So let’s jump right in.
So the peaceful ruler assembled a council to determine succession.
(Viserys is seen on the left with his wife, Aemma Arryn.)
HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’ adapts the Great Council of Harrenhal from George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire and Blood.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
Eagle-eyed fans of authorGeorge R.R.
There may be a reason for that.
Sort of like the way the Bible was put together."
Emily Carey (L) and Milly Alcock (R) play younger versions of Alicent Hightower and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, respectively, on ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
The show, Condal adds, will be “the objective account.”
Note: Aemma seems to be pregnant at the time of the Great Council.
We’ll get to her child shortly.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) is named the king’s heir before the Iron Throne on ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
We first saw one in the godswood of Winterfell back inGame of Thrones.
It’s also a symbol of the age.
This is a time of decadence and great wealth before things come crumbling down.
Hand of the King Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) speaks with his daughter, Alicent (Emily Carey), in a scene from ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
A young Rhaenyra is shown standing before the seat of power.
Her father Viserys chooses her to succeed him as Queen of Westeros when the time comes.
But there are forces that come into play even that Great Council of Harrenhal to complicate the matter.
Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) sports his armor with a helmet that nods to his dragon, Caraxes.Ollie Upton/HBO
“He’s an astute, high-functioning political creature,” Ifans says of Otto.
“He knows the machinations of this court better than anyone.
Images of dragons also adorn his breastplate and collar.
Fabien Frankel plays Ser Criston Cole, a common-born warrior of Dornish descent, combats Prince Daemon during a tourney event.Ollie Upton/HBO
Will his mace be able to overcome the Targaryen’s Valyrian steel blade, Dark Sister?
Some royals have ornate saddles for their winged beasts, while the egg hatching is of particular note.
Smith’s Prince Daemon is seen here holding one such egg.
Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) cradles a dragon egg in HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
The Targaryens rule the skies on dragonback and the Velaryons rule the seas with their fleet.
“No one wants to f— with him,” Toussaint tells EW.
Despite his intimidating status, Corlys’ heart lies with his wife, Best’s Rhaenys Targaryen.
Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) consult by the fire on ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
She’s dubbed “the Queen Who Never Was” due to the events of the Council of Harrenhal.
There’s lots more drama in store whenHouse of the Dragonpremieres on HBO this Aug. 21.
As we know, Targaryens with their incestuous heritage are messy individuals.
Emma D’Arcy (L) and Olivia Cooke (R) play adult versions of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower on ‘House of the Dragon.'.Ollie Upton/HBO
For more onHouse of the Dragon, check outEW’s exclusive cover story.
