'House of the Dragon': How Baelon the Brave helped sow seeds for the succession crisis
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO on June 16, 2024, and the epic action-adventure thriller is also popular for being a political drama as succession plays a key role in the plotline of the story.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 begins with a prologue that mentions how King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) was crowned the king. While the rest of the season was about the succession battle between Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), the seeds of the battle were sown much before Rhaenyra and Aegon became important characters
A character mentioned in the prologue was Baelon Targaryen. The character would not be a part of 'House of the Dragon' but his name and legend are very important in the show. Here's a look at how he may have sown the seeds for the succession battle that follows.
Who was Baelon the Brave?
Baelon Targaryen was the father of Viserys Targaryen and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). He was known as a brave warrior and his most famous act of bravery was flying Vhagar to avenge his older brother Aemon's loss at Tarth.
Baelon was a man with no ambition for the throne but he was destined for the throne after Aemon's death and no successor in sight. His father King Jaehaerys I Targaryen was cursed with none of his children making it to the throne as they died before they could succeed Jaehaerys.
Baelon felt the same fate too as he died just before he could be made King after he was next in line for the throne once Aemon died. He was a loyal brother and husband.
His death left a void in succession and Jahaerys had to rule for a longer time in the absence of an heir. Baelon is said to have been unpredictable as he once slapped a Dragon on his nose. Daemon is often compared to Baelon for his unpredictable nature.
Baelon's son became the King
Once Baelon died, a precedent was set as Rhaneys Targaryen (Eve Best) who was the daughter of Aemon Targaryen was not made the queen, and instead, a male successor was chosen in Viserys Targaryen.
The decision then became an accepted norm leading to a major shift in power when Viserys named Rhaenyra the heir to his throne. Rhaenys is a natural leader but has been overlooked twice when decisions were made about a successor.
His sons Viserys and Daemon have their own qualities but both lack a lot as leaders too. Viserys is a restrained leader while Daemon is too unpredictable.
Baelon's untimely death could be the turning point in the battle for succession. It has also left a deep scar in the heart of Rhaenys Targaryen who has carried it all her life.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription. The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO on June 16.