Everything we need to know about Rhaena Targaryen in House of the Dragon

In the world of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Rhaena Targaryen is an important character from the Targaryen dynasty. As one of the twin daughters of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon, Rhaena’s journey is tumultuous, both during and after the Dance of the Dragons.

Who was Rhaena Targaryen?

Credits: HBO

Rhaena Targaryen was the younger of the twin daughters born to Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. Named after her maternal grandmother, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaena grew up alongside her twin sister Baela. While initially indistinguishable from her sister, Rhaena developed her own unique personality and interests as she grew older, preferring dancing to the more adventurous pursuits of her twin.

Quick facts about Rhaena Targaryen

• Born in Pentos in 116 AC (Show and Books)
• Twin sister of Baela Targaryen (Show and Books)
• Initially, she did not have a dragon, unlike her sister (Show and Books)
• Eventually bonded with a dragon named Morning (Books)
• Sent to the Vale during the Dance of the Dragons for protection (Show and Books)
• Married Ser Corwyn Corbray after the war (Books)
• Played a role in choosing King Aegon III’s second wife (Books)

Rhaena Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Credits: HBO

Early life and family dynamics

In HBO’s House of the Dragon, Rhaena Targaryen’s story starts in Pentos. She lives there with her parents and twin sister.

The show presents her as a young girl struggling because she doesn’t have a dragon. Her sister, Baela, already has one. This difference creates a rift between Rhaena and her father, Prince Daemon. He spends more time with Baela, which hurts Rhaena.

Despite this, Rhaena remains determined. She tries repeatedly to hatch her dragon egg. Her mother, Laena Velaryon, supports her through this challenge. Laena comforts Rhaena, reminding her that not all dragon eggs hatch. She reassures Rhaena that her worth as a Targaryen doesn’t depend on a dragon.

After Laena’s death

Rhaena’s life changes when her mother, Laena Velaryon, dies. The show portrays this as a major turning point for her. At Laena’s funeral on Driftmark, Rhaena and Baela receive a warm welcome from their grandparents, especially Princess Rhaenys.

Later, Rhaena, her sister, and their cousins confront Prince Aemond. He had claimed Vhagar, Rhaena’s mother’s dragon. Rhaena believes Vhagar should have been hers.

During the Dance of the Dragons

Rhaena attends the Black Council when Rhaenyra returns from the Stormlands after Lucerys Velaryon’s funeral. She mourns his death with tears.

Rhaenyra orders Rhaena to go with Joffrey to the Vale. From there, she must take her brothers, Viserys and Aegon, to safety, preferably in Pentos. Rhaena dislikes the idea of acting as a babysitter while her sister stays at Dragonstone, but she obeys. Rhaenyra also gives her four dragon eggs.

In the Vale

At the Eyrie, Rhaena hears Lady Jeyne Arryn boast about the strength of her castle. She says it is safe unless dragons attack. Rhaena reminds her that she promised Rhaenyra 15,000 soldiers in exchange for dragons. Lady Jeyne seems annoyed and points out the dragons are still young. She cannot wait for them to grow. She then offers condolences to Rhaena’s grandmother and invites her to dinner.

Rhaena and Joffrey later step outside the Eyrie with guards. Rhaena tells Joffrey she has accepted that she will not fight in the war. Joffrey expresses how much he misses his mother. Rhaena tries to comfort him. They then see scorched earth and charred sheep bones, which means an adult dragon hides in the Vale.

Quest for a dragon

Back at the castle, Rhaena watches Viserys and Aegon play. Lady Jeyne informs her that the Prince of Pentos has agreed to take them in. A Braavosi merchant ship will take them there. Rhaena accuses Jeyne of hiding the dragon’s presence. Jeyne dismisses her concerns, saying the wild dragon cannot defend the Vale.

Rhaena prepares to leave with her brothers. However, she separates from the group and finds the wild dragon. At the end of Season 2, Rhaena finally encounters the wild dragon, Sheepstealer.

Read More: Getting Ready For House of The Dragon – Meet The Dragons : Part 3

Rhaena Targaryen in Fire and Blood

Credits: Ren

Early life and the quest for a dragon

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Rhaena Targaryen’s early life is described in more detail. Born in Pentos along with her twin sister Baela, Rhaena is portrayed as the more reserved and graceful of the two. The book emphasizes her struggle with not having a dragon, a significant aspect of Targaryen identity.

Unlike in the show, Fire and Blood mentions that Rhaena was betrothed to Prince Lucerys Velaryon with King Viserys’ blessing. The book details Rhaena’s persistent efforts to hatch a dragon egg, sleeping with it every night and praying for a dragon like her sister’s.

This dedication eventually pays off when her egg hatches into a dragon she names Morning, though this occurs later in her story. The contrast between Rhaena and Baela is more pronounced in the book, with Rhaena described as preferring dancing and more traditionally feminine pursuits, while Baela is depicted as more adventurous and tomboyish.

Role during the Dance of the Dragons

Fire and Blood provides a comprehensive account of Rhaena’s experiences during the Targaryen civil war, which is known as the Dance of the Dragons. The book describes her journey to the Vale of Arryn, sent there ostensibly to aid in its defense but primarily for her own protection. Rhaena’s life in the Vale is portrayed as comfortable and sheltered, with the book mentioning that she had maids to attend to her needs, singers to compose songs about her beauty, and knights vying for her favor.

This period is crucial in Rhaena’s development, as it’s during this time that she forms a close friendship with Ser Corwyn Corbray, a relationship that would later evolve into marriage. The book also details Rhaena’s continued efforts to hatch her dragon eggs, culminating in the birth of Morning. This event is presented as a significant moment not only for Rhaena but for the war effort of the Blacks, as it represents hope and continuity for the Targaryen dynasty at a time when many of their dragons had been lost in battle.

Post-war life and political influence

The aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons marks a new chapter in Rhaena’s life, as detailed in Fire and Blood. The book describes her return to King’s Landing, where she and Baela become popular figures known as the “darlings of the city.” Rhaena’s dragon Morning, though still small, becomes a symbol of hope for the people of King’s Landing.

The book elaborates on Rhaena’s role in the political machinations following the war, including her marriage to Ser Corwyn Corbray and her potential as an heir to the throne. Martin’s work provides insight into the discussions among the king’s council regarding Rhaena’s suitability as a potential heir, noting her more tractable nature than her sister Baela.

The book also covers Rhaena’s involvement in selecting King Aegon III’s second wife, highlighting her political acumen and influence at court. Fire and Blood concludes Rhaena’s story with her first flight on Morning in 135 AC and her subsequent move to Dragonstone, providing a sense of her continued importance in Targaryen history.

Read More: In Game of Thrones Series Finale, a new era dawns on the Small Council

Quotes

“I’ve decided there is nothing to be gained with fretfulness. Not all of us, I suppose, are called to great deeds. Some of us must serve in smaller ways… even if they are not what we would choose for ourselves.” – Rhaena Targaryen

Quick answers

Why was Rhaena Targaryen sent to the Vale during the Dance of the Dragons?

Rhaena was sent to the Vale primarily for her protection during the civil war. While officially tasked with aiding in the Vale’s defense, this move was a strategic decision to keep her safe from the conflict raging in other parts of Westeros.

What is the significance of Rhaena’s dragon, Morning, in Fire and Blood?

Morning, Rhaena’s dragon was born during a time when many Targaryen dragons had been lost in the war. Its birth symbolized hope and renewal for the Targaryen dynasty, boosting morale among their supporters.

How did Rhaena’s personality differ from that of her twin sister Baela?

While Rhaena and Baela were identical twins, they developed distinct personalities. Rhaena was more reserved and graceful, preferring activities like dancing, while Baela was more adventurous and tomboyish, taking after their father, Daemon, in her love for riding and combat.

Read More: Getting Ready For House of The Dragon : Meet The Dragons – Part 7

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