“The realm, the family, the throne. It’s all a game, and the pieces are moving once again.” – If you’ve ever pondered the intricate webs spun in Game of Thrones, then House of the Dragon has been your
time machine, answering those burning questions that lingered after the original series’ divisive finale. Here are 20 questions that House of the Dragon finally lays to rest.
What’s the True Origin of the Targaryen Dynasty?
House of the Dragon dives deep into the Targaryen history, going beyond the glimpses we had in Game of Thrones. The show explores the origins of House Targaryen, revealing how they came to power after
fleeing the Doom of Valyria and establishing themselves as the dragonlords of Westeros. The series adds rich detail to their backstory, explaining the prophetic dreams that guided them and the early decisions that shaped their rule.
How Did the Targaryens Maintain Control Over the Dragons?
We always wondered about the secret behind the Targaryens’ ability to control their massive, fiery pets. The series gives us insight into the blood-bond between dragon and rider, suggesting that it’s
a mix of Valyrian sorcery and the Targaryens’ unique genetic makeup. We see dragon-riding rituals, the passing of dragons through the family line, and the significance of dragon eggs in Targaryen culture.
Why Did House Targaryen Start to Fall Apart?
The seeds of the Targaryen downfall are sown right in the early days of their dynasty. House of the Dragon unpacks the fragile nature of their power, which was built on the backs of dragons and held
together by blood pacts. We witness the beginning of the cracks—marriages meant to solidify power that instead breed mistrust, and internal strife that foreshadows the Dance of the Dragons.
What Were the Early Conflicts That Led to the Dance of the Dragons?
The Dance of the Dragons was one of the most tragic and destructive conflicts in Westeros, but Game of Thrones barely scratched the surface. House of the Dragon answers this by detailing the
political tensions, rivalries, and betrayals within the Targaryen family that set the stage for the civil war. We see how different factions formed, with alliances that would later lead to fire and blood.
Who Were the Key Players in the Targaryen Civil War?
While Game of Thrones gave us an overview, House of the Dragon puts faces and personalities to the key players of the civil war. From Rhaenyra
Targaryen to Aegon II, the series introduces us to these characters in all their complexity, showing their motivations, ambitions, and the tragedies that shaped their fates.
Why Was There So Much Tension Between the Greens and the Blacks?
The infamous division within the Targaryen family between the Greens and the Blacks is explored in full detail. The Greens, supporters of Aegon II, and the Blacks, backing Rhaenyra, were embroiled in a
bitter feud over the succession to the Iron Throne. The series delves into the personal and political rivalries that fueled this animosity, showing us how deep the rift truly was.
How Did the Targaryens’ Incestuous Marriages Affect Their Line?
Game of Thrones hinted at the consequences of the Targaryens’ practice of marrying within their own family, but House of the Dragon really shows us the impact. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the physical and mental toll these
marriages took on the Targaryens, contributing to their eventual downfall. It also sheds light on the Targaryens’ rationale behind these unions, which was meant to keep the bloodline pure and the dragons loyal.
What Were the Most Iconic Dragons in Targaryen History?
House of the Dragon introduces us to legendary dragons like Vhagar, Caraxes, and Syrax, giving us a closer look at their personalities and their significance in the Targaryen dynasty.
These dragons are more than just weapons; they are central characters in their own right, with their loyalties and actions deeply influencing the course of events.
How Did the Iron Throne Come to Be?
While Game of Thrones mentioned that the Iron Throne was forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror’s enemies, House of the Dragon offers a more detailed account of its creation and the
symbolic power it held. The throne itself is portrayed as more dangerous and uncomfortable, embodying the idea that ruling is a perilous, often painful endeavor.
What Led to the Decline of Dragon Power in Westeros?
One of the biggest mysteries in Game of Thrones was the near extinction of dragons by the time Daenerys Targaryen hatches her three. House of the Dragon addresses this by showing the gradual
decline in the number of dragons and the eventual loss of the Targaryens’ ability to control them. The series illustrates the dragons’ vulnerability and how the civil war contributed to their dwindling numbers.
What Was the Significance of Valyrian Steel?
Game of Thrones treated Valyrian steel as a rare, mystical substance, but House of the Dragon goes deeper into its origins and why it was so coveted. We learn more about the forging process, its
connection to the lost art of Valyrian magic, and why possessing a Valyrian steel weapon was a mark of power and prestige among the noble houses of Westeros.
Why Did Aegon the Conqueror Want to Unite Westeros?
Aegon’s conquest of Westeros was a monumental event in the history of the Seven Kingdoms, but his motivations were never fully explored in Game of Thrones. House of the Dragon reveals that Aegon’s
desire to unite the realm wasn’t just about power. It was also driven by a prophetic vision of a coming threat from the North—a vision that would echo through the Targaryen line and ultimately influence their decisions centuries later.
What Was the Role of the Small Council?
The Small Council played a crucial role in Game of Thrones, but House of the Dragon provides a closer look at how it functioned during the Targaryen reign.
The series highlights the political maneuvering and backstabbing that took place in the council chambers, showing how these advisors could make or break a ruler’s reign.
How Did House Hightower Influence the Targaryens?
House Hightower is a powerful and ancient house that had a significant influence on the Targaryens, particularly during the reign of King Viserys I.
House of the Dragon explores the Hightowers’ rise to power through strategic marriages and political alliances, and how they became a central force in the Targaryen civil war.
What Was the Impact of Targaryen Prophecies?
The Targaryens were known for their prophetic dreams, and House of the Dragon dives into how these visions shaped their actions. We see how these prophecies, especially the one about the
“Prince That Was Promised,” drove Targaryen kings and queens to make decisions that would echo through history, including the choices that led to the civil war.
Why Did the Targaryens Build Dragonstone?
Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, was a key location in Game of Thrones, but its significance was never fully explained.
House of the Dragon delves into why the Targaryens chose this volcanic island as their stronghold, emphasizing its strategic location and its deep connection to their Valyrian heritage.
How Did the Targaryens Interact with the Other Noble Houses?
While Game of Thrones showed the complex relationships between noble houses, House of the Dragon gives us a clearer picture of the Targaryens’ interactions with other powerful families like the
Starks, Baratheons, and Lannisters. The series highlights the delicate balance of power, alliances, and betrayals that defined these relationships.
What Was the Role of the Faith of the Seven in Targaryen Rule?
The Faith of the Seven was a major force in Westeros, and its relationship with the Targaryens was often tense. House of the Dragon explores the role of religion in the realm, showing how the
Targaryens navigated their often uneasy relationship with the Faith, especially when their practices, like incestuous marriages, conflicted with religious doctrines.
How Did the Targaryens’ Legacy Influence Later Generations?
The actions of the Targaryens in House of the Dragon have a lasting impact on the events of Game of Thrones. The series shows how the
decisions made during the Targaryen civil war, the alliances formed, and the grudges held continued to shape the political landscape of Westeros, leading to the conflicts we see in the original series.
What Is the True Nature of the Targaryens’ Madness?
House of the Dragon gives us a closer look at the infamous Targaryen madness, often attributed to their practice of marrying within the family. The series explores whether this madness is a result of genetic inbreeding or a product of the immense
pressure that comes with ruling a realm as vast and tumultuous as Westeros. We see how the mental instability of certain Targaryens influenced their rule, leading to decisions that had catastrophic consequences. The show also hints at the thin line between genius and madness, particularly among those who wield dragons as weapons.
Connecting the Dots
House of the Dragon does more than just answer the burning questions left by Game of Thrones; it enriches the lore, giving us a deeper understanding of the Targaryens and the world they inhabited.
From the origins of their dynasty to the complex interplay of power, prophecy, and madness, the series ties together the loose threads of the original show while laying the groundwork for the epic events that unfold in Game of Thrones.
As we continue to explore this prequel series, it becomes clear that every decision made by the Targaryens—every alliance, every betrayal, every dragon ridden into battle—has far-reaching consequences.
The questions we had at the end of Game of Thrones aren’t just answered; they are expanded upon, showing us that in the game of thrones, history is never just the past—it’s the prologue to the future.
For fans who were left wanting more from the original series, House of the Dragon provides the answers and adds layers to the story we thought we knew. It’s a reminder that in Westeros, the game is never truly over, and the pieces are always moving, with new stories waiting to be told.
