In the gripping second season of House of the Dragon, tensions between the Blacks and the Greens reach a boiling point following tragic losses on both sides. Aegon and Rhaenyra rally their allies across Westeros, each preparing for the imminent clash that will define the Dance of the Dragons.
As the battle lines are drawn, propaganda becomes a weapon of choice. The Greens orchestrate a public spectacle to shift blame onto Rhaenyra for the recent assassination of Aegon’s son.
Otto Hightower, ever the strategist, suggests a funeral procession through the city, with Alicent and Helaena riding behind the young prince’s body to display their grief and garner public sympathy.
The Greens Win the Support of the Rural Population But Then Lose It
Throughout the procession, announcements accuse Rhaenyra of orchestrating the murder despite the dubious truth of these claims. This tactic aims to consolidate the Greens’ power by turning the common folk against Rhaenyra.
Meanwhile, Aegon is driven by vengeance. He captures the gold cloak involved in the murder and, in a fit of rage, kills him after extracting the information that the other assassin is a ratcatcher.
Aegon then orders the public hanging of all ratcatchers in the castle, resulting in the deaths of many innocent men. This brutal act further tarnishes his reputation among the people, negating any goodwill that his son’s death might have garnered.
The Greens don’t stop at King’s Landing. They spread the same accusations against Rhaenyra to lords throughout Westeros, causing her allies to waver in their trust.
Even within Rhaenyra’s own council, doubts arise about her possible involvement in the tragedy. Her anger towards Aemond and her desire for revenge cast suspicion, and the connection to Daemon only deepens the divide between her and her husband.
In response to these threats, Rhaenyra fortifies her defenses. She doubles the guards on both Dragonstone and Driftmark, fearing retaliation. She also sends counter messages to deny the accusations and maintain the trust she has built with her supporters.
Notably, she dispatches Baela on her dragon Moondancer to keep watch over King’s Landing, advising her to remain unseen and avoid engagement. This strategic use of a dragon as a scout gives Rhaenyra a significant advantage, allowing her to anticipate the Greens’ movements.
The Greens face their own internal turmoil. Aegon’s impulsive actions lead to the dismissal of Otto Hightower from his position as Hand of the King. Otto’s strategic mind and long experience are a significant loss for the Greens.
His replacement, Criston Cole, lacks Otto’s strategic vision and instead brings a volatile nature that could prove detrimental. Otto’s departure strains Alicent, who must now try to rein in her son’s impulses on her own. However, Otto is not entirely out of the picture. He plans to go to Highgarden to secure the loyalty of the Tyrell bannermen, whose support is crucial for the Greens.
Rhaenyra, in contrast, actively uses her dragons to gain the upper hand. She sends Daemon to capture Harrenhal, a strategically vital castle in the Riverlands. Controlling Harrenhal would provide the Blacks with a foothold close to King’s Landing, enhancing their position in the conflict. Daemon’s departure emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of Rhaenyra’s strategy.
The episode also features a daring infiltration attempt by Kingsguard knight Arryk Cargyll, who, posing as his twin brother Erryk, tries to assassinate Rhaenyra.
The plan fails when Erryk confronts Arryk, leading to a heartbreaking duel that ends with Erryk killing his brother and subsequently taking his own life. This loss is significant for both sides, but the Blacks emerge with a minor victory as the assassination is thwarted.
Who Takes First This Week?
While war looms ever closer, both factions are engaged in a battle for public opinion and strategic positioning. The Greens suffer from internal discord and Aegon’s alienation of the populace, while the Blacks leverage their dragons and strategic acumen to gain advantages.
Rhaenyra’s blockade of King’s Landing continues to hold, and with Daemon’s mission to Harrenhal, the Blacks appear to be pulling ahead.
House of the Dragon Season 2 masterfully builds tension as both sides prepare for the inevitable conflict. Alliances are tested, loyalties questioned, and the fate of Westeros hangs in the balance.
As the Dance of the Dragons escalates, viewers can expect epic battles, dramatic twists, and a gripping storyline that keeps them on the edge of their seats.
