Editorial

Details you might have missed in the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale

Huge reveals and easter eggs from the books.

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Photograph by Theo Whiteman/HBO

Fans may have felt that Season 2 of House of the Dragon was slow, but the final episode packs in many surprises. There are many references to the books and to Game of Thrones. Fans will enjoy seeing nods to favorite characters and some pretty deep lore. Read on to discover all the details you might have missed.

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New detail added to opening credits

Credit: HBO

A tapestry in the episode shows Vhagar being attacked by Syrax, Vermax, Seasmoke, Vermithor, Silverwing, Moondancer, and Caraxes. This visual reference highlights the dragons fighting for the Blacks compared to those of the Greens.

The dyed beards of the Tyroshi merchants

Credit: HBO

When Tyland talks to the Triarchy, Tyroshi merchants with dyed beards are present. In the books, Tyroshi merchants are known for their colorful beards, dyed using a special sea snail from their region. This small detail connects to the lore, as Daario Naharis from Game of Thrones was initially intended to have a similar look.

Aegon calls himself ‘The Realm’s Delight’

Credit: HBO

Aegon refers to himself as “The Realm’s Delight,” a title once given to Rhaenyra when she was young. It’s a dry joke, as both characters were considered beautiful in their youth. Aegon, now scarred, uses the title sarcastically.

Dreamfyre

Credit: UndeRavenWood

The dragon Dreamfyre gets a mention. In the show, Dreamfyre hatched when the Conqueror was king. In the books, Princess Rhaena Targaryen first rode Dreamfyre, and the dragon later bonded with Helaena. The series has yet to show Helaena riding her dragon, though the book lore mentions she loved riding Dreamfyre.

Corlys renamed the Sea Snake in honor of Rhaenys

Credit: HBO

Lord Corlys Velaryon’s title comes from his famous ship, the Sea Snake. After the death of his wife, Rhaenys, he renamed the ship in her honor, calling it “the Queen Who Never Was.” This change shows his deep love and respect for Rhaenys and how he now fights the war in her memory.

Daemon sees one of the Green Men in the Godswood of Harrenhal

Credit: HBO

In a vision, Daemon sees a man with antlers disappearing behind the weirwood tree. This figure is likely one of the Green Men, legendary guardians of the Isle of Faces. According to legends and stories told by Old Nan, they are said to have green skin and antlers.

Daemon’s vision of Bloodraven

Credit: HBO

Daemon sees Brynden Rivers, known as Bloodraven, and the three-eyed raven. Bloodraven, a powerful greenseer, appears in Game of Thrones as Bran Stark’s mentor. He was also once Hand of the King to Daeron II Targaryen. His appearance hints at connections to the future series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

White Walkers and Wights

Credit: HBO

Daemon’s vision includes White Walkers beyond the Wall, echoing their major role in Game of Thrones. This reference and Cregan Stark’s mention of them in episode 1 suggest that the North is aware of this dormant threat.

Dead dragons

Credit: HBO

Daemon sees dead dragons, possibly foretelling the fate of House Targaryen’s dragons in the Dance of the Dragons. This vision may also reference famous battles at the God’s Eye lake, where iconic dragon duels occurred.

A battle with rivers of blood

Credit: HBO

A vision shows a battle with dead soldiers in shallow water, possibly referencing the Battle by the Lakeshore, known as Fishfeed.

Daemon drowning in a lake

Credit: HBO

Daemon’s vision of drowning in a lake likely foreshadows his death in the Battle Above the God’s Eye. In this battle, Daemon fights Aemond, leading to their deaths. Aemond’s body is found, but Daemon’s is not.

Daenerys Targaryen

Credit: HBO

Daemon sees a red comet and Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragons. This vision reignites debate about the prince that was promised prophecy. Some fans think it refers to Jon Snow, also known as Aegon, while others believe it points to Daenerys. Daemon seeing Daenerys strengthens the argument that she is the prophesied savior.

Rhaenyra sitting on the Iron Throne

Credit: HBO

Daemon sees Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne, a nod to her brief rule in the book Fire and Blood. After Aemond abandons King’s Landing to take Harrenhal, Rhaenyra and her supporters take the city. She executes or imprisons many Greens and rules for a time.

Helaena’s greenseer abilities

Credit: HBO

Helaena appears to have greenseer abilities, as she communicates with Daemon through the weirwood. She also exhibits dragon dreamer traits, seeing the future in her dreams. She tells Daemon, “It’s all a story,” indicating she knows his role in the events unfolding.

Helaena’s prophetic visions

Helaena and Aemond in Season 2 Episode 8

Credit: HBO

Helaena tells Aemond that she saw him burn Aegon at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. She says Aegon will be king again, referencing the Fall of Dragonstone. She also foresees Aemond being swallowed by the God’s Eye, hinting at his death in the battle against Daemon.

Daemon says winter is coming

Credit: HBO

After his visions, Daemon warns of the threat from the North by saying, “Winter is coming,” in High Valyrian to Rhaenyra. This phrase, famous from House Stark, foretells the looming danger of the White Walkers and the need for a Targaryen on the Iron Throne.

Tessarion

Credit: HBO

As armies gather, a blue dragon flies above the Hightower forces. This is likely Tessarion, ridden by Prince Daeron the Daring, Alicent’s youngest son. Daeron has been raised in Oldtown, away from the capital, and will join the fight next season.

Winter Wolves arrive at the Twins

Credit: HBO

The Winter Wolves, Cregan Stark’s forces, arrive at the Twins and cross into the Riverlands. Although there were rumors that Lord Cregan Stark would lead them, he has not appeared yet, staying true to the books.

Otto is in prison

Credit: HBO

A surprising shot shows Otto Hightower in a cage. This isn’t mentioned in the books, leaving fans puzzled. It could explain why Otto hasn’t responded to Aemond’s messages. Perhaps the Blacks captured him, or people in Oldtown, including his brother Ormund Hightower, imprisoned him for unknown reasons.

Larys and Aegon flee the capital

Credit: HBO

In Fire and Blood, Larys Strong receives a warning and smuggles Aegon and his children out of the capital before the Blacks attack. Larys has already left the capital with Aegon in the show. This hints that the fall of King’s Landing might happen early next season.

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09/19/2024 11:52 pm GMT

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Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.