Throughout House of the Dragon’s second season, we’ve been introduced to new characters whose roles have been somewhat ambiguous. However, in episode 7, “The Red Sowing,” their significance becomes clearer. This episode highlights the involvement of the smallfolk and working class, the dragonseeds, in the noble conflicts of Westeros.
House of the Dragon- Key Developments and Character Introductions
Addam of Hull Meets Rhaenyra:
- Queen Rhaenyra meets Addam of Hull, the new rider of Seasmoke, on a secluded beach. Addam bends the knee, expressing his desire to serve her and learn dragonriding. Despite Rhaenyra’s questions about his parentage, he keeps Corlys Velaryon’s identity a secret. She invites him to Dragonstone.
Alicent Hightower’s Struggles:
- In King’s Landing, Grand Maester Orwyle treats Alicent Hightower’s wound from a recent protest. Feeling demoralized and doubting her influence, she retreats to the Kingswood with only Ser Rickard of the Kingsguard for company.
Intrigue and Gossip:
- Lord Jasper Wylde hears that Seasmoke has a rider and informs Larys Strong, who decides not to share this intel with Prince Aemond yet, considering the unreliability of the source.
Mysaria’s Insight:
- Rhaenyra, unsure where to find more dragonriders, discusses with Mysaria, who suggests looking among the bastards fathered by Royal Targaryens in King’s Landing. Inspired, Rhaenyra plans to raise an army of these illegitimate Targaryens.
Corlys Velaryon’s Response:
- Corlys discovers Addam’s dragonriding and releases him from his sailing duties to focus on mastering this new skill. Despite the significant revelation, he keeps their relationship unaddressed, merely congratulating Addam.
Political Maneuvering and New Alliances
Oscar Tully’s Challenge:
- In Harrenhal, young Lord Oscar Tully, now the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, grapples with his new responsibilities. To honor his grandfather’s oath to Viserys and support Queen Rhaenyra, he orders Daemon to execute Willem Blackwood to address the Riverlords’ grievances.
Aegon Targaryen’s Struggle:
- Aegon is recovering from his injuries but is in considerable pain. Larys Strong pushes him to regain strength, despite the maester’s advice for rest.
Recruitment Efforts:
- Corlys attempts to recruit his other relative, Alyn, for dragonriding, but Alyn prefers to remain a sailor, emphasizing his connection to the sea over dragons.
Rhaena Targaryen’s Quest:
- In the Vale, Rhaena Targaryen sneaks away to search for a wild dragon, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Chaos and Consequences
Dragonriding Auditions:
- Rhaenyra invites numerous hopefuls to Dragonstone for dragonriding auditions. The dragonkeepers disapprove and leave. Vermithor, the second-largest dragon after Vhagar, emerges during the auditions, causing chaos and destruction among the recruits.
Unexpected Riders:
- Amid the chaos, Hugh Hammer bravely faces Vermithor and is accepted by the dragon. Ulf, another hopeful, accidentally awakens Silverwing and becomes her rider. His inexperienced flight over King’s Landing alarms the townspeople and interrupts a small council meeting.
Aemond’s Pursuit:
- Aemond, mounted on Vhagar, chases Ulf and Silverwing but ultimately shows restraint, turning back to avoid a likely defeat against the dragons amassed at Dragonstone.
With the penultimate episode setting the stage, the season finale promises a climactic showdown between Rhaenyra’s newly formed dragonriding army and the greens. The balance of power is on a knife-edge, with allegiances and tensions reaching their peak.
