"The Heirs of the Dragon"
Setting the Stage
The episode begins with a prologue set in 101 AC, nearly 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones". King Jaehaerys I Targaryen is ruling, but due to the deaths of his sons, he has no clear heir. A Great Council is convened at Harrenhal to choose the next heir, and the choice is between Prince Viserys Targaryen, the king’s eldest male descendant, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the king’s eldest living descendant. The council opts for Viserys, establishing the precedent that male heirs are preferred over female ones.
King Viserys I Targaryen
The narrative moves forward to the reign of King Viserys I Targaryen, showcasing his rule from the Iron Throne in King's Landing. Viserys is depicted as a king who desires peace and stability but is pressured by the matter of succession. His wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, is pregnant, and Viserys hopes for a son who will be his undisputed heir.
The Tournament
To celebrate the impending birth of his child, King Viserys organizes a grand tournament. This event introduces several key characters:
- Prince Daemon Targaryen, Viserys’s younger brother, a skilled warrior, and an ambitious man with a penchant for trouble. He participates in the tournament and showcases his prowess.
- Ser Criston Cole, a knight of common birth who defeats Daemon in the joust, catching the eye of many, including Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
Tragedy Strikes
As the tournament unfolds, Queen Aemma goes into labor. The birthing process is difficult, and Viserys is forced to make a harrowing decision when it becomes clear that both Aemma and the baby are in danger. The maesters suggest a Caesarean section, which could save the child but will likely result in Aemma's death. Viserys chooses to prioritize the baby, but the infant, named Baelon, dies shortly after birth, leaving Viserys devastated and without a male heir.
Rise of Rhaenyra
In the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus shifts to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys’s only surviving child. She is a dragonrider, bonded with her dragon Syrax. Despite the patriarchal norms, Viserys names Rhaenyra his heir, gathering the lords of Westeros to swear fealty to her. This decision sets the stage for future conflict, as not everyone is willing to accept a female ruler.
Political Intrigue
The episode also introduces the intricate political dynamics within the realm:
- Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, who is wary of Prince Daemon's influence and ambitions.
- Lady Alicent Hightower, Otto’s daughter, who is close to Rhaenyra and later becomes an important figure in the Targaryen dynasty.
- Prince Daemon, who is exiled from King's Landing by Viserys after he is found celebrating the death of the king's infant son inappropriately. Daemon returns to Dragonstone with his paramour, Mysaria.
Cliffhanger
The episode ends with Viserys revealing to Rhaenyra the secret of Aegon the Conqueror’s dream, which foretold the end of the world of men beginning with a terrible winter from the North. This dream is known as "The Song of Ice and Fire." Viserys emphasizes the importance of Targaryen unity to face this threat, underscoring the weight of Rhaenyra’s new role as his heir.
Conclusion
The first episode of "House of the Dragon" sets up the key players and conflicts that will drive the narrative forward. It establishes the themes of legacy, power, and the often tragic cost of rulership within the Targaryen family. The decisions made in this episode, especially regarding succession, lay the groundwork for the turmoil and civil war that will eventually become known as the Dance of the Dragons.