Editorial
Why it’s a mistake to not include Nettles in House of the Dragon
Exploring the significance of Nettles in George R. R. Martin’s work.
Nettles is an integral character in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. However, she may not appear in the House of the Dragon series. Showrunner Ryan Condal’s reluctance to comment on her inclusion has led many to believe that Nettles has been removed from the show’s storyline. This decision has sparked a significant debate among fans, with many arguing against her inclusion. X user @thelaughinstorm has commented on Nettles’s importance to the storyline and why she should be included in House of the Dragon.
Read More: House of the Dragon Season 2 may cut some characters from the books
Artist Eddie Mendoza brings us the landscapes and castles of Westeros as never seen before, with thirteen stunning illustrations, including a bonus fold-out poster.
Who is Nettles?
In Fire & Blood, Nettles is a lowborn, dark-skinned orphan who tamed the wild dragon Sheepstealer. This was considered an extraordinary feat that even many Targaryens struggled to achieve. She fought alongside the Blacks in many battles during the Dance of the Dragons, helping them achieve numerous victories.
Nettles also worked closely with Prince Daemon and was rumored to have a romantic relationship with him. Like Daenerys Targaryen, Nettles grew up in poverty, using her intelligence to survive. Her story offers a fresh perspective, differing from the noble-centric narratives in Westeros.
Fan reactions to Nettles’ removal
X user @thelaughinstorm recently created a compelling thread explaining why removing Nettles from the show was a mistake.
the importance of nettles —— a thread
nettles is among the most thematically important, non main series character in the entire f&b whose legacy is still present in the main saga but unfortunately hbo fundamentally doesn't understand her importance or what she stands for. pic.twitter.com/JYv6Z8XefJ
— Անահիտ (@thelaughinstorm) July 12, 2024
The thread highlights Nettles’ importance, both thematically and narratively. As a black, lowborn girl who independently tamed an adult dragon by feeding it sheep daily, Nettles mirrors the ancient Valyrian dragonriders who were shepherds. In A Song of Ice and Fire, she is revered as a deity by the Burned Men, a dangerous hill tribe living in the Mountains of the Moon in the Vale.
Nettles is not just another secondary character. She showed compassion and grief over the death of innocents and Prince Jacaerys even though she didn’t need to. She had a genuine bond with her dragon, Sheepstealer.
In a genre where black characters are often sidelined or reduced to supporting roles for white protagonists, Nettles stands out. Daemon Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon attempted to protect her, adding to the significance of the larger story.
The omission of Nettles from House of the Dragon raises questions about the representation of black characters in fantasy. The showrunners included other dragonseeds like Hugh and Ulf, so budget or time constraints don’t justify her exclusion.
George R.R. Martin has expressed a desire to explore the character of Nettles further, indicating the potential for compelling storytelling. Given these details, the showrunners’ exclusion of Nettles from House of the Dragon may appear to be a misstep.
Read More: A major character’s death was foreshadowed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3
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.
-
Decoded4 hours ago
House Targaryen family tree: Exploring the key House of the Dragon & Game of Thrones characters
-
News6 days ago
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms casts new actors
-
News2 days ago
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau battles for the Anglo-Saxon throne as William the Conqueror in King & Conqueror
-
General7 days ago
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms intimacy coordinator provides a sneak peek of her wrap-up gift
-
News6 days ago
Game of Thrones star Mark Addy shines in Dune: Prophecy
-
News2 days ago
Emma D’Arcy earns Golden Globe nomination for House of the Dragon Season 2
-
Interview6 days ago
‘How could I be 13 years late?’: George R.R. Martin doesn’t know when he’ll finish The Winds of Winter
-
News6 days ago
House of the Dragon Season 2 earns 3 Saturn Awards nominations