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HBO’sHouse of the DragonSeason 2 released dueling trailers to give the opposing factions, viz, the Greens, and the Blacks equal representation. These trailers present a sea of fiery characters and explosive commentary with the leads, Queen Rhaenyra and King Aegon II, itching for war. The warring sides mean to win, but lest they know that while it is up to them to start the war, ending it is not.
Every snippet in theOfficial Black TrailerandOfficial Green Trailerprovides food for thought, not just in terms of visual elements, but dialogues too.Game of Thrones’great writing makes it a seminal show, but with these quotes, the upcomingHouse of the DragonSeason 2 will take on a life of its own.
“My Father Chose Me, His Firstborn Child, To Succeed Him. He Held His Decision Until Death.” - Rhaenyra Targaryen
Admission Of A Fact
Rhaenyra was robbed of her right, and everyone knows that. Her father, King Viserys, didn’t name her heir on a whim but put thought into it. He stuck to his decision even after Alicent Hightower bore him a son.
Rhaenyra, right now, is carrying the wounds of losing her secondborn son, Prince Lucerys, and the theft of her throne. She wouldn’t have contested the Iron Throne, hadher father not decreed her as the next monarch. Viserys took care of every little detail in the succession, but the Greens schemed to bring about Rhaenyra’s downfall. They may have King’s Landing for now, but she won’t back down.
“Only Weeks Ago, My Lord Husband Was Alive And The Realm Was At Peace.” -Alicent Hightower
The End of Viserys' Reign And The Beginning Of The Dance
Rhaenyra’s father is remembered as Viserys the Peaceful for a reason. He oversaw a peaceful reign, save for the trouble with the Triarchy in the Stepstones and younger brother, Daemon’s misdemeanors.
Viserys' health had deteriorated due to"the rot"and he was in an acutely disturbed state of mind during his final hours. He mistook Alicent for Rhaenyra and utteredthe Prince That Was Promised Prophecy, saying she was the one to unite the realm. Alicent took it to mean that her son, Aegon, must ascend the Iron Throne.The most dishonorable Houses in the realm, especially those who had representation at the Small Council, waited for Viserys to die and to install Aegon on the Iron Throne.
“I Am As Fearsome As Any Of Them.” - Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon’s New-found Confidence
Aegon the Wastrel’s installation as King has given him newfound confidence and made him arrogant. He rides the most beautiful dragon in the Seven Kingdoms. He has the Valyrian Steel dagger and his namesake’s crown and sword. Post coronation, Aegon the wastrel’s arrogance knows no bounds.
Game of Throneslore speaks volumes about Aegon II’s downfall even with a mighty host andadult dragons at his disposal. He thinks of himself as a battle-hardened warrior, and a great swordsman as he basks in the glory of his ascension. Aegon is susceptible to hubris and his public persona does not do him any favors.
“When The Desire To Kill And Burn Takes Hold And Reason Is Forgotten, We Will Not Remember What Began The War In The First Place.” - Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
The Queen Who Never Was Knows The Cost Of War
Princess Rhaenys is the sane voice in the chaos, and thus far, she has spoken twice about the Dance of the Dragons. InHouse of the DragonSeason 2 Teaser Trailer, Rhaenys' personality comes through with the words:
There is no war so hateful to the gods as a war between kin, and no war so bloody as a war between dragons.
In the Black Trailer, she speaks of the consequences that emanate from the war scenario. The philosophy of Dance of the Dragons is simple; it is built on vengeance and hatred. Princess Rhaenys is well aware of what they are getting into.
“I Fear What I’ve Begun.” - Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
On War And Its Repercussions
Rhaenyra’s restraint was the most impressive thing about her inHouse of the Dragonseason 1, episode 10 “The Black Queen.” Her words,
Viserys spoke often of the Valyrian histories and I know them well. When dragons flew to war… everything burned. I do not wish to rule over a kingdom of ash and bone.
Rhaenyra knows her first duty is to ensure peace in the realm and not to seize the Iron Throne. Daemon disliked her for it in the past, but inHouse of the Dragon’s explosive Black Trailer, she declares she intends to taketheSevenSix Kingdoms. There’s a dichotomy between Rhaenyra’s,“I fear what I’ve begun"and"I mean to fight this war and win it.“She knows she is at the point of no return, and people now rally ‘round a war machine.
“You Have No Idea The Sacrifices That Were Made To Put You On That Throne.” - Alicent Hightower
Alicent Talks About The Green Coup
Alicent wouldn’t have gone down that path had she not misinterpreted Viserys’ prophecy. That said, it can also be argued that Alicent feared for her children’s safety, and all her life, worked to supplant Rhaenyra. Alicent desired the responsible transfer of power the evening the entire family dined with Viserys presiding over. The Queen reconciled with the Princess, but Viserys died shortly after and the rest is history.
I raise my cup to you [Rhaenyra] and to your House. You will make a fine Queen.
Alicent sacrificed her youth to give her father what he wanted. She was a mere pawn to Otto, a second son, who stood to inherit nothing. Through Alicent, Otto ensured power remained withinhis branch of House Hightower. She knew her marriage to Viserys would require sacrificing her friendship with Rhaenyra, but she went ahead and did it for Otto. Most of all, complex machinery had to be put into place to install her firstborn, Aegon, on the Iron Throne. The coup brought with it massive risks which Aegon knows nothing about.
“We Will Prevail And Bring Forth Peace, But You Must Accept That The Path To Victory Now Is One Of Violence.” - Otto Hightower
The Means To An End
Having previously served two kings,Otto Hightower thinksthe Dance of the Dragons is necessary for lasting peace. Aegon II is on the same page as him, with the words,“Good…to war then!”
The Dance of the Dragons is a necessary evil, according to Otto. He doesn’t mind the bloodshed and the strain the war between kin will put on his House, the Great Houses, and the entire realm. The negotiations failed after what happened at Shipbreaker Bay; now, war remains the only option.
House of the Dragon- season 2 premieres at 9 p.m. ET Sunday, June 16 on HBO.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is HBO’s prequel series to Game of Thrones. Set hundreds of years earlier, the show follows the inner machinations and rivalries of the Targaryen royal family. The show was created by Ryan Condal and George R.R. Martin, and stars Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, and Olivia Cooke.
