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Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
Viserys’s named heir and leader of the Blacks, ruling from Dragonstone after Aegon’s coronation.
ClearStory · HBO · SEASON 2 · EPISODE 8
HOUSEOF THE DRAGON · SEASON 2
The Queen Who Ever Was
The setup
Rhaenyra’s new dragonriders have changed the balance of power. She must decide how to use that advantage as the rival armies and fleets prepare their next moves.
OPTIONAL REFERENCECharacters, places and useful termsContains story details. Open after watching.
QUICK REMINDER
12 peopleThe only names you need
DT
Prince Daemon Targaryen
Rhaenyra’s husband, uncle and most experienced warrior; rider of Caraxes.
AH
Alicent Hightower
Aegon’s mother and former queen, increasingly uncertain of her influence over the war.
AT
Prince Aemond Targaryen
Aegon’s younger brother, a dangerous fighter bonded with the enormous Vhagar.
HT
Queen Helaena Targaryen
Aegon’s sister-wife and mother of his children; gentle, withdrawn and prone to strange observations.
AT
King Aegon II Targaryen
Alicent’s eldest son, crowned by the Greens in King’s Landing; rider of Sunfyre.
LS
Lord Larys Strong
The secretive Lord of Harrenhal, always looking for leverage and advancement.
JV
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon
Rhaenyra’s eldest son and heir, called Jace; rider of Vermax and an active diplomat.
CV
Lord Corlys Velaryon
The Sea Snake, master of the Velaryon fleet and husband of Rhaenys.
TL
Ser Tyland Lannister
A loyal Green councillor with responsibility for the crown’s resources and diplomacy.
HH
Hugh Hammer
A skilled blacksmith in King’s Landing whose family is suffering under the blockade.
UW
Ulf White
A talkative King’s Landing man who claims royal Targaryen blood.
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 Episode 8.
Content note: Violence, strong language, death, grief and distress, disturbing visions, severe injury and threats of execution.
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.