RT
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
Viserys’s daughter and named heir to the Iron Throne; a dragonrider bonded with Syrax.
ClearStory · HBO · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 5
HOUSEOF THE DRAGON
We Light the Way
The setup
Rhaenyra has agreed to marry Laenor, and Viserys has dismissed Otto. The royal family now has to turn a political agreement into a marriage alliance.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
8 peopleThe only names you need
LV
Ser Laenor Velaryon
Son of Corlys and Rhaenys, heir to Driftmark and rider of Seasmoke.
CC
Ser Criston Cole
A skilled knight whose place near Rhaenyra and Alicent becomes politically important.
AH
Alicent Hightower
Daughter of Otto Hightower and Rhaenyra’s childhood friend, drawn into the politics around the king.
VT
King Viserys I Targaryen
The peace-minded king. His decisions about marriage and succession shape the realm.
DT
Prince Daemon Targaryen
Viserys’s impulsive younger brother, a feared warrior and rider of Caraxes.
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Lord Corlys Velaryon
The Sea Snake, head of wealthy House Velaryon and commander of its fleet.
RT
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Corlys’s wife, a dragonrider once passed over for the crown and known as the Queen Who Never Was.
WHILE WATCHING
Recap as you go
Open a recap only after the whole named scene has finished. If unsure, wait until the episode ends.
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AFTER WATCHING
Key story points
Hidden because this section reveals what happens in Episode 5.
Content note: Violence, strong language, death, childbirth complications and distress, sexual discussion, suicide attempt and a brutal beating.
An unofficial, independently written viewing companion for House of the Dragon. Not affiliated with or endorsed by HBO or the programme’s creators. No official images, logos or programme artwork are used.