Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7.
Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2’s penultimate episode offers surprises for book readers and TV fans alike, with plenty of new material to break down. Episodes 5 & 6 saw theBlacks and Greensreacting to the climactic Battle of Rook’s Rest, where Rhaenys Targaryen was killed and King Aegon II Targaryen was brutally injured. Both sides were weakened by this outcome, with the Blacks crucially losing a dragonrider and the Greens losing their figurehead, resulting in a loss of stability in King’s Landing.
In season 2, episode 5, Rhaenyra and Jaecaerys developed a strategy to bring forth new dragonriders, giving those with Valyrian blood the opportunity to claim the riderless dragons on Dragonstone. In episode 7, new members of theHouse of the Dragoncast, including thecharacters Hugh and Ulf, were brought to Dragonstone for an opportunity to change their lives in an event called the Sowing of the Seeds. The outcome was violent, explosive, and confusing, with a lot happening in the episode’s ending that wasn’t directly explained.
Why Aemond Turns Vhagar Away From Dragonstone
Aemond Realizes He’s Heading Into Danger At Dragonstone
In the final scene of season 2, episode 7, Aemond’s small council meeting is interrupted by a dragon spotted flying around King’s Landing.Given that it’s a dragon Aemond doesn’t recognize, he quickly rides out to find Vhagar, his dragon who’s been in recovery since the Battle of Rook’s Rest. He mounts Vhagar and flies after the unrecognized dragon, which is ridden by Ulf. Aemond pursues the dragon over Blackwater Bay, stopping just shy of Dragonstone before telling Vhagar to turn away and retreat.
Aemond is confused by the situation, seeing an unfamiliar dragon with an unfamiliar rider, and he initially gives chase to gather more information. However,chasing it to enemy territory would be a massive risk, as he knows the Blacks have at least three more dragons in the vicinity: Syrax, Vermax, and Moondancer. Vhagar may be the biggest of thedragons inHouse of the Dragon, but Aemond knows that they’re not invulnerable, and this isn’t a fight he should take. Essentially, the Blacks sent out a warning shot to let Aemond know what was coming.
Who Is The Dragon That Ulf Claims & Rides?
Ulf Claimed The Dragon Silverwing
Amid the Sowing of the Seeds, the massive dragon Vermithor is enraged and begins lighting the various dragonseeds ablaze. During the conflict, Ulf is knocked down into the depths of Dragonstone’s caverns, and he manages to flee the situation, running through the tunnels and trying to find a way out. Finally seeing the light of day,Ulf thinks he’s safe, but he incidentally steps into the den of another dragon, Silverwing. The large gray dragon takes a quick liking to him despite him seemingly stepping on an egg, and Ulf claims her.
A dragonseed is a bastard of Valyrian descent, such as Hugh, Ulf, or Addam of Hull.
Vermithor isn’t the only dragon who’s been resting on Dragonstone for some time. While Vermithor was ridden by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen,Silverwing was previously ridden by Queen Alysanne, and has been riderless for decades. Silverwing is known for having a more docile nature, hence its friendliness toward Ulf. She’s not regarded for her battle skills, but she’s old and large enough to pose a threat. Vermithor and Silverwing also have a rare bond, reflecting the bond of their previous king and queen riders.
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Why Did Vermithor Choose Hugh As His New Rider?
Vermithor Admired Hugh’s Strength And Tenacity
Vermithor, the Bronze Fury, is one of the largest andstrongest dragons inGame of Throneshistory, known for being ridden by King Jaehaerys. Jaehaerys is known as one of the greatest Targaryen monarchs who had the longest reign of relative peace in the realm. However, Vermithor still had opportunities to grow strong due to brief conflicts and tons of experience flying and touring the Seven Kingdoms, including the North and the Wall. With that having been said, it makes sense thatVermithor would choose a rider that resembles strength and bravery.
Vermithor respects Hugh’s tenacity and fearlessness.
Hugh not only calls out to the dragon, claiming that he’s ready for death, but he also saves another dragonseed in the process. Vermithor respects Hugh’s tenacity and fearlessness. Strong dragons typically want riders who will embrace them, and Vermithor’s previous rider is one of the most well-respected men the Seven Kingdoms have ever seen. The dragon has a high bar and sees Hugh for his strength during the episode’s climactic moment.
How Many Dragons The Blacks Have Now
The Blacks Have Seven Dragonriders
Fortune looks to be in Rhaenyra’s favor after season 2, episode 7, as she’s assembled a huge roster of dragonriders. While the Greens are left with just Vhagar, as Aegon and Sunfyre are both in recovery, the Blacks have several dragons.They already had Rhaenyra’s Syrax, Jacaerys' Vermax, and Baela’s Moondancer, all of whom aren’t particularly large or experienced. Daemon and Caraxes are still on their side despite being rogue for the majority of season 2, with his story indicating he’ll be returning to them soon.
With the addition of three new dragonriders, Addam on Seasmoke, Hugh on Vermithor, and Ulf on Silverwing, the Blacks have seven dragonsreadily available for war, while the Greens only have one. Vhagar may be the biggest dragon in the realm, but it stands no chance alone against the team Rhaenyra has assembled, meaning the opportune time for her to strike against King’s Landing is likely quite soon.
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Who Is Tessarion & Why It’s Important He’s Taken To Wing
Tessarion Is Prince Daeron’s Dragon
Aside from Aegon II, Aemond, and Helaena,Alicent Hightower and King Viserys I Targaryen actually have one more son.Daeron Targaryen exists inHouse of the Dragonand has been mentioned throughout season 2, but he hasn’t appeared on-screen. According to dialogue, he’s been at Oldtown, the seat of House Hightower, being raised separately from his brothers. Episode 7 importantly notes that he’s also a dragonrider with a dragon named Tessarion.
Against the seven dragons now accumulated by the Blacks, having one more dragon isn’t going to make a monumental difference, especially given thatTessarion is quite young and inexperienced. When it’s mentioned that Tessarion has just taken to wing, it’s hinting that Daeron will likely appear at the start ofHouse of the Dragonseason 3 and that the Greens aren’t totally down and out. They still have the Hightower army on the way, and the war is far from over, regardless of the outcome of season 2’s upcoming finale.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
