House of the Dragon Season 3 is almost here, and before you go back into the world of fearless riders and their dragons, make sure to explore what happened in the previous chapter. It won’t just refresh your memory about Season 2 but also remind you of the crucial details that might have slipped from your minds.
So, the second installment of the HBO TV series begins immediately after the dramatic ending of Season 1. Now, the Targaryen civil war is no longer just a political dispute but a real and deadly conflict.
King Viserys I has died, and the two sides are now left fighting over who should be the one to rule this realm. In King’s Landing, the Greens put Aegon II on the Iron Throne with the support of Alicent Hightower and all her allies.
On the other side, Rhaenyra Targaryen becomes the Queen of Dragonstone by the Blacks. They believe that she’s the rightful heir because Viserys publicly named her as his successor years earlier.
And as seen in the Season 1 finale, the war had become deadly because Aemond Targaryen and his dragon, Vhagar, killed Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax. This results in the first bloodshed between Team Black and Team Green, sparking the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Keep reading to learn everything about Season 2.
House of the Dragon Season 2 recap: A detailed look at the two sides in the HBO TV series
Before we go deep into the conflicts and events that took place in House of the Dragon Season 2, here’s a detailed explanation of Team Green and Team Black of the series:
1) The Greens: Team Green controls King’s Landing and currently holds the Iron Throne. Their most important figures include:
- Aegon II Targaryen, the king.
- Alicent Hightower, his mother, and a clever political figure
- Aemond Targaryen, Aegon’s brother, a fierce warrior who rides Vhagar, the largest and most dangerous dragon alive.
- Helaena Targaryen, Aegon’s wife and sister, whose strange visions often seem prophetic.
- Otto Hightower, initially serving as Hand of the King.
- Criston Cole, who later becomes Hand after Otto’s removal.
So, the Greens rely on their control of the capital, political influence, and Vhagar’s overwhelming power. They also work to secure support from powerful houses such as the Lannisters and Hightowers.
2) The Blacks: Team Black has the support from Dragonstone, and they consider Rhaenyra as the rightful owner of the throne. Key members of this faction are:
- Rhaenyra Targaryen, the claimant queen.
- Daemon Targaryen, her uncle who later became her husband.
- Jacaerys Velaryon (Jace), Rhaenyra’s heir.
- Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.
- Corlys Velaryon, the legendary Sea Snake and commander of the Velaryon fleet.
- Rhaenys Targaryen
The Blacks hold strong power through the Velaryon fleet and maintain a blockade around the Gullet. Not only this, but Team Black also believes they have the stronger legal claim because Viserys officially designated Rhaenyra as his successor before his death.
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House of the Dragon Season 2 recap: The key events that pushed the Targaryen civil war into full-scale conflict
House of the Dragon Season 2 kicked off with the fallout of Lucerys Velaryon’s death. Jacaerys gets northern support from Cregan Stark. The grieving Rhaenyra demands justice. Soon, Daemon decides to act on his own and hires Blood and Cheese to kill Aemond.
However, the plan did not go as they wished, and young Prince Jaehaerys was murdered right in front of Helaena. This crime gives an advantage to the Greens as they are likely to get public opinion in their favor.
As King’s Landing mourns Jaehaerys, Aegon II removes Otto Hightower as Hand and promotes Criston Cole. Meanwhile, the failed assassination attempt on Rhaenyra leads to the tragic deaths of twin brothers Arryk and Erryk Cargyll. At the same time, Rhaenyra struggles to decide whether she must fully trust Daemon or not.
The conflict in House of the Dragon Season 2 moves beyond the royal families as fighting breaks out between Houses Blackwood and Bracken. Daemon captures Harrenhal, while Rhaenyra secretly meets Alicent in a final attempt to avoid war.
Their conversation reveals that Alicent misunderstood Viserys’ final words, but by then, the chance for peace has already slipped away. And then there’s another turning point at Rook’s Rest.
Rhaenys and Meleys are killed in a devastating dragon battle involving Vhagar, Sunfyre, and Meleys. Aegon II was left severely injured, which helped Aemond to assume power as prince regent and tighten his grip over the Greens.
House of the Dragon Season 2 recap: Power struggles, visions, and new dragon riders
House of the Dragon Season 2 also focused on the two teams preparing themselves for war. Aegon II recovers from his injuries while Aemond rules as Prince Regent. This makes him an even more influential figure, but that also creates tension within the Green faction.
Seeing how the events are unfolding, Alicent becomes really frustrated, while Larys Strong continues quietly manipulating events behind the scenes. At Harrenhal, Daemon experiences some visions.
They force him to confront all wrongdoings from the past, losses suffered, and the destiny of House Targaryen. He then gets support from Riverlands lords and eventually recommits himself to Rhaenyra’s cause.
As for Rhaenyra, she hires new dragon riders from people with Valyrian ancestry, known as dragonseeds. Addam claims Seasmoke, Hugh bonds with Vermithor, and Ulf becomes Silverwing’s rider, and many even died during the dangerous attempts.
This way, the Blacks become powerful, but including Dragonseeds also raises questions about legitimacy and succession. Corlys rebuilds the Velaryon fleet, and northern and Hightower forces continue advancing.
Tyland Lannister seeks support from the Triarchy, and Rhaena begins pursuing the wild dragon Sheepstealer. In the finale of House of the Dragon Season 2, Alicent secretly offers to surrender King’s Landing to Rhaenyra, but the plan falls apart after Larys helps Aegon escape.
With Daemon returning to support Rhaenyra and armies, fleets, and dragons gathering near the Gullet, the stage is set for an even larger war in House of the Dragon Season 3. So, make sure you don’t miss the premiere!
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Edited by Alisha Khan