Editorial

14 details you might have missed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5: Regent

Familiar locations reappear, and new characters are foreshadowed.

Published

4 months ago

July 16, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: Theo Whiteman/HBO

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5 delivers a treasure trove of subtle references and hidden details. This episode was written by George R.R. Martin’s writing assistant, Ti Mikkel. As such, it contains many references to Fire and Blood and the rich lore of Westeros. Read on to learn more about the details you missed in the latest episode.

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Contents

6 Minutes Read

The Winter Wolves are mentioned

Credits: Max

In this episode, Jace mentions that Cregan Stark’s greybeards are coming from the North and need a direct route into the Riverlands. The Crossing would provide this route, guarded by the Freys at the Twins. These greybeards are known as the Winter Wolves, led by Lord Roderick Dustin, also known as Roddy the Ruin in Fire and Blood. However, the show might change this by having Lord Cregan Stark lead the Winter Wolves, as revealed by a past storyboard.

The Eyrie makes an appearance

Credits: Max

Episode 5 finally gives us a glimpse of the Eyrie and the Vale, home of the Arryns. In Game of Thrones, the Eyrie was ruled by Lysa Arryn, where Littlefinger took Sansa to stay with her aunt. The Eyrie looks noticeably different from its previous depiction, indicating that the castle was rebuilt when Robert Baratheon ruled.

Introduction of Lady Jeyne Arryn

Credits: Max

We meet Lady Jeyne Arryn, the new ruler of the Vale. She may be House of the Dragon’s first queer character. In the books, Jeyne Arryn is a formidable figure who imprisoned her cousin for rebelling and faced multiple uprisings. She had a rumored relationship with her lady-in-waiting, Jessamyn Redfort, and possibly with Prince Jacaerys when he visited the Eyrie.

Duck and goose reference

Credits: Max

When Simon Strong asks Daemon if he prefers duck or goose, it recalls a scene where Rhaenyra uses the same metaphor with Laenor to discuss sexual preference. The reference gains more weight as Daemon later hallucinates Laena’s appearance. Daemon is offered various types of meat while the smallfolk in King’s Landing starve, demanding food.

Mention of Tumbleton

Credits: Max

At Hugh Hammer’s house, his wife suggests fleeing to Tumbleton, where her brother lives. This is the first mention of Tumbleton, a town where two major battles occurred during the Dance of the Dragons. Hugh Hammer played a significant role in these battles. However, his character in the show differs from the books, leaving us curious about his storyline.

Forrest and Sabitha Frey introduced

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Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

The Twins’ introduction brings Lord Forrest Frey and his wife, Lady Sabitha Vypren, into the story. In Fire and Blood, both participated in battles, with Sabitha becoming a key figure for the Blacks. The show ages her up, making it unlikely she or Forrest will join any campaigns. This also raises doubts about including Lady Alysanne Blackwood, Sabitha’s close friend, during the war.

Daemon warns Alys about Aemond

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

In Harrenhal, Daemon warns Alys about Aemond, who will become her consort later. When Aemond eventually takes Harrenhal, he spares only Alys, beginning their relationship. Alys becomes the Witch Queen of Harrenhal, using her abilities to aid Aemond in the war. She allegedly provides him with strategic insights through her visions and mind-reading powers.

Nine Voyages reference

Credits: Max

When Baela meets Lord Corlys to name him Rhaenyra’s Hand, she mentions his historic voyages to Yi Ti and Asshai and the wealth he brought back for his wife, Princess Rhaenys. This refers to Corlys’ Nine Voyages on his ship, the Sea Snake, which made House Velaryon the richest in the Seven Kingdoms. An animated series about Corlys’ Nine Voyages is also in production.

Dyana reappears

Credits: Max

Dyana, the woman King Aegon assaulted in Season 1, now works at Cocks Inn in King’s Landing. It seems Mysaria is in touch with her, and Rhaenyra sends Elinda Massey to deliver a message to her. Dyana was paid off by Queen Alicent to stay quiet about Aegon’s assault, leaving her service to the Crown. She likely harbors resentment against the Greens and is part of Mysaria’s spy network in King’s Landing.

Another picture of Visenya

Credits: Max

As Rhaenyra reads history books, we see another picture of Visenya. Preparing for war, Rhaenyra begins to emulate Visenya, one of the three conquerors. Though Jace notes that Visenya lived long ago, Rhaenyra already wears Visenya’s famous braid, signaling her transformation.

Mention of Vermithor and Silverwing

Credits: Max

Two powerful dragons of the Blacks, Vermithor and Silverwing, are mentioned. Once ridden by King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne, these dragons reside riderless at Dragonstone. They are expected to get new riders soon with the Sowing of the Dragonseeds.

Cheese’s dog

Credits: Max

After Aemond finally orders the ratcatchers to be cut down, Cheese’s dog is seen following the cart carrying their bodies. Fans are glad to see the loyal dog alive and well despite Cheese’s hanging. Many viewers commend the dog’s unwavering loyalty to his master even after his death.

Parallel between Aegon and Viserys

Credits: Max

Viewers draw a parallel between King Aegon and King Viserys, who are confined to their beds due to injuries. In Viserys’ last days, he drank the milk of the poppy to ease his pain. Similarly, Aegon will be confined to his bed, drinking a similar concoction for his burns from Vhagar’s flames.

Rhaena’s dragon-taming attempt

Credits: Max

Rhaenyra reveals to Jace that Rhaena nearly lost her life trying to tame a dragon. Although it is unknown which dragon she attempted to claim, reports suggest Rhaena may eventually succeed in claiming one during the war.

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