SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, & some minor spoilers for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.
Summary
A subtle moment fromHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 3, seems to dispel a rumor surrounding one character’s dragonriding. Each episode inches closer to war breaking out in the Seven Kingdoms, with Rhaenyra preparing House Targaryen for its worst possible outcome in episode 3.After Lucerys Velaryon’s death and Rhaenyra’s near death at the hands of Arryk Cargyll, she decides to send Rhaena Targaryen awayto protect her youngest children overseas. With Rhaena goes four dragon eggs and some of the youngestdragons inHouse of the Dragon.
While Baela Targaryen had a moment to shine in episode 3 with the full reveal of her dragon, Moondancer,Rhaena has been relegated to the background for most of her timeon the show. She’s been in theHouse of the Dragoncastfor several episodes now but hasn’t had opportunities to demonstrate aspects of her character until the scene where she’s sent away. This has been surprising, given her ultimately having an important role in the Dance of the Dragons, leading many to theorize about her further involvement in season 2.
Rhaena’s Dragon Eggs Make Rumors Of Her Claiming A Wild Dragon Less Likely
The Fourth Dragon Egg Is Likely Morning, Meaning Rhaena Probably Won’t Claim A Wild Dragon
Rumors spread around the internet of Rhaena “claiming a wild, sheep-eating dragon,“which essentially linked her to taming the dragon Sheepstealer, which could happen during her time in the Vale. Sheepstealer is one of the wild, unclaimed dragons with a self-explanatory name, that’s eventually claimed by the dragonseed (bastard of Valyrian descent) Nettles inFire & Blood. Seeing as Nettles wasn’t included in casting announcements for season 2, many theorized Rhaena would inherit parts of the character’s story.
In the book, Baela’s Moondancer is too young to be ridden, but the series expedites her dragon’s growth so she can take part in the battles. That contributed to suspicions that Rhaena would have a dragon sooner than later, buther being given dragon eggs by Rhaenyra indicates that one of them will eventually hatch into Rhaena’s dragon, Morning. The episode’s director explained that three of the eggs would eventually become Daenerys' dragons inGame of Thrones, leaving the fourth to be Rhaena’s. It’s not a complete dismissal of the rumor, but it now seems less likely she’ll tame Sheepstealer.
House Of The Dragon Officially Debunks The Biggest Game Of Thrones Theory About Daenerys' Dragons
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 reveals Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon eggs, killing one major theory about their origin in Game of Thrones lore.
Why Rhaena Not Claiming A Wild Dragon Would Be Better For House Of The Dragon
It’s Not Too Late For Nettles To Appear!
Though Rhaena is essentially a minor character in the show, a crucial part of her arc is the long wait for her dragon, which is rewarded by Morning hatching for her. If she just gets Sheepstealer all of a sudden, it could seem very contrived for the TV adaptation. Plus,leaving the riderless dragon open allows the possibility for Nettles to appear, potentially inHouse of the Dragonseason 3.House of the Dragonseason 2’s new charactersare already adding up, so it’d make sense for the writers to space them out, adding Nettles later.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
