Episode 10 of House of the Dragon, “The Black Queen,” witnesses Rhaenyra Targaryen’s ascension to the Iron Throne on Dragonstone and the official declaration of war against the Greens, irrevocably fracturing House Targaryen and igniting the Dance of the Dragons. A tragic accident involving Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen solidifies the animosity and ensures a bloody conflict.
The Coronation and Council
Rhaenyra’s episode opens in the late stages of labor, a visceral reminder of the personal cost of the coming war. Viserys’s death, news delivered by Rhaenys Velaryon after her dramatic dragon escape from King’s Landing, sends a shockwave through Dragonstone. Rhaenyra, wracked with grief and now tasked with ruling, delivers a stillborn daughter, further fueling her resolve.
The Swearing of Allegiance
Despite her immense loss, Rhaenyra quickly assumes her royal duties. She is crowned by Daemon with Viserys’s crown, a symbolic transfer of power and legitimacy. Various key figures, including Daemon, Corlys Velaryon (freshly returned from his travels), and Rhaenys, pledge their allegiance to her. This council scene establishes Rhaenyra’s inner circle and sets the stage for the strategic decisions that will dictate the early stages of the war.
Daemon’s Counsel and the Quest for Allies
Daemon, ever the pragmatist and fueled by his own ambitions, urges Rhaenyra to act decisively and aggressively. He wants to strike first, crippling the Greens before they can solidify their power. Rhaenyra, however, advocates for a more measured approach, hoping to secure alliances and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. This fundamental difference in their leadership styles introduces a crucial tension that will define their relationship throughout the war. The episode highlights the importance of alliances, particularly with House Stark in the North and House Arryn in the Vale.
The Dispatch of Lucerys and Joffrey
Seeking to reinforce her claim and secure support, Rhaenyra dispatches her sons Lucerys (Luke) Velaryon to Storm’s End to seek the support of Lord Borros Baratheon and Joffrey Velaryon to the Eyrie to gain the Arryn’s support. These missions are crucial diplomatic efforts, but also incredibly dangerous, as they are traversing enemy territory.
The Confrontation at Storm’s End
The confrontation at Storm’s End is the episode’s tragic climax. Lucerys arrives to find Aemond Targaryen already there, having offered Borros Baratheon a marriage proposal involving his sister Helaena for one of Baratheon’s daughters. Aemond, fueled by years of resentment and a thirst for revenge for the loss of his eye, demands Lucerys’s eye in return. Borros, unwilling to start a war within his own walls, refuses to allow violence within his castle. However, he gives Aemond permission to pursue Lucerys once he leaves.
Aemond and Vhagar’s Pursuit
What follows is a terrifying aerial chase. Despite Lucerys being instructed not to engage in combat, Aemond, riding the massive dragon Vhagar (the largest and most experienced dragon in Westeros), relentlessly pursues him. Lucerys, on his smaller and younger dragon Arrax, is no match for Vhagar. Despite Aemond attempting to control Vhagar, the ancient dragon acts on instinct, killing Arrax and Lucerys, sending them crashing into the sea. This act of violence, committed even against Aemond’s (perhaps weak) initial intention, seals the fate of the Targaryen dynasty.
The Aftermath and the Declaration of War
News of Lucerys’s death reaches Dragonstone, devastating Rhaenyra. The episode concludes with a close-up of her face, a mixture of grief, rage, and a grim determination. The “peace” that Rhaenyra hoped to maintain is shattered, and the Dance of the Dragons is officially underway. The stage is set for a brutal and devastating conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About House of the Dragon Episode 10
Q1: Why didn’t Rhaenyra just fly to King’s Landing and take the throne back immediately?
A: Rhaenyra, while powerful, is strategically limited. She needs to secure alliances and resources before directly confronting the Greens. A frontal assault on King’s Landing, even with dragonfire, could be disastrous without sufficient support. Also, her desire for stability and fear of being labeled a tyrant likely influenced her measured approach.
Q2: Was Aemond truly intending to kill Lucerys?
A: This is deliberately ambiguous. Aemond’s dialogue suggests he intended only to frighten Lucerys and possibly take his eye. However, Vhagar is a powerful and unpredictable dragon, and Aemond’s control over her is not absolute. Whether the act was intentional or accidental due to Vhagar’s instinct, the outcome is the same: war.
Q3: What is the significance of Rhaenyra’s stillborn daughter?
A: The stillbirth represents the loss of innocence and hope for a peaceful resolution. It mirrors the loss of Viserys I and symbolizes the immense sacrifice Rhaenyra is making in pursuing her claim. The pain and grief amplify her resolve to fight, while also underscoring the devastating cost of the coming war.
Q4: Why did Borros Baratheon favor the Greens over the Blacks?
A: Borros is driven by pragmatism and the promise of a strong alliance. Aemond’s offer to marry one of Baratheon’s daughters to Helaena represented a powerful connection to the ruling Greens. This offered more immediate political and strategic advantages than Rhaenyra’s offer, which lacked similar concrete incentives.
Q5: How will Lucerys’s death impact the Velaryons?
A: Lucerys was heir to Driftmark, making his death a major blow to House Velaryon. Corlys Velaryon, already reeling from the loss of his brother Vaemond, will likely be even more determined to support Rhaenyra and avenge Lucerys. This could significantly strengthen the Black cause, at least initially.
Q6: What role will Daemon play in the upcoming war?
A: Daemon will be Rhaenyra’s most aggressive and ruthless advisor. He will likely be instrumental in planning and executing military strategies, often advocating for direct and forceful action. However, his impulsive nature and hunger for power could also lead to conflict with Rhaenyra, undermining her authority.
Q7: Why is securing the support of House Stark and House Arryn so important?
A: House Stark controls the North, offering a significant number of soldiers and strategic territory. The Eyrie, seat of House Arryn, is a formidable castle in the Vale, providing a strategically important defensive position. Securing these alliances would give Rhaenyra a substantial advantage in terms of manpower, resources, and defensive capabilities.
Q8: How does Viserys I’s dream of “The Prince That Was Promised” factor into the unfolding events?
A: While not explicitly mentioned in the episode, Viserys’s belief in the Prince That Was Promised and the need to unite the realm against a future darkness was a key motivator throughout his reign. The division of the Targaryen house directly contradicts his vision and weakens Westeros’s ability to face any future threats.
Q9: What are the strengths and weaknesses of Rhaenyra as a ruler compared to Aegon II?
A: Rhaenyra possesses intelligence, diplomatic skill, and a strong sense of justice. However, she can be indecisive and perhaps overly reliant on the counsel of others. Aegon II, while arguably charismatic, is impulsive, entitled, and easily manipulated. He lacks Rhaenyra’s political acumen and strategic thinking, but his confidence and ruthlessness may prove advantageous in war.
Q10: What kind of dragons will be involved in the Dance of the Dragons?
A: Multiple dragons will play significant roles in the war. Besides Vhagar (Aemond’s dragon), and Arrax (Lucerys’s dragon), important dragons include Syrax (Rhaenyra’s dragon), Caraxes (Daemon’s dragon), Meleys (Rhaenys’s dragon), Sunfyre (Aegon II’s dragon), and Dreamfyre (Helaena’s dragon), as well as several “wild” dragons with no riders. Each dragon possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, which will greatly influence the battles.
Q11: What are the likely early battlegrounds of the Dance of the Dragons?
A: The Riverlands will likely be a crucial early battleground due to its central location and strategic importance. Dragonstone and King’s Landing will also be targets, as both serve as seats of power and hold strategic resources. Storm’s End may also see conflict as House Baratheon plays its part in the conflict.
Q12: How long will the Dance of the Dragons last, and what are the overall consequences?
A: The Dance of the Dragons is a bloody and protracted civil war. In George R.R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood”, the Dance of the Dragons lasts for approximately two years. The conflict devastates the Targaryen dynasty, leading to the deaths of many Targaryens and dragons. It weakens their power and prestige, ultimately paving the way for the events that unfold in Game of Thrones. The loss of dragons is particularly significant, leading to their eventual extinction. The Dance is a tragic example of ambition, pride, and the destructive consequences of unchecked power.