'House of the Dragon' Season 2: Why Rhaenys's sacrifice was a necessary evil
Contains spoilers and speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 5 premiered on HBO on July 14, 2024. The episode came on the heels of a spell-binding battle in the previous episode which killed the magnificent 'Queen Who Never Was', Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best).
The 'Game of Thrones' universe has become synonymous with some of the most heartbreaking deaths but it is usually what follows the deaths that moves the plot forward at a breakneck speed. Rhaenys was one of the most liked characters and fans resonated with her backstory and the fact that the patriarchal world couldn't allow her to be the Queen that she deserved to be.
Here's what her sacrifice means to the Blacks and what it means for the Dance of the Dragons.
Rhaenys Targaryen sacrificed her life for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'
Rhaenys Targaryen could never sit on the Iron Throne as King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) was preferred over her as the world is used to a King more than a Queen. It could be argued that Rhaenys was a more able administrator than Viserys.
Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) was the declared heir of Viserys and she decided to fight for her right. Rhaenys and her husband Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) have been disrespected by the Targaryens many times in the show and she had no reason to support either Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) or Rhaenyra.
However, it felt throughout the show that Rhaenys wanted to fight so that a Queen could sit on the Iron Throne. Even in battle, she had a chance to leave the field and return to Dragonstone, but the fierce warrior went on the offensive against a much larger Vhagar.
While she might have died fighting valiantly, her death signaled the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons as the battle will intensify now.
What happens after Rhaenys Targaryen dies in 'House of the Dragon'?
While the death of Rhaenys and Meleys gives the Greens an edge in the war, it gives her grieving and enraged husband Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) additional motivation to take on the Greens.
If 'Fire and Blood' is to be believed, Corlys will be the Hand of the Queen to Rhaenyra and lead an all-out assault at King's Landing helping Rhaenyra on the Throne.
The Greens retaliate aggressively breaking the blockade of Gullet with Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) aligning with the Triarchy to begin the most gruesome battle of the Dance of the Dragons, the Battle of Gullet. The battle leads to the death of many soldiers and also kills Jacerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) and his dragon Vermax.
With Rhaenys's death, the proverbial gloves are off in the battle and there is no limit to the destruction that will follow now in the Dance of the Dragons.
How to stream 'House of the Dragons' 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 Dragons' Season 2 Trailer