One episode down, and quite a lot has changed in the battle for the Iron Throne. Jacaerys Velaryon, son of Queen Rhaenyra, died alongside his dragon Vermax in the Battle of the Gullet. However, the Greens and their new ally, the Triarchy, suffered major losses as well.
In the aftermath of last week’s epic naval battle, what’s next in House of the Dragon? Let’s dive into a few predictions before of Sunday’s episode.
House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Predictions
What’s next for Rhaenyra?
Having lost yet another son, the emotional toll this war has had on Rhaenyra is immense. If there’s a silver lining, the Blacks still hold a tactical advantage in terms of dragons and diplomatic support. So far, Rhaenyra has been patient when it comes to a full-out blitz of the Greens. Still, there’s only so long the queen can stay cautious. After this latest loss, she may decide to unleash her full might on King’s Landing.
Here’s the thing: who can Rhaenyra rely on at the moment? Jace is dead and Daemon is far away at Harrenhal. Baela disobeyed her orders in last week’s episode, while the loyalty of the dragon seeds remains untested. Rhaena, equipped with new dragon Sheepstealer, wants to help. However, as seen during the Battle of the Gullet, an untrained rider can do more harm than good. Figuring out who to trust, and who not to, might be Rhaenyra’s greatest challenge.
A bittersweet victory for the Greens
In theory, taking out Jace and Vermax is a major triumph for the Greens. However, such a victory comes at a major cost. Lohar, leader of the Triarchy, is dead. Keeping that in mind, it’s unlikely the free cities are able to offer much naval support. The Velaryon fleet also suffered heavy losses, but Corlys the Sea Snake remains the most accomplished admiral in the Seven Kingdoms.
Even with Lohar dead, the raiders from the East might get their ultimate wish: a siege of Driftmark. While that’s good news for the Triarchy, it might hurt their allies. Once these glorified pirates have enjoyed their share of plunder, why would they need to continue fighting in a far-off civil war?
War in the Riverlands
Aemond decided to hold back in Episode One, opting to protect King’s Landing. However, he and dragon Vhagar can only wait so long before jumping back into battle. That means taking down none other than Daemon, the best commander at Rhaenyra’s disposal. The prince and his own dragon, Caraxes, are currently amassing a large host at Harrenhal. The Blacks have been garnering support from some key fixtures in the region, including young Oscar Tully. However, the political climate in the region remains uncertain.
Whenever Aemond makes his next move, expect a chain reaction to follow. At the moment, he’s preventing Rhaenyra from taking out King’s Landing. Should the dragon rider leave the Red Keep, it would give the Blacks an opportunity to retake the crownlands. However, that means garnering support from Daemon and several others. That could leave the Riverlands exposed to Aemond and Vhagar from above, along with Ser Criston Cole’s troops on the ground. Most decisions in Westeros come with their own set of consequences; the queen’s current dilemma is no different.
House of the Dragon FAQ
Where can I watch House of the Dragon?
House of the Dragon airs every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT) on HBO, but it will be available to stream on HBO Max simultaneously.
How many episodes of House of the Dragon will there be this season?
There will be eight total episodes for Season 3 of House of the Dragon.
What is House of the Dragon based on?
House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin’s 2018 book, Fire & Blood, which details the “Dance of the Dragons”, the brutal Targaryen civil war.
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