We can bet that this familial feud can outshine any Shakespearean drama! In the sprawling epic that is House of the Dragon, we witness how a civil war can entangle even the tightest-knit family tree, turning kin against kin in a dizzying dance of political ambition.
The Dance of the Dragons is not just a mere scuffle over the Iron Throne; it’s an intricate ballet where every move could be your last, and allegiances shift as quickly as the winds of Westeros.
With a color-coded clarion call—from the verdant hues of ‘The Greens’ to the somber shades sported by ‘The Blacks’—viewers can helm the stormy seas of succession with a visual compass. This built-in system, alongside Emma D’Arcy’s nuanced portrayal of Rhaenyra, paints a picture of a divided domain where every character must place a bet on the ultimate Game of Thrones.
And when it comes to talking about the intricacies of Rhaenyra’s character in House of the Dragon, D’Arcy is definitely not going to hold back.
Emma D’Arcy’s Perspective: Why Rhaenyra Isn’t a Wise Ruler in House of the Dragon
Emma D’Arcy is unfiltered when discussing the complexities of Rhaenyra’s character in House of the Dragon. In a recent interview with The Wrap, the English actor, 32, expressed their thoughts on Rhaenyra’s belief that she can win the war for the Iron Throne, despite the odds stacked against her.
With Team Black facing challenges and losses throughout the season, Rhaenyra’s decision to open up the search for dragon riders to the lower classes may have been controversial, but it ultimately paid off. To quote D’Arcy:
Her blood is up and I think for the first time … she thinks she can [win]. One of the few things she’s felt clear about is not entering into war that [she’s] obviously going to lose, that [it] being a completely pointless exercise.
D’Arcy emphasized Rhaenyra’s ability to think “outside the box” and her determination to find alternative ways to fight after the death of Rhaenys. This decision not only honors Rhaenys’ memory but also showcases Rhaenyra’s “fire and volatility” nature, which stems from her relentless belief that she is destined to take her father’s throne.
According to the actor, there is almost a sense of religious fervor in Rhaenyra’s pursuit of power, with dragons symbolizing the gods backing her in her quest. D’Arcy further added:
I think it borders on a kind of religious fanaticism — we see her become more and more wedded and ingratiated into her faith. She seeks the old gods, by which I think we also sort of mean dragons, as a key to her own future. In a slightly frightening way, there’s a religious fervor, like she has the gods at her back in this decision.
Sunday’s latest episode of House of the Dragon saw Rhaenyra’s calculated move to welcome Targaryen and Velaryon bastards to try their hand at taming a dragon, resulting in the recruitment of two new dragon riders: Hugh Hammer and Ulf White.
Why Do We Need to Rethink Our Loyalties to Team Black on House of the Dragon?
In the high-stakes Game of Thrones, it can be easy to get caught up in the drama and choose sides based on personal bias or fleeting allegiances. However, when it comes to rooting for Team Black in House of the Dragon, it’s important to take a step back and analyze the bigger picture.
Imagine being a loyal supporter of a regime that thrives on deception, betrayal, and instability. Team Black, led by Rhaenyra, and her uncle/husband Daemon, may seem like the underdogs fighting for their rightful claim to the Iron Throne. But in reality, their actions and decisions have only fueled the flames of civil war and chaos in Westeros.
King Viserys, in particular, is not the noble ruler he appears to be on the surface. While he may have faced challenges and betrayals from within his own council, his failure to address his daughter’s wrongdoings and unite his fractured family ultimately led to the downfall of his reign. It’s one thing to be a victim of treachery, but it’s another to turn a blind eye to the corruption and deceit festering in your own court.
As George R.R. Martin’s intricate storytelling reminds us, good intentions are not enough to secure a kingdom. A true leader must be vigilant, decisive, and willing to confront the malevolent forces conspiring against them.
Team Black may have its champions, but their actions speak louder than words, and they are far from deserving of our loyalty or support.
As the season reaches its finale, fans can expect more twists and turns as Rhaenyra’s political designs unfold. Will she be able to maintain her momentum and secure her claim to the Iron Throne, or will new challenges arise to test her leadership and resolve?
House of the Dragon is available on Max.
