In Episode 2 of House of the Dragon, Lady Laena Velaryon, daughter of Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen, is approximately 12 years old. This calculation is based on established timelines within the series’ narrative and George R.R. Martin’s source material, Fire & Blood.
Understanding the Timeline and Laena’s Age
The perceived age difference between Laena and King Viserys I Targaryen in Episode 2 sparked considerable discussion among viewers. Viserys is considering marrying Laena as a political move, and the seeming discomfort of a 12-year-old being proposed to is palpable. Understanding the established timeline helps clarify the issue.
The series begins approximately 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Episode 2 occurs roughly six months after Episode 1, and within the early years of Viserys’ reign. Laena’s birth is documented in Fire & Blood, allowing for a relatively precise estimation of her age during this specific episode. Her later appearances, played by different actresses at different ages, highlight the time jumps within the series. Therefore, it’s crucial to pinpoint the exact moment we’re analyzing.
Common Misconceptions and Context
Many viewers conflate the fictional world’s customs with modern sensibilities. While marrying a 12-year-old is abhorrent by today’s standards, it was not uncommon in the medieval-inspired world of Westeros. This historical context is vital for accurately interpreting the events and characters’ actions. The series, while fictional, draws heavily on historical precedents, which included arranged marriages at young ages, particularly within royal and noble families.
Furthermore, it’s important to separate book accuracy from adaptation. While the series is based on Fire & Blood, certain timelines and characterizations may be subtly altered. However, based on the available information, the general consensus is that Laena is around 12 years old in Episode 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laena Velaryon
Q1: Was it common in Westeros for girls to be considered marriageable at 12?
Yes, it was relatively common, especially among noble families. While adulthood was not legally defined at such a young age, girls were often considered marriageable upon reaching puberty. Marriages were frequently strategic alliances designed to secure power and consolidate wealth, and these considerations often outweighed age disparities.
Q2: Does the show accurately portray the customs of Westeros regarding marriage?
Generally, yes. House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones strive for historical plausibility within their fantasy setting. The customs surrounding marriage, succession, and social hierarchy are deliberately modeled after medieval European history, which included practices that would be considered unacceptable today.
Q3: How does Fire & Blood describe Laena’s character at this age?
Fire & Blood doesn’t provide extensive details about Laena’s personality at age 12. The book focuses more on the historical events and the strategic implications of the potential marriage between her and Viserys. However, it does portray her as a child of high nobility and strategic importance to House Velaryon.
Q4: Why was Viserys considering marrying Laena despite her age?
Viserys was under pressure to remarry after the death of his wife, Queen Aemma Arryn. Marrying Laena would have strengthened his ties with House Velaryon, a powerful and wealthy family with significant naval strength. Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, was a formidable figure, and aligning with him would have bolstered Viserys’s reign. Political expediency trumped considerations of age in this context.
Q5: How old is Daemon Targaryen in Episode 2?
Daemon Targaryen, Viserys’s younger brother, is approximately 30 years old in Episode 2. This significant age gap further highlights the contrast between him and the young Laena, emphasizing the power dynamics at play within the Targaryen court.
Q6: Who eventually does Laena Velaryon marry?
Laena Velaryon eventually marries Prince Daemon Targaryen, a union that proves to be both passionate and politically significant. Their marriage leads to the birth of twin daughters, Baela and Rhaena, who later play important roles in the Dance of the Dragons.
Q7: What role does House Velaryon play in the Dance of the Dragons?
House Velaryon plays a crucial role in the Dance of the Dragons, siding with Rhaenyra Targaryen and providing crucial naval support. Their command of the seas gives Rhaenyra a significant advantage, allowing her to control the Gullet and disrupt supply lines for Aegon II’s forces.
Q8: How does Laena’s character evolve throughout the series?
Laena evolves from a young girl being used as a political pawn into a strong-willed and independent woman. Her marriage to Daemon allows her to explore her adventurous spirit, and she becomes a skilled dragonrider, showcasing her bravery and determination.
Q9: Does the portrayal of Laena differ significantly between the book and the show?
While the core elements of Laena’s story remain consistent between Fire & Blood and House of the Dragon, the show allows for a more nuanced exploration of her character. The series provides more screen time and dialogue, allowing viewers to connect with her on a deeper level and witness her personal growth.
Q10: What dragon does Laena Velaryon ride?
Laena Velaryon rides the dragon Vhagar, one of the oldest and largest dragons in Westeros. Vhagar had previously been ridden by Queen Visenya Targaryen, the sister-wife of Aegon the Conqueror. The bond between Laena and Vhagar is significant and adds to her power and prestige.
Q11: How does Laena Velaryon die in House of the Dragon?
Laena Velaryon chooses to die by dragonfire rather than succumbing to complications during childbirth. Faced with a difficult and potentially fatal delivery, she commands Vhagar to end her suffering, demonstrating her agency and control even in the face of death. This act underscores her courage and defiance.
Q12: What is the significance of Laena’s death in the overall narrative?
Laena’s death serves as a catalyst for further conflict within the Targaryen family. It deeply affects Daemon, highlighting his emotional depth and vulnerability. It also has significant implications for the succession of Driftmark, the seat of House Velaryon, and contributes to the growing tensions that ultimately lead to the Dance of the Dragons. The loss of a dragonrider of Vhagar’s stature weakens Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne, adding another layer of complexity to the power struggle. Her death also forces Daemon to confront his own mortality and the fragility of life, themes that resonate throughout the series. The impact is both deeply personal and strategically consequential, fueling the flames of war and altering the course of Westerosi history.