House of the Dragon seems to have combined Nettles and Rhaena’s storyline

Rhaenyra took the necessary measures to save her young kids as she sent them with Rhaena to Vale. At the same time, Rhaena felt powerless and useless as she was being made to babysit the young toddlers rather than fight on the battlefield. Like her sister Baela, Rhaena wishes to tame a dragon and ride to war in glory.

However, her ambitious dreams have not yet converted to reality as she remains dragon-less. This has been one of her biggest insecurities as Rhaena feels less than her cousins and siblings. Nonetheless, House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6 hints at changing the status quo soon.

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Will Rhaena ever tame a dragon?

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If we are to go according to the book Fire & Blood, Rhaena eventually bonds with a dragon called Morning. However, due to hastening the storyline or some other possible reason, the showrunners want to further the story and have Rhaena tame a dragon at the Vale.

This is precisely what we saw in the latest episode as Rhaena and Joffrey come across a field of ash with the bones of sheep. Moreover, this also suggests why Lady Arryn is so keen on getting protection from Rhaenyra and her dragons. There is a wild dragon roaming the lands of Vale, stealing and burning cattle. The wild dragon poses a great threat to the people of the place as a wild dragon is dangerous and unpredictable.

This seems to be one of the three wild dragons of Dragonstone as George R.R. Martin describes in Fire & Blood – Grey Ghost, the Cannibal, and Sheepstealer. Most likely, it’s the latter as his actions suggest the same. However, Sheepstealer’s rider in the book is Nettles, a low-born girl who miraculously tames the wild dragon.

House of the Dragon series seems to be taking a different approach as the showrunners hint at Rhaena claiming Sheepstealer. Their paths have been intertwined for a reason and fans don’t see Nettles being introduced anytime soon. Another aspect of Nettles’ personality in the story in the book is her relationship with Daemon. Nonetheless, there are already so many issues brewing between Daemon and Rhaenyra that introducing Nettles would only complicate matters further.

Also Read: “Stay tuned,” says Ryan Condal about seeing Nettles in House of the Dragon Season 2

Will we see Morning in House of the Dragon?

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According to the books, Rhaena claims Morning when he hatches out of one of the eggs Rhaenyra gave to her for safekeeping. The pink-scaled dragon takes to Rhaena and she finally gets the dragon she wants. Regardless, it seems like that would take a long time, something the show does not have. The story is swiftly moving to its culmination and the war is just around the corner. So, giving Rhaena a dragon right now would make the most sense.

Moreover, she will also be able to help the Blacks’ cause since they lack significant armies and resources. The war between the Greens and the Blacks is finally coming to a head. With internal conflicts and external threats alike, both factions are going through tough times, to say the least. Daemon is nowhere near Rhaenyra to support her while Aemond has burnt Aegon II to a crisp.

Nettles or no Nettles, only the upcoming episodes will be able to give us a clear answer.

Also Read: Latest House of the Dragon still teases a new dragon (and rider)

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09/07/2024 10:57 pm GMT