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

Season 2 of House of the Dragon has finally arrived with an exciting debut! Fans have waited for this moment for almost two years, speculating based on set photos, leaks, and premiere attendees. Despite all the prior information, watching the first episode was a thrilling experience.

Sharp-eyed fans and book readers have noticed many details that will become important later and changes from the books. Dive in to explore the key moments and details of Episode 1.

Read More: New photos from the first two episodes of House of the Dragon Season 2 show a grieving mother, the Iron Throne, and scheming duos

The new opening credits

Credits: Max

The show’s new intro has been a hot topic among fans and was thoroughly discussed by showrunner Ryan Condal and fans on social media. This intro presents the history of the Targaryens, beginning with the Doom of Valyria and the Targaryens fleeing to Westeros. It goes up to the crowning of King Aegon II and the ensuing conflict between him, Rhaenyra, and the factions known as the Blacks and the Greens.

The visual storytelling in this intro is quite similar to the Game of Thrones intro, where symbolic engravings depicted the fall of the Targaryens. In Game of Thrones, the engravings on the rotating astrolabe showed a wolf, lion, and stag fighting a dragon and ended with all the animals, representing the sigils of different houses, bowing to the stag of House Baratheon.

Some key scenes from Season 1 are prominently featured. We see the Great Council of 101, where Viserys was appointed as Jaehaerys’ successor, the tense dinner between the Greens and the Blacks on the day of Viserys’ death, Aegon II’s coronation, and the two thrones of Aegon and Rhaenyra, depicting the civil war for succession.

The timeline also takes us back before Jaehaerys’ Great Council. Notably, we see Jaehaerys standing with the Good Queen Alysanne. King Maegor the Cruel is shown impaled on the Iron Throne. We also see lords bending the knee to Aegon the Conqueror, including Torrhen Stark, and scenes from before Aegon’s conquest, showing the Doom of Valyria.

As explained by Viserys in Season 1, the Valyrians practiced blood magic and dark arts, which may have contributed to the Doom. We also see a visual that hints at the creation of a dragon and many other mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

The Stark theme from the Game of Thrones season 6 finale

Credits: Max

The appearance of the Wall and Cregan Stark was highly anticipated and did not disappoint. The music playing during Cregan’s narration is a variation of the Stark theme, “Goodbye Brother,” heard in the Game of Thrones Season 6 finale. This theme played when the white raven announced winter at Winterfell and when Jon Snow’s identity as Lyanna Stark’s son was revealed.

Composed by Ramin Djawadi, this track is also used whenever Jon says goodbye to someone at Winterfell. It’s significant here as Jacaerys learns about his brother’s death at the end of this scene. In Fire and Blood, Cregan also loses his brother and can relate to Jacaerys. There was no mention of Sara Snow or the Pact of Ice and Fire, something we expected based on Sara Hess’ comments.

Torrhen Stark

Credits: Max

Jacaerys mentions Torrhen Stark, the last King in the North who bent the knee to Aegon the Conqueror. Cregan Stark notes Jacaerys’ mercy in not threatening him with his dragon. Jacaerys suggests Torrhen would probably have preferred to die rather than submit to dragons.

He says that the last King in the North likely bent the knee because he saw Aegon could unite and benefit the realm. Cregan agrees with him, displaying his Stark pride and honor.

In Fire and Blood, Torrhen was named Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North after submitting to Aegon during the Conquest. Aware of his fate if he attacked, he sent his half-brother Brandon Snow to negotiate with Aegon.

Torrhen crossed the Trident, knelt before Aegon, and surrendered his crown, earning the title “The King Who Knelt.” Torrhen was buried in the crypts of Winterfell after his death.

House of the Dragon: The Official Coloring Book

$15.18

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Queen Alysanne and Silverwing

Credits: Douglas Wheatley

When discussing the Wall, Cregan does not mention the White Walkers. Rather, he says that the Wall keeps out ‘death.’ Cregan reminds Jacaerys that Old King Jaehaerys visited the North with his wife, Queen Alysanne, noting their dragons, Vermithor and Silverwing, were too afraid to cross the Wall.

This is a reference to Fire and Blood, where King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne visited the North. While with the Night’s Watch, Alysanne saw wildling captives and insisted on visiting other castles along the Wall.

She also tried to fly her dragon, Silverwing, north of the Wall three times, but Silverwing refused, which troubled Alysanne. During the Dance of the Dragons, Silverwing was left riderless and was claimed by Ulf White, a dragonseed who fought for the Blacks.

Winter Wolves

Credits: Max

Cregan is initially reluctant to contribute men to the Blacks’ cause, saying he needs his men in the North. Finally, however, Cregan agrees to contribute to the Blacks’ army, stating that he has thousands of well-honed greybeards who can fight, indicating the arrival of the Winter Wolves.

The Winter Wolves were Northmen who backed Rhaenyra Targaryen in the Dance of the Dragons. Led by Roderick Dustin, Lord of Barrowton, they fought for the blacks against the greens.

Read More: House of the Dragon Season 2 begins with a visit to Winterfell and Cregan Stark

Stream House of the Dragon on Max | Save up to 20%

Stream House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones and more HBO Original series on Max. Sign up and save up to 20% with an annual plan.

Subscribe Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Dragonmont

Credits: Max

We get a glimpse inside the Dragonmont, a volcano on the island of Dragonstone used as a lair for dragons. Daemon climbed into the Dragonmont to retrieve three eggs laid by Syrax back in Season 1. Vermithor and Silverwing also dwell in the Dragonmont, still without riders.

In Season 1, Daemon entered Vermithor’s lair in the Dragonmont to prepare the dragon for a new rider. In the books, the Dragonmont is a rich source of dragonglass, and there are villages at the foot of the volcano tied to Castle Dragonstone.

We see Rhaenys returning to the Dragonmont atop Meleys. Rhaenys patrols the sea alone to maintain the Velaryon’s blockade of the Gullet. Here, Daemon confronts Rhaenys and utters the famous words, “a son for a son,” about killing Aemond as revenge for Lucerys.

Daemon wants to go to Harrenhal but is forced to stay behind. Rhaenys praises Rhaenyra for not seeking vengeance, although this changes by the end of the episode. Daemon blames Rhaenys for Luke’s death, suggesting that Luke might have survived if she had acted sooner.

Read More: House of the Dragon Season 3 will begin filming this year, according to Matt Smith

Hugh Hammer and the Viserys Statue

Credits: Max

A scene early on shows Aegon II listening to petitions and trying to be a benevolent King. His Hand, Otto Hightower, interrupts him whenever he gets too generous. This all takes place under a statue of King Viserys, presumably built by stonemasons and smiths.

One of these smiths petitions Aegon for gold. This smith is Hugh Hammer, who will become important as he will be the dragonseed that rides Vermithor, The Bronze Fury. It’s suspected that Hugh Hammer is a bastard of Valyrian blood, although his father’s identity is unknown. The fact that this scene happens in the shadow of King Viserys’ statue might hint at his heritage.

Read More: We may see a Targaryen set on fire on this season of House of the Dragon

Monopoly House of the Dragon Edition - Warner Bros. Shop

$49.99

• 6 GOLDEN ZINC TOKENS: Includes 6 golden game tokens: House Targaryen, House Hightower, House Velaryon, House Lannister, House Strong, and House Royce. Who will you pledge loyalty to?
• GAMEBOARD FEATURES LOCATIONS FROM THE SHOW: Journey through Westeros and Essos taking control of as many strongholds, lands, and bays as you can. The more your control, the more rent you can collect
• SECURE DRAGON EGGS AND DRAGONS: In this edition of the Monopoly game, plastic dragon eggs and dragons replace houses and hotels. As soon as you have a color set, you can start reinforcing your territory with them
• HOUSE OF THE DRAGON-THEMED MONEY: Includes 102 themed cardboard coins. The last player with coins when all others have gone bankrupt wins

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Helaena’s Prophecy

Credits: Max

Before Aegon enters Helaena’s chambers, she is seen sewing a golden dragon on green cloth, the symbol of the green faction of the Targaryen family. While sewing, she mutters, “They only want the boy.”

Moments later, Aegon enters, searching for his son Jaehaerys. Helaena’s words are a prophecy, foreshadowing the arrival of Blood and Cheese by the episode’s end, who will target and kill her son, Jaehaerys.

The Small Council Meeting and Dalton Greyjoy

Credits: Max

During the small council meeting, Grand Maester Orwyle mentions that the position of Master of Ships is open and could be offered to Lord Dalton Greyjoy, the Red Kraken, a character from the lore of Fire and Blood. Although the conversation quickly moves past him, his mention suggests he may appear later, potentially plaguing the Westerlands and the lands of Tyland Lannister.

Read More: Alicent Hightower finally gets it on with Criston Cole in House of the Dragon Season 2 premiere

Harrenhal

Credits: Max

This episode emphasizes the conflict between action and inaction, talking and fighting. Otto makes some sensible points about proceeding with caution while undermining Aegon’s actions. Larys Strong mentions to Aegon that Otto controlled Viserys similarly and suggests Aegon should present a new image, heavily implying he should get a new Hand.

This tension is also seen when Aemond and Cole plot. During the small council, Aemond mentions capturing Harrenhal, the key to controlling the Riverlands, which is a focus for Daemon as well. Aemond uses the phrase “words are wind,” indicating mistrust and the need for action, a famous phrase from Martin’s books.

Cole mentions Rosby and Stokeworth as small castles near King’s Landing. Aemond suggests that with Cole leading the vanguard and Vhagar providing air support, they could quickly take control of the Crownlands. This will likely serve as the lead-up to the Sack of Duskendale.

Surprisingly, Aemond seems no longer guilty for Lucerys’ death and instead blames Alicent for sympathizing with the enemy while glaring at Cole suggestively. Otto advises Aemond to be cautious but mistakenly confirms Aemond and Vhagar as the realm’s most powerful force, most likely fueling Aemond’s desire for action.

Read More: Matt Smith and Fabien Frankel play “Know Thy Scene Partner” ahead of House of the Dragon Season 2

Alyn of Hull

Credits: Max

New characters are set to play significant roles this season while existing characters will become even more important. We see the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon, looking devastated as he surveys a ship in the town of Hull, a location we see for the first time. The ship Corlys is returning from the Stepstones, where the Triarchy is rising again. Corlys was wounded there, causing his limp. As blood is cleaned off the ship, Corlys marvels that it returned.

He converses with a sailor, Alyn of Hull, who expresses regret over the passing of his heir, Lucerys Velaryon. Alyn delivers a dagger Corlys commissioned for Lucerys. This is important as Alyn is Corlys’ bastard son, later legitimized as Alyn Velaryon, becoming Corlys’ heir to Driftmark and the future Lord of the Tides.

We learn that Alyn saved Corlys during their last sea battle, presumably the one where Corlys took a grievous wound that nearly killed him. Alyn responds curtly that it was his duty and excuses himself. The interaction suggests they might already know about their father-son relationship, although it hasn’t been openly acknowledged.

Alyn also mentions his brother, Addam of Hull, the future rider of Laenor Velaryon’s dragon, Seasmoke. Though we don’t see Addam in this episode, we know from trailers that he will meet Rhaenyra and Syrax and play a significant role in the conflict.

Town of Hull

Credits: Max

In Fire & Blood, Hull is located near Castle Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon. It grew from three fishing villages into a town due to the wealth Corlys Velaryon brought from his voyages.

Marilda of Hull, a young shipwright’s daughter from the ship Mouse, supposedly met Corlys there and had two sons with him. These two sons were Addam and Alyn of Hull. There is no proof of this, but it’s widely suspected because Corlys often visited Hull.

Read More: “Grieving is the catalyst”: Matt Smith teases a changed Daemon in House of the Dragon Season 2

The Sea Snake ship

Credits: Max

Workers in Hull are restoring Corlys Velaryon’s famous ship, the Sea Snake, from which he got his title. Corlys designed and built this ship himself. He made nine Great Voyages aboard the Sea Snake before inheriting his lordship.

These journeys, detailed in Maester Mathis’s The Nine Voyages, brought him immense wealth from Essos, visiting places like Qarth, Yi Ti, and Leng. On his last voyage, Corlys filled the Sea Snake with gold and bought twenty ships in Qarth, returning to Westeros with spices, silk, and elephants, though the elephants didn’t survive. Using the wealth from these voyages, Corlys later built High Tide, the new seat of House Velaryon.

The skull of Meraxes

Credits: Max

After finding Lucerys’ body, Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and silently walks to the council chambers. On her way, she passes a room with a massive dragon skull mounted in it. Fans believe this skull belongs to Meraxes, one of the three dragons from Aegon’s conquest.

The skull’s shape and design match the symbol of Meraxes seen in the season 1 intro, with a Dornish scorpion bolt through it. Meraxes was ridden by Aegon the Conqueror’s sister-wife, Rhaenys Targaryen, who died during the Dornish War along with her dragon.

Lucerys’ horse figurine

Credits: Max

Joffrey casts a horse figurine into Lucerys’ funeral pyre. It is likely the same one Lucerys had at Laena’s funeral, which Rhaenys gave him. We last saw it in episode 7 of season 1, “Driftmark,” where Lucerys played with the horse while Corlys told him it was his destiny to become Lord of the Tides and head of House Velaryon.

Lucerys said he didn’t want the title because it would mean his family was dead. Sadly, Lucerys died first, and his family outlived him.

The mural of Harrenhal

Credits: Max

When Blood and Cheese enter Aemond’s room to find and assassinate him, Cheese notices a mural of Aegon the Conqueror burning Harrenhal during his conquest of Westeros. This event is famous across the Seven Kingdoms as a powerful display of Aegon’s might.

Balerion, the Black Dread’s fire breath, was said to have melted the castle walls and wiped out Lord Black Harren’s line by killing everyone in the castle. The mural foreshadows future events, hinting that Harrenhal will become a contested location again.

Aemond Targaryen Funko Pop! Figure

This figure of Aemond Targaryen also comes with a chance of receiving a Chase version of the figure, which shows a glow-in-the-dark Aemond with Sapphire Eye.

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Maegor’s Tunnels

Credits: Max

When Blood and Cheese go through the Red Keep to assassinate Aemond, they use tunnels built by King Maegor the Cruel during the castle’s construction. Daemon is familiar with these tunnels, having used them to spy on Viserys’ council meetings and to sneak Rhaenyra out of her room at night.

Although Aegon the Conqueror started the Red Keep’s construction, Maegor completed it and ordered the creation of these secret tunnels and passages, including false walls and trapdoors. The work on the Red Keep finished in 45 AC, and Maegor celebrated by feasting the builders for three days with strong wine, sweetmeats, and women from the city’s finest brothels.

After the celebration, Maegor’s knights killed all the workmen to keep the castle’s secrets hidden. Their bones were buried beneath the castle they had built, ensuring no one would ever know the full extent of the Red Keep’s hidden passages.

Alicent and Cole in Rhaenyra’s Bedroom

Credits: Max

We were all surprised by the two sex scenes with Alicent and Criston Cole, especially since they happen in Rhaenyra’s old bedroom from season 1. A behind-the-scenes video explains that Alicent moved into Rhaenyra’s room after Rhaenyra left for Dragonstone.

When Helaena catches them, they are in Rhaenyra’s bed, where Rhaenyra first seduced Criston Cole in season 1. Olivia Cooke and Ryan Condal mention it’s ironic since Rhaenyra lost her virginity there. Condal also notes that the Red Keep has a history of being an incestuous place.

Surfshark VPN 86% OFF + 3 months free!

Surf the web all across the world without tracking, secure your devices from threats, & guard your accounts' security.

Get Surfshark

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.