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The chronological predecessor to HBO's Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon takes place two centuries before the Night King's awakening. This well-crafted story delves into the history of House Targaryen, revolving around a host of new characters and their personal visions of grandeur.
The only noteworthy difference between Game of Thrones and its prequel, however, is the overabundance of dragons — practically everything else remains the same. The narrative takes a decidedly dark turn at the end of Episode 5, leaving the future of House Targaryen hanging in the balance. Fortunately or otherwise, many characters in House of the Dragon are just as smart and resourceful as Littlefinger, Varys, and Tyrion.
10 Boremund Baratheon's Only Claim To Fame Is His Lordship
Boremund Baratheon is hardly the smartest character in House of the Dragon. He asks for Princess Rhaenys' favor right in front of Viserys, an act that might have had severe consequences under any other King. Luckily for Boremund, Viserys doesn't really give a hoot about wagging tongues.
Lord Baratheon later accompanies Rhaenyra on her betrothal tour across Westeros, during which he incompetently tries to keep the peace between Houses Bracken and Blackwood. Boremund owes the bulk of his prestige to his title and lordship, accomplishing almost nothing significant over the course of his over-privileged life.
9 Viserys Targaryen Doesn't Rely On Common Sense As Much As He Should
Viserys Targaryen isn't really an inept ruler, but he could stand to use some common sense every once in a while. Managing Westeros is no simple task, and Viserys fulfills his role and obligations adequately enough.
In fact, he has consistently maintained the level of political stability established by his grandfather, the late King Jaehaerys, an impressive feat given the various customs and traditions followed by each of the Six Kingdoms. That said, Viserys doesn't have the backbone required to be King, as his brother Daemon frequently reminds him.
8 Rhaenyra Targaryen Strikes An Ingenious Bargain With Her Future Husband
As Viserys constantly reiterates, Rhaenyra is a young woman who doesn't understand the political ramifications of her actions. She foolishly allows herself to be seen "coupling" with her uncle Daemon in the notorious Street of Silk, and later embarks on an amorous encounter with a sworn member of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole.
On the other hand, Rhaenyra strikes an ingenious bargain with her future husband, asserting that they could follow their own pursuits after their wedding, albeit discreetly. This shows just how far Rhaenyra has come since the beginning of her character arc.
7 Daemon Targaryen Would Have Been More Dangerous If He Understood The Value Of Diplomacy
Daemon Targaryen would have been far more dangerous if he understood the value of diplomacy. That said, his legendary combat prowess and unbreakable spirit all but ensure his stake on the Iron Throne, regardless of the competition from his niece and nephew.
While Daemon manages to trick Viserys on multiple occasions, his success rate is directly proportional to his brother's love for him. Nevertheless, he never hesitates when it comes to his perceived legacy, as seen when he brutally murders his lady-wife Rhea Royce, which frees him to marry anyone he chooses.
6 Mysaria Is Too Sharp And Self-Reliant To Be Distracted By Empty Promises
Mysaria refuses to be pushed around by those with power. She fervently announces her intention "to be liberated" from the chains of her previous life, a courageous declaration that takes even Daemon by surprise.
Mysaria recognizes the risks of being associated with a Prince of the realm, which is why she chastises him for playing "stupid games with the King." She subsequently abandons Daemon in favor of starting her own career as a spymaster for Otto Hightower. Mysaria is far too sharp and self-reliant to be distracted by empty promises of castles and glory.
5 Lyonel Strong's Logic And Loyalty Are Rewarded By The King
As the King's Master of Laws, Lyonel Strong attempts to convince Viserys against naming Rhaenyra as his heir. He accurately states that the people of Westeros would be uncomfortable with the idea of a woman on the Iron Throne, but the King rejects his concerns.
The fact that Lyonel is one of Viserys' closest confidants speaks to his mental aptitude. He advocates building a stronger alliance with House Velaryon by betrothing Rhaenyra to Laenor, a sensible suggestion by any measure. Lyonel's loyalty and logic are rewarded when Viserys makes him Hand of the King.
4 Rhaenys Targaryen Certainly Knows How To Play The Game Of Thrones
Rhaenys Targaryen, or the "Queen Who Never Was," still holds a grudge towards her cousin for snatching what should have rightfully been hers. Despite her longing for the Iron Throne, however, Rhaenys demonstrates a sense of rationality behind every decision she makes.
She offers her underage daughter, Laena, to be Viserys' wife, fully aware that the King was unlikely to take the proposal seriously. Rhaenys' ploys may not be very complex or malicious, but she certainly knows how to play the game of thrones to her benefit.
3 Grand Maester Mellos Displays His Incredible Knowledge Of Medicine On Several Occasions
HBO refers to Grand Maester Mellos as "a voice of reason and trusted advisor to King Viserys." Although there isn't much known about this character, anyone capable of reaching his exalted position would have to be extremely intelligent. Mellos cautions King Viserys against hoping for a male heir, prudently claiming that it's impossible to predict the sex of an unborn baby.
The Grand Maester's displays his incredible knowledge of medicine at several points in the story. Mellos performs a C-Section on Queen Aemma, eases Viserys' affliction with maggots and leeches, and brews a contraceptive potion for Rhaenyra.
2 Larys Strong's Cunning Revelation Threatens To Destroy House Targaryen From Within
Larys Strong isn't exactly denigrated for his birth defect, but it prevents him from indulging in stereotypically masculine activities such as hunting, riding, and jousting. And yet, Larys shrewdly turns his weakness into his greatest strength. Most people in the royal court underestimate his prodigious intelligence, allowing him to enact his own insidious plans.
In "We Light the Way," Larys discusses Rhaenyra's alleged health setback with Alicent, obliquely drawing the Queen's attention to the Princess' sexual encounter with Daemon. Larys' cunning revelation threatens to destroy House Targaryen from within, as it inadvertently uncovers Rhaenyra's affair with Criston Cole.
1 Otto Hightower Manipulates The King With A Combination Of Deceit And Social Engineering
Nearly every Hand of the King on Game of Thrones has been somewhat cunning, if not downright devious, and Otto Hightower is no different. He sinks his greedy claws into Viserys from the very outset, using a deft combination of deceit and social engineering to manipulate the King.
Otto Hightower is a man with a mission — he desperately desires his bloodline on the Iron Throne and is willing to do anything necessary to accomplish his dreams. For all his Machiavellian scheming, however, Otto makes the mistake of attacking Rhaenyra's honor, which ultimately leads to his expulsion from the Red Keep.