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What does (SPOILER) death in “House of the Dragon” mean for the black people?

What does (SPOILER) death in “House of the Dragon” mean for the black people?

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2, Episode 4 of House of the Dragon.


The big picture

  • Rhaenys Targaryen’s heroic death in
    House of the Dragon
    Season 2 has significant implications for blacks and the war.
  • Rhaenys’ death underscores the challenge the Blacks face against Vhagar, the larger and more powerful dragon.
  • The death also affects Rhaenyra’s alliance with Corlys Velaryon, as her wisdom and political understanding will be missing.


House of the Dragon has many fascinating characters, but as game of Thrones As we have learned, no one is safe for long in Westeros. Now that the war has officially begun, House of the Dragon will only get bloodier. The first episodes of the second season set the tone with the brutal death of young Jaehaerys, but there are many more to come. The story has entered the conflict that will become the dance of the dragonsand with these creatures flying around, no one is safe. The latest loss is a particularly hard blow for the Blacks. Rhaenys Targaryen (Eva Best), the queen who never was, falls in a fiery burst of courage in Episode 4. The scene is tragic in many ways, but it gives the character a heroic death.


Rhaenys stole the scenes in the first two seasons and quickly gained fans’ recognition. Her death is especially sad because Best’s talent will no longer be there. But just because she’s gone, Rhaenys will be no less important to the story. Rhaenys’ death will have lasting effects on her family and the side of the war she fought for. Although Rhaenys may never have ascended to the Iron Throne (though she should have), she was a dragon rider, a politically savvy advisor, and a beloved wife of Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). Rhaenys’ tragic loss not only highlights the challenge the Blacks will face if forced to fight Vhagar, but it will also create a rift between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and her most valuable ally, Corlys.



Rhaenys says goodbye in style in “House of the Dragon,” Season 2, Episode 4

As Criston Coles (Fabien Frankel) attack on Rook’s Rest becomes obvious, Rhaenyra finally accepts the inevitability of a dragon fight, but one question remains: who will go? Rhaenyra cannot risk herself, but Daemon (Matt Smith) is gone, and Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Baela (Bethany Antonia) are young and ride inexperienced dragons. Rhaenys volunteers and notices the size and experience of her dragon. So she flies off, but she doesn’t know the danger she is facing. The Blacks have been watching Cole’s army travel without dragons, but Cole has a plan. When Rhaenys arrives, she turns the tide of battleShe burns her opponents with dragon fire, but her victory is short-lived.


Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Sunfyre challenge them first. Although she did not expect to fight a dragon, Rhaenys orders Meleys to attack undaunted. Meleys and Rhaenys prove themselves against Sunfyre, quickly wounding the other dragon and attacking relentlessly. But the appearance of Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Vhagar takes away her advantage. Vhagar is several times larger than Meleys and poses a greater threat. When Rhaenys sees Vhagar, she knows what is about to happen, but she fights bravely to the end even when the battle seems hopeless. Rhaenys turns to face Aemond and Vhagar and buckles in to go down with the ship, or in this case, the dragon. Although the battle is against her, Rhaenys urges Meleys to inflict damage by ramming Vhagar with her claws, forcing the beast to crash into the Green Army before it is defeated. Both Meleys and Rhaenys die as heroes for the Blacksand although they cannot win the Battle of Rook’s Rest, they inflict heavy damage on the Green Army.

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Rhaenys’ death illustrates the challenge that lies ahead for the Blacks

Vhagar in “House of the Dragon”, Season 2
Image via HBO

Rhaenys’ sacrifice for the cause may not have brought victory, but it does show the precarious situation the Blacks are in. It is a shocking realization for them, as they have not only lost one of their most valuable dragon riders, but also the greatest dragon on their side. This shows the immense power they face with Vhagar.who continues to pose a threat. Vhagar defeats Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) and Arrax in the season one finale were an emotional loss, and still are, as Rhaenyra mourns her son. But this tragedy did not spell the end of their cause. Arrax was so young and small that he stood no chance in battle. But Meleys is different. Few can defeat Meleys, and Rhaenys has much more experience as a dragon rider, but Vhagar manages to do so with relative ease.


Black has the advantage in terms of the number of dragons they control: they have five in action, while Green has only mobilized two so far. However, Vhagar’s size balances the ratio. If Meleys can’t defeat Vhagar, the others have no chanceThe death of Rhaenys and Meleys serves as a warning to the Blacks and shows them what is to come. The Blacks have relied on their dragon advantage, that is not as powerful as they thoughtat least not as long as Vhagar is there.

Rhaenyra has also lost a trusted advisor who was her greatest ally


But Rhaenys is more than just a dragon rider. She is the voice of reason for Rhaenyra and the only person who advises peace.. Only Rhaenys saw Rhaenyra’s concerns and convinced her to seek a peaceful solution with Alicent (Olivia Cooke). Rhaenys has also worked loyally in Rhaenyra’s absence to hold the council together when Jacaerys and Baela were overwhelmed. Throughout her time on the series, Rhaenys has shown a basic understanding of Westeros politics and she selflessly advises Rhaenyra, a rare quality. Her wisdom will be missed, as will her dragon.

With Rhaenys’ death, she not only loses a valuable ally, but also the support of another person Rhaenyra relies on. Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s husband, controls the sea and has proven to be a vital support to Rhaenyra, guarding the blockade that cuts off trade routes from King’s Landing. Corlys was always skeptical of Rhaenyra, but listened to Rhaenys when she urged him to support the Queen, and Corlys’ support is invaluable to the Blacks. Even during Rhaenyra’s absence, Corlys was the one who finally brought the Council under control. Rhaenyra needs Corlys, but with the death of his beloved wife, Corlys’ loyalty may waver. especially when he blames Rhaenyra, as in Fire & Blood. To maintain his support, Rhaenyra must make compromises for the proud man, for she cannot afford to lose the Velaryons. There are many reasons why it is hard to say goodbye to Rhaenys, especially after her great bravery at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. But even though she is no longer here, she leaves a significant impression.


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