'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1: Are the White Walkers back? Cregan Stark's grim warning hints at danger beyond the wall
Contains speculation and spoilers
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered Episode 1 on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Fans of the epic fantasy adventure series were thrilled to see the return of Winterfell and the Wall as Prince Jacaerys 'Jace' Velaryon (Harry Collett) makes a voyage up north to meet Lord Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor).
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 1 was centered around Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy) and her grief following the loss of her son, Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault).
The season is expected to be a roller-coaster ride of emotions filled with war and politics as Rhaenyra confronts her rival Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) in a bid to reclaim the throne.
Both factions are seeking allies, and historically, the Starks have been known as one of the most loyal houses. Lord Stark pledges his loyalty to Jace but is hesitant to commit all his men to the war due to the looming threats beyond the Wall.
What are the dangers beyond the wall?
In his conversation with Jace, Cregan Stark mentions the time when his father brought King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne to visit the Wall.
He underscores the dangers beyond the Wall by pointing out that even dragons, the mightiest creatures in the world, refused to cross it.
In 'Game of Thrones,' we have seen the dangers beyond the wall with the Wildlings and other hostile forces always poised to seize any opportunity to attack the realm.
However, Cregan reaffirms that the 700-foot Wall of Ice wasn't constructed to ward off savages. Its purpose was to keep out 'death', likely referring to the White Walkers.
The Wall plays a crucial role in 'Game of Thrones' as it serves as a vital barrier that keeps the White Walkers and the Night King at bay. The Wall, however, ultimately fell at the hands of the Night King.
Are White Walkers going to appear in 'House of the Dragon'?
It is unlikely that the White Walkers will appear in 'House of the Dragon'. The show is based on 'Fire and Blood' by George R.R. Martin and there is no mention of the White Walkers in the book.
The Starks do become significant characters, with Cregan Stark eventually leading an army to King's Landing following the death of Rhaenyra Targaryen.
This scenario is unlikely to unfold in the current season, and Cregan Stark's role appears to be limited for now.
The White Walkers do play a significant role in the succession battle, particularly as Aegon's prophecy is intertwined with the threat of the Long Night.
The prophecy known as 'A Song of Ice and Fire' is a recurring dream that foretells the events of 'Game of Thrones', passed down through generations as a pivotal event in the lore.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO Max starting on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Episodes of the series will continue to air every Sunday until August 4, 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 premiered Episode 1 on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024.