What happens in the finale of House of the Dragon?

Season 1 of House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, had viewers spellbound with its exhilarating storyline. George R.R. Martin’s storytelling, inspired by his book Fire and Blood, has had fans on the edge of their seats.

The central conflict intensified in the Season 1 finale as the Greens and Blacks clashed. Princess Rhaenyra initiated her battle to claim the throne from her half-brother, King Aegon II. From her stronghold in Dragonstone, she strategized against mounting opposition, determined to prove her mettle as a ruler.

With the kingdom teetering on the brink of civil war, the alliances are shifting, and loyalties are being tested. The fate of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance. As we look forward to Season 2 of House of the Dragon, let’s revisit the dramatic events of the season finale that set the stage for the future.

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The Coronation of Rhaenyra Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Rhaenyra, pregnant with her fourth child, finds her son Lucerys studying the Painted Table on Dragonstone. Lucerys, unsure of his readiness to inherit Driftmark, seeks reassurance from his mother.

Drawing on her own experience when she was named heir, Rhaenyra instills confidence in him. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Princess Rhaenys, bearing grave news- King Viserys is no more.

Rhaenys reveals that Aegon has been crowned king and accuses Alicent Hightower of foul play. Rhaenys advises Rhaenyra to flee Dragonstone before the Greens strike. But at that exact moment, Rhaenyra goes into labour. As Rhaenyra struggles, Daemon holds council, wary of potential attacks.

Rhaenyra commands her sons and allies to await her orders. Daemon, determined to rally support, plans to secure House Tully’s allegiance. Unfortunately, Rhaenyra’s child is stillborn.

Ser Erryk Cargyll arrives with Viserys’s stolen crown. Daemon then crowns Rhaenyra as the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms at a solemn coronation. With her family and loyalists kneeling before her, Rhaenyra assumes the title of Queen.

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Otto Hightower’s proposal to Rhaenyra Targaryen

Credits: HBO

Rhaenyra, surrounded by her advisors, listens intently to reports around the Painted Table. Daemon details Dragonstone’s defenses while Maester Gerardys updates them on loyal houses.Rhaenyra counts on House Arryn and the Vale’s support due to their familial ties.

She questions Lord Borros Baratheon’s allegiance. Meanwhile, Rhaenys is unsure of Corlys’s support.

Ser Erryk alerts them of a ship with a green dragon banner approaching Dragonstone. Daemon readies for battle, showing leadership in the face of imminent danger

On the bridge to Dragonstone, tensions rise as Daemon intercepts the Greens’ negotiation party led by Ser Otto Hightower. Rhaenyra, atop Syrax, rejects Otto’s terms, declaring herself queen and the others traitors.

Daemon opposes the peace terms, preferring death over serving Aegon. Otto argues for Aegon’s legitimacy and presents terms to win over the Stark, Tully, and Baratheon houses. Enraged, Rhaenyra denounces Otto and refuses his terms, causing a standoff.

Attempting to sway Rhaenyra, Otto reveals to her a page from the book she and Alicent read as children. He tells her that Alicent has not forgotten the love the two bore each other. Daemon draws his sword, challenging Otto. Rhaenyra delays her response, defusing the tension.

Later, at the Painted Table, Rhaenyra debates the offered terms with her advisors. Daemon stresses their advantage with dragons, but Rhaenyra fears the devastation of war. Despite doubts, she leans toward peace for the realm’s stability.

Alone with Daemon, Rhaenyra grapples with her duty as queen and her father’s legacy. She reveals Viserys’ secret prophecy to Daemon, which he did not know about.

Disturbed that Viserys never trusted him, Daemon withdraws. He leaves behind a distraught Rhaenyra, torn between duty and betrayal.

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The Dance above Shipbreaker Bay

Credits: HBO

In Dragonstone, Rhaenys confronts Corlys for abandoning their family for adventures. She reveals Vaemond’s death, prompting Corlys to renounce his pursuit of the throne.

Rhaenys argues against it, fearing for their safety under Aegon II’s rule. Corlys dismisses Rhaenyra’s claim but heeds Rhaenys’s plea for unity against looming war.

The next day, Corlys joins the Black Council, expressing doubts over their chances in war. Rhaenyra counters, citing the oaths of support of Houses of the realm. Corlys mentions House Hightower’s betrayal but pledges House Velaryon’s fleet to Rhaenyra regardless.

The Council plans a blockade to starve King’s Landing into submission. They also realize they need further support from Houses Arryn, Baratheon, and Stark.

Jace and Luke offer to rally support, departing on dragonback with Rhaenyra’s demands. Rhaenyra emphasizes their role as messengers, not warriors, seeking alliances peacefully.

After the two depart, Daemon awakens Vermithor, the giant bronze dragon of Old King Jaehaerys. Prince Lucerys braves a storm to deliver a message from Rhaenyra to Lord Borros at Storm’s End. Despite Borros’s skepticism, Lucerys insists on his purpose as Rhaenyra’s envoy.

Borros, angered by the message, questions what Lucerys offers, mentioning a marriage pact offered by the Greens. Aemond, filled with animosity towards Lucerys, demands retribution for his lost eye.

Borros intervenes and prevents them from shedding blood in his hall. As Lucerys departs, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar.

While trying to intimidate Lucerys, Aemond loses control of Vhagar. Vhagar kills both Lucerys and his dragon Arrax. Meanwhile, on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra learns of Lucerys’s fate, igniting her resolve for vengeance.

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