That controversial kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria in House of the Dragon elicited mixed reactions from viewers. While some loved the queer theme, others weren’t thrilled with the scene, but more importantly, how Mysaria was depicted in the show.
Played by Sonoya Mizuno, Mysaria or the White Worm is an intriguing and often mysterious character in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood novel. She became the paramour of Daemon and the Black Queen’s Mistress of Whisperers.
How Mysaria In House Of The Dragon Different From The Book
A short clip from Video Books on YouTube explained how Mysaria is portrayed differently in House of the Dragon as compared to the book.
Mysaria, or the White Worm, is a really scary and morally ambiguous character, whereas her show counterpart is just a bit boring by comparison. In the books, her and Damon getting revenge with Blood and Cheese was on purpose and not a bumbling mistake.
Everyone knows the ending of Episode 1 was a major alteration that will later have its own repercussions. Mysaria became the Mistress of Whisperers just like in the book, but it happened “because she is still greatly feared and not running from her life like in the show.”
The prequel series depicted the White Worm as someone always on the run, so when Rhaenyra gave her clemency and freedom, she chose to serve under her name. The book version of the character exhibited her as a ruthless and cunning woman, only loyal to herself. She’s a good political player and an opportunist who thrives in things that gain her advantage.
Mysaria plays a complex role in the novel, and she’s a wildcard for sure. She may have been plotting something when she declared herself a servant to Rhaenyra, but after the controversial kiss, it seemed like the character had lost all mystery to her. Moreover, her opening up to Rhaenyra about her childhood scar – which was never mentioned in the novel – is something she would never do.
The Point Of Emma D’Arcy And Sonoya Mizuno’s Intimate Scene
There’s no way Mysaria and Rhaenyra would kiss in the books. Sonoya Mizuno revealed via TheWrap that the intimate scene between her and Emma D’Arcy’s character was unscripted. She also teased a bit of queer romance going on between them.
I think it’s hard not to have feelings for Rhaenyra, to be honest. I don’t think it was anything Mysaria had plotted it… how could she not be attracted to Rhaenyra?
A fan complained about this on a YouTube comment: “They fumbled so hard with her. Legit sacrificed a threatening character just to have a gay Asian lady.”
Indeed, the unnecessary romance between Rhaenyra and Mysaria may have been made for the enjoyment of the audience, but it doesn’t move the story forward. In fact, it put the show in hot water for playing with a dangerous stereotype when it comes to Asian women.
It remains to be seen if this affair will develop into something more in the upcoming season, although it looks like a one-time thing at this point.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is streaming on HBO.
