'House of the Dragon': Inside Vhagar and Aemond's fascinating bond in HBO series
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is set to premiere on Sunday, June 16, 2024, on HBO, stirring up anticipation among fans as the series makes its return.
Among the multitude of storylines, one particularly intriguing narrative constantly occupies the minds of 'House of the Dragon' enthusiasts.
The storyline we are talking about is the relationship between Prince Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and the dragon Vhagar. Vhagar is the largest living dragon during the time of the events depicted in 'House of the Dragon.'
Vhagar as described by Laena Velaryon (Nova Foueillis-Mosé) is too large for the dragon pit. King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) goes ahead and calls her too large for the world.
Vhagar went into exile for a while before Laena found her and proudly rode her with her husband, Daemon Targaryen, who rides his dragon Caraxes.
Following a challenging childbirth, Laena tragically dies. Refusing to meet her end confined to a bed, she implores Vhagar to cremate her using the command 'dracarys.'
With Vhagar riderless, Prince Aemond, lacking a dragon of his own, audaciously steps forward to claim Vhagar in episode 7 of Season 1.
Why does Vhagar let Aemond claim her? ('House of the Dragon', Season 1, Episode 7)
Earlier in the series, during a discussion between Viserys and Laena, Vhagar is described as lonely, and people at Driftmark, hear sad songs coming from where the dragon resides.
With Laena now dead, Vhagar finds herself without a rider once more. When Aemond steps up to claim Vhagar, she is initially skeptical and tries to scare Aemond off with a fireball in her mouth.
Aemond boldly addresses her in Valyrian, saying 'Dohaerās, Vhagar! Lykirī,' which translates to 'calm down and serve.'
As a Targaryen, Aemond understands the historical bond between Targaryens and dragons, with dragons having served the house for generations.
Vhagar, the only surviving dragon from Aegon's conquests, has faithfully served the house for many years.
Vhagar lets Aemond ride her and obeys his command 'soves' but gives him a tough ride, almost killing him as he desperately holds on to the saddle to survive the flight.
Vhagar kills Luke with Aemond mounted on her ('House of the Dragon', Season 1, Episode 10)
In the aftermath of Aemond riding Vhagar, a fight takes place between Aemond and his cousins. However, the seemingly innocuous fight leads to dangerous consequences as Aemond loses an eye at the hands of Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon.
The event is instrumental in deepening the conflict between Aemond's mother Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Luke's mother Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy).
Aemond, donning an eye patch and is always on the lookout for an opportunity to avenge the loss of his eye. He gets the opportunity when both Luke and Aemond reach Storm's End seeking Baratheon's alliance in an imminent war.
Aemond mounted on Vhagar chases Luke who is mounted on his dragon Arrax. While Aemond's intent is solely to injure and avenge the loss of his eye, Vhagar gets angered by Arrax and throws a dragon flame at Vhagar.
The situation spirals beyond Aemond's control as Vhagar eats Arrax throwing Luke's corpse to the ground.
How to stream 'House of Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will begin streaming on HBO/ Max on June 16, 2024. 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 at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is streaming on June 16, 2024, on HBO.