In the climactic tenth episode of House of the Dragon, titled “The Black Queen,” any lingering hope for a peaceful succession crumbles as Rhaenyra Targaryen, pregnant and grieving the loss of her father, finally embraces her claim to the Iron Throne. The episode culminates in a fateful encounter between Aemond Targaryen and Lucerys Velaryon above Storm’s End, tragically triggering the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating civil war that will engulf Westeros.
The Coronation and its Aftermath
News of King Viserys I Targaryen’s death and Aegon II Targaryen’s coronation, orchestrated by Alicent Hightower and the Green Council, reaches Dragonstone. Rhaenyra, in the throes of labor, suffers the further loss of her stillborn daughter, Visenya, a grief compounded by the betrayal of the Hightowers.
Rhaenyra’s Ascension
Despite her immense sorrow, Rhaenyra is crowned Queen on Dragonstone, inheriting the crown worn by Jaehaerys the Wise. Daemon, ever the pragmatist, places Viserys I’s crown upon her head, signifying her claim’s legitimacy in the eyes of House Targaryen. This symbolic act is crucial in establishing Rhaenyra as a rightful ruler, though it’s clear that her ascent is met with resistance from within.
A Divided Kingdom
The episode showcases the clear division of Westeros. Some houses, like the Velaryons and the Starks, pledge their allegiance to Rhaenyra and the Black Council. Others remain loyal to Aegon II and the Greens. This split highlights the fragility of the Targaryen dynasty and the deep-seated resentment simmering beneath the surface. The seeds of war are sown, promising a period of unprecedented bloodshed and political upheaval.
The Quest for Allies
Both Rhaenyra and Aegon understand that winning the war requires securing powerful allies. Rhaenyra dispatches her sons, Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon, to different regions of Westeros to rally support for her claim.
Lucerys’ Mission to Storm’s End
Lucerys is tasked with delivering a message to Lord Borros Baratheon at Storm’s End. However, he arrives to find Aemond Targaryen already present, seeking an alliance for Aegon II. Borros, sensing an opportunity, offers his allegiance in exchange for a marriage alliance, which Lucerys is unable to provide due to being betrothed.
A Deadly Encounter
The episode’s climax centers on the volatile encounter between Lucerys and Aemond. Aemond, fueled by years of resentment and a thirst for vengeance after losing an eye to Lucerys as a child, demands Lucerys pluck out one of his own eyes as repayment. Lucerys, bound by his mother’s orders to avoid conflict, refuses and leaves Storm’s End.
The Chase and its Tragic End
Ignoring Borros’ explicit instructions against violence, Aemond pursues Lucerys on Vhagar, the largest and most powerful dragon in the world, despite Lucerys flying Arrax, a young and inexperienced dragon. The ensuing aerial battle is short but devastating. Arrax, reacting to Vhagar’s aggression, breathes fire, sparking a full-blown conflict. Despite Aemond’s apparent initial control, Vhagar, old and powerful, acts on her own instinct, killing Lucerys and Arrax. This act of unauthorized aggression shatters any remaining hope for diplomacy and seals the fate of the realm.
The Weight of War
The episode concludes with Rhaenyra receiving news of Lucerys’ death, the pain and fury etched across her face. The death of her son is the catalyst that transforms her from a reluctant queen into a war leader. The Dance of the Dragons has officially begun, and Westeros is poised to descend into chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the events in “The Black Queen,” designed to provide deeper insights into the characters, plot, and implications for the future.
FAQ 1: Why didn’t Rhaenyra just attack King’s Landing immediately?
Rhaenyra, despite her claim and her dragons, exercises restraint. A direct assault on King’s Landing, a densely populated city, would result in significant civilian casualties, undermining her image as a just ruler and potentially alienating potential allies. She also lacks full information on Aegon’s forces and strategy. She prioritizes consolidating her power base and securing alliances before engaging in full-scale war. Her initial focus is on strength, not immediate carnage.
FAQ 2: Why does Daemon put Viserys I’s crown on Rhaenyra?
Daemon understands the importance of symbolism and tradition. Placing Viserys’s crown on Rhaenyra’s head is a powerful statement, legitimizing her claim in the eyes of those who value lineage and established customs. It visually demonstrates that she is the rightful heir, carrying on the legacy of her father and the previous Targaryen monarchs. It is also a subtle power play, demonstrating his unwavering support for her claim.
FAQ 3: Was Aemond actually trying to kill Lucerys?
The question of Aemond’s intentions is deliberately ambiguous. While he initially claims to only want Lucerys’ eye as repayment for the one he lost, his relentless pursuit on Vhagar suggests a more sinister motive. Although he appeared to try to regain control of Vhagar, the dragon’s actions ultimately resulted in Lucerys’ death. Whether or not he intended to kill Lucerys, he is undeniably responsible for the tragedy.
FAQ 4: Why did Borros Baratheon even entertain Aemond and Lucerys?
Lord Borros Baratheon is portrayed as an opportunistic and pragmatic ruler. He is willing to align himself with whomever offers the most advantageous alliance. By considering both sides, he can leverage their desperation to secure the best possible marriage arrangement for his daughters, strengthening his own position regardless of who ultimately wins the war.
FAQ 5: Why didn’t Lucerys just fight Aemond?
Lucerys was explicitly ordered by Rhaenyra to avoid violence at all costs. She wanted to present herself as the reasonable and diplomatic option. Engaging Aemond in combat would have contradicted that image and potentially risked alienating Lord Borros. Furthermore, Lucerys was significantly outmatched. Arrax was a young dragon, and Lucerys was an inexperienced rider facing Aemond and Vhagar, a dragon of immense power and size.
FAQ 6: How powerful is Vhagar compared to the other dragons?
Vhagar is, without a doubt, one of the most formidable dragons in Westeros’s history. Being ridden by Visenya Targaryen in Aegon’s Conquest, she is significantly larger and more powerful than most other dragons featured in the series. Her age and size give her a distinct advantage in aerial combat, making her a terrifying weapon in the Dance of the Dragons. Vhagar’s raw power makes her a game-changer on the battlefield.
FAQ 7: What does Lucerys’ death mean for Rhaenyra?
The death of Lucerys is a devastating blow to Rhaenyra, both personally and politically. It hardens her resolve and transforms her into a war leader determined to avenge her son and secure her claim to the Iron Throne. It removes any remaining hesitation and fuels her determination to win the war at any cost. It also likely ensures that Daemon’s more brutal and aggressive tendencies will be given freer rein.
FAQ 8: What will be the immediate consequences of Lucerys’ death?
Lucerys’s death will immediately escalate the conflict. Expect Rhaenyra to launch a retaliatory strike against the Greens, possibly targeting key figures or strategic locations. The war will become more brutal and less concerned with diplomacy as both sides are driven by grief and vengeance.
FAQ 9: How does this differ from the book, Fire & Blood?
Fire & Blood, written from the perspective of a historical text, offers conflicting accounts of events, leaving room for interpretation. The show provides a more definitive portrayal, choosing to depict Aemond’s intentions as ambiguous while emphasizing Vhagar’s independent action. The show clarifies some details, adds emotional depth, and streamlines certain aspects of the story for television. The book provides multiple perspectives, while the series offers a specific narrative.
FAQ 10: Who are Rhaenyra’s most important allies now?
Currently, Rhaenyra’s most vital allies are the Velaryons, whose naval power and command of the sea is strategically critical, and the Starks, whose loyalty provides her with a powerful ally in the North and access to Northern resources. Her continued success relies heavily on her ability to maintain these alliances.
FAQ 11: What are the Greens’ immediate plans now that war has started?
Now that open war has begun, the Greens will likely focus on consolidating their control over King’s Landing, securing their supply lines, and neutralizing any potential threats within the city. They will need to prepare for Rhaenyra’s inevitable retaliation and devise a strategy to defend the Iron Throne. They will also likely seek to further strengthen their alliances.
FAQ 12: How does the death of Lucerys impact the rest of the series?
The tragic death of Lucerys establishes the tone and stakes for the rest of House of the Dragon. It signals that no character is safe and that the consequences of war are devastating. It sets the stage for a brutal and complex conflict where the lines between good and evil become increasingly blurred. It will likely result in decisions and events that dramatically shape the future of Westeros, long after the Dance of the Dragons concludes. The ripple effects will be felt for generations to come.