Key Facts
House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, is based on George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, which chronicles the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Many main characters meet brutal ends, as detailed in the book. Here's how each major character dies according to the source material.
King Viserys I Targaryen
Viserys dies peacefully in his sleep, but in the book, there is no miscommunication with Alicent. He spends his last moments telling a fairy tale to his grandchildren. Alicent hides his death to crown Aegon, acting out of self-interest.
Daemon Targaryen
Daemon perishes in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, fighting his nephew Aemond. Both dragons crash into the lake, and Daemon's body is never found, leaving room for interpretation.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
After fleeing King's Landing, Rhaenyra is betrayed by her knights and delivered to Aegon II. She is fed to his dragon Sunfyre, a gruesome death.
Alicent Hightower
Alicent survives the war but is imprisoned for allegedly poisoning Aegon II. She goes mad and dies of Winter Fever within a year.
King Aegon II Targaryen
Aegon II is poisoned by an unknown assassin while in his litter. His body is burned on a pyre to end his reign of war.
Corlys Velaryon
Corlys survives the Dance and serves on Aegon III's small council. He dies of old age, collapsing on the steps of the Red Keep, and is buried at sea.
Otto Hightower
Otto is beheaded by Rhaenyra after she takes King's Landing. The show depicts a messy execution, with Alicent finding his body.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys dies in the Battle of Rook's Rest when her dragon Meleys is killed by Vhagar. Her body is charred beyond recognition.
Ser Criston Cole
Criston is ambushed and killed by an archer at the Butcher's Ball. His head is carried on a spear to Tumbleton.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond dies in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, stabbed through his blind eye by Daemon. Both fall to their deaths.
Helaena Targaryen
Helaena jumps from the Red Keep and is impaled on spikes below, driven by grief over her son's death. The show may alter her motivation.
FAQ
Does Daemon Targaryen die in the books?
Yes, Daemon dies in the Battle Above the Gods Eye, fighting Aemond. His body was never found, leaving some mystery.
How does Rhaenyra Targaryen die?
Rhaenyra is betrayed and fed to Aegon II's dragon Sunfyre after fleeing King's Landing.
Does Alicent Hightower survive the Dance of the Dragons?
Yes, she survives but is imprisoned and dies of Winter Fever within a year, having gone mad.
How does Aegon II die?
Aegon II is poisoned by an unknown assassin while in his litter, ending his short second reign.