Everything we know about Ser Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon

Read More: 13 details you might have missed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7

Who was Rickard Thorne?

Credits: HBO

Rickard Thorne was a knight of House Thorne, sworn to protect King Aegon II during the Dance of the Dragons. His allegiance to the Greens showcased his unwavering loyalty to the Targaryen monarchy during turbulent times.

As a member of the Kingsguard, Rickard was tasked with safeguarding Prince Maelor during the fall of King’s Landing in the books. His dedication to this mission was evident until his tragic demise.

Read More: How Princess Rhaenys’ death mirrors Queen Rhaenys’ death

Quick Facts

Show

• Portrayed by Vincent Regan in House of the Dragon.
• First appeared in Season 2.
• Sworn protector of Queen Alicent and her children.

Books

• Appeared in The Princess and the Queen.
• Died during a mission to secure Prince Maelor’s safety.
• Loyal to the Greens faction in the Dance of the Dragons.

Read More: Who is Maelor Targaryen?

In the show

Credits: HBO

Background

Rickard Thorne is a member of House Thorne, a noble house from the Crownlands. He becomes Alicent Hightower’s sworn protector after Criston Cole is appointed Hand of the King. His position places him close to the royal family, serving faithfully during critical moments in the realm’s history.

Rickard remains loyal to House Hightower and King Aegon II throughout the turmoil of the Dance of the Dragons. His duties involve protecting Alicent and ensuring her safety during dangerous events. Rickard Thorne is an ancestor of Ser Alliser Thorne from Game of Thrones.

In House of the Dragon Season 2

Rickard Thorne, along with another Kingsguard, escorts Alicent Hightower to the Grand Sept. He attends Alicent and Queen Helaena Targaryen while they pray at the Grand Sept. A riot erupts nearby due to food shortages and public anger caused by the Velaryon blockade. Rickard ensures their safety during the dangerous situation, fulfilling his sworn duty to protect the royal family at all costs.

Rickard ushers Alicent and Helaena back to their wheelhouse during the riot near the Grand Sept. The riot intensifies after Leon Estermont, a fellow Kingsguard, cuts off a man’s hand while defending Alicent. Rickard tries to de-escalate the situation by ordering the Kingsguard to sheathe their swords, following Alicent’s command.

The mob becomes enraged despite Rickard’s efforts to calm them. He places himself between the queens and the crowd to protect them. Meanwhile, other Kingsguards—Estermont, Martyn Reyne, and Eddard Waters—are surrounded and killed by the mob. After securing the queens in their wheelhouse, Rickard orders the driver to return to the Red Keep.

Rickard accompanies Alicent Hightower to the Kingswood as she reflects on her life.  Rickard later informs Alicent and Helaena of Prince Aemond’s return from Sharp Point.

Read More: 13 details you might have missed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7

In the books

Credit: Douglas Wheatley

Rickard Thorne’s Loyalty to the Greens

Rickard Thorne wielded a longsword and was a member of the Kingsguard. After King Viserys I Targaryen’s death in 129 AC, he chose to support King Aegon II Targaryen and the Greens during the Dance of the Dragons. This decision aligned him with Alicent Hightower and the faction opposing Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

In 130 AC, as Queen Rhaenyra’s dragons approached King’s Landing, Lord Larys Strong smuggled King Aegon II and his family out of the city. Rickard accompanied the group alongside Ser Willis Fell, tasked with protecting the Targaryen children. Rickard vowed to escort the three-year-old Prince Maelor safely to Oldtown.

Rhaenyra offered rewards for the capture of Aegon, Jaehaera, Maelor, Larys, and the “false knights” Rickard and Willis. When this failed, she sent hunting parties to track them. Rickard traveled in disguise, claiming Maelor as his son. This allowed him to evade detection temporarily while navigating hostile territory controlled by the Blacks.

The Journey to Bitterbridge

Rickard and Maelor reached Bitterbridge, where they sought refuge at the Hog’s Head, a disreputable inn. The innkeeper, Ben Buttercakes, allowed them to stay in the stables after Rickard showed him a silver stag.

While Rickard rested, the innkeeper’s stableboy, Sly, searched Rickard’s belongings and found Maelor’s dragon egg wrapped in Rickard’s white cloak. Sly informed the inn’s common room of his discovery, leading to suspicion among the patrons. This forced Rickard to flee the inn with Maelor, killing Ben in the process and stealing a horse to escape.

A mob pursued Rickard as he fled through the city. The pursuit ended on a stone bridge where crossbowmen killed him. Despite his injuries, Rickard clung to Maelor until the end. This act demonstrated his unwavering dedication to protecting the prince.

After Rickard’s Death

After Rickard’s death, the mob captured Maelor but could not agree on what to do with him. Some wanted to take Maelor to King’s Landing for Rhaenyra’s reward, while others suggested delivering him to Lord Ormund Hightower at Longtable. The mob’s indecision led to conflict among its members.

Willow Pound-Stone claimed Maelor as her son and tried to protect him. Sly, the crossbowman, and others argued over Maelor’s fate. The arguments escalated into violence. Accounts of Maelor’s death vary. Mushroom claims Willow accidentally crushed him, while Eustace says a butcher chopped him into pieces to share among the mob. Munkun writes that the mob tore him apart.

Lady Caswell arrived with her knights after Maelor’s death. She hanged those responsible for the prince’s death and sent Rickard’s corpse and Maelor’s head to Queen Rhaenyra in King’s Landing. This marked the tragic end of Rickard’s mission and Maelor’s life.

Quotes

“Get the Queens to the wheelhouse!” – Ser Rickard Thorne

Read More: How Princess Rhaenys’ death mirrors Queen Rhaenys’ death

Quick Answers

Was Rickard Thorne loyal to Aegon II?

Yes, in both the books and the show, Rickard Thorne was a staunch supporter of King Aegon II and the Greens.

How did Rickard Thorne die?

In the books, Rickard was killed at Bitterbridge while protecting Prince Maelor. His death was a significant moment in the Dance of the Dragons.

Who portrays Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon?

Rickard Thorne is portrayed by Vincent Regan in House of the Dragon, Season 2.

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