never saw Daemon as a good fit for the Iron Throne, but he remained the presumptive heir until Viserys and Queen Consort Aemma Arryn had the son they longed for.
After multiple failed pregnancies, the couple finally had a son in episode 1. During labor, Viserys chose an emergency operation to save the baby, sacrificing Aemma's life. Tragically, the baby died hours later.
Episode 1 culminated with Viserys stripping Daemon of his claim after Daemon mockingly called the newborn "The Heir for a Day," infuriating the grieving king. Pressured to name a rightful heir, Viserys broke with tradition and named his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as the heir to the Iron Throne. But from there, things only got more complicated.
7.There Are Still Allies Up for Grabs
As the Dance of the Dragons heats up, not all allies have pledged their loyalty yet. In the season 1 finale, the Blacks hoped to secure support from three major Houses: Baratheon, Arryn, and Stark. The latter two are still in play.
Rhaenyra’s mother was Aemma Arryn, and Rhaenyra hopes that Jeyne Arryn, the current leader, will side with her. As for House Stark, Rickon Stark had sworn an oath to the young Rhaenyra, and the Black Council believes Cregan Stark will honor that promise. ("The North remembers," after all.)
Jacaerys Velaryon was sent to speak with Arryn and Stark, while his younger brother, Lucerys, was sent to Storm’s End. Hopefully, Jacaerys fared better. But even if he didn't, Rhaenyra has other options.
Here's a list of all the new characters we're going to meet in "House of the Dragon" season 2, so you can prepare for the new faces set to appear in Westeros.
8.Dragons are about to become an even bigger deal
The Greens may have powerful allies, but the Blacks have a significant advantage: more dragons.
While Aemond and Vhagar are a formidable threat, and the Greens have two other fully-grown dragons, Rhaenyra’s faction boasts more riders and dragons, even after Lucerys’ death. Dragons are a game-changer on the battlefield.
Season 2 of "House of the Dragon" will feature even more dragons. Daemon made it clear he wants to harness the power of the unclaimed and wild dragons. In the season 1 finale, he approached Vermithor in the Dragonmont. If Vermithor joins their cause, it could rival Vhagar in the impending battles.