'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2: How Arryk vs Erryk battle is different in the books
Contains Spoilers for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Season 2 of 'House of the Dragon' is intensifying the conflict between the Green and Black factions, with cherished characters losing their lives in pursuit of the real heir to the Iron Throne.
The second episode of Season 2 featured a battle between the Cargyll brothers Erryk Cargyll (Elliott Tittensor) and Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor), following the steps of the show's unexpected fatalities.
Fans of the series were looking forward to the clash between the dueling Kingsguard knights, but the adaptation has made some significant modifications to the source material.
While the show emphasizes their disagreement with heightened passion and cinematic flare, the book depicts a more subdued version.
What did Ser Criston Cole order Ser Arryk Cargyll in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2?
In the most recent episode of the show, Green is enraged at the unjust murder of young Prince Jaehaerys.
Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) takes it upon himself to give it back to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), and sends Ser Arryk Cargyll on a covert mission to kill Rhaenyra Targaryen on Dragonstone by impersonating his twin brother Erryk, who is actually a member of Rhaenyra's Queensguard.
The knight first expresses reluctance to carry out the assignment, but when reminded of his honor, he is forced to comply.
What happens between Arryk Cargyll and Erryk Cargyll in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2?
On Criston's instructions, Arryk enters Dragonstone covertly, but Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) immediately realizes that he isn't Erryk.
Despite this, Arryk successfully dismisses the Queensguards by impersonating Erryk and talks his way inside the castle.
Subsequently, he attempts to assassinate Rhaenyra, but Erryk also sneaks into her room, sensing a strange presence.
Rhaenyra sends her maid for assistance as the twins fight fiercely, but Ser Lorent Marbrand (Max Wrottesley) is unable to discern the difference between the identical twins.
Tragically, the conflict ends with Arryk passing away in Erryk's arms. Erryk then commits himself and begs Rhaenyra's pardon.
How the Arryk vs Erryk battle transpires in George R R Martin's book 'Fire & Blood'
The framework of 'Fire & Blood' is critical for comprehending the last conflict between the Cargyll brothers in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2.
The television adaptation pays homage to Martin's book, 'Fire & Blood', which presents the Targaryen dynasty in a historical narrative, by combining several sources.
The conflict in this episode is reminiscent of Luceon of Tarth's ballad, in which the brothers declare their love for one another before engaging in combat.
Although the presentation only includes Lorent Marbrand, Grand Maester Munkun reports that the combat lasted an hour and that half of Rhaenyra's court was there but was unable to tell the twins apart.
The version given by court jester Mushroom, according to which the brothers labeled each other traitors and the brawl lasted just a few minutes, is more in line with what happens in the show.
According to Mushroom, Arryk gives his brother one more stab before passing away, but Erryk delivers the fatal blow.
Before passing away from his wound, Erryk endures days of agony and resentment against his brother but there is no mention of Erryk ending his own life in the book.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 started on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024, with new episodes released every Sunday. To view the series, you will need a Max subscription.
The streaming platform normally provides three packages from which you may choose based on your budget.
The low-cost option that includes advertising is $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. The second option, which does not include advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 a year.
Meanwhile, the third subscription, called Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year.
'House of the Dragon' Trailer