The third season of House of the Dragon airs this Sunday. Fans have waited two years since Season 2’s conclusion. Refresh your memory about the series’ complex characters and intertwined alliances.
Understanding the Conflict
The central conflict revolves around the Iron Throne. King Viserys once promised his daughter Rhaenyra she would inherit the throne, but her best friend Alicent misinterpreted Viserys’ dying words, elevating her son Aegon to power. This act ignited the civil war dubbed the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal struggle for power.
Meet Team Black
Team Black supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne.
- Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy): Intended heir battling for the throne after Aegon’s coup. Rides Syrax.
- Daemon (Matt Smith): Rhaenyra’s uncle and husband, initially a rival but later an ally. His dragon is Caraxes.
- Jacaerys (Harry Collett): Rhaenyra’s son, bonded with the Winter Wolves. Rides Vermax.
- Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint): Master of the seas, enforcing the blockade on King’s Landing.
- Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno): Informant and Rhaenyra’s ally, known as the White Worm.
New characters include Addam, a new dragonrider, and several others loyal to Rhaenyra.
Meet Team Green
Led by Alicent, Team Green works to maintain Aegon’s rule.
- Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke): Mother to Aegon and a central figure in Team Green. Seeks peace but faces opposition.
- Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney): Ruling yet reluctant king with a missing dragon, Sunfyre.
- Aemond (Ewan Mitchell): Aegon’s brother and fierce fighter. Commands Vhagar, a powerful dragon.
- Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel): Hand to King Aegon, formerly involved with both Rhaenyra and Alicent.
Anticipating New Developments
Anticipate significant battles and character introductions.
- Watch for the Gullet Battle: A major naval clash between the Black and Green fleets.
- New Characters: Expect figures like Roderick Dustin, Torrhen Manderly, and Daeron to alter alliances.
- Alicent and Rhaenyra’s Relationship: Tenuous meetings continue, highlighting their strained friendship despite ongoing war.
Fans of the series can expect intense plots, new alliances, and dramatic battles as Season 3 unfolds, continuing the gripping saga of power struggles in Westeros.