What happened during the Battle of the Burning Mill?

House of the Dragon season 2 will be way bloodier than the first season. Fans are comparing the upcoming battle scenes to be even more gory than the legendary Battle of the Bastards from the Game of Thrones prequel. Since the new season is only eight episodes long, we wonder how many battles from the book will make it to the screen. The Battle at Rook’s Rest and Battle of the Gullet are set to happen. Season 2 also featured The Battle of the Burning Mill, where Houses Blackwood and Bracken clashed.

Why was the Battle of the Burning Mill significant?

Credits: Game of Thrones Ascent

Though this was not the first victory in the civil war that will be known as the Dance of the Dragons, it is widely considered to be the first actual battle in the war. Before this, Prince Daemon Targaryen captured the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, Harrenhal. This conquest is known as the Assault on Harrenhal, and there were no casualties.

Thus, the Battle of the Burning Mill signifies the site of the first bloodshed and casualties of the Targaryen civil war. It all began when House Blackwood, under Lord Samwell Blackwood (we might have already seen him in season 1; read on to find out who he is), declared for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and House Bracken, led by Ser Amos Bracken, sided with King Aegon II Targaryen.

What exactly happened during the battle?

In 129 AC, Lord Samwell Blackwood dispatched raiders to invade the Brackens’ territory, prompting Ser Amos Bracken to retaliate by mobilizing his forces and advancing into Blackwood lands. The Blackwoods caught the Brackens off guard while encamped near a river, possibly the Red Fork.

During the ensuing battle, Ser Amos engaged in single combat with Lord Blackwood and emerged victorious, slaying his opponent. However, Ser Amos met his demise when he was struck down by a weirwood arrow, purportedly fired by Lord Samwell’s sixteen-year-old sister, Alysanne. The riverside mill, situated nearby, was set ablaze during the intense conflict.

Subsequently, Ser Raylon Rivers assumed command and led the surviving Bracken soldiers in a strategic retreat to Stone Hedge. However, in the meantime, Prince Daemon Targaryen had managed to seize control of the Bracken castle. Thus, the Blacks emerged victorious and captured Stone Hedge as well.

The Battle of the Burning Mill in House of the Dragon Season 2

Credits: Max

In House of the Dragon Season 2, the Battle of the Burning Mill mainly happened off-screen. Despite this, it was shown to be an incredibly bloody battle with hundreds of casualties. The conflict begins when Davos Blackwood and his friends confront Aeron Bracken. The two dispute the placement of the boundary stones that divide the Blackwood and Bracken lands. Davos claims that the Brackens are encroaching upon the territory of the Blackwoods. In truth, there were probably no grounds for a dispute except the existence of the ancient Bracken/Blackwood feud.

The two then begin to argue about the claims of Rhaenyra and Aegon to the throne, as the two Houses had each declared for opposing sides. This, in turn, gives rise to the first battle in the Dance of the Dragons, which comes to be known as the Burning Mill. However, the Small Council at King’s Landing does not count it as part of the actual war since Jasper Wylde says it is just an excuse for the Brackens and Blackwoods to clash.

Read More: The bloodiest battle at sea: The Battle of the Gullet on House of the Dragon Season 2

Theory: Is Willem none other than Samwell Blackwood?

In the book on which the show is based, Fire and Blood, there is no character of that name. So Samwell has likely been rebranded to Willem to avoid confusion with Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones. This is further supported by the fact that the age gap between Willem and Princess Rhaenyra on screen is similar to the age difference between Samwell Blackwood and her in the books. Samwell is ten years younger than Rhaenyra. So, by this timeline, Willem cannot be Samwell’s father or son.

Also, a scene similar to the one in Storm’s End occurs in the book. Except this time, it happens at the Trident, and Samwell Blackwood loses a duel against Amos Bracken (yes, the same Amos who kills Samwell at Burning Mill). Here again, they were fighting over Princess Rhaenyra’s hand in marriage.

So, it is highly likely that Samwell Blackwood will appear on screen as Willem Blackwood. And Amos killing him will also serve as revenge for stabbing Jerren Bracken.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are the Blackwoods and the Brackens?

They are two ancient houses in the Riverlands. Their ancestors were part of the First Men who settled in Westeros centuries ago.

2. Why are Blackwoods and Brackens always fighting and feuding?

Both the houses claim they were the original Kings of the Riverlands, and the other usurped them. No one knows who is right.

3. Where were these two houses in Game of Thrones?

Both the houses join hands under Robb Stark’s agenda to make Riverlands a separate kingdom.

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