‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 ends with rising tensions as various armies converge. The war is just beginning despite two full seasons, with only a few battles fought so far. The Dance of the Dragons remains intense as Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) gains an edge by recruiting three new dragonriders, making even Vhagar fearful.
The Greens are still strong, and the Season 2 finale hints at big events for the next season. Season 3 is expected to be intense, and George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood reveals how fierce it will be, setting up major confrontations.
Season 3 Will Feature Key Events from Fire & Blood
A major event in Fire & Blood is the Fall of King’s Landing, which is likely to occur early in Season 3. The Season 2 finale sets up Rhaenyra’s plan to seize the city from her injured half-brother, Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), through a secret deal with Alicent (Olivia Cooke).
With the Greens’ main defense, Vhagar and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), leaving in three days, Rhaenyra must act quickly. In Fire & Blood, the battle is quick, with Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) using their dragons to gain control. The goldcloaks turn against the Greens, and the city falls to the Blacks in a few hours. Alicent surrenders, giving Rhaenyra control of the city.
The timeline has shifted, moving the Fall of King’s Landing earlier. Season 2 suggests this will be the next big event, but Fire & Blood shows more battles and a significant death before this.
The deal between Rhaenyra and Alicent was supposed to ensure the safety of Alicent, Helaena (Phia Saban), and Jaehaera in exchange for Aegon’s execution. Aegon’s escape in Season 2 might make Rhaenyra feel betrayed, leading to more drama in Season 3.
Season 3 Might See the Loss of Another Key Character
Another significant event in Fire & Blood is the Battle of the Gullet, which Season 2 sets up. This battle is expected soon as it involves two groups already at sea. The Triarchy allies with the Greens to break the Blacks’ blockade and confront Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and his fleet.
They encounter the ship carrying Rhaenyra’s youngest sons. The Battle of the Gullet will likely differ slightly, with the young princes setting sail from the Vale instead of Dragonstone. In Fire & Blood, Aegon the younger escapes on his dragon, Stormcloud, which dies from battle wounds.
Aegon’s escape allows him to warn Jacaerys (Harry Collett), who then joins the battle. The Triarchy divides its fleet, leading to the attack on Driftmark instead.
Jace and the dragonriders attack the Triarchy but cannot save the young Viserys. The battle ends with the Greens winning but losing their alliance with the Triarchy. The Blacks lose their naval strength and Crown Prince.
Season 3 Will Introduce Daeron Targaryen
Season 2 introduces Prince Daeron and his dragon, Tessarion. His arrival and the Hightower army hint at the Battle of the Honeywine, where Daeron makes his debut. The Hightowers are surrounded by enemies until Daeron arrives and wins the battle. For his bravery, he is knighted as Daeron the Daring.
Although Fire & Blood includes this battle around the end of ‘House of the Dragon’, Daeron’s role will likely be highlighted early in Season 3. He will play an important part in the war, so his character will need to be included soon.
Season 3 Will Be Full of Battles
In Season 2’s finale, three armies are on the move: the Northerners, the Lannister host, and Criston Cole’s (Fabien Frankel) army, all heading to the Riverlands. Daemon has raised an army of Riverlords, leading to multiple battles.
The Lannister army faces three battles: The Battle of the Red Fork, the Battle of Acorn Hall, and the Battle by the Lakeshore. The latter, or Fishfeed, sees the Riverlanders and Northerners defeat the Lannister army, marking it as the bloodiest battle in the Dance of the Dragons. These battles might not all be shown, but they will be mentioned as they affect the balance of power.
After the Fishfeed, the Black armies will focus on Cole’s army in the Riverlands. Season 3 will need to cover their progress, especially with Aemond joining them. In Fire & Blood, the Greens’ army takes a mostly empty Harrenhal easily but still faces a long journey to control the Riverlands.
Aemond and Vhagar burn through the Riverlands, while Criston Cole faces an attack known as the Butcher’s Ball. Depending on Season 3’s progress, it might also include the Battle of Tumbleton. Regardless, there will be no shortage of fighting.
Fire & Blood and House of the Dragon Have Differences
Although the stories follow a similar outline, there are significant differences. Season 2 has shown changes to the source material. Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) is imprisoned in an unknown location instead of King’s Landing when Rhaenyra takes over. His son Gwayne (Freddie Fox) also differs, traveling with Cole instead of being a City Watch officer.
The biggest change involves Rhaena’s (Phoebe Campbell) story. In Fire & Blood, Daemon’s daughter stays in the Vale, but the finale shows her encountering a wild dragon, hinting she might claim it.
This differs from Fire & Blood, where the dragon is claimed by Nettles, not Rhaena. Although the dragon fights for the Blacks, the change is notable. This is likely not the last adjustment, and the full story will unfold over time. For now, Fire & Blood provides clues about where the story might go.
