“Ultimately, she will choose herself”: Emma D’Arcy explains why Jacaerys’ anger towards Rhaenyra is justified

The complex and deeply emotional bond between Jacaerys and Rhaenyra is a pivotal aspect of the storyline in House of the Dragons season 2, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and power dynamics. As Rhaenyra faces intense scrutiny and opposition in her quest for the Iron Throne, Jace finds himself caught amid the treacherous political escape, forcing him to confront his sense of loyalty and duty amidst the rising tensions within their family and the realm.

Lost in Legacy: Jacaerys’ Search for Self in House of the Dragon

Haunted by doubts and uncertainty, Jace’s sense of self is shaken to its core as his legitimacy and true parentage are questioned. As whispers of bastardy and deceit swirl around him, Jace must confront the dark secrets of his family’s past and the lies that have shaped his existence. As Rhaenyra’s priorities shift solely to maintaining power, Jace is left to grapple with the pain of being cast aside, his own identity and worthiness questioned by his mother’s actions. In an interview with The Wrap, Emma D’arcy says,

“Jace says — and Harry Collette plays it so beautifully in the episode — all these issues with how I look are silenced by the fact that I’m a dragon rider, and you are willing to give that license that I own away, and he’s right that she doesn’t shut down his argument, which I feel is the only respect she can show him, right?”

Credit: HBO

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Rhaenyra’s Pursuit of the Throne

Rhaenyra will always choose herself, suggesting that Jace is angry because he feels that his mother, Rhaenyra, prioritizes her own interests and desires above all else, including his own well-being and needs. As the heir to the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra is fiercely determined to secure her claim and protect her power. Jace may feel that her single-minded focus on her own ambitions comes at the expense of their relationship and his own happiness.

“Jace has every reason to feel deeply compromised by his mother’s choice. Ultimately, she will choose herself, really, above anyone. And here she chooses herself and her divine right over her son and her son’s legitimacy. I don’t think it’s an easy decision — we’ve seen Rhaenyra, over years, fight vehemently for the legitimacy of her children. We’ve seen her fight petitions. We’ve seen her stake all of her reputation, protecting those boys. But in this case, she feels she’s received divine permission.”

READ NEXT: “We’ve been aware of it”: Olivia Cooke admits to discussing “Rhaenicent” plotlines with Emma D’Arcy

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