“House of the Dragon” is introducing the next chapter of its Targaryen family drama.
Season 3 of the HBO fantasy epic, premiering Sunday, will pick up just after the events of season two, which ended with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), the displaced would-be ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, finally finding some momentum in her campaign to claim the Iron Throne.
The Targaryen civil war has been a bit slow so far, although both sides of the family have suffered significant casualties. That's likely to change in Season 3, now that both factions have added key reinforcements.
Why do the Targaryens fight?
“House of the Dragon” is about the war of the Targaryen succession known as the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne is because her father, King Viserys I, named her his heir, even though women are traditionally overlooked in the line of succession.
But when King Viserys died, his eldest son, Aegon, was crowned king. King Aegon II is Rhaenyra's younger half-brother who was born after she had already been announced as Viserys's heir.
Rhaenyra's supporters, known as the Blacks, include her uncle-turned-husband Daemon Targaryen and their children, as well as Corlys Velaryon.
Aegon's faction, the Greens, includes his mother Alicent Hightower, a childhood friend of Rhaenyra; and his siblings Helaena (his wife), Aemond and Daeron.
Daemon (Matt Smith) and Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) in the third season of “House of the Dragon.”
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)
What happened in season 2?
Much of the second season of “House of the Dragon” involved both sides gathering allies and establishing battle lines, but there was plenty of bloodshed along the way.
The season began with Rhaenyra demanding revenge against Aemond for killing her son Lucerys. Unfortunately, Daemon's hired assassins killed Aegon's young son, Jaehaerys, so any real chance of a family reconciliation was lost.
The big battle of the season occurred at Rook's Rest, where Princess Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys were killed by Aemond and his dragon Vhagar while fighting Aegon and his dragon Sunfyre. Aegon was severely wounded by Aemond and Vhagar in that battle.
Aemond was later named Prince Regent and took control of the Iron Throne while Aegon recovered.
The Greens made a key alliance with the Triarchy to strengthen their naval forces. Meanwhile, the Blacks essentially held open trials to find new dragon riders and add more aerial firepower. They also gained more ground troops thanks to Daemon's efforts in the Riverlands.
How did the season end?
In the season 2 finale, Alicent made a secret trip to Dragonstone to make a deal with Rhaenyra. She basically offered to hand over the Iron Throne while Aemond was away if Rhaenyra promised to forgive her and her family. When Rhaenyra insisted that Aegon had to die for her to claim victory, Alicent agreed.
Unfortunately for them, Aegon had escaped King's Landing with the help of Larys Strong.
Meanwhile, several troops led by Criston Cole, Gwayne Hightower, Jason Lannister and others were on the move.
Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is on the move in the third season of “House of the Dragon.”
(Theo Whiteman/HBO)
How many dragons are there in this dance?
The Greens have four dragons ridden by the Targaryen brothers, but not all are currently available for battle.
Aegon and his dragon Sunfire are injured. Helaena, whose dragon is Dreamfyre, told Aemond that she would not join him in battle. The oldest and oldest is Aemond's dragon, Vhagar, who has already triumphed over a couple of Black Team's dragon riders.
His younger brother Daeron rides Tessarion, but they have not yet joined the fray.
Meanwhile, the Blacks currently have seven dragons between them, including Rhaenyra's beast, Syrax. Daemon, who has more experience in battle, rides Caraxes. The dragons of his children Jacaerys and Baela are Vermax and Moondancer, respectively.
Newly added to the mix are low-born dragonriders of Valyrian descent, Addam of Hull (whose father is Corlys Velaryon), Hugh, and Ulf. Their respective dragons are Seasmoke, Vermithor, and Silverwing.
There are also some wild dragons in Westeros like the one Rhaena (Daemon's daughter, Baela's sister) finds in the Valley called Sheepstealer.
Dragons will fight in the third season of “House of the Dragon.”
(HBO)
What can we expect from season 3?
Season 3 will begin with a massive confrontation at sea known as the Battle of Gullet. This will involve Corlys Velaryon and his fleet trying to fend off an attack from Tyland Lannister and the Triarchy. It's also no secret that Rhaenyra will return to the Red Keep to reclaim King's Landing.
New characters like Ormund Hightower (Alicent's cousin) and Daeron Targaryen (Alicent's youngest son) will officially join the Green action in Season 3. The Blacks can expect reinforcements from the north in the form of the Winter Wolves.
Other loose ends from previous seasons include Rhaena's quest to tame a wild dragon and the status of Rhaenyra's youngest children who were sent away for their safety. There is also the mystery surrounding the captivity of Otto Hightower, Alicent's father.
