Episode 7 of House of the Dragon, “Driftmark,” plunges the Targaryen family into deeper turmoil, escalating tensions stemming from Viserys’ succession choices and the simmering resentment between Rhaenyra’s and Alicent’s children. The episode culminates in a series of devastating events, including Aemond Targaryen claiming Vhagar, the death of Laena Velaryon, and a vicious fight amongst the children that leaves Aemond permanently scarred and ignites a new phase of the Dance of the Dragons.
The Aftermath of Laena’s Funeral: Grief and Grudges
The episode opens with the somber funeral of Laena Velaryon in Driftmark. The grief is palpable, but beneath the surface of mourning lurk the festering resentments that define the relationships within House Targaryen. The young princes and princesses, heirs to their parents’ ambitions and animosities, find themselves drawn into the power struggle, laying the foundation for future conflict.
Aemond Claims Vhagar
The most significant event of the night is Aemond Targaryen, desperate to prove himself and hungry for power, successfully claiming the dragon Vhagar, the largest and oldest dragon in the world. This act immediately throws the balance of power off, as Vhagar’s might is unparalleled. He stealthily bonds with the dragon, an act of defiance that angers Rhaena and Baela Targaryen, Laena’s daughters, who considered Vhagar their birthright.
A Brutal Brawl
The act of claiming Vhagar triggers a violent confrontation between Aemond and Rhaena and Baela. Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s sons, intervene to defend their cousins. Aemond, emboldened by his newfound dragon, unleashes a series of cruel insults about the legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s children, branding them “bastards”. This insult sparks a brutal brawl in which Lucerys, in a moment of panic and self-defense, slashes Aemond across the face with a dagger, blinding him in one eye.
Accusations and Demands
The fight precipitates a dramatic confrontation before the King, where Alicent demands that Lucerys be punished with an eye for an eye. Rhaenyra counters that Aemond’s taunts about her children’s legitimacy were a far greater offense, an act of treason, and deserves punishment. Viserys, weary and unable to quell the growing tensions, is pressured by both sides, revealing the depth of the division that threatens to tear the realm apart.
Rhaenyra’s Calculated Move
Seeing the cracks in the familial bond widening beyond repair, Rhaenyra makes a calculated decision. She and Daemon marry in secret, strengthening her claim to the throne and creating a united front against Alicent’s faction. This marriage, though politically advantageous, further destabilizes the already precarious situation, moving them closer to open warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About House of the Dragon Episode 7
Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the key events and themes of “Driftmark”:
Q1: Why was claiming Vhagar such a significant event?
Claiming Vhagar was a game-changer because of the dragon’s sheer size and power. Vhagar is the oldest and largest dragon in Westeros, a legacy of the Conquest. Control over Vhagar gives Aemond (and by extension, Alicent’s faction) a significant strategic advantage in any potential conflict, instantly turning him from a neglected child into a formidable player in the succession struggle.
Q2: Why were Rhaenyra’s children referred to as “bastards”?
Aemond calls Rhaenyra’s sons “bastards” because their true father is not Laenor Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s husband, but rather Harwin Strong. This fact is widely suspected but rarely openly acknowledged due to the implications for the succession. The accusation is considered treasonous because it undermines Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne.
Q3: What was the significance of Lucerys cutting Aemond’s eye?
Lucerys’s act was a desperate attempt at self-defense. However, the consequences are far-reaching. It marks a point of no return in the animosity between the children and their respective families. It fuels Alicent’s desire for revenge and solidifies her resolve to ensure her own son, Aegon, ascends to the Iron Throne. The loss of Aemond’s eye is a symbol of the growing cost of this family feud.
Q4: Why did Alicent demand “an eye for an eye”?
Alicent’s demand reflects her intense anger and desire for retribution. She believes that Lucerys’s action was a deliberate act of violence, orchestrated by Rhaenyra, and that the only just response is to inflict the same injury on Lucerys. This demonstrates her willingness to escalate the conflict and highlights her unwavering commitment to her children.
Q5: What was Viserys’ reaction to the events at Driftmark?
Viserys’s reaction showcases his weakness and indecisiveness. He is deeply disturbed by the events, but he is unable to take decisive action to quell the growing tensions. He attempts to maintain peace but fails to address the underlying issues that are fueling the conflict, further exacerbating the situation.
Q6: Why did Rhaenyra and Daemon marry in secret?
Rhaenyra and Daemon’s secret marriage is a strategic move designed to solidify Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. Daemon is a powerful warrior and a skilled politician, and his support strengthens Rhaenyra’s position against Alicent’s faction. The marriage is also a bold declaration of defiance against Viserys’s wishes, further emphasizing Rhaenyra’s determination to secure her birthright.
Q7: How does the episode deepen the rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent?
Episode 7 marks a significant escalation in the rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent. The violence involving their children pushes them further apart, solidifying their roles as adversaries in the coming conflict. The seeds of the Dance of the Dragons are firmly planted as both mothers fiercely protect their offspring and vie for power.
Q8: What role does Daemon play in the escalating conflict?
Daemon plays a crucial role as an agent of chaos. He is a powerful force who is willing to do whatever it takes to advance Rhaenyra’s cause. He encourages her ambition and provides her with the strength and ruthlessness she needs to navigate the treacherous political landscape. His marriage to Rhaenyra cements his commitment to her cause and positions him as a key player in the war to come.
Q9: What does Laena Velaryon’s death symbolize?
Laena Velaryon’s death, while tragic, highlights the perilous nature of life in Westeros and the limitations placed upon women, even those of high birth. Her decision to choose death by dragonfire, rather than endure a protracted labor, reflects her agency and desire to control her own destiny. Her passing also opens a power vacuum and has consequences for the Velaryon family’s allegiance.
Q10: How does the episode portray the younger generation of Targaryens?
The episode provides a stark portrayal of the younger Targaryens, demonstrating how they are being manipulated and shaped by the ambitions and prejudices of their parents. They are pawns in a larger game, forced to inherit the resentments and rivalries that define their family. The violence and trauma they experience will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their lives and shape their future roles in the Dance of the Dragons.
Q11: What are the implications of Aemond’s changed appearance?
Aemond’s lost eye serves as a constant reminder of the violence and betrayal that has fractured his family. It hardens him and fuels his desire for revenge, transforming him into a more ruthless and formidable figure. His scar becomes a symbol of the growing animosity between the two sides and serves as a visual marker of the escalating conflict.
Q12: How does this episode foreshadow the Dance of the Dragons?
“Driftmark” is a pivotal episode that lays the groundwork for the Dance of the Dragons. The violence, the accusations, the betrayals, and the shifting alliances all contribute to a sense of impending doom. The episode culminates in a moment of profound division, making it clear that a bloody conflict is inevitable. The stage is now set for a full-scale war that will determine the future of House Targaryen and the fate of the Seven Kingdoms.