Biggest moments from House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4: The Red Dragon and the Gold

To say that House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 left fans shook is an understatement. The episode rode high on the tides of suspense and thrill, defining another layer of the enigmatic narrative. We saw the two factions go at it just to preside over the Iron Throne. The episode was packed with pure gold moments (and red) that had fans questioning the ethics of war.

With the dragons entering the foray fully, the war is getting more interesting and deadly by the second. The true intentions of each character will rear their ugly heads. Rhaenyra is tired of being perceived as weak and Aegon II is hellbent on proving he deserves to be King. Their insecurities will soon get the better of them unless they see the bigger picture.

Read More: Two unexpected House of the Dragon Season 1 characters made a return in new episode

Daemon is troubled by cryptic visions

Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO

The most recent episode of House of the Dragon season 2 delved deeper into Daemon’s psyche as he explores Harrenhal. As he claimed the castle for Rhaenyra and is trying to raise an army, he is anxious of how he left things at Dragonstone. In a fit of anger, he flew to Harrenhal atop his dragon, ready to single-handedly face an army. Now, his visions induced by the heart tree are getting the better of his psyche and troubling his core beliefs.

He saw young Rhaenyra first and slayed her to stop her cutting words. Then, he encounters Alys Rivers who tells him the possible reasons behind his visions and the fact that he is troubled with many emotions. Lastly, he sees his dead wife Laena serving drinks to the council. In essence, his visions seem to paint a picture of a state of purity and calmness that once existed in his life. Now, Daemon’s life is chaotic and filled with death.

Read More: Daemon Targaryen beheads a Young Rhaenyra in his vision in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4

Aemond gently puts Aegon II in his place

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

During the council meeting for the Greens, we see Aegon II throwing yet another fit for not being informed of the army’s actions. He feels he deserves to know everything in order to rule justly. When the councilmen fail to calm his rage, Aemond steps in and tries to make his elder brother see the bigger picture. His words cut Aegon II like a knife in butter as his authority and knowledge is questioned. Ultimately, threatened and enraged, Aegon II decides to fly into war and make a name for himself as a brave warrior. We all know how that ends.

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Criston Cole’s strategic Rook’s Rest claim

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After the Greens know of Daemon’s claim to Harrenhal, they adopt a different strategy to regain the upper hand. Criston Cole and Aemond decide to attack Rook’s Rest and lay claim to the Crownlands. Consequently, as the Blacks learn of this move, they decide to send a dragon and end the perception of Rhaenyra’s weakness once and for all. Rhaenya decides to meet Cole on the battlefield with her dragon Meleys. Jacaerys offers his effort to this cause, but his lack of experience would be the death of them all. With experience and the largest dragon, Rhaenys goes with her head held high to fight in the name of the one true Queen.

Read More: What happened at the Battle at Rook’s Rest? Here’s what to expect in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4

Aegon II reaches Rook’s Rest for war

Credit: Max

To prove his worth as a King, Aegon II puts his armor on and decides to dive into war head first. When he spots Meleys, he charges with Sunfyre and tries to burn the dragon and its rider. However, Meleys being the bigger and stronger opponent, cuts Sunfyre down and cripples the duo. Moreover, when Aemond arrives on the scene, he allows Vhagar to breathe fire on both Aegon II and Rhaenys. However, Aegon II and Sunfyre face more damage and eventually fall to what looks like their death. We’ll have to wait till the next episode to see what transpires at King’s Landing regarding the King and his dragon.

Rhaenys and Meleys fall to their death

Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO

Once Rhaenys and Meleys successfully neutralize Aegon II and Sunfyre, they feel they’re in the clear and get back to attack again. However, Aemond and Vhagar had something else in mind altogether. They were lurking in the shadows to clutch the enemy’s neck. Vhagar attacks Meleys ruthlessly and leaves it completely incapacitated. After that surprise attack, Rhaenys and Meleys share one last look as connected beings and accept that their end has come. Gut wrenchingly, the two fall to their death on the very castle they were fighting over.

Read More: Sunfyre the Golden arrives in all its shiny glory in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4

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