Fire And Blood! The famous house words of House Targaryen. Apart from the Starks of Winterfell, the Targaryens are perhaps one of the most iconic dynasties in all of fantasy. Known for their dragons and distinct features, fans of the franchise can’t help but tune in to the next installment regarding the Targaryen legacy in HBO’sHouse Of The Dragon.
Those unfamiliar with the show's background should know that the series is based on the second half of George R. R. Martin’s book: Fire And Blood. Set at the height of Targaryen might, the show attempts to recreate the epic Targaryen civil war which engulfed Westeros with countless deaths, destruction, and the eventual extinction of the dragons. So far, the series shows promise but there is much to unveil and expand on within the story.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead
6 The Dragons
The fully adult dragons featured in the later seasons of Game Of Thrones enthralled viewers. House Of The Dragon shows the Targaryen dragons in their prime with multiple dragon riders and their respective mounts. The show has already shown several dragons, including Syrax and Seasmoke, but there remain more.
The Dance of Dragons saw Targaryen riders descend upon one another with their dragons in aerial combat. To truly see that in action and full glory is a visual delight that many fans will look forward to. As the show already looks visually stunning, there is no doubt that the creators will unveil the dragons as the series progresses.
5 The Green And Black Factions
At the heart and drama of A Song Of Ice And Fire is the politics. A show like House Of The Dragon would be incomplete without all the politicking, scheming, and betrayals. As Westeros prepares to be engulfed (once again) by war, there will indeed be a scramble to show all the respective houses declaring for the two sides.
With so many parties and interests involved, many houses may be overlooked or even disregarded to focus on the narrative. However, true fans of ASOIAF have much to look forward to as the political drama unfolds.
4 Daemon Targaryen’s Many Loves
Every ASOIAF epoch has a lady's man or heartthrob (sometimes several). In House Of The Dragon, that’s Daemon Targaryen. Though Daemon starts off the series married and with a charming mistress, it certainly doesn’t end there. As the series progresses, the guy will have three marriages and multiple romantic entanglements throughout the Dance Of Dragons civil war, and while audiences can enjoy all the politicking and bloodshed, a little genuine romance on the side would be a nice change.
In many ways, Daemon is a sort of hybrid between Jaime Lannister and Jon Snow, exhibiting an adventurous daring, and hot temper while being impetuous and moody. No doubt audiences will be looking at Daemon’s career with great interest.
3 Mushroom
Once again, a charismatic dwarf will reenter the realm of Westeros, charming characters, and fellow audience members alike. Though no Tyrion Lannister, Mushroom is a fantastic character on his own as not only does he have Moxy but is privy to many important moments that occur during the civil war (or so he claims).
A court jester who saw four Targaryen monarchs take to the throne, Mushroom was believed to be very fond of Rhaenyra and happened to be very privy to everything that happened at court. He is best remembered for the Testimony Of Mushroom, which detailed graphic trysts, plots, and other debaucheries that happened behind the walls of the Red Keep. It is hoped that his character will receive great attention as he essentially has the fiery and tenacious wit that Tyrion displays minus all the highborn trauma.
2 The Hour Of The Wolf
Perhaps the only time when a Stark went south and returned alive, the Hour of the wolf was a period during the end of the civil war when the Starks under Cregan Stark finally made it down to King’s Landing.
In true Ned Stark fashion, Cregan Stark delivered justice for those that poisoned the previous king, Aegon II, by intimidating the young Aegon III to make him Hand of the King. Cregan arrested 22 men whom he believed were behind Aegon II’s death and executed 2 of them whilst the remaining 19 took the black. With his work swiftly done, Cregan resigned the next day and went back north, with a new queen at his side as well. Though the Starks didn’t play a major role during the Dance of the Dragons, the hour of the wolf displayed a defining and awesome moment for the Starks and one where they came out on top.
1 Roddy The Ruin
Also known as Roderick Dustin, Roddy was the head of House Dustin and lord of Barrowtown during the Dance of Dragons. Whilst House Dustin didn’t get much attention in Game Of Thrones, it certainly should in House Of The Dragon. Roddy shows up way in the civil war before the other Northerners heed their battle call (most of the Northerners supported Rhaenyra).
Lord Roderick and his 2,000 men, dubbed the Winter Wolves first show up at the Battle By The Lakeshore and charged the Greens, which were mostly made up of Lannisters and Westerman. Having a complete disregard for their safety, the Winter Wolves alongside other Northerner and Rivermen allies destroyed the Lannister host but lost 2/3rds of their numbers. What’s even more interesting is that Roddy the Ruin, at the later First Battle of Tumbleton, led a suicidal charge against the Hightower army. Despite having an arm cut off by Bryndon Hightower, he managed to slay both Bryndon and Ormund, effectively diminishing the influence of the Hightowers for generations to come.