Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 and minor spoilers for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.
Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 6, left audiences with tons of fresh material to break down. The HBO prequel series is finally making good on season 2’s additions to theHouse of the Dragoncast, demonstrating how seemingly minor characters like Addam and Alyn will be integrated into the central narrative, with the world still reacting to the fallout of Rook’s Rest. The war was elevated in the pivotal dragon battle, andthe Blacks and Greens are still scrambling to find their bearings amid everything that’s happened in the Dance so far.
Episode 6 sees Rhaenyra and Jacaerys beginning their search for new ridersto try and tame theunclaimed dragons on Dragonstone. Steffon Darklyn is horribly burnt alive trying to mount Seasmoke, causing Rhaenyra once again to second-guess her strategy. Daemon is still running wild at Harrenhal, losing himself to his visions as he remains at the haunted castle, trying to assemble an army. Meanwhile, the Greens struggle under the new management of Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen, who’s potentially less stable than the impetuous King Aegon II.
Who Is Seasmoke’s New Rider?
Addam Of Hull Is Seasmoke’s New Rider In Fire & Blood
The episode’s ending shows Rhaenyra receiving news that Seasmoke has been seen flying around the Crownlands with a new rider. Her intention with Steffon Darklyn was to have her trusted knight mount Seasmoke, the unclaimed dragon that seemed most eager to find a new human companion. When this backfired, she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to find a new rider of Valyrian blood to bond with the dragons. However,the lonely Seasmoke seems to find its own rider in Addam of Hull, who’s been slowly introduced throughout the season on Driftmark.
Previously, Seasmoke was ridden by Lord Corlys' true-born son, Laenor Velaryon, before he was written off the show in season 1.
Addam of Hull is seen fishing on the shore when he appears to be attacked by Seasmoke. He’s terrified by the massive beast at first, but in his final moments in the episode, he appears to realize that the dragon means him no harm, hinting that he would become its rider. Addam becomes Seasmoke’s rider inFire & Blood, the HBO show’s source material, which is fitting, given that he’s Corlys Velaryon’s bastard son. Previously, Seasmoke was ridden by Lord Corlys' true-born son, Laenor Velaryon, before he was written off the show in season 1.
Why Rhaenyra & Mysaria Kiss
Mysaria Appeals To Rhaenyra’s Desire To Be Queen
Added to the list of surprising book changes inHouse of the Dragonseason 2 is Rhaenyra’s romance with Mysaria. In the book, Mysaria grows closer to Rhaenyra throughout the Dance, though their relationship is never described as anything more than strategic and political.Rhaenyra and Mysaria demonstrated some notable sexual tension earlier in the season, but this is the first time they’ve actually been physically intimate.
As for Rhaenyra, her desire for Mysaria seems to be motivated by a feeling of power.Mysaria is the only person in season 2 who’s spoken to her like a queenand expressed genuine belief in her, and it makes some sense that Rhaenyra would turn to her for intimacy. It could also be due to a desire for superiority over Daemon. As for Mysaria, she seems to believe in Rhaenyra and wants to please her, but her complex feelings towards Daemon could also be a factor.
Has Daemon Actually Turned Against Rhaenyra? Her Fears Explained
Daemon Hasn’t Fully Turned Against Rhaenyra, But Seems To Be Playing Games With Her
As of season 2, episode 6, Daemon’s words at Harrenhal are treasonous against Rhaenyra. However, he hasn’t actually turned against her in action. Daemon hasn’t done anything to directly harm Rhaenyra,he’s only really called himself king and ceased communication with her to trigger her worries. Daemon wants Rhaenyra to ask for him to come back because he wants to feel like she needs him. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra is trying her best not to play his game and sends Ser Alfred Broome to delegate in her place.
Daemon’s actions in season 2 align with his motivations for stealing the dragon egg in season 1. Daemon deals with his emotions by being childish and trying to evoke attention and desperation from the other party, be it Viserys or Rhaenyra.Rhaenyra isn’t playing into his game, and Daemon is drifting further away, though it’s likely that he’s still loyal to her, as deep down, there’s a part of Daemon that needs her as much as he wants her to need him.
Alys Rivers Killed Grover Tully - And The Ghost Theory Is Debunked
Alys Rivers Has Cleaned Up Daemon’s Riverlands Situation
Grover Tully was the elderly Lord Paramount of the Riverlands and the only one capable of amassing the Riverlords to join Daemon’s cause. In season 2, episode 6, Ser Simon Strong suggests that Alys Rivers tried to “heal” Grover Tully, with Daemon’s reaction implying that Alys worked her abilities to end the old lord’s life. This means Grover’s grandson,Ser Oscar Tully, is now Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. Daemon sees Oscar as someone he can control, offering him new hope in assembling his army.
A commontheory about Alys Riverssuggested that she was actually a ghost or a creation of Daemon’s subconscious there to torture him. In episode 6, Simon Strong’s mentioning of herproves that she’s a real person with some vague, magical properties,allowing her to obtain information through visions. Her role in Daemon’s visions is still unclear, but it now seems to be that she’s helping to set him on the right course to assemble the Riverlands for Rhaenyra’s side.
Daemon’s Vision Of Viserys Explained
Daemon’s Season 2 Emotional Conflict Culminates In Episode 6
Daemon’s final vision in Harrenhal sees Paddy Considine return as King Viserys Targaryen. The scenereplays a moment fromHouse of the Dragon’spremiere where the late king told Daemon he would declare Rhaenyra as his heir. This decision was made after Daemon was heard referring to Viserys' dead baby son as, “Heir for a day,“which was gravely insulting.
The vision shows Daemon’s deep regret and fear of his brother, serving as the culmination of Daemon’s internal conflicts for the season.Daemon’sHouse of the Dragonstoryis about his inferiority complex to Viserys, and how his constant desire for power caused him to continuously fail his brother. Thismoment is about Daemon realizing he never had what it took to be his brother’s heirand could see him find his way back on track to Rhaenyra.
What To Expect From House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 7
The Blacks Might Obtain A New Dragonrider In Episode 7
The biggest moment audiences should expect fromHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7, isRhaenyra’s confrontation with Addam of Hull, who’s now riding Seasmoke. Clips of this scene were shown in trailers for season 2, and this could turn out to be a vindicating, hopeful moment for Rhaenyra as she potentially gains a new ally. This will build further toward the Sowing of the Seeds, where other Valyrian descendants can step forward to claim their own dragons.
As for Daemon, his visions are concluding, and the death of Grover means he can finally complete his arc in Harrenhal and the Riverlands, assembling his forces to combat the approaching Lannister army. As for the Greens, they may be baited into a conflict with the Riverlands' army, especially now that Aemond and Criston Cole are beginning to disagree on their military strategy going forward.House of the Dragonseason 2’s final episodes could see a bit more action before it’s all done.
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.
