Who are the Dragonkeepers? Why ancient order revolted against 'sacrilege' in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7 aired on HBO, on Sunday, July 28, featuring one of the most captivating moments of the episode, Vermithor being claimed by Hugh (Kieran Bew).
A moment that preceded Hugh claiming the dragon has left fans puzzled, as it wasn't explained and the dialogue in that scene was in High Valyrian.
The moment in question is the Dragonkeepers revolting against Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) as she looks for Dragonriders for Vermithor.
Here's a look at the history of the Dragonkeepers and the reasons behind their revolt against Rhaenyra.
Who are the Dragonkeepers in 'House of the Dragon'?
In 'Fire and Blood,' Dragonkeepers were first appointed by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen to prevent anyone from secretly stealing dragons from their dragon pits.
One significant instance in the history of the Seven Kingdoms is when Saera Targaryen, revealed in Episode 7 to be Hugh's mother, attempted to steal a dragon. She was caught and returned to the Red Keep and her father, Jaehaerys, by the Dragonkeepers.
Dragonkeepers are fluent in High Valyrian, the language that dragons understand. At the beginning of the episode, we see Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) learning High Valyrian to control his newly claimed dragon, Seasmoke.
Why did the Dragonkeepers revolt against Rhaenyra Targaryen?
Dragons have always been considered Gods, and the Dragonkeepers worship them in a sacred manner. They are displeased with the way Rhaenyra is trying to control the destiny of the dragons.
The death of Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flannagan) was a stark reminder of how the dragons will reject anyone who does not have the blood of the dragon.
Rhaenyra's plan does pay dividends, as she successfully finds the Dragonriders she is looking for. However, the Dragonkeepers's warning also proves true when Vermithor unleashes a fury that kills many people before Hugh can claim him.
Dragonkeepers will have a major role to play later in 'House of the Dragon'
According to 'Fire and Blood,' one of the important plot points in the coming seasons of the show will be the Storming of the Dragonpit, where the smallfolk will attack the Dragonpit and kill multiple dragons in King's Landing.
The Dragonkeepers stand their ground when the mob enters the Dragonpit, despite being heavily outnumbered. They exhibit great devotion towards the dragons, even in the face of adversity.
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 Dragons' Season 2 Trailer