A throne that draws blood. A previously unseen prince. A weapon with major significance.
If you were distracted by dragons and drama in the new trailer for "House of the Dragon,"
keep watching for some of the finer details.
Keen-eyed fans may have noticed several locations from "Game of Thrones" in the new "House of
the Dragon" trailer. One such spot should be immediately recognizable: the Iron Throne.
It's the seat of power in Westeros, forged with dragon fire and 1,000 enemy blades when
the Targaryens came to power. Of course, Littlefinger points out on "Game of Thrones"…
"There aren't 1,000 blades. There aren't even 200. I've counted."
But that clearly hasn't always been the case. This earlier version of the Iron Throne takes
up a good part of the Red Keep's throne room, and the melted blades are featured much more
prominently. Some decorative blades are seen almost liquified and draped across the stairs
leading up to the Iron Throne.
At one point, the trailer shows the hand of Viserys I dripping blood, proving that the
swords still have some bite. Or, it could be a reference to the way the Iron Throne
is described in George R.R. Martin's books, as a chair that exacts a toll on unworthy
kings.
Viewers who know the books may recognize that this latest trailer showcases Rhaenyra Targaryen
at two distinct ages. Milly Alcock portrays the younger version we see discussing political
strategy with her aunt Rhaenys Velaryon and later praying with young Alicent Hightower.
The older Rhaenyra is played by Emma D'Arcy. We also see Alicent at two different ages,
played by Emily Carey, and Olivia Cooke.
In a wide-ranging Entertainment Weekly preview for "House of the Dragon," creator Ryan J.
Condal explained how the show will treat its two timelines. Condal revealed that, unlike
the events in the books, the plot of "House of the Dragon" will take place chronologically.
Alcock and Carey will appear in the early episodes. After a time jump early on in the
series, D'Arcy and Cooke will then play their respective characters. Meanwhile, it appears
that the older characters, like Daemon Targaryen and King Viserys I, will be played by the
same actors throughout the season.
While many of the major characters showcased in this latest "House of the Dragon" trailer
should already appear familiar to those who have kept track of the promotional materials
released thus far, one notable character finally appears in the flesh for the first time. A
few quick shots show a blond man in combat, sporting an eyepatch. These physical characteristics
clearly identify him as Aemond Targaryen.
Fans of George R. R. Martin's extended "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe know that Aemond
is the child of King Viserys Targaryen I and Alicent Hightower. Notably, Aemond is Viserys'
second-oldest male son. But Viserys chooses to make neither Aemond nor his older brother,
Aegon Targaryen, his successor, instead choosing their elder half-sister, Rhaenyra. This choice
divides members of the royal court into camps.
"I am to inherit the Iron Throne. She will block my way."
Also, in the books, Aemond's eyepatch comes from a wound he got in a fight against Rhaenyra's
son, Lucerys. It's physical evidence of continuing tensions between King Viserys' sons and Rhaenyra's
immediate family. Presumably, then, Aemond will be a thorn in Rhaenyra's side in "House
of the Dragon."
Much like the Iron Throne, another lore-drenched object featured in "Game of Thrones" makes
an appearance. Astute fans may have noticed the catspaw dagger pop up in the "House of
the Dragon" trailer. Entertainment Weekly confirmed that it is, in fact, the very same
blade Arya uses to slay the Night King on "Game of Thrones."
Before Arya receives the blade, it goes through many hands and is instrumental in setting
up some major events in the original show. For one, Littlefinger gives this Valyrian
Steel dagger to an assassin, who attempts to kill Bran Stark. That plan obviously does
not go accordingly, and eventually, it ends up with Arya.
In the trailer for "House of the Dragon," this Valyrian Steel dagger is quickly seen
as it is brandished by Alicent Hightower, who yells about duty and sacrifice as she
approaches Rhaenyra Targaryen. Notably, she holds the blade with intent to harm.
"Now they see you as you are."
Much like in "Game of Thrones," it seems like this particular dagger will be important to
the plot and will be present at another turning point in the history of Westeros.
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