Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2 deals with the death of Lucerys Velaryon, begging the question of what will become of his would-be wife, Rhaena Targaryen. As ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1’s ending, the show adequately enveloped audiences back into the world of Westeros' complex political landscape. While the titulardragons ofHouse of the Dragonare fantastical, otherworldly, and awe-inspiring, the HBO show has not lost sight of what makes its characters so compelling, as was the case withGame of Thrones.
The political intrigue surroundingHouse of the Dragon’s cast of charactersis undoubtedly the show’s selling point, with the wars, battles, dragons, and fantasy aspects serving as much-welcomed embellishments. This is consistent with George R. R. Martin’sA Song of Ice and Firebook series, with the political arrangements like weddings and betrothals often taking center stage as the great houses of Westeros grapple for the coveted Iron Throne. One potential marriage inHouse of the Dragoninvolved Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys, and Daemon’s daughter, Rhaena. However, the former is now dead, leading many to wonder what becomes of the latter.
House Of The Dragon Season 2: 25 Biggest Book Changes
House of the Dragon is back with season 2, and there are already significant changes to the source material in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
Rhaena Targaryen Marries Ser Corwyn Corbray In George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood Book
Rhaena’s Eventually Finds Someone To Marry After Lucerys' Death
The following sections contain spoilers for Fire and Blood, and likely House of the Dragon’s future seasons.
One ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1’s more tragic scenes involved the funeral of Lucerys Velaryon after his death at the hands of Vhagar in season 1’s finale. Shown among the mourners was young Rhaena, Daemon’s daughter to Laena Velaryon, who was set to marry Lucerys and tie the two great houses together for another generation. However,the sad reality is that Rhaena will undoubtedly be pushed into finding another husband after Lucerys' death, one that has a political benefit to the houses of Velaryon and Targaryen.
Eventually, Rhaena marries a man named Corwyn Corbray after the Dance of Dragons concludes…
Exactly what becomes of Rhaena and her marital status is outlined in Martin’sFire and Blood, the book on whichHouse of the Dragonis based. Eventually, Rhaena marries a man named Corwyn Corbray after the Dance of Dragons concludes. During the Targaryen Civil War that serves as the basis ofHouse of the Dragon, Rhaena lives a life of peace in the Eyrie where she meets Corwyn and becomes fond of him. The two marry years later, with Rhaena choosing Corwyn as her husband for several reasons.
For one, Rhaena has an actual connection with Corwyn due to the duo’s time at the Eyrie. Secondly,House Corbray is known as an old and prestigious house, with Corwyn having several political benefits, including his strength as a warrior, his Valyrian Steel sword, and his brother Leowyn serving as Protector of the Realm. As such, their marriage was deemed suitable, and they wed after the conclusion of the Dance of Dragons, teased to be a major conflict that begins inHouse of the Dragonseason 2.
Rhaena’s Second Husband Is Garmund Hightower, Otto Hightower’s Great-Nephew
Rhaena Eventually Re-Married After Corwyn Corbray’s Death
As is often the case for many young suitors in the world ofGame of Thrones, Rhaena did not live out her life with a sole marriage. After a few years of marriage, Corwyn - now a member of the council of regents - was called to the Vale to settle a despite of succession concerning House Arryn. In the chaos, Corwyn was murdered, tragically meaning Rhaena lost her second supposed life partner in her short life.
Rhaena’s second marriage ironically ties the opposing sides of the Dance of Dragons together.
After this point in her life, Rhaena received little focus in Martin’sFire and Bloodbook. However, it is mentioned that she eventually found another husband. Rhaena was married to Garmund Hightower, a relation ofHouse of the Dragon’s Otto Hightower. Garmund was the grandson ofHouse of the Dragon’s Hobert Hightower, Otto Hightower’s brother, making the former the latter’s great-nephew.
House Hightower’s History & Where They Are During Game Of Thrones
House Hightower is one of the most prominent families in House of the Dragon. Here’s their history and why they’re absent in Game of Thrones.
Why Rhaena Becomes Aegon III Targaryen’s Heir In Fire & Blood
Rhaena’s Wedding Exploits Are Not The Most Interesting Part Of Her Character
Sadly, women in theGame of Thronesuniverse are often defined by whom they are betrothed to marry. However,one of the best overarching aspects of all of Martin’s stories inA Song of Ice and Fireis the strong, capable, independent female characters who overcome this stereotypeto have a vital say in the status of the Seven Kingdoms. Despite being a smaller character in the grand scale ofA Song of Ice and Fire, Rhaena is one of these characters.
Rhaena was considered the heir to the Iron Throne as Aegon’s half-sister…
After the Dance of Dragons, Rhaena becomes heir to the Iron Throne.Who wins the Dance of Dragonsis a complicated question to answer, but an important aspect to note is that Aegon III, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s child, becomes the King of the Seven Kingdoms after the war ends. Due to the calamitous outcome of the war concerning the surviving members - or lack thereof - of House Targaryen, Rhaena was considered the heir to the Iron Throne as Aegon’s half-sister.
This was because Prince Viserys - Daemon and Rhaenyra’s other son - was presumed dead after a battle in the waning days of the Targaryen Civil War. Eventually, Aegon had children of his own and Viserys was revealed to be alive, meaning the succession of the Iron Throne moved away from Rhaena. That said, for a time, Rhaena Targaryen was the heir to the Seven Kingdoms after the Dance of Dragons, meaning her storyline in the future ofHouse of the Dragonafter Lucerys' death could be very interesting indeed.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
