House of the Dragon's first season takes place in an ostensible time of peace for the Seven Kingdoms. The wars of Aegon the Conquerer and Maegor the Cruel are distant memories. Kings Jaeherys I Targaryen and Viserys I Targaryen have avoided embroiling Westeros in new conflicts. War doesn't break out until the season's very end.

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Despite this, the first season has plenty of bloodshed. War breaks out in the Stepstones, knights attend tourneys, and personal grudges lead to violence. House of the Dragon fits plenty of fights into its first season. None of them are bad. However, some are clearly better than others. The action is better, the stakes are higher, and the violence tells a better story.

14 Willem Blackwood's Fight With Jonos Bracken Happens Off-Screen

Episode 4, "King Of The Narrow Sea"

Willem Blackwood proposing to Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon

Willem Blackwood is an unexpectedly popular House of the Dragon character relative to his screen time. He attempts to court Rhaenyra despite his young age and taunts from his rival Jerren Bracken. He draws steel after one insult too many and the two get into a duel before Baratheon guards can pull them apart.

The fight is an unexpected moment in House of the Dragon, but well-liked. It's a welcome reference to the centuries-long feud between Houses Blackwood and Bracken that livens up a slow section of the show. However, the fight itself takes place off-screen. The camera follows Rhaenyra walking away rather than the fight itself.

13 Criston Cole Murders Joffrey Lonmouth In Cold Blood

Episode 5, "We Light The Way"

Joffrey Lonmouth talking with Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

One of the final events before House of the Dragon's time skip is Joffrey Lonmouth's death. He makes the mistake of crossing an angered Criston Cole. In response, Cole beats him to death. It's a significant moment, but the fight itself is disappointing.

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Nobody puts up any real resistance to Criston. Although they're at a crowded wedding, Criston can commit murder — and assault Laenor Velaryon — without consequence. It does have one well-liked moment, however. Harwin Strong charges into the fray to rescue Rhaenyra in a perfect introduction to his character.

12 Rhaenyra & Daemon's Children Gang Up On Aemond Targaryen

Episode 7, "Driftmark"

Aemond Targaryen talking to Viserys after losing his eye in House of the Dragon

Tempers rise in the younger cast members in the episode "Driftmark." After Aemond Targaryen claims Vhagar, he's accosted by Rhaena and Baela Targaryen alongside their cousins Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon. Things turn hostile, and Aemond ends up fighting all four cousins.

It's a major storytelling moment that ends with Lucerys slashing out Aemond's eye. However, the fight itself is hard to follow. It's poorly lit and rapidly cut, likely due to the dangers of shooting a fight scene with young actors. It's more impressive conceptually than it is in practice.

11 Qarl Correy Helps Fake Laenor Velaryon's Death

Episode 7, "Driftmark"

Laenor Velaryon pretending to duel Qarl Correy in House of the Dragon

Laenor Velaryon gets a kinder fate in House of the Dragon than he does in Fire & Blood. In both, it involves a sword fight with Ser Qarl Correy. Their fight in House of the Dragon is brief and not very impressive. The two clash blades for only a few moments.

However, that's because it isn't a real fight. The two are pantomiming a duel as part of a ruse. As soon as a servant rushes off to get help, they stop fighting. They burn the body of a Velaryon guardsman to fake Laenor's death. After that, they flee for the Free Cities.

10 The Brawls In The Training Yard

Episode 6, "The Princess And The Queen"

Harwin Strong watching Criston Cole train Aegon Targaryen and Jacaerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

The centerpiece of the first episode after the time skip takes place during sword training. Ser Criston Cole lavishes attention on Princes Aegon and Aemond Velaryon, while leaving Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon to their own devices. Criston then arranges a bout between Aegon and Jacaerys when Ser Harwin Strong criticizes.

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This fight is enjoyable to watch. A notable moment is when Jacaerys drives Aegon back despite the age difference. It then degenerates into Harwin assaulting Criston for alleging he's the Velaryons' father. Although the sequence is entertaining, the fights are a low-stakes practice duel and a one-sided beat down. They both pale in comparison to more important fights.

9 Rhaenyra Targaryen & Criston Cole Hunt A Boar

Episode 3, "Second Of His Name"

Rhaenyra Targaryen returning to camp covered in blood House of the Dragon

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Criston Cole have a slow storyline dedicated to character development in "Second of His Name." However, there is one action-packed setpiece towards the end: a boar attacks the two as they camp for the night.

It's a short fight and shot in near-darkness. However, it shows Criston Cole at his best as Rhaenyra's protector. It's also one of the earliest hints at Rhaenyra's true mettle. She doesn't panic or try to flee. Instead, she holds the boar off and then stabs it herself when it survives Cole's attack.

8 Aemond Targaryen's Toast To The Velaryons

Episode 8, "Lord Of The Tides"

Aemond Targaryen giving a toast in House of the Dragon

The entire Targaryen family reaches a level of peace in Viserys' last moments. When he leaves the dining hall, however, things take a turn for the sour. Lucerys reminds Aemond of an earlier prank, and Aemond starts a fight in response. He toasts his nephews, proclaiming them "strong boys."

A short brawl follows. The fight is unremarkable, consisting of a few thrown punches. However, it's very effective storytelling with many good character moments. Aegon gets a rare impressive showing as he forces Lucerys down onto the table. Aemond ignores a punch from Jacaerys. Daemon breaks the fight up with a sword and stares his nephew down, hinting at their future rivalry.

7 Aemond Targaryen Trains With Ser Criston Cole

Episode 8, "Lord Of The Tides"

Aemond sparring against Ser Criston in HOTD

Aemond Targaryen's martial prowess is essential to his character. Several episodes show him as a young child before he can become a true warrior. After a six-year time skip, the show reintroduces Aemond. He fights Ser Criston Cole in the training yard, sword against flail.

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Criston has been shown to be one of the show's best fighters and a rare knight with actual combat experience. He takes the upper hand early on, shattering Aemond's shield. Through sheer speed and skill, however, Aemond outfights him. It's well-choreographed, well-shot, and the perfect way to show how dangerous Aemond is.

6 The Tourney & Daemon Targaryen's Bout With Criston Cole

Episode 1, "Heirs Of The Dragon"

Daemon Targaryen dueling Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

House of the Dragon's very first episode has a tourney at its center. This provides several sequences of action alongside the politicking that makes up the episode's bulk. The tourney itself is an impressive spectacle. Jousting gives way to violence and plenty of knights die.

It reaches its climax when Daemon Targaryen faces Criston Cole. They fight on foot after a few tilts. The duel does suffer from some questionable editing, cutting quickly between shots. However, it still serves as the perfect way to introduce both characters. Daemon almost winning, and then stopping to taunt, tells the viewer all they need to know.

5 Alicent Hightower's Attempt To Maim Lucerys Velaryon

Episode 7, "Driftmark"

Alicent Hightower drawing a knife on Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon

After Aemond loses an eye, his mother Alicent Hightower demands revenge. She orders first Viserys, and then Criston, to put out Lucerys Velaryon's eye. When they both refuse, she takes Viserys' dagger and tries to do it herself. The room descends into chaos as Rhaenyra defends her son. It's not much of a fight, particularly compared to many others in the show.

Alicent and Rhaenyra grapple for a time before Alicent cuts Rhaenyra's arm. However, the storytelling and acting are incredible. It's a signature moment for Alicent as she laments her lot in life. There are good moments for other characters too. Daemon protects his stepsons from Criston, and Rhaenys and Corlys Velaryon defend their grandchildren.

4 Daemon Targaryen Battles The Triarchy

Episode 3, "Second Of His Name"

An image of Caraxes on the Stepstones during House of the Dragons

House of the Dragon's third episode opens after two years of fruitless war against the Crabfeeder and the Triarchy. Despite their dragons, the Velaryon forces aren't able to force a decisive battle. The episode begins with a minor skirmish.

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Daemon Targaryen attacks the Crabfeeder's forces while riding Caraxes. Ultimately, it's not much of a fight. The Triarchy soldiers flee, and Daemon is only able to roast a few as they retreat. However, it's House of the Dragon's very first scene of true dragon combat. Many Game of Thrones fans are delighted to see a fully-fledged dragon in action.

3 Criston Cole & Arryk Cargyll Duel Over Aegon Targaryen

Episode 9, "The Green Council"

Arryk Cargyll fighting Criston Cole in House of the Dragon

One of the best fights in House of the Dragon's first season actually takes place between allies. Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole are sent by Alicent Hightower to find Aegon. Otto Hightower dispatches Sers Erryk and Arryk Cargyll for the same task. Both groups find him and it descends into violence.

Aegon and Aemond's brief brawl is less impactful. However, it solidifies the dynamic between the two brothers. Arryk and Criston engage in a straightforward sword duel — one of the few in the entire show. It's well-shot, well-choreographed, and feels like it could go either way. It's a very simple fight, but a genuinely excellent one.

2 Daemon Targaryen & The Velaryons Rout The Triarchy

Episode 3, "Second Of His Name"

Daemon Targaryen surrounded by Triarchy forces in House of the Dragon

Proper war only breaks out at the very end of the season. As such, House of the Dragon is short on epic battle sequences. The end of "Second of His Name" provides one, however. Daemon pretends to surrender to the Triarchy and then kills the soldiers who try and capture him. More and more soldiers charge. Daemon shows his true prowess as he cuts his way through half an army.

The Velaryons then join the fray as the Crabfeeder commits the rest of his forces. The audience gets another showing of dragon combat as Laenor Velaryon and Seasmoke torch Triarchy soldiers. It's easily House of the Dragon's most epic battle. The only disappointment is that the Crabfeeder dies offscreen long before he gets any sort of depth or development.

1 Vhagar & Aemond Targaryen Kill Arrax & Lucerys Velaryon

Episode 10, "The Black Queen"

House of the Dragon: Vhagar Suddenly Attacks And Kills Lucerys Valeryon.

House of the Dragon's first season reaches its climax at Storm's End. Both Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen reach Storm's End. Things quickly take a turn as Aemond demands Lucerys put out his own eye. When Lucerys refuses and leaves the hall, Aemond pursues him on Vhagar.

It's an epic and tense setpiece. Lucerys and his much smaller dragon do everything they can to flee from the monstrous Vhagar. The sequence is unlike anything else in House of the Dragon, feeling like a horror film at times. Arrax is ultimately totally outmatched, and Vhagar begins the Dance of the Dragons in a single bite.

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