'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7: Eagle-eyed viewers spot one subtle George RR Martin appearance
Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In a delightful nod to the creator of the fantastical world of Westeros, 'House of the Dragon' featured George RR Martin's face surprisingly in Season 2, Episode 7.
Known for authoring the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' novels that inspired 'Game of Thrones’, Martin also penned 'Fire & Blood', the source material for this prequel series. As an executive producer, his influence on 'House of the Dragon' is profound, guiding the intricate tale of the Dance of the Dragons and its monumental impact on his universe.
A charming behind-the-scenes revelation from 'Game of Thrones' unveils that the face carved into Harrenhal's weirwood tree is modeled after Martin's own visage. This intricate detail enriches the lore of 'House of the Dragon’, intertwining Martin's legacy with the visual storytelling of the series.
'House of the Dragon' behind-the-scenes show George RR Martin with a clever easter egg
In a recent episode of 'House of the Dragon’, viewers were treated to a delightful Easter egg that pays homage to George RR Martin, the creator of the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' universe. In Season 2, Episode 7, Martin's face appears carved into the weirwood tree at Harrenhal, blending seamlessly into the bark as part of the tree's visage.
This clever tribute, crafted by the show's production team, highlights the deep connection between Martin and the world he created. Production designer Jim Clay explained that showrunner Ryan Condal wanted to honor Martin in a subtle yet meaningful way.
The intention was for the face to gradually merge back into the bark of the tree, creating an effect where viewers might not be entirely sure if it was Martin or not. Supervising director Dominic Masters added that the goal was to make the likeness subtle enough to evoke curiosity without being overtly recognizable.
The faces carved into the trees are believed to have been created by the Children of the Forest, marking them as sacred. When the Andals invaded Westeros thousands of years ago, they attempted to eradicate the old gods by cutting down many weirwood trees and promoting the Faith of the Seven.
What is Weirwood Tree lore in 'House of the Dragon'?
However, some trees survived, including those in the godswoods of Winterfell and King's Landing. In 'House of the Dragon', the weirwood tree at Harrenhal is more than just a backdrop; it is integral to the storyline.
Ryan Condal, in a behind-the-scenes video, discusses how Harrenhal's godswood has fallen into disrepair and how the castle was originally constructed using felled weirwood trees as lumber. This history contributes to the eerie atmosphere and the strange experiences characters have within the castle.
Daemon Targaryen's haunting visions in Season 2 are linked to the ancient and mystical properties of the weirwood trees, suggesting that the trees' ties to the old gods and ancient peoples are a source of these supernatural occurrences.
The inclusion of Martin's face in the weirwood tree at Harrenhal is a fitting tribute, embedding the author's presence into the very fabric of the show. This Easter egg not only honors Martin but also enriches the universe he created, emphasizing the enduring significance of the weirwood trees and their connection to the ancient history and mysticism of Westeros.
As 'House of the Dragon' continues to explore the depths of this world, the weirwood trees remain central, bridging the past with the present and adding layers of intrigue and reverence to the series.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has been streaming on HBO since June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday till August 4, 2024.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages 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
