'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon': How are Daenerys and Rhaenyra Targaryen so SIMILAR?
'Game of Thrones' has been one of the most watched series of all time, and when the prequel of the series was released on Sunday, August 21, 2022, fans lost their calm over it. The fans also noticed the references and props they used in the two series although some of them are revamped. The sequel's storyline was about the nine noble families fighting for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia. In the mythical continent of Westeros, several powerful families fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms whereas 'House of the Dragon' is focused on the Dance and the events leading up to it, including the rivalry between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower.
Fans spotted many similarities and one of the things they were most inquisitive about was the characteristic similarity of Rhaenyra and Daenerys Targaryen. Although Rhaenyra is Daenerys' ancestor, she was infamous for being the first woman who was listed as King Viserys I's heir to the Iron Throne whereas Daenerys fought her way to make it back to the Iron Throne as she was the rightful heir to sit on the Iron Throne.
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As the audience has watched Daenerys for eight seasons in 'Game of Thrones' they have an idea of character and when they find the two similar it is not for the physical appearance but more for their attitude towards life and their aura in general. Except for one very obvious commonality which was already a given when the audiences saw Rhaenyra's father's name and Daenerys's brother's name was the same, Viserys, what else do the two Targaryen ladies have in common?
Daenerys as she was raised in exile, never staying long in one place, has never truly known a place to call home. Though she describes the fragrance of the Western Market at Vaes Dothrak as smelling "of home," in fact, it reminds her of the days she spent in several of the Free Cities as a small child. Among the Dothraki, she feels safe, loved, and hopeful for the first time. The house with the red door in Braavos, where she lived until she was about five years old, has come to symbolize her lost childhood, and she frequently wishes to return there. Though she has never seen Westeros and cannot remember Dragonstone, she believes that the Iron Throne is her by rights, as Viserys' heir, and that ruling the Seven Kingdoms is her duty. Daenerys abhors slavery and is willing to put the needs of her people before her own desires. Even though Rhaenyra was not raised in exile but she was proud and stubborn, and there was a certain petulance to her small mouth. But she could be charming, Rhaenyra was quick to anger and never forgot a slight. She resented her slender older stepmother, Queen Alicent Hightower, but was fond of Lady Laena Velaryon. However, Rhaenyra's fate too was sealed with the Iron Throne. How? When Rhaenyra's mother, Queen Aemma, died birthing Rhaenyra's second brother, Prince Baelon, who died a day later. King Viserys then proclaimed Rhaenyra his heir, having all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms swear fealty to her, promising to honor and defend her rights of succession. In addition, Rhaenyra was named Princess of Dragonstone.
It may be the silver hair, the way they say 'Dracarys' or their strong personalities but it is known for a fact that the audiences love the resemblance in the characters as they feel it has taken them back in time and that there is a sense of reliability even though it is a new show.
You can watch the 'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon' on HBO at 9 pm EST or stream it on HBO Max.