House of the Dragon triumphantly introduced a litter of fresh faces to George R. R. Martin's fantasy world. Aside from King Viserys (Paddy Considine), viewers are introduced to Prince Daemon (Matt Smith), Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best). The Game of Thrones spin-off series also presents the Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), his daughter Alicent (Emily Carey), and Rhaenys' husband Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), to create the dangerous world of Westeros once more.
HBO's House of the Dragon triumphantly premiered on the network, shattering a number of records in the process. The Game of Thrones spin-off ushered in a new era in Westeros as it began chronicling the lengthy reign of House Targaryen 172 years prior to Daenerys Targaryen. As expected, the House of the Dragon's premiere was littered with references to Game of Thrones, including one weapon wielded by King Viserys I.
From the familiar location of King's Landing to the prominent familial names and historical references, House of the Dragon has plenty of connections that can be drawn to Game of Thrones. One of the most striking inclusions in House of the Dragon, is Viserys' dagger. The best glimpse at the weapon is during his conversation with Rhaenyra in front of Balerion's skull. Viserys tells Rhaenrya of Aegon's prophecy entitled The Song of Ice and Fire, which has been passed down from each King to his heir. After being named her father's heir, Rhaenyra has earned the right to carry the secret. While The Song of Ice and Fire is a clear connection to Game of Thrones, Viserys' Valyrian dagger is another link that stands out.
The dagger in Viserys' possession made several appearances throughout Game of Thrones. In season 1, the blade appeared in Winterfell in the hands of the assassin tasked with killing Bran after he'd been shoved from the tower. Curious about the nature of her son's injury and the assassin sent to finish the job, Catelyn begins to form a relationship with the blade. Further inquiry into the lavishness of the dagger led Catelyn to King's Landing. There, Littlefinger recalls having lost the dagger in a bet with Tyrion, though the true nature of the story, switches the roles. Littlefinger's confession sends a whirlwind of rash decisions to be made, all adding to the tension between the Starks and the Lannisters. Ultimately, the assassin's dagger begins to put some of Game of Thrones' biggest plots in motion.
In a twisted scheme, Littlefinger gifts the blade to Bran several seasons later. Unable to defend himself as the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran gives the dagger to Arya, who has now become a trained killer. In a small taste of justice, Arya fittingly uses the Valyrian dagger to kill Littlefinger in Winterfell, after all the damage he had caused to their family. Research conducted by Sam at the Citadel also works in the blade's favor, as he learns that Valyrian steel and dragon glass can be used to kill the White Walkers. Therefore, Arya also uses the dagger to kill the Night King.
With his research, Sam also unintentionally uncovers a link between the weapons and the Targaryens, who are the focus of House of the Dragon. The large Citadel book notes that Aegon and many of his descendants would decorate their weapons with dragon glass. Eventually, this tactic was shared with other men and women of wealth that could afford it. By Viserys bringing up Aegon's prophecy in House of the Dragon, it may suggest that Aegon knew of the power Valyrian steel and dragon glass would have in the future. Given the nature of the blade and the secret Viserys bestows upon Rhaenyra, Viserys' dagger may be another artifact that is passed down between Targaryens and their heirs; a tradition that was abruptly ended following the murder of the Mad King.
With its treacherous history in Game of Thrones, the role Viserys' dagger will have to play in House of the Dragon is sure to be equally significant. Previous teasers for House of the Dragon have shown that the dagger is to be used again. Alicent (now played by Olivia Cooke) is armed with the dagger and approaches Rhaenyra. Given the role Alicent will play in Viserys' life, it isn't difficult to imagine how she may have gained possession of the blade. If what is to come between Alicent and Viserys isn't enough, the meddling of Alicent's father Otto, certainly indicates that he will stop at nothing to put himself and his family in the best social standing.
"The Heirs of the Dragon" also emphasizes the relationship between Alicent and Rhaenyra, but if the House of the Dragon's teasers weren't suggestion enough, very few relationships remain untainted in Westeros. When accompanied by the knowledge of the dagger's entanglements in some of Game of Thrones' most deceitful plots, there is a strong chance that history will repeat itself in House of the Dragon.
The first episode of House of the Dragon is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes airing Sundays on HBO.