Episode 7 of House of the Dragon, “Driftmark,” witnesses the fragile peace following Laena Velaryon’s funeral shatter irrevocably, culminating in a gruesome act of violence and further fracturing the already strained relationships within the Targaryen dynasty. The episode focuses on the escalating tensions between Rhaenyra’s and Alicent’s children, a contested dragon claim, and a pivotal betrayal that sets the stage for open warfare.
The Funeral and the Seeds of Destruction
The episode opens with the somber atmosphere of Laena Velaryon’s funeral at Driftmark. This gathering of the houses Velaryon, Targaryen, and Hightower acts as a powder keg, amplifying existing animosities and igniting fresh conflicts. The air crackles with unspoken resentment, particularly between Alicent and Rhaenyra. The palpable tension stems not just from the past affair between Rhaenyra and Daemon but also from the ever-present reality of succession and the futures of their respective children. The stark contrast between the official mourning and the undercurrent of political maneuvering highlights the treacherous nature of power in Westeros.
The children, mirroring their mothers’ antagonism, become central to the episode’s most significant events. Aemond, Alicent’s second son, is particularly vulnerable, constantly taunted for his lack of a dragon. His desperate desire to bond with a dragon, coupled with the drunken bravado fueled by the funeral’s aftermath, leads him to Vhagar, the oldest and largest dragon in the world, previously ridden by Laena. This bold act, however, comes at a steep price.
Aemond’s Claim and Lucerys’s Fury
Aemond’s successful claiming of Vhagar sparks a furious confrontation with Baela and Rhaena, Laena’s daughters, who feel robbed of their birthright. The situation quickly escalates when Joffrey, Rhaenyra’s youngest son, enters the fray, attempting to protect his brothers’ honor. The fight culminates in a brutal attack by Aemond, who is subsequently stabbed in the eye by Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s second son. This violent incident is the turning point of the episode, forever altering the relationship between the two families.
Accusations and Royal Fury
The aftermath of the fight brings the simmering animosity between Alicent and Rhaenyra to a boiling point. Alicent, enraged by the loss of Aemond’s eye, demands “an eye for an eye,” calling for Lucerys to be similarly maimed. This request is deemed monstrous by King Viserys, who struggles to maintain order within his fracturing family.
Rhaenyra, in turn, accuses Alicent’s children of being products of treason, insinuating that their claim to the throne is illegitimate due to Alicent’s ambition and potential manipulation. She further alleges that Alicent’s son, Aegon, sexually assaulted one of her handmaidens, further fueling the animosity. This accusation, although difficult to verify definitively within the episode, paints a grim picture of the moral decay within the Hightower family and adds another layer to Rhaenyra’s distrust of Alicent.
The Power of Belief and Lies
Central to this conflict is the question of truth. Both Rhaenyra and Alicent perceive themselves as victims of the other’s treachery. Alicent genuinely believes that Rhaenyra is a threat to her children’s claim, fueled by Otto Hightower’s constant warnings and her own perceived injustices. Rhaenyra, on the other hand, sees Alicent as a power-hungry schemer who is willing to stoop to any level to usurp her rightful inheritance. The subjective nature of truth, especially within the context of political maneuvering and familial rivalries, becomes a central theme.
Betrayal and the Seeds of War
Ultimately, Viserys refuses to punish Lucerys, upholding his initial judgment. Frustrated and feeling unheard, Alicent attempts to take justice into her own hands, seizing Viserys’s Valyrian steel dagger and attacking Rhaenyra. Ser Criston Cole intervenes, preventing Alicent from causing serious harm, but the scene underscores the complete breakdown of civility and the depth of Alicent’s conviction.
The episode concludes with Rhaenyra and Daemon leaving Driftmark, knowing that peace is no longer an option. They travel to Dragonstone where they solidify their alliances. In a shocking final scene, Daemon orchestrates the murder of Laenor Velaryon, making it appear as though he died in a sword fight. This allows Daemon to solidify his claim to Driftmark and, more importantly, legitimizes his marriage to Rhaenyra, further strengthening her position in the coming war.
The Unfortunate Fate of Laenor Velaryon
While seemingly brutal, Daemon’s actions are strategically calculated. Laenor, though loyal to Rhaenyra, presented a potential weakness due to his sexuality and lack of interest in political machinations. By eliminating him, Daemon removes any potential challenges to his own position and secures Rhaenyra’s claim. However, the episode also reveals that Laenor’s death was staged, and he escaped with his lover, Qarl Correy, setting sail for a new life, paid for by Daemon. This morally ambiguous act underscores the lengths to which the characters are willing to go to secure power and protect their interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why did Aemond want a dragon so badly?
Aemond felt marginalized within his family due to not having a dragon, which is a symbol of power and status among Targaryens. He was constantly ridiculed by his older brother Aegon and the Velaryon children, fueling his desire to claim one, particularly the powerful Vhagar. His ambition to prove himself and overcome his perceived weakness drove his actions.
2. What was the significance of Aemond claiming Vhagar?
Vhagar was not just any dragon; she was the largest and oldest living dragon in Westeros, having been ridden by Visenya Targaryen, one of Aegon the Conqueror’s sisters. Claiming Vhagar instantly elevated Aemond’s status and significantly strengthened the Hightowers’ position in the coming power struggle. It symbolized a major shift in the balance of dragon power.
3. Why did Alicent demand “an eye for an eye?”
Alicent felt that her son Aemond had been grievously wronged and that the laws of justice dictated a proportionate response. Her demand was rooted in anger, grief, and a belief that the Velaryon children had acted maliciously. It highlights her increasing desperation and willingness to disregard traditional Westerosi etiquette for the sake of her family.
4. Was Aegon truly guilty of assault?
The episode does not definitively confirm whether Aegon assaulted the handmaiden. However, the accusation reflects the generally accepted knowledge of Aegon’s character, particularly his proclivity for debauchery and abuse. The accusation further tarnishes his reputation and paints him as an unworthy heir.
5. What was the significance of Alicent’s attack on Rhaenyra?
Alicent’s attack on Rhaenyra represents a complete breakdown of civility and signals that the conflict between the two women has escalated beyond words. It highlights her frustration with Viserys’s perceived favoritism towards Rhaenyra and her desperation to protect her own children’s claim. It was a stark declaration of war, albeit a poorly executed one.
6. Why did Daemon kill Laenor?
While the show initially presents it as murder, the truth is Laenor was allowed to escape to freedom. Daemon orchestrated Laenor’s staged death to eliminate a potential weakness in Rhaenyra’s claim and to solidify his own position as her consort. His action was a calculated move to strengthen Rhaenyra’s claim, even if it meant sacrificing a life (or so everyone believes).
7. Why did Rhaenyra and Daemon go to Dragonstone?
Dragonstone is the ancestral seat of House Targaryen and holds significant symbolic and strategic importance. It provides Rhaenyra with a secure base of operations, access to dragon eggs, and a loyal following. It represents her taking command and preparing for war.
8. What is the significance of the Valyrian steel dagger?
The Valyrian steel dagger is a recurring motif throughout Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. It is often associated with significant events and holds a symbolic weight, representing power, destiny, and the Targaryen legacy. Alicent using it emphasizes her desperate attempt to seize control of her destiny. It links back to Aegon the Conqueror’s dream and the prophecy, highlighting the stakes of the conflict.
9. Why is Driftmark so important?
Driftmark is the seat of House Velaryon, a powerful naval house with a strong fleet. Controlling Driftmark provides a significant advantage in any conflict, allowing for control of the Narrow Sea and access to valuable trade routes. It offers a strategic advantage for either side controlling it.
10. How will the events of Episode 7 impact future episodes?
Episode 7 is a pivotal turning point in the series. The events will lead to open warfare between the Greens (Alicent’s faction) and the Blacks (Rhaenyra’s faction), impacting the relationships between the key characters and setting the stage for increasingly brutal conflicts. It solidifies the division and makes war inevitable.
11. What are the consequences of Lucerys blinding Aemond?
Blinding Aemond has deep-seated consequences. Firstly, it creates immense hatred from Aemond toward Lucerys that will last a lifetime. Secondly, it shows how far each side is willing to go to protect their own, escalating the tension between the Greens and Blacks.
12. How does the portrayal of Daemon in this episode differ from previous episodes?
This episode showcased a more calculating and ruthless side of Daemon. His orchestration of Laenor’s “death,” although ultimately granting him freedom, revealed his willingness to engage in morally ambiguous acts to achieve his goals and secure Rhaenyra’s position. While he has always been unpredictable, this episode highlights his strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to his chosen cause. It solidifies him as a complex and morally gray character.