New stills from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5 show the aftermath of The Battle at Rook’s Rest

New stills from episode 5 of House of the Dragon have been released, offering fans a glimpse at some moments and hinting at what to expect in this episode. We can see many shots of Cole as he returns from his war campaign and continues his role as Hand of the King. His experiences in the war will likely bring new dynamics to King’s Landing.

We also see shots of Daemon’s journey at Harrenhal. The stills show him in different locations within the ancient fortress, plotting his next move. However, the core of this episode seems to center on the fallout from the Battle of Rook’s Rest. The death of Rhaenys and her dragon, Meleys, was a significant blow to the Blacks.

The stills show the aftermath of this battle, with characters grappling with the loss and its implications. This episode will likely explore the repercussions of Rhaenys’ death, setting the stage for the next phase of the war.

Read More: Matt Smith pushed for his vision scenes in Harrenhal to be as mad and horror-like as possible

Rhaenys Targaryen Riding Meleys Funko Pop! Deluxe Warner Bros. Shop

Make room for the Deluxe Pop! Ride of Rhaenys Targaryen™ with Meleys™ to land in your House of the Dragon collection. Vinyl figure is approximately 5.35-inches tall.

Pre-Order

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Corlys Velaryon mourns Rhaenys

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

One of the stills from episode 5 shows Corlys Velaryon in profound grief. Corlys’ journey has been filled with challenges and losses. He has now lost his wife after already losing both his children and his grandson and heir. This image captures the weight of his sorrow, highlighting a deeply emotional moment in the series.

Corlys was driven by his wife’s wishes, pushing him to remain involved in the war despite his initial desire to retire. Rhaenys’ influence was a guiding force for him. In the previous episodes, Rhaenys attempted to convince Corlys to install Rhaena as heir instead of Joffrey.

She tried to persuade him that though they were young, they didn’t have enough time to make decisions as war was afoot and anything could happen. When Rhaenys rode into battle, everyone was confident that she would triumph, given her experience. Her death will come as a shock to everyone. Corlys’ motivations and strategies will likely change as he navigates his new reality without his wife’s guidance. It will probably affect his role as Hand of the Queen to Rhaenyra.

Read More: New stills suggest Aemond Targaryen has taken over a new role in House of the Dragon Season 2

Meleys paraded through King’s Landing

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

Another still from episode 5 shows the severed head of Meleys paraded through King’s Landing, a scene that holds significance on many levels. Though the Greens managed to kill Rhaenys and Meleys, they also suffered a huge loss, with their king, Aegon II, injured during the battle. Parading the head of Meleys reframes the battle as a victory, showing the people of King’s Landing Meleys’ head as a trophy.

This display serves multiple purposes. On one level, it asserts the Greens’ dominance and paints their victory positively despite their losses. On another level, this display could make the smallfolk glad. Rhaenys and Meleys burst through the floor during Aegon II’s coronation, potentially causing harm to many smallfolk.

Some may see this as redemption, Rhaenys getting her due for an act that went unnoticed in season 1. The sight of Meleys’ head could be seen as a form of justice, making the smallfolk more supportive of the Greens. The public display of Meleys’ head also strengthens Otto Hightower’s narrative, painting Rhaenyra as a villain.

A distraught Criston Cole

Credits: Liam Daniel/HBO

Rhaenyra mulls over a loss

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

Jacaerys and Rhaenyra look further into Aegon the Conqueror’s prophecy

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

Aemond eyes the Iron Throne

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Daemon and Alys Rivers share a moment

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Daemon looks defeated

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Jacaerys visits the Twins

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Rhaenyra with Mysaria

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Mysaria, played by Sonoya Mizuno

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Alicent sees Aegon II after the Battle at Rook’s Rest

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Read More: 17 details you might have missed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4

Stream House of the Dragon on Max | Save up to 20%

Stream House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones and more HBO Original series on Max. Sign up and save up to 20% with an annual plan.

Subscribe Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.