WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5!
Summary
The opening sequence ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 5 parallels a tragic insult to House Stark’s sacred beliefs inGame of Thrones. FollowingRhaenys Targaryen and Meleys’ deathsinHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4, the following entry begins with Criston Cole and Gwayne Hightowerparading the dragon’s severed head through the streets of King’s Landing. While Criston hoped the defeat of the dragon would be met with cheers and excitement by the smallfolk, their response to Team Green’s “victory” disappoints him.
As some of the smallfolk discuss when seeing Meleys’ head, theTargaryens and their dragons are seen as gods by the people. Consequently, seeing Criston Cole mock Meleys’ death and show off her severed head is met with confusion surrounding the creatures typically regarded simultaneously with high praise and fear. As thehistorical symbol of House Targaryen, the smallfolk are right to be stunned by the notion that a Targaryen king would celebrate the death of one of these creatures. By organizing the procession, Cole makes an insulting mistake similar to one suffered by House Stark inGame of Thrones.
Celebrating the death of a dragon andparading Meleys’ head through King’s Landingis seen as an affront to the gods and dragonlords. Ultimately, it mocks House Targaryen itself by undermining the godliness of their dragons and the perception of their greater power. This is very similar to House Frey’s insult to House Stark afterGame of Thrones’ Red Wedding.After killing Robb Stark, the Freys kill his direwolf Grey Wind, cut off the animal’s head, and sew it onto Robb’s body. The Freys then laugh as they parade the body and head on horseback at the Twins.
Every Dragon In House Of The Dragon Explained
As war erupts in Westeros, dragons will be sent to battle. Here’s a description of every dragon in HBO’s House of the Dragon, heading into season 2.
Like the dragons of House Targaryen, thedirewolves are a great symbol of House Stark, which are seen as more powerful than other Northern creatures with connections to the First Men. Thedirewolves’ ancientness and strength make the act of mockingly cutting off their heads a major affront to House Stark, the North’s history, and their sacred symbols. Since Roose Bolton was a Northern lord, permitting this insult to the Starks inGame of Thronesis all the more unforgivable.
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Mocking Meleys' Death Backfires For Team Green In House Of The Dragon
The Smallfolk Try To Flee King’s Landing After Criston’s Procession
While Arya Stark finally gets revenge against House Frey inGame of Thrones’ season 6 finale, Criston’s mistake regarding Meleys sees more immediate consequences. The smallfolk see parading Meleys’ head as a bad omen, leading many to attempt to flee King’s Landing out of fear. It’s also a counterproductive strategy, asweakening the perception of Team Black’s dragons still works to undermine the strength of Team Green’s own dragons. If the godly dragons and Targaryens are killing one another inHouse of the Dragon, the rest of the realm sees itself as in grave danger.
House of the Dragon
Cast
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.
