'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Breaking down the stunning new opening credits of HBO's hit show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered Episode 1 on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024. The fan-favorite series returned after a two-year gap, bringing back the marvelous and enthralling world of Westeros, captivating fans from the very first frame.
The opening credits of 'Game of Thrones' and 'House of the Dragon' are iconic with Ramin Djawadi's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' playing in the background.
The first season of 'House of the Dragon' had the Targaryen family tree flowing around. This year, there has been a change, with a woven tapestry replacing the family tree in the opening credits.
The opening credits of 'House of the Dragon' chronicle major events in Targaryen history alongside key moments from Season 1 of the series. Here's a breakdown of everything that the Opening credits depict.
Doom of Valyria
The Doom of Valyria, marked by a catastrophic volcanic eruption, was a pivotal event that contributed to the rise of the Targaryens and their power by the time of 'House of the Dragon'.
The Targaryens had established their home on Dragonstone after Daenys, a Targaryen, had a prophetic dream about the Doom of Valyria. This catastrophic event resulted in the death of all living dragons except those exclusively held by the Targaryens.
The Doom of Valyria marks the beginning of modern Targaryen history and is arguably the most pivotal moment in shaping the Westeros as we know it.
Aegon's Conquest
The next major event chronicled in the opening credits is Aegon's Conquest. Aegon's conquests are referenced multiple times in the show, as he was the ruler who united the Seven Kingdoms after having a dream that a Targaryen would be on the throne when the Long Night arrived.
The opening credits also depict Harrenhal, showing how the dragons destroyed the castle, leaving it in a bloody mess as those who defended it were left to die.
Torrhen Stark bends the knee
In the first episode, there is a mention of Torrhen Stark as Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) discusses Torrhen's decision to bend the knee to Aegon in the past. Lord Stark, along with the other houses, bent the knee to Aegon and helped him in uniting the realm.
Cregan Stark remembers the oath they swore to the realm and remains loyal to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and her claim to the throne.
Jaehaerys rule with Alysanne
Jaehaerys, along with his sister-wife Alysanne, had a remarkably peaceful reign for 55 years. He succeeded the tyrant Maegor, who was killed by the Iron Throne itself.
Jaehaerys, despite ruling for the longest time, suffered a curse that led to his children dying before they could ascend to the throne. His successor was Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), who appeared in the first season of 'House of the Dragon'.
Crowning of Aegon and Rhaenyra
The Dance of the Dragons is featured in the opening credits, depicting the crowning of Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Rhaenyra, as factions split in conflict.
The Dance of the Dragons is the Civil War that takes place between the Targaryen House and its factions.
Lucerys being eaten by Vhagar
The final event chronicled in the opening credits is the death of Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), who was killed by Vhagar at Storm's End in Season 1.
It will be interesting to see if the opening sequence remains unchanged or if there are updates in the next episode, possibly incorporating Blood and Cheese into the thematic video.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' season 2 premiered on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday. 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 premiered Episode 1 on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
