'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why Helaena's harrowing decision hints at future tragic developments in show
Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In the harrowing climax of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Episode 1, viewers are confronted with a tragic and gut-wrenching moment that reverberates through the Targaryen dynasty. Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban), amidst the chaos and terror of the Red Keep, faces an impossible choice orchestrated by the vengeful plot of Blood and Cheese.
Ordered by Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) to avenge the death of Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), these agents of revenge instead turn their blades on Helaena's young son, Jaehaerys Targaryen (Michael Carter). The scene unfolds with chilling tension as Helaena, distraught and under duress, must identify her son among his twin siblings, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera.
In a moment fraught with anguish, she points to Jaehaerys, sealing his tragic fate at the hands of Blood. The brutality of Jaehaerys's death marks a turning point in the series, foreshadowing the dark and turbulent path that lies ahead for House Targaryen.
As Helaena flees with Jaehaera to seek refuge, her decision echoes with profound implications for the future of the realm. This pivotal moment not only underscores the relentless violence and political intrigue gripping Westeros but also sets the stage for further tragic developments that will shape the fate of the Targaryen dynasty in the episodes to come.
Why did Helaena Targaryen make a harrowing decision?
In House of the Dragon, Helaena Targaryen faced an agonizing dilemma when Blood and Cheese threatened her children. Unlike in the book where she had three children, in the show she had to choose between her sons Jaehaerys and Maelor.
Despite offering herself in their place, Helaena was forced to decide which son would die. She chose Jaehaerys, believing he would suffer moral corruption as Aegon's heir to the Iron Throne. Earlier in the episode, tensions had already risen as Aegon began grooming Jaehaerys for kingship, causing Helaena to voice concerns about his reluctance for such a future.
As a dragon dreamer, Helaena may have had visions or insights into Jaehaerys' destiny, foreseeing him trapped in a life of duty and manipulation at court. This tragic decision to sacrifice Jaehaerys ultimately led to his brutal murder by Blood, devastating the Targaryen family and paving the way for Aegon to lose his rightful heir.
In the larger narrative of 'House of the Dragon', Jaehaerys' death serves as a pivotal moment that sets off a chain of events, highlighting the cruel dynamics and political intrigue within the Targaryen dynasty. Helaena's choice underscores the harsh realities of power and sacrifice in Westeros, shaping the future trajectory of the series.
What is Helaena Targaryen's descent after the Blood and Cheese incident?
Following Jaehaerys' tragic death in 'House of the Dragon', Helaena Targaryen's future takes a bleak turn, mirroring the events depicted in George R R Martin's 'Fire & Blood' book. Overwhelmed with grief and guilt from having to choose which of her children would die, Helaena descends into severe depression.
Refusing to eat, bathe, or leave her room, she is depicted in the book as sinking into madness. As the Targaryen civil war intensifies, Helaena's suffering worsens when she is taken captive by Rhaenyra Targaryen after the fall of King's Landing.
According to Westerosi's history, the aftermath of Jaehaerys' death in 'House of the Dragon' will likely culminate in Helaena's tragic suicide. Similar to the fate of King Tommen Baratheon in 'Game of Thrones', Helaena jumps from her window in Maegor's Holdfast.
Her death becomes a subject of speculation and dark rumors, with some suggesting that Rhaenyra or Mysaria played a role in her demise. The realm mourns the loss of Helaena Targaryen, seen as an innocent victim caught in the brutal conflict between the Targaryen factions.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is available for streaming on HBO Max.