'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Rhaenyra and Aegon share more in common than you think
Contains spoilers and speculations for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 premiered on June 16, 2024, and the second season of the epic action-adventure show has seen both Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) leave no stone unturned in their ruthless pursuit for the Iron Throne.
As the season wears on, we see that both are more alike than they know and have a single-point agenda: to take the throne.
'House of the Dragon' is a prequel to 'Game of Thrones' and it significantly differs from the latter in a way that characters like Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) were quintessentially good characters for the majority of the show. Both of them had a higher goal and vision for the world.
While Rhaenyra tries to justify her claim to the throne with the prophecy of 'A Song of Ice and Fire', it just isn't enough to make her look like a protagonist viewers can get behind. Here's a detailed look at how Rhaenyra and Aegon are similar.
Similarities between Aegon and Rhaenyra
Aegon II Targaryen comes across as an arrogant and brash young ruler who makes impulsive decisions. He is aware of his power and doesn't take no for an answer. He even raped a girl in Season 1.
Many would argue that a younger Rhaneyra was no different. She made her share of impulsive decisions that cost the realm. Her relationship with Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) began with non-consensual intimacy as well.
When it comes to claiming the Iron Throne, both Rhaenyra and Aegon are ready to go to battle without considering the consequences that the battle will bring.
In Episode 4, we saw the tragic death of Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best). Prince Jaehaerys and Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) have already been killed because of the conflict. The number of knights and soldiers who die in battle runs into thousands and they are all collateral damage to this war.
Both Aegon and Rhaenyra have no vision for the small folk either. Aegon hanged all rat-catchers in King's Landing after his son's death. He is not respected by the small folk in King's Landing.
As per 'Fire and Blood', when Rhaenyra takes King's Landing, initially the small folk are happy with Aegon's rule ending but she ends up being an equally cruel administrator who serves extreme punishments for crimes. The small folk will eventually lead a rebellion against Rhaenyra too.
What happens to Aegon and Rhaenrya in 'House of the Dragon'?
As we saw in Episode 4, Aegon is severely injured in battle and will be incapacitated for a while. Rhaenyra meanwhile takes King's Landing and Aegon has to leave the city.
Once King's Landing rebels against Rhaenyra, she is forced to escape too but gets caught by Aegon who feeds her to his dragon Sunfyre. Aegon returns to rule King's Landing.
Soon, Aegon gets poisoned by Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and other conspirators. Aegon III Targaryen, Rhaenyra's son is the one who ascends the throne after the Dance of the Dragons is over.
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
Episodes 1-4 of 'House of the Dragon' are streaming on HBO