“Where one starts the other ends”: House of the Dragon Drives Fans Crazy Over Rhaenyra vs. Alicent Symbolism in Season 2 Finale

House of the Dragon just aired its final episode of Season 2 and fans are already in awe over it. From the parallel yet opposite storylines to the heavy symbolism, fans are simply in love and so are we.

Well, this article discusses the symbolism and cinematography used in the finale episode of House of the Dragon and especially the scene comparing Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Suffice to say, a spoiler warning is now in effect.

House of the Dragon Season Finale And The Rich Symbolism

In the finale episode of season 2, we see Daemon Targaryen going near a weirwood tree with Alys and seeing a vision of the future. The vision reveals White Walkers and a glimpse of Daenerys Targaryen and the prophecy.

Daemon swears fealty once again to Rhaenyra Targaryen. What follows next is Alicent Hightower secretly traveling to Dragonstone and surrendering King’s Landing against the safety of her family.

Now, the symbolism used in the final shots of House of the Dragon shows Rhaenyra Targaryen through the network-like building while Alicent stands seeing a beautiful horizon.

Fans think that the shots represent Rhaenyra (played by Emma D’Arcy) fulfilling destiny and being burdened by the weight of it, while Alicent Hightower is finally free from the game of thrones.

Fans Think That These Shots Have Different Meanings

Some claim that Rhaenyra’s scene showcases the power and the strength to hold the kingdom while Alicent’s shot feels isolated and deserted. Others think that Alicent is actually free from her enemies, while Rhaenyra is burdened.

Taking to their social media accounts on X, fans talked about the various theories that they came up with. Complimenting the parallel arcs and the converging and diverging storylines, fans talked about how elegant the show simply is.

oh my god rhaenyra is crushed by the weight of history and alicent stands finally free amongst the sky and sea pic.twitter.com/JgGeJeAY8l

— lamb of god 🩵 (@faiIwife) August 5, 2024

their arcs parallel each other so beautifully. from alicent chasing fulfillment in a life without duties and rhaenyra realizing there is no end to the sacrifices her throne requires. alicent abandoning religion and rhaenyra becoming a messiah. where one starts the other ends

— lamb of god 🩵 (@faiIwife) August 5, 2024

Very cool take!! I saw it as Rhaenyra finally gaining the control and power she needed, filled to the brim with support and ancestry at her back, while Alicent has never been more lost and isolated. Very interesting to see a different angle 🙂

— Kitchen Technology (@Patrick20372764) August 5, 2024

Those shots were so good! The meaning behind them can be interpreted in so many ways. You have rhaenyra who plays a big part in targaryen history but will soon be buried under it. Alicent who has decided to no longer be a part of this story is free with the sky and the sea

— sunflower (@midastouch1210) August 5, 2024

Rhaenyra looks trapped by a literal net, while Alicent is completely free. Both are isolated, Rhaenyra is surrounded by the long dead while Alicent is surrounded by nature. Past vs future. Such interesting juxtapositions of them.

— Shawnna Bass  (@Bassanimation) August 5, 2024

I saw it as Rhaenyra on the “path that is set out for you” like a culmination of all the historical events leading to her rise and then herself turning into one of these cautious tales chasing power. Whereas Alicent is now free of her burdening expectations as a historical figure

— Sook, Flames Appreciator 🔥 (@UrbanTurbanMan) August 5, 2024

ooohhh, that’s an interesting take!! I definitely saw these two scenes as rhaenyra having the backing of the masses and history while alicent has the support of no one and the sun is setting on her time knowing any semblance power

— emily (@yappyemily) August 5, 2024

Well, there are multiple opinions and we can not be sure what these scenes truly represent. What we know for sure is that the third season is currently under development and will start production in “earlyish 2025” (via Variety).

House of the Dragon received a rating of 8.4/10 on IMDB and a whopping 89% on Rotten Tomatoes. With two seasons to its name, the iconic show is available to stream on Max in the U.S.