‘Game of Thrones’ prequel ‘House of the Dragon’: Who is Jacaerys Velaryon? Princess Rhaenyra's first-born hated by brothers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Viewers were introduced to the culturally vibrant world of traditional Westeros right in the pilot episode of the historical war prequel 'House of the Dragon’. The episode was dropped globally on August 21, 2022 on both HBO and HBO Max. While we got a very deep insight into all the pivotal characters in the fable, many might not know about who is Jacaerys Velaryon and his contribution to Westeros.
Before the second awaited episode airs this weekend, we take a look at who is Jacaerys Velaryon and how is he connected to House Targaryen in the war saga. According to Westeros.org, Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) is Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and her first husband Ser Laenor Velaryon’s (John Macmillan) firstborn son.
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Who is Jacaerys Velaryon?
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon was born at the end of 114 AC. The moment Rhaenyra was crowned as the ruling queen during the ‘Dance of the Dragons’ civil war in House Targaryen, she officially announced her first-born son Jacaerys to be the Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne. Jacaerys was also a skilled dragon rider whose dragon was Vermax.
Viserys order of making Jacaerys and Daeron share wet nurse to halt growing enmity amidst Rhaenyra and Alicent
It’s important to note that the early years played a huge role in the bitter hatred and enmity to get more evident amidst both Rhaenyra and Alicent which did form the crux of the civil war in House Targaryen. Jace's uncle, Prince Daeron Targaryen was born soon afterward to King Viserys I Targaryen’s (Paddy Considine) second wife, Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). Trying to avert the vile enmity which did exist between Rhaenyra and Alicent, King Viserys I officially passed an order that both Jacaerys and Daeron share a wet nurse until they grew up. He did this in hopes of creating peace and thought that both of them being milk brothers would make a huge difference but unfortunately, it was proved futile.
However, the king's effort in bringing peace between his sons and grandsons turned useless. Alicent's three sons (Aegon, Aemond, and Daeron Targaryen) became nasty opponents to Rhaenyra's three sons. They all started hating the Velaryons for stealing their birthright which is the coveted Iron Throne of Westeros in the King’s landing. This unwilling and forceful closeness between the six boys to the extent of even attending feasts, sometimes training together at arms or studying under the same masters only amplified their dislike towards Velaryons.
Ser Laenor Velaryon’s death and growing hate amidst the four boys
Ser Laenor Velaryon died in 120 AC when his son Jacaerys was only six years old. King Viserys I Targaryen visited High Tide on Driftmark with his family for the funeral. Prince Aemond Targaryen tried to claim Vhagar which had been the eldest and largest of the dragons. But, unfortunately, he got caught red-handed by Jacaerys's youngest brother Joffrey. Aemond taunted his three nephews as “strong boys” referring to the allegation of them being fathered by Ser Harwin Strong. Because of this, things turned worst which made the four boys fight. When Aemond tried to be over-smart and gained the upper hand against Jacaerys, that moment the tables turned since Lucerys took out Aemond's right eye with his dagger. King Viserys declared afterward that anyone who insulted and made fun of his grandsons as "Strongs" again would have their tongues pulled out with hot pincers. Further, Rhaenyra and her sons were to stay at Dragonstone whilst Alicent and her sons returned to King's Landing.
The second episode titled 'The Rogue Prince' is going to premiere globally on Sunday, August 28, at 9 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.
