Key Facts
House of the Dragon returns after a two-year break on Sunday night for Season 3, bringing fans back to the dragon-filled days of Westeros. Season 2 built up the Dance of Dragons civil war but stopped short of showing the first major battle. Season 3 will kick off with the Battle of the Gullet, one of the deadliest naval battles in Westeros history according to George R. R. Martin's novel Fire and Blood.
Season 2 Recap
In Season 2, Aegon II was severely burned and crippled at the Battle of Rook's Rest after his brother Aemond turned on him during a dragon showdown. Aegon plummeted to the ground and was slowly nursed back to health, while Aemond sat on the Iron Throne. In the finale, Aegon and his advisor Larys Strong fled King's Landing for safety. Meanwhile, Alicent held a secret meeting with Rhaenyra, allowing Rhaenyra to take King's Landing in exchange for Alicent's family to go unharmed. Rhaenyra assembled her forces, including Targaryen bastard dragonriders known as dragonseeds, while Daemon was at Harrenhal receiving prophetic visions that convinced him to support Rhaenyra.
Main Characters in Season 3
Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy)
Queen Rhaenyra maintains her claim to the Iron Throne. She made peace with Daemon after he bent the knee and accepted her as his leader. She also received a secret visit from Alicent, who offered to let her take King's Landing. Rhaenyra agreed but demanded Aegon's death, unaware that Aegon had fled.
Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)
Daemon spent much of Season 2 at Harrenhal, estranged from Rhaenyra after the Blood & Cheese tragedy. By the end, visions of the future convinced him to submit to Rhaenyra.
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke)
Queen Dowager Alicent sneaked to Dragonstone to strike a deal with Rhaenyra, offering to let her take the throne to stop violence. She agreed to Aegon's death but was unaware he had escaped.
Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney)
King Aegon was burned and disfigured at Rook's Rest. He fled King's Landing with Larys Strong to Essos.
Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell)
One-eyed son of Alicent, Aemond is cruel and has a fixation with his mother. He became protector of the realm after Aegon's injury.
Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett)
Rhaenyra's oldest surviving son, Jace supports her forces and flies the dragon Vermax.
Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint)
Corlys, the Sea Snake, became Hand of the Queen to Rhaenyra and advises her to strike against the Greens.
Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel)
Once Rhaenyra's guard, now Hand of the King to Aegon. He has a secret affair with Alicent and is marching on Harrenhal.
Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban)
Sister-wife of Aegon with prophetic visions. She foresaw the murder of her son and Aemond's death.
Larys Strong (Matthew Needham)
Larys escaped with Aegon to Essos, using manipulation tactics against Alicent.
Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno)
Former lover of Daemon, now close to Rhaenyra and advises her as spymaster.
Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia)
Daemon's eldest daughter, rides Moondancer, betrothed to Jace.
Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell)
Younger sister of Baela, stumbles across the dragon Sheepstealer.
Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans)
Disgraced former Hand, supporter of Greens, shown captive at end of Season 2.
Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew)
Dragonseed who rides Vermithor for Rhaenyra.
Ulf White (Tom Bennett)
Dragonseed who rides Silverwing.
Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim)
Corlys' bastard son, a talented sailor.
Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty)
Alyn's brother, dragonseed who rides Seasmoke.
Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox)
Alicent's older brother, reluctantly teams up with Criston Cole.
Ormund Hightower (James Norton)
Newcomer, nephew of Otto, marches from Oldtown with Daeron.
Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin)
Witch-like figure who helped Daemon with visions at Harrenhal.
Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn)
Eccentric naval leader of the Triarchy fleet.
Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)
Youngest child of Alicent, sent as squire to Ormund, rides the blue dragon Tessarion.
FAQ
- When does House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere? Season 3 premieres on Sunday night after a two-year break.
- What is the Battle of the Gullet? It is one of the deadliest naval battles in Westeros history, kicking off Season 3.
- Who are the main characters in Season 3? Key characters include Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen, Alicent Hightower, Aegon II Targaryen, and Aemond Targaryen.
- What happened to Aegon II in Season 2? Aegon was severely burned and crippled at the Battle of Rook's Rest after his brother Aemond attacked him.
Source: variety.com