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King Viserys I Targaryen
The peace-minded king. His decisions about marriage and succession shape the realm.
ClearStory · HBO · SEASON 1 · EPISODE 8
HOUSEOF THE DRAGON
The Lord of the Tides
The setup
Six more years have passed. With Corlys badly injured, Vaemond challenges Luke’s right to inherit Driftmark. Rhaenyra and Daemon return to a Red Keep dominated by Alicent while Viserys is gravely ill.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
10 peopleThe only names you need
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Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
Viserys’s daughter and named heir to the Iron Throne; a dragonrider bonded with Syrax.
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Prince Daemon Targaryen
Viserys’s impulsive younger brother, a feared warrior and rider of Caraxes.
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Alicent Hightower
Daughter of Otto Hightower and Rhaenyra’s childhood friend, drawn into the politics around the king.
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Ser Otto Hightower
Alicent’s father and an influential royal adviser, closely involved in the succession.
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Ser Vaemond Velaryon
Corlys’s younger brother, fiercely protective of House Velaryon’s blood and inheritance.
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Princess Rhaenys Targaryen
Corlys’s wife, a dragonrider once passed over for the crown and known as the Queen Who Never Was.
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Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Rhaenyra’s eldest son, usually called Jace, and next in line after her.
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Prince Lucerys Velaryon
Rhaenyra’s second son, usually called Luke, and the intended heir to Driftmark.
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Prince Aegon Targaryen
The eldest son of Viserys and Alicent; his existence complicates Rhaenyra’s claim.
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 8.
Content note: Violence, strong language, death, childbirth complications and distress, sexual assault aftermath, severe illness and decapitation.
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