Why the Gullet blockade is so important in setting up 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
Contains spoilers and speculation
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 started streaming on HBO on June 16, 2024, and the first episode was everything the viewers of this epic political thriller series could have asked for. The episode was a slow-burner with cerebral strategies leading to gruesome psychological and physical warfare.
A critical aspect of 'Game of Thrones' that makes it such a fan-favorite show is the use of modern socio-economic terminology in a setup that is largely primitive and medieval. The element of fantasy and political warfare took an economic warfare turn in Episode 1 with the mention of the blockade of Gullet.
Gullet is an important intersection between Driftmark and Dragonstone. it connects the Blackwater Bay to the Narrow sea in the Westeros world. Here's why the Blockade of Gullet is an important event in 'House of the Dragon'.
Blockade of Gullet cuts off supplies to King's Landing
The Blockade of Gullet becomes an important part of the economic warfare between the Green and the Black factions in 'House of the Dragon'. The blockade is set up by Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) with the help of Alyn of Hull (Abubaker Salim) who are allies of the Blacks.
The naval blockade is important as it cuts off an important route to King's Landing and affects its supplies. We see the small folk complain to King Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) in a scene from episode 1 about the problems they are facing with supplies due to the blockade.
The blockade also becomes important as the ships can mount the scorpion which is an important weapon in the defence against the dragon. We saw a glimpse of the scorpion in the first episode.
We further see Aegon, being the arrogant King that he is, assuring the small folk that he will send Vhagar, his biggest dragon to burn the blockade down. It shows that the blockade is an important piece of the jigsaw puzzle when it comes to the war.
Battle of Gullet
The blockade of Gullet forces the Green and Black factions to ultimately fight a conflict which was known as the Battle of Gullet. The Battle of Gullet is one of the most brutal battles in the history of Westeros.
The Battle of Gullet was fought with the Greens allying with the Triarchy against Lord Corlys Velaryon. The battle killed thousands of people which led to the common folk of Dragonstone growing resentment against Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen ( Emma D'Arcy).
The battle killed Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) along with his dragon Vermax. It also led to Rhaenyra's son Viserys becoming captive as per 'Fire and Blood'.
The battle was ultimately won by the Blck faction as the Green faction failed in their goal of weakening the grip of the Velaryons over the sea. The battle caused grave losses that caused grave trauma to both sides.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
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' trailer
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 started streaming on HBO on June 16, 2024.