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HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’s Ill-Advised Dead Dragon Parade Both Captured and Destroyed a Major Targaryen Mythos

“Mark my words, this is a black omen.”
“Tis an abomination.”
“I thought the dragons was gods.”

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Criston Cole turned his side’s “victory” at Rook’s Rest into a public relations disaster. He thought marching the head of Meleys through the streets of King’s Landing would rouse the public to Aegon’s cause like the death of Prince Jaehaerys did. Instead the Green’s latest propaganda parade turned the people against them, because the smallfolk revere dragons as divine creatures. That’s an important part of House Targaryen’s mythology, something Game of Thrones never had the chance to fully explore. The Lord Commander’s ill-advised procession is also an ill-omen for what awaits the dragonriders on House of the Dragon.

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The people of Westeros knew about dragons long before the Targaryen family relocated to Dragonstone roughly two hundred years before House of the Dragon. The dragonlords of Old Valyria conquered much of Essos atop their majestic beasts. Everyone in the world feared the power of dragons. But the Realm did not truly appreciate the unmatched strength of “fire made flesh” until Aegon the Conqueror and his two sisters arrived with fire and blood. As Tywin Lannister told Arya Stark on Game of Thrones, Aegon “changed the rules” of warfare.

Now, via the smallfolk’s reaction to Meleys’ death, House of the Dragon has deftly shown another reason House Targaryen was able to not just conqueror the Seven Kingdoms, but to earn the acceptance of Westeros’ people. It’s an important aspect of the family’s reign that Game of Thrones couldn’t delve into simply because no normal living person (a.k.a. not people like Melisandre) had ever seen a dragon before Daenerys briefly called Westeros home. People caught in the middle of a vicious war only had time to respond to dragons as weapons of mass destruction. They didn’t have a chance to love them like people two centuries earlier had.

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The Realm is a land of old, noble families with histories going back thousands of years. They were also very insular. Until House Targaryen from Essos, no one had ever unified Westeros’ many kingdoms. For an insular continent to truly accept outsiders as their rulers, the people of the Realm had to believe in more than just the power of dragons. The people also had to believe in the magic and majesty of dragons as being more than just animals.

The reaction to Meleys’ smoking head showed just how much the people adored dragons. The smallfolk loved them just as much as they feared them. Those magical creatures offered protection. They made Westeros and those who lived there feel special. No one else in the world had dragons. Who could mess with Westeros with dragons around? And if only Westeros had them, Westeros must be special. Maybe even more special than the Valyrian Freehold had been, since dragons were plentiful then.

All of that adoration of dragons also made the Targaryens who rode them special, too. They were closer to gods among men than they were monarchs. Only, gods can’t die, something the people of Westeros knew could happen to dragons but didn’t fully appreciate until they saw a decapitated Meleys. The she-dragon wasn’t old. Vhagar bit her neck and killed her because Meleys wasn’t indestructible.

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Coming face to face with that reality shattered everything people believed about both dragons and House Targaryen. Meleys’ death wasn’t proof of the Greens strength. It was proof of their vulnerability. All Cole accomplished was to display that what Hugh the blacksmith said is true: dragons are just “meat,” same as every other living thing.

Two sides of House Targaryen are fighting over their ancestor’s Iron Throne. It’s a throne Aegon created on the back of dragons. He used his creatures’ physical power and their exalted status in the world to raise his family up as gods. Now the inexperienced Hand of the King Criston Cole has smashed the mythology House Targaryen relies on to rule. He’s shown the smallfolk dragons aren’t as special as they thought. Neither are their riders who rule them.

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What happens when people who considered their rulers specual gods who can keep them safe from everything suddenly realize the beings they put their faith can die the same as them? Both the Greens and the Blacks are about to find out.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist always happy to bash Criston Cole. You can follow him on Twitter and Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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Is Aemond King on HOUSE OF THE DRAGON? Here’s Who Is Ruling Right Now

In episode four of House of the Dragon, the Greens and the Blacks finally clashed in a proper conflict at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. While Rhaenyra and the Blacks suffered a powerful loss, the death of Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys, the Greens did not come out of the conflict unharmed. However, a great deal of the damage dealt to the Greens came not from Rhaenyra’s side, but from the choices that Aemond Targaryen made in battle, especially where it concerned his brother King Aegon. Aemond sent out a blast of dragonfire that grievously wounded both his brother Aegon and Aegon’s dragon, Sunfyre. But does that make Aemond Targaryen the King of the Seven Kingdoms on House of the Dragon? Not exactly, but Aegmond has taken on a great deal of power.

[image error]Aemond Is Not King on House of the Dragon Season 2, But He Is Prince Regent HBO

No, despite (what we consider) to be Aemond’s attempts to kill his brother on House of the Dragon season two, episode four, Aemond has not yet become King. For the moment, Aegon remains alive in episode five, although badly injured. To get the full title of King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Aemond probably should have moved quicker and actually stabbed his brother in the prior episode of House of the Dragon.

However, Aemond has now gained considerable power on House of the Dragon. Aemond is named Prince Regent by Aegon’s small council. As Queen Alicent notes, “A king cannot rule in his sleep, the realm will have noticed his absence… we must name a Regent to take his place until he recovers… or does not.” To keep the crown appearing stable, someone must rule.

Queen Alicent Lobbies to be Named Regent, But Aemond Is Placed in Charge InsteadHBO

Queen Alicent aims to become Regent and rule in Aegon’s stead on House of the Dragon. She wishes to keep justice and order, and not merely strength as an important part of the ruling strategy. However, in a reminder of the intense misogyny that exists in House of the Dragon‘s world, Alicent gets overruled by all the men around her. And Aemond becomes Prince Reagent instead (although, again, not King).

Alicent notes that she served as Queen Reagent for her husband and is well-prepared to do it again. But her years of actual experience are dismissed because she has only ruled during peacetime. And, of course, there’s the matter of her being a woman. (“What would it say if, in response to Rhaenyra’s crowning, we raised up a woman of our own.”)

Not even Alicent’s allies, whom she has intimate relationships with in different ways, Ser Larys Strong (responsible for the last quote) and Ser Criston Cole, rally to her defense. Instead, they abandon her, citing that Aemond is next-in-line to be King, and thus, the better choice for Reagant on House of the Dragon. Only Grand Maester Orwyle speaks in support of Alicent.

Ultimately, Alicent is ignored as Aemond is named Prince Reagent and takes one step closer to being King.

Is Aegon Dead on House of the Dragon? HBO

As mentioned, for now, King Aegon II is not dead and remains alive. Unless he meets his death, Aemond cannot take over as king on House of the Dragon. However, although Aegon lives, he remains incredibly injured. It will likely take him a long time to fully recover. And with Aemond now in a far more powerful position, should he be able to successfully prove himself in the position of Regent, it could strengthen his cause to volley for the position. There’s also the fact that Aegon wasn’t really a very good ruler to begin with.

Will Aemond Become King on House of the Dragon? And Will He Be a Good King?HBO

Will becoming Prince Regent be the first step Aemond takes toward becoming King on House of the Dragon? Obviously, those who want an informed, immediate answer can pull out their copy of George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Of course, the series continues to change things from the source material, so it’s possible Aemond and Aegon’s fates could shift as well, and the ultimate position of King could end up somewhere unexpected.

Prince Regent Aemond obviously desires Kingship and believes he is a more suitable candidate than his brother for the crown. If he had his way, Aemond would become king, and he’ll likely continue to push for the role. But would Aemond make for a good king on House of the Dragon? As Prince Regent, and beforehand, he has made some, at least strategically sound decisions. For instance, Aemond instigated the battle of Rook’s Rest and demanded the Ratcatchers’ bodies removed from sight. However, as his mother points out, he is young and lacks restraint. (Although no more than Aegon.) He also bars exit from King’s Landing in episode five of season two, which does not seem to sit well with the people. So it’s a mixed start for Aemond’s go at ruling.

Aegon’s actor Tom Glynn-Carney chimed in on what kind of a King Aemond would make, noting, “He’d be a steel fist, wouldn’t he? I think he’d be quite cutthroat and a cold king, probably. At least from the outset, he’d want people to fear him. He often talks about being bullied as a child, so he probably wants to reinstate himself as a secure, powerful man who won’t be messed with, which could be dangerous in a kingly position.”

We’ll have to wait and see who ultimately rules the Seven Kingdoms. But our two cents is better Aemond as King than Aegon on House of the Dragon.

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HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’s Civil War Is Inspired by a Real Medieval Fight for Power

It’s no secret that George R.R. Martin often uses real history to inspire events in Westeros. From William the Conqueror being the template for Aegon Targaryen’s conquest of the Seven Kingdoms to the Wars of the Roses serving as an influence on the conflict between the Starks and Lannisters, Martin’s work is filled with allusions to medieval history. And House of the Dragon, which brings Martin’s Fire & Blood book is no exception. The political and familial turmoil in Westeros parallels to a 12th-century English civil war known evocatively as “The Anarchy.” Just as the Targaryen civil war sprung from a succession crisis, The Anarchy came about the same way. (All of this without dragons, of course.) Let’s dive into the real life history that inspired the Dance of the Dragons war in House of the Dragon.

What Happened During The Anarchy and How Does It Compare to House of the Dragon‘s Dance of the Dragons?

King Henry I, King of England and Viserys Targaryean’s historical counterpart, had two legitimate children. His son and heir, William, and his daughter Matilda, named after Henry’s wife Matilda of Scotland. On November 25, 1120, Henry, William, and the rest of the English court were in Normandy across the English Channel. William the Conqueror originally held the Duchy of Normandy in France before conquering England. Therefore the lands remained under the control of his family. It’s not a perfect analogy, but think of Normandy like Dragonstone in House of the Dragon: ancestral holdings of the ruling dynasty separated from the rest of the kingdom by the sea.

Henry’s daughter, Matilda, was not present as she was in Germany fulfilling her duties as Holy Roman Empress. She married to Henry V (yes, there are a great deal of Henrys in this story) several years earlier. When it came time to return across the channel, William and his friends and hangers on decided to drink (a lot). They were aboard a beautiful, sleek, new ship—simply known as the White Ship—that was the fastest in the entire English fleet. 

The drunken revelry continued and, that night, the crew and patrons decided they would head to England. That captain confident that they would beat the old king back to the English coast, despite his head start. Unfortunately for all aboard, disaster struck shortly after casting off. The ship hit a rock formation in the harbor and it was overtaken by the sea. Like a medieval Titanic, the flower of the English nobility drowned in the freezing water. We guess the real life history parallels go beyond House of the Dragon.

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When word reached Henry about his son William’s death, his grief was unbearable. Chroniclers claimed that he never smiled again after that night. In addition to his personal loss, the shipwreck presented an immense political problem for Henry. Without a legitimate son to pass the crown to, who would succeed him? An unclear answer to that question would rip the unstable realm apart between rival claimants as male relatives came out of the woodwork to press their claims. 

The King Chooses His Daughter as His Successor

Like Viserys choosing Rhaenyra to succeed him, Henry designated his daughter Matilda as his heir. But, wasn’t Matilda the Holy Roman Empress? Well, she was, but the marriage had not produced any children. When her husband Henry V died unexpectedly in 1125, Empress Matilda returned to England.

This decision did not sit well with the English barons, but Henry would not be swayed from his choice. In fact, he brought the great lords of England before him three separate times to swear sacred oaths that they would obey Matilda as their queen when he died. And each of those times, the lords swore their oaths. 

So, when Henry I suddenly died in 1135, the succession seemed secure for his daughter. Unfortunately, a rival claimant saw his opportunity and pounced. Matilda was out of the country when Henry died, and as House of the Dragon showed us, that is the most dangerous time for the heir to the throne to be absent from the center of power. 

A Man Steps in to Take a Woman’s Claim to the ThroneHBO

Matilda’s cousin Stephen heard the news of Henry’s death and raced to London. He was acclaimed as king by the common people there. Stephen quickly moved on to Winchester, where his brother was the Archbishop, to secure the royal treasury. With the gold of the realm under his control, and the powerful symbol of being chosen as king by the people of the capitol, Stephen was officially crowned mere weeks after Henry’s death.

The fact that he had sworn a sacred oath before God and King to recognize his cousin as the heir did not concern him or those who supported him overmuch. The truth was that a woman succeeding Henry did not sit well with many in the Kingdom. They were more than happy to throw their support behind a man with a weaker claim, especially if it meant quickly crowning a new monarch to ensure the stability and security of the realm. It was even rumored that on his deathbed Henry, wracked with guilt over appointing Matilda as his heir, absolved the barons of their oaths.

The parallels to Aegon II and the seizure of power by the Greens immediately following Viserys’ death are clear. It must be said, being a son of the previous king made Aegon’s claim to the throne infinitely stronger than Stephen’s. When news reached Matilda that Stephen had been crowned, she could choose to accept that she had been robbed of her promised inheritance, or she could choose to fight. 

Matilda Chooses to Fight for Her Crown, Just as Rhaenyra Does in House of the DragonHBO

Like Rhaenyra did on House of the Dragon, Matilda chose to fight in real life, sparking a conflict that changed history. The war was brutal. There were many swings between Stephen and Matilda, with lords and the Church switching sides to support whoever seemed to be winning. As the Anglo-Saxon chronicle evocatively put it: “It was as if Christ and his saints were asleep.”

After 15 years of brutal fighting, an agreement was reached when it was clear that neither side would fully win. Stephen would continue to sit the throne, but he would be succeeded not by his own son, but by Matilda’s son Henry. When Stephen died of stomach issues in 1154, Matilda’s son became Henry II.

She wasn’t able to sit the throne, but her direct descendants would rule England for the next 300 years. Though lacking in dragons, real medieval history can be just as dramatic and shocking as the tales weaved by George R.R. Martin. House of the Dragon brilliantly brings the real life history of The Anarchy to life.

Will the conflict between the Greens and the Blacks end the same way as the struggle between Stephen and Matilda? We’ll have to keep watching to find out.

Editor’s Note: The author’s primary source for the information in this article is from The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens who Made England by Dan Jones.

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How HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’s Visit With the Freys Connects to GAME OF THRONES

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House of the Dragon brought viewers back to one of Game of Thrones‘ most notorious locales during the prequel’s fifth episode of season two. Prince Jacaerys took it upon himself to fly his dragon to the Twins, home of House Frey, the Red Wedding, and Arya’s ultimate revenge. House of the Dragon‘s visit to that infamous stronghold wasn’t as deadly, but even without any murder, Jace’s encounter with Lord and Lady Frey still had major connections with Game of Thrones. House Frey was always willing to let a Northern army cross its valuable bridge… for the right price.

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With Meleys and her dragonrider Rhaenys dead, Queen Rhaenyra’s position has never been more tenuous. She desperately needs the Riverlands and its massive armies to join her cause if she has any hope to defeat the Greens and claim the Iron Throne. With her husband Daemon out of pocket—and possibly out for himself at Harrenhal—a frustrated Jacaerys flew off on his dragon Vermax without his mother’s knowledge or permission. He’d grown tired of being confined to Dragonstone while others serve (and die for) his mother’s cause. His proactive, unsanctioned mission took him to the Twins of House Frey. Jace hoped to find both an ally and a path forward in the war.

House Frey is one of the newer noble house in Westeros. At the start of the Dance of the Dragons, its history only dated back four hundred years. That’s nothing compared to the millennia some other families have been around. House Frey rose to prominence thanks to its identical dual castle home the Twins. Also known as the Crossing, those structures are connected by a long stone bridge over the Green Fork River, one of three rivers that make up the Trident.

(In George R.R. Martin’s books, the bridge also has a tower in the middle. From there guards can fire on anyone who crosses without permission. HBO’s shows do not include the tower.)

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The Freys got rich and powerful by charging others to use their well-placed river passage. They never lacked for willing customers, either. The Twins greatly reduces the time needed to move between the North and Riverlands. The Crossing provides speed, safety, and convenience, all things especially valuable to armies on the move who would otherwise be forced to go a long way around a much more treacherous path.

That swift passage is exactly what Jace hoped to secure for his mother on his mission. Cregan Stark has sworn the North to Rhaenyra’s cause. The Lord of Winterfell is sending 2,000 seasoned, older troops to immediately fight on her behalf. If they could cross at the Twins they would be able to join the fight much faster. Without House Frey’s permission the Northmen might be too late to be of any use. The war could be lost before they arrive. Lannister forces sworn to King Aegon are already amassing in the West.

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At first Lord and Lady Frey were wary of providing Cregan’s men passage. They have no issue with Rhaenyra’s claim, but their Lord Paramount has not declared for either side. “The oaf” Lord Grover Tully is too sickly to make any decision. (That led Daemon to tell his grandson to put a pillow over his grandsire’s head so the young man could begin his reign and back Rhaenyra.) Supporting the Queen without their Lord’s permission would be treasonous. Even letting Cregan’s men cross would amount to picking a side.

More importantly, House Frey rightfully fears Aemond and Vhagar. They are the most destructive power in the world. If there were any question about that before, the whole Realm already knows what just happened at Rook’s Rest.

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Jace assuaged their concerns by swearing both his dragon and his Uncle Daemon’s would protect House Frey. While that made the Freys happy, the Prince recognized they wanted more. When pushed they asked for Harrenhal, an even bigger, more valuable castle in the Riverlands. It belonged to Larys Strong before Daemon took it.

Prince Jacaerys was willing to give the grant them the infamous, cursed stronghold at the end of the war, but he needed more for a prize that big. To earn Harrenhal his mother Rhaenyra requires “bent knees.”

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The Freys sworn support is far more valuable than a couple thousand Northmen walking across a bridge, because the wealthy family can amass a well-regarded army that is even bigger than the one their own lords at House Tully can call on. (The Riverlands are really important because it’s centrally located, fertile, and full of soldiers. Houses Blackwood and Bracken, both now sworn to Rhaenyra as well, can also gather more men than the Tullys.)

Lord and Lady Frey accepted the Prince’s offer, and Rhaenyra said her son did their cause a great service. The Blacks now have a fighting chance to win. But while Jace’s meeting at the Twins went very differently from the last time viewers saw a dark-haired member of a noble family there—when Arya poisoned every Frey man while disguised as Lord Walder—Jace’s scene at the Twins was ripe with connections to Game of Thrones.

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Robb Stark’s ill-fated alliance with Lord Walder Frey on Game of Thrones also arose from Robb’s own need to move his Northern army quickly. He was trying to march south against the Lannisters. They had his father Ned imprisoned as a traitor in King’s Landing and were holding Sansa as a de facto hostage. (No one knew where Arya was.) To save his family and advance against the Lannister army, Robb needed safe passage for his men at the Twins.

His mother Catelyn knew the prickly Lord Walder personally and went as an emissary for her son. She returned with an offer for both safe crossing and Frey fealty. The deal included Robb’s oath to marry one of Walder’s daughters after the war.

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Robb accepted and the Northmen crossed at the Twins. But Robb did not keep his promise to the notoriously dangerous, untrustworthy Lord Frey. Robb fell in love with a healer from Essos named Talisa. After the two married, against Catelyn’s advice, House Frey withdrew their support from Robb’s cause. A desperate Robb’s later efforts to bring House Frey back to his army resulted in the Red Wedding.

Lord Walder wanted much more than what Robb was now offering. The new deal would see his uncle, Catelyn’s brother and new Lord of Riverrun Edmure Tully, marry one of Walder’s many daughters instead. This new marriage would unite the two Riverland families by marriage.

That marriage happened, but Lord Walder got his revenge anyway. He conspired with Tywin Lannister and Roose Bolton to pull off the Red Wedding. The Freys killed Robb, Catelyn, Talisa, and all the Northmen Walder had sworn to protect at the Twins.

Lord Walder, who always felt disrespected and looked down upon by older, noble houses, specifically cited his desire to have his family marry a King as his reason for this unimaginable act. House Stark had broken their oath and embarrassed House Frey. Robb denied the Freys the one thing all their money and soldiers could never buy: respect. For that disrespect, Robb and the North paid with their lives, as did Lord Walder. In the end, winter came for House Frey.

Lord Walder’s actions did not represent House Frey, but it did capture some things that were always true about them. The Twins was always extremely valuable during war when Northmen needed to go south. And even two hundred years before the Red Wedding the Freys were just as ambitious when someone came knocking. House Frey wanted more power, more money, and more respect.

For Jace that meant giving them a bigger castle. For Robb it was supposed to mean his hand in marriage. And for everyone else it’s a reminder that an upstart family smart enough to build a highly valuable bridge at an important locale should never be underestimated.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist who is always looking for a reason to mention Cregan Stark. You can follow him on Twitter and Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Season 2, Episode 6 Trailer Teases New Dragons and an Aemond vs Daemon Showdown

Somehow, House of the Dragon season two is closer to its finale than its premiere. And things are certainly heating up if the House of the Dragon season two, episode six trailer is to be believed. On the side of the Blacks, Rhaenyra Targaryen and her son Jace are searching for new dragonriders to ride the unclaimed dragons at their side. Meanwhile, the Greens are facing interpersonal conflict as the injured Aegon wakes up to face his brother, Aemond, who felled him. There’s a lot of tension and a lot of fire on the way.

You can check out the full trailer for House of the Dragon season two, episode six, below.

As always on House of the Dragon, episode six’s trailer promises many complicated relationships coming to a head. Rhaenyra vs. Daemon. Daemon vs. Aemond. Aemond vs. Aegon. That’s just a drop in the bucket of the intense familial struggles we’ll soon see explode. And that’s only if no one dies in dragon fire first.

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As episode five of House of the Dragon set up, House of the Dragon episode six’s trailer teases more dragons will be coming back into play. It looks like the dragon Silverwing may be joining in on the House of the Dragon season two excitement. But remember, to claim a dragon, you must also be prepared to die. We have a few ideas about which characters might make for good dragonriders, but we’ll have to wait and see who becomes a new dragonlord in episode six.

HBO

House of the Dragon season two, episode six, will air on July 21 at 9 PM on HBO and Max. You can check out more about House of the Dragon season two’s full release schedule here. In the meantime, brush up on your dragon names and get ready for some major clashes as House of the Dragon continues.

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The Woman In Daemon’s Creepy Sex Vision Is Actually His Mom on HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

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Daemon Targaryen’s Harrenhal nightmares continued during House of the Dragon‘s “Regent.” His latest bad dream/waking vision was pretty scary for viewers, too. The King Consort dreamt about sleeping with a different member of his House, and it was weird even for a family that constantly marries siblings. Daemon Targaryen had an Oedipal nightmare—at least we hopes he considers it a nightmare—about having sex with his dead mom, Alyssa Targaryen.

Who Did Daemon Have Sex With During His Nightmare on House of the Dragon?HBO

During House of the Dragon season two’s fifth episode Daemon Targaryen had an explicit, uncomfortable (to say the least) sultry sex dream about his dead mom, though he didn’t realize who she was at first. When he did his happiness turned to fear and shock.

This is what Alyssa Targaryen said during the nightmare:

Daemon, you were always the strong one. The finest swordsman…the fearless dragonrider. Your brother had great love in his heart, but he lacked your constitution. Viserys was unsuited for the crown, but you…Daemon, you were made to wear it. If only you’d been born first. My favorite son.

This was Daemon’s latest waking dream at Harrenhal. He was actually eating lunch with members of the Strong family during his creepy vision. The blood he saw on his mother’s bare chest at dream’s end wasn’t actually dripping from his own hands. It was from the bloody duck on his fork, the latest blending of dreams and reality for the King Consort.

Who Was Daemon and Viserys’ Mother Alyssa Targaryen?HBO

Alyssa Targaryen was born 69 years before the Dance of the Dragons. She was the fifth child of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne. They named Alyssa after her grandmother.

Alyssa married her older brother Baelon the Brave, who was briefly heir to the Iron Throne before he died of appendicitis. (Baelon is also the Targaryen Ulf the White claims is his father on House of the Dragon.) Together Alyssa and Baelon had three children: Viserys, Daemon, and (a totally different) Aegon who died before his first birthday.

As a child Alyssa preferred to spend her time sword fighting, riding horses, and playing with boys rather than spending time with girls and participating in activities considered more appropriate for a Lady or Princess of Westeros. Many thought the strong, smart Alyssa had the heart and spirit of a warrior. Meanwhile, she thought she was as “bawdy a wench as any barmaid in King’s Landing.”

Her infamous wedding night supported her claim. Those in attendance said the sounds that came from Baelon and Alyssa’s bedchamber could be heard miles away. She was also not shy about sharing how much she loved being intimate with her husband and that she planned to have many more such nights with. She also told Baelon she hoped to give him twenty sons.

How Did Daemon’s Mother Alyssa Targaryen Die?HBO

Alyssa gave birth to Viserys the future King, in 77 AC. Daemon followed four years later in 81 AC. But Alyssa never recovered from Aegon’s long and challenging birth in 84 AC. She passed away at the age of 24 later that year. Aegon died without reaching his first nameday. Viserys was seven when his mom died, Daemon only three.

Was Alyssa Targaryen a Dragonrider?HBO

Alyssa Targaryen was the first person to ever ride Meleys. She claimed the swift she-dragon the same year she married her brother. The two frequently flew together. (Baelon rode Vhagar, the same dragon that would one day kill Meleys and her only other rider ever, Rhaenys.)

Alyssa took each of her infant sons Viserys and Daemon for a ride on Meleys shortly after giving birth to them. But everything we know about her reveals which one of the boys took after her dragonrider warrior spirit : Daemon.

What Did Daemon’s Oedipal Dream About His Mom Mean on House of the Dragon?HBO

Daemon loved his late brother Viserys, but he also resented him. He believes Viserys was too weak to be King and that he was better suited for the role, if only he’d been born first. Daemon is also still upset Viserys bypassed him and named Rhaenyra heir, when the laws of Westeros (and past precedent) said Daemon should have been heir. The reckless, selfish, ambitious Dameon also desperately wants his family to love him and validate him. He wants them to accept him, but his very nature is why they can never fully trust him.

This Oedipal dream with his mother gave him everything he wanted. Alyssa validated his feelings of superiority. She confirmed his belief that both fate and the Seven Realms wronged him before just as it is wrong him now by denying him the Iron Throne. And she also said said Daemon was “her favorite,” giving him the love he so desperately craves.

Ollie Upton/HBO

It was a dream that gave everything the amorous Daemon ever wanted until he realized exactly what was going on. When he realized he was having sex with his own dead mother, a woman he doesn’t remember, his ecstasy turned to horror. Targaryens might marry their own siblings, and Daemon himself might have married his own niece, but even a man of fire and blood wouldn’t have sex with his own mother. That’s the stuff of nightmares. The question is why did he have such a terrible dream in the first place?

Did Alys Rivers Cause Daemon’s Dream About His Mom on House of the Dragon?HBO

Even before “Regent,” we wondered what is causing Daemon’s nightmares on House of the Dragon. Is it his guilty, insecure subconscious? Cursed Harrenhal itself? Or is it our favorite owl-witch, Alys Rivers? Is she just an astute woman who pays attentions to her surroundings and can read people? Or does she know a lot about Daemon because she’s more than just the castle’s de fact maester?

The episode hinted at her having magical abilities, unnatural knowledge, or both when she curiously mentioned Daemon’s mother later in the episode. Her comment about how it’s too bad he didn’t know his mom might have just been a huge coincidence. (Though not an impossible one, since Daemon’s war crimes might have simply made Alys wish he’d had a motherly influence growing up). Or it was a dead giveaway she knew all about his creepy sex dream, either because she caused it or she has a way of reading his mind.

Daemon’s still at Harrenhal, so there’s still time to learn more about Alys and whether she’s messing with his mind. If she is responsible for his nightmares hopefully that’s the last time she makes us watch him have sex with his mom. Alyssa Targaryen’s notorious escapades with another family member was more than enough.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on  Twitter and  Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Has Hidden Potential New Dragonriders in Plain Sight

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With Princess Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys both dead, Queen Rhaenyra’s claim has never been more dire. Fortunately, her son Jace had a “mad thought” at the end of House of the Dragon season two’s fifth episode about how they can turn their fortunes around. The Blacks still have more dragons than the Greens on House of the Dragon; what they don’t have are enough Dragonriders. They need to quickly find some so Rhaenyra, forced to avoid battle, can go “forth in strength and not from necessity.” But who will claim those magical beasts of fire? History says only those with the blood of the dragon can become dragonriders in House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones‘ world.

The problem is, in Westeros, only Houses Targaryen and Velaryon trace their ancestry back to old Valyria. Fortunately, the Targaryens have intermarried in the Realm for a century. They’ve also sired many bastards known as “dragonseeds.” All of those distant relatives could try and claim one of the Blacks’ riderless dragons. So who might risk their life to do so? House of the Dragon has been hiding characters who could become potential new dragonriders in plain sight throughout season two.

HBO

Note: For this list, we are only relying on (at this point obvious) context clues from House of the Dragon. The HBO series’ adaptation has already had some major deviations from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, so anything we might “know” from his book could prove to be totally irrelevant to the show. That includes the possibility House of the Dragon will exclude certain dragons and characters entirely. If it does—and there are already signs it will—that will greatly change what can happen in the prequel.

Who Can Claim a Dragon on House of the Dragon and Become a Dragonrider?Max

The histories say dragons will only accept a dragonlord as its rider, which is another way of saying a dragon will only accept someone with blood that traces back to Old Valyria. Prince Jacaerys pointed out those histories might not be totally accurate, though. He called them “Valyrian histories, written to gild us in glory.” He might be right. Those tales also conveniently discouraged anyone else from trying to claim a dragon as their own, leaving Valyrian power unchallenged.

If the histories are wrong, that means anyone, regardless of where they came from, could ride a dragon. In that case every single character on House of the Dragon is a potential dragonrider.

Jace might be wrong, though. Valyrians themselves seemed to believe in the specialness of their bloodlines. Families married their own kin to keep their lines “pure.”

Max

Finding out the truth will mean individuals risking a painful death. Even those strong with the blood of the dragon are not guaranteed to claim one. Rhaena, whose father is Daemon Targaryen and whose grandmother was Rhaenys Targaryen, almost burned to death when she tried to claim a dragon on House of the Dragon. Someone whose Valyrian blood is “thin,” as Rhaenyra said, would be even less likely to bond with a dragon on House of the Dragon. Dragons are very picky about who they accept as a rider. There’s a special connection between dragon and rider no one fully understands.

Thin blood would still matter if the histories are correct. Then anyone related to a Targaryen, even partially, is a potential dragonrider on House of the Dragon. And therefore, someone who can change this civil war. (That’s also true of Velaryon kin, even though House Velaryon were not dragonlords in Old Valyria.)

The blood of old Valyria is not limited to just denizens of King’s Landing, Dragonstone, and Driftmark. Both houses married into Westeros families prior to the Targaryen Civil War. Each also has sired bastards. But it’s clear House of the Dragon has been strongly foreshadowing which specific characters are likely candidates to answer Rhaenyra’s call. Here are the House of the Dragon characters most likely to become dragonriders on House of the Dragon.

Alyn and Addam of Hull Have Velaryon BloodOllie Upton/HBO

The last time Rhaenys spoke with her husband she told Lord Corlys Velaryon, she told him that she knew the truth about Alyn of Hull. The wise, astute Princess recognized Alyn was more than just the man who rescues Corlys. She recognized Alyn is Corlys’ bastard son in House of the Dragon‘s worlds.

Rhaenys did not hold Alyn’s birth against the brave sailor. She instead encouraged Corlys to honor Alyn. “He should be raised up,” Rhaenys said. Nothing would raise Alyn higher than a dragon…

We know something Rhaenys didn’t, though. Alyn has a brother, Addam. They look a lot alike, and Addam talked about what Lord Corlys “owes” both of them. What else could the Lord of Driftmark owe Addam than the truth? And if that wasn’t a big enough hint, House of the Dragon keeps showing Addam watching the lonely dragon Seasmoke, previously ridden by his half-brother Laener, taking to the sky.

Max

Alyn and Addam clearly have the blood of Old Valyria. Their widowed father, who would not recognize them while Rhaenys lived, is now also Hand of the Queen for Rhaenyra Targaryen, a woman desperate for dragons.

There are no two stronger, more obvious candidates to try and claim dragons and become dragonriders than the bastard sons of the Sea Snake on House of the Dragon. Yet they might not be the best candidate.

Ulf the White Could Become a House of the Dragon DragonriderHBO

While the show has all but confirmed Alyn and Addam are bastards of a powerful man with Valyrian blood, another character has openly claimed to be exactly that. Ulf the White told his tavern friends he is a “dragonseed,” a term for Targaryen bastards. Ulf specifically said in House of the Dragon episode three that he is the unacknowledged son of Baelon the Brave, father of the late King Viserys and Daemon Targaryen.

The not entirely stupid/not entirely smart Ulf was willing to quietly make that claim to strangers when it meant free drinks, even though he said it could cost him his head. However, he’s not exactly brave. At first, he supported his (supposed) niece Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. Ulf even declared her son Jace as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. But when King Aegon showed up unexpectedly, a terrified Ulf was the first one to pay homage to Aegon.

HBO

Ulf’s cowardice is not the best omen for a potential dragonrider. He’s also certainly not the only person to ever make a wild claim for a free mug of ale. But he might really be a dragonseed. His distinct white hair is unusual for anyone his age in King’s Landing. It’s unusual for someone from Westeros. Narratively it also wouldn’t make sense that the show has spent any time with Ulf and his familial claims if we aren’t supposed to at least consider him a future dragonrider on House of the Dragon.

Hair color and the amount of attention House of the Dragon has given to an otherwise unimportant member of the smallfolk also point to one other person in King’s Landing as a possible dragonrider for Rhaenyra.

Hugh the Blacksmith Could Become an Unexpected DragonriderHBO

Ulf is not the only denizen of King’s Landing with peculiar hair. House of the Dragon has spent even more time with another such character, Hugh the Blacksmith. Ulf and Hugh are the only members of the smallfolk with such a distinct physical trait. And, while Hugh and his family’s story has added to the show’s theme about how innocent people suffer during war, House of the Dragon has spent a lot of time on his story. He’s clearly more important than a single theme.

Hugh wants to bring his dying daughter and desperate wife somewhere safe, but nowhere in Westeros is safe. Dragonstone and its unclaimed dragons might be the best place for him to go. It offers him something he doesn’t have: the power to do something to save his family.

HBO

Aegon broke his promise to pay Hugh for his work. Now that broken promise could work against the Greens, because while Meleys is dead, Rhaenyra has more dragons. She and Jace also now have a plan that is not as mad as it sounds. Perhaps Hugh the Blacksmith will join the ranks of dragonriders.

The Blacks will now go searching through old scrolls for forgotten ancestors. But House of the Dragon has already presented us with some possible dragonriders that we already know about.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist and dragon historian. You can follow him on  Twitter and  Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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Who Is the Red Hulk from CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD? His Marvel Comics History Explained

One of Marvel Comics’ most powerful villains is making his debut in Captain America: New World Order, taking on Sam Wilson. The Red Hulk, who is exactly what his name suggests, will soon throw down with the Sentinel of Liberty on the White House lawn. But the character who became Red Hulk, General Ross, has been around since 1962. Here’s the topsy-turvy comic book history of the Red Hulk, and what it means for his MCU future.

Marvel ComicsThe Red Hulk’s Origins (as General Thunderbolt Ross)

Long before he was ever the Red Hulk, General Thadeus “Thunderbolt” Ross was a thorn in the side of the Incredible Hulk. He first appeared in The Incredible Hulk #1, and thus, is a Stan Lee and Jack Kirby creation. From his inception, Ross has been portrayed as a gruff, trigger-happy member of the American military. He was a product of generations in his family serving in the military, going back to the Civil War.

Ross was the military attache of the gamma bomb project in New Mexico that turned scientist Bruce Banner into the Hulk. He resented that Dr. Banner, a scientist, was given the final say over the project over him, a decorated officer. Ever since, he had a single-minded obsession with capturing the Hulk. All of this is made more complicated due to the fact that his daughter Betty was the love of Banner’s life. If any villain ranks at the top in the Hulk’s pantheon of adversaries, it’s Ross.

Marvel ComicsGeneral Ross, the Hulk’s Arch-Nemesis

In the early days, Ross was described as a veteran of World War II, now an Air Force General. He was excessively jingoistic, and hated the scientist banner for being a “weakling.” He despised that his daughter was enamored with him, hoping she’d marry a military man. When Banner became the Hulk, he would do anything and everything to bring him in. He allied with outright villains like Abomination and the Leader, essentially committing treason, all in an effort to defeat the Jade Giant, who he saw as a manifestation of his failure. Ross was in charge of one effort to bring in the Hulk after another, heading up Operation: Greenskin, operating out of Hulkbuster Base.

The Death and Rebirth of Thunderbolt Ross

Ross spent years using his military muscle to to try to stop the Hulk, but to no avail. At one point, Ross even merged with the energy being Zzzax to try and stop the Hulk himself. His most heinous act came when he came to Bruce and Betty’s wedding with a gun, intending to shoot Bruce Banner, instead shooting Banner’s non-powered friend, Rick Jones. He finally realizes he has been wrong about Bruce all these years, and helps him fight a mutant threat with the last of his Zzzax powers. He dies in his daughter Betty’s arm, finally giving the couple his blessing. In the Marvel universe, however, death is rarely the end.

Marvel Comics

Ross is first brought back to life by the gamma-powered Leader, where he becomes his puppet. Eventually breaking free of that control with some alien help, he returns to his position in the U.S. Air Force. For many years, he remains a background character. He even becomes friends (to an extent) with Bruce Banner, until his beloved daughter seemingly dies from gamma poisoning, due to her proximity to the Hulk. His hatred for the Hulk then resumes unabated. It was 45 years after his creation, however, that Ross went through his biggest transformation as a Marvel character, when he became the Red Hulk.

The First Appearance and Origin of the Red Hulk

The Red Hulk first appeared in Hulk #1, back in 2008. This Red Hulk was the creation of writer Jeph Loeb and artist Ed McGuinness, with the intention of giving Hulk a true physical equal. The true identity of this crimson doppelgänger to the Hulk was a mystery to the readers, which Marvel teased out for a long time. Red Hulk came for many of Hulk’s usual foes, killing the Abomination and Wendigo, all proving he was just as strong as the green guy. He even took down a SHIELD Hellicarrier. Unlike the Hulk, who often displayed limited intelligence, Red Hulk was smart and cunning from the get-go. For two years, the true identity of Red Hulk was a secret.

Marvel ComicsHow the Red Hulk Got His Powers

In 2010, in Hulk #23, Marvel revealed the truth about the Red Hulk. The supervillain M.O.D.O.K. had given General Ross the powers of the Hulk, using the organization Intelligentsia to create a new Super Soldier Program, recreating the accident that gave Banner his powers. Although previous stories had shown Red Hulk killing General Ross, as a way of throwing readers off, they eventually revealed that Ross was an artificial Life Model Decoy.

Why Is the Red Hulk Red?

M.O.D.O.K. combined gamma radiation with cosmic rays to give Ross powers, which gave the Fantastic Four their powers. The cosmic rays portion of the process made Ross turn red and not green, as it superseded the gamma part of the equation.

Is Red Hulk Stronger than the Green Hulk?

The Red Hulk’s powers are nearly identical to those of the Hulk. Unlike the green Hulk, however, Red Hulk can also emit heat from his eyes. While the Banner Hulk gets stronger the angrier he becomes, Red Hulk’s body temperature rises with his anger, creating heat that rivals that of the Human Torch. He has the power to absorb different types of energy, including gamma radiation. This extra power comes with a downside, though. Unlike Banner, Red Hulk can never revert to his human form, as it would instantly kill him. Because of the cosmic rays in his creation, Red Hulk has, in the past, had the ability to absorb the Power Cosmic from Galactus, even if it was for a temporary period of time.

Marvel ComicsIs Red Hulk a Villain or Hero?

In his earliest appearances, the Red Hulk was definitely a villain. Aside from murdering Abomination and Wendigo, he fought both Hulk and Thor. Eventually, he reformed, and became something of a hero again. He joined the Avengers, upon Captain America’s request, and later, the Thunderbolts. The team is not actually named after “Thunderbolt” Ross, but it was a nice coincidence anyway. He has (mostly) fought on the side of the good guys ever since.

General Ross in the MCU

In the MCU, William Hurt originally portrayed Thunderbolt Ross in The Incredible Hulk. He reprised the role for Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow. He was portrayed as a military general in The Incredible Hulk, in much the same capacity he had in the comics. For later MCU films, he was Secretary of State, and someone who sought legislation against super powered operatives like the Avengers. Despite his conflict with the heroes, he was last seen at Tony Starks funeral in Endgame.

President Ross Becomes the Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World

For Captain America: Brave New World, Harrison Ford is stepping in for the late William Hurt. He is now President of the United States, seeking to get Captain America as a government operative once more. We don’t know how or why, but it seems like President Ross will eventually become the Red Hulk in this film, probably with the cooperation of the Leader, a returning Tim Blake Nelson from 2008’s The Incredible Hulk. At some point, Hulk will take on Captain America himself. Harrison Ford is expected to return for the movie Thunderbolts as well.

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Fashion, Function, and Pikachu Meet in Loungefly COLLECTIV’s New POKÉMON Collection

When you’re a Pokémon trainer, you have to travel far and wide to become the very best, like no one ever was. But you won’t get far on all these journeys to catch ’em all if your Poké Balls are flying everywhere and you don’t have a good place to keep your hat, Pokémoney, and treats for your Pokémon. And that’s where Loungefly COLLECTIV’s new Pokémon collection comes in. This collection will bring fashionable and functional fandom to your life, making sure you’re free to adventure to your heart’s desire while knowing your gear is well-made and celebrating your favorite franchise.

Loungefly COLLECTIV’s Pokémon Collection Reveals a New Backpack, Bag, and WalletLoungefly

So what awaits you in Loungefly COLLECTIV’s fabulous Pokémon collection? Well, trainers can take another step toward become Pokémon Masters with a Poké Ball decorated backpack, convertible bag, and wallet. Each of these excellent items have subtle Pikachus decorating them.

A release shares more about this new Loungefly Pokémon collection:

The COLLECTIV line draws its name from the way fashion connects fans, while offering subtle, functional designs that are an extension of fan-favorite franchises and characters. The Pokémon collection features an all-new full-size COLLECTR Backpack ($125 MSRP) and ARTST Convertible Bag ($75 MSRP) and ORGANIZR Wallet ($40 MSRP) decorated in sleek, debossed Poké Ball patterns. A peek inside each reveals Pikachu-themed lining, with the iconic Pokémon making an appearance under each accessory’s top flap.

You can take a closer look at the collection below. The Pokémon COLLECTIV collection will soon be available on Loungefly.com.

COLLECTR Backpack Click To View Gallery Loungefly ARTST Convertible Bag Click To View Gallery Loungefly Loungefly Loungefly Loungefly Loungefly Loungefly Loungefly ORGANIZR Wallet Click To View Gallery Loungefly More About Loungefly COLLECTIV Accessories

Loungefly COLLECTIV is a “line draws its name from the way fashion connects fans, while offering subtle, functional designs that are an extension of fan-favorite franchises and characters.” Past Loungefly COLLECTIV releases have included Loki and Star Wars collections, and we can personally vouch for their quality and cool fannish sensibilities. We can’t wait to see what’s coming next for the line and are ready to get out there and catch all the piece’s of this Loungefly Pokémon collection.

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Patrick Dempsey Joins DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN Prequel Series Cast and Other Cast Annoucements

The Dexter prequel series is starting to come together. Paramount+ with Showtime announced the cast of Dexter: Original Sin, including Patrick Gibson as Dexter and the always fantastic Christian Slater as Harry Morgan, Dexter’s adoptive father and a homicide detective. Molly Brown, who will portray Debra Morgan, Dexter’s younger sister, also joins. In addition Patrick Dempsey has come aboard Dexter: Original Sin in a series regular role.  

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images; Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images; Ted Ely

Deadline reveals that Dempsey will play Aaron Spencer, “the Captain of the Miami Metro Homicide department who has a decades-long relationship with Harry Morgan (Christian Slater).”

Additionally, James Martinez (Love Victor), Christina Milian (Falling Inn Love), Alex Shimizu (The Blacklist) and Reno Wilson (Mike & Molly). According to a release, “These four actors star as members of the Miami Metro Police Department. Martinez plays Angel Batista, an up-and-coming homicide detective who leads with his heart; Milian plays Maria LaGuerta, Miami Metro’s first female homicide detective; Shimizu plays Vince Masuka, a forensic analyst who eagerly shares his expertise while relishing the chance to boss around his new intern, Dexter Morgan; and Wilson plays Bobby Watt, Harry’s longtime partner and confidant.”

Finally, Joe Pantoliano, Brittany Allen, Randy Gonzalez, Aaron Jennings, Raquel Justice, Jasper Lewis, Carlo Mendez , Isaac Gonzalez Rossi, and Roberto Sanchez have joined the cast. Per Deadline, “Pantoliano plays Mad Dog, Allen plays Dexter’s biological mother, Laura Moser, Gonzalez plays Santos Jimenez, Jennings plays Clark Sanders, Justice plays Sofia, Lewis, Lewis plays Dexter’s adoptive mom and wife of Harry, Doris Morgan, Mendez plays Hector Estrada, Gonzalez Rossi plays Gio and Sanchez plays Tony Ferrer.”

Here’s a brief synopsis of Dexter: Original Sin to accompany the cast announcement: 

Set in 1991 Miami, DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN follows Dexter (Gibson) as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry (Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcements’ radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.    

What Is the Release Date for Dexter: Original Sin?

The release date for Dexter: Original Sin is unknown at this time. 

Originally published on May 23, 2024.

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