Summary
- House of the Dragon dives into the intricate Dance of Dragons, filled with ruthless murders and political scheming, faithful to the book.
- Changes in the show, like focusing on Daemon in Harrenhal, add complexity while honoring George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood narrative.
- The tragic consequences of greed and power are vividly depicted in the conflict, emphasizing the human nature of maneuvering through conflict.
As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s works, I must say that the Dance of Dragons portrayed in House of The Dragon has been nothing short of captivating. Being a history buff myself, I find the parallels between the fictional conflict and real-life power struggles to be both fascinating and alarming.
In the second season of my favorite show, “House of the Dragon,” we delve into the turbulent start of the infamous “Dance of Dragons.” This period is marked by needless killings, intricate scheming, and deteriorating sanity among its characters. Remaining true to the book for the most part, significant occurrences like “The Battle of Rook’s Rest” and notable figures such as the Dragonseeds have been skillfully incorporated into the narrative.
Instead of sticking strictly to George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood,” the show has made some adjustments. For instance, it delves deeper into Daemon (Matt Smith)’s storyline at Harrenhal, and Rhaena Targaryen’s (Phoebe Campbell) experiences in The Vale. These alterations have left fans puzzled about the series’ departure from the original story.
Despite the challenge, the show remains committed to both preserving the spirit of the story penned by Martin, and steering clear of the negative response seen in the later seasons of Game of Thrones. If they stick to the books, this could very likely be the course the series takes.
Fire and Blood, at a Glance
The book titled “Fire And Blood” is a compilation of narratives penned by different maesters, each adding their unique perspectives that shape the chronological unfolding of events. This work delves into the rich history of House Targaryen, offering historical anecdotes on the rise and decline of the Valyrian Freehold, the Targaryens’ dominion prior to and post the fall, as well as their pivotal role in forging the Seven Kingdoms. One such significant event recounted is the infamous “Dance of Dragons,” a civil war extensively covered in the chronicles known as the “House of the Dragon.”
In the realm of film appreciation, it’s no secret that the uncertain line of succession following the demise of King Viserys I (Paddy Considine) was bound to ignite a conflagration. This clash, as anticipated, erupted between supporters of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and those loyal to King Aegon Targaryen (Tom-Glynn Carney).
In the heat of the struggle for the Iron Throne, the book vividly portrays how arrogance, contempt for women, and an unquenchable desire for total control shattered the illusion that made House Targaryen seem divinely appointed monarchs.
Beyond Fire and Blood
In my perspective as a movie reviewer, while the chilling murders of Lucerys Velaryon (Elliott Grihault) and Jahaerys Targaryen have undeniably sparked heightened tension, the exact instigation point of The Dance itself remains a topic of discussion.
In the opinion of some, the murder and its repercussions mark the start of events, while others argue that Otto Hightower (played by Rhys Ifans), a man known for his ambitious yet sinister nature, had been planting seeds of conflict much earlier by casting doubt about Rhaenyra’s right to the throne at court.
Some propose that the course of history could have been altered had Rhaenys (Eve Best) been crowned queen rather than Viserys. The tantalizing speculation sparked by the Dance of Dragons fuels the imaginative scenarios that enthusiasts dream up.
Yet, with a rulership reminiscent of the Mandate of Heaven, it appears that House Targaryen’s power could inevitably lead to civil unrest and the ensuing turmoil throughout the realm.
Changes made to the story, such as Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra’s age differences and the unforgettable jousting tourney that saw the beginning of the Blacks and The Greens offer a different glance into the conflict, but the conditions necessary for war have already been written on the wall due to the infantilization of women in Westeros, the secrecy behind the Prince That Was Promised, and the egos that fill up the royal court.
How Does the Dance of Dragons End in the Books?
Regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, the TV series has deviated in portraying the characters and their backgrounds before and during the war. While the books emphasize the ruthless nature of the warring queens and their supporters, the show instead focuses on the misogynistic society that marginalizes Rhaenyra and Alicent while favoring men like Aegon, Aemond, and Daemon.
The show illustrates instances where both Rhaenyra and Alicen exploit their positions near the throne, causing harm to those around them and the commoners. It offers a complex perspective on their involvement in the civil war, making them examples for contemporary debates about the pitfalls of choice feminism and its potential impact on social class.
The arrogance of House Targaryen is being scrutinized, with Rhaenyra and Alicent merely representing two sides of the same coin. Their actions – such as the Greens questioning the divine nature of dragons after Meleys’ demise, or the Blacks relying on dragon blood – undermine their right to rule. This is because their selfish desires have tarnished their claims to the throne and have led them, along with their dragons, precariously close to oblivion.
In the aftermath of the Dance of Dragons, a time marked by disappointed commoners and traitorous individuals within both parties, the House Targaryen appears to have struggled significantly and possibly not regained its former strength.
The Lasting Impact of the War’s Conclusion
As per “Fire And Blood”, the Blacks exploit the arrogance of The Greens, particularly Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), launching an attack on King’s Landing. However, this assault ends tragically for Aemond as he falls into a trap set by Daemon within Harrenhal. Initially, the common people support Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. Yet, high taxes and her association with Queen Haelena’s (Phia Sabian) death spark widespread rebellion among the populace.
Additionally, Rhaenyra’s growing mistrust is fueled by the treachery of the Velaryons and the dragonseed line. In an attempt to escape the approaching green army and rebellious commoners, she seeks refuge on Dragonstone island. However, her trust is again broken when Ser Alfred Broome, in a cruel twist, delivers her as food to Aegon and Sunfyre.
Although Aegon, Rhaenyra’s son, was crowned king, marking the formal conclusion of the Dance of Dragons, internal strife persisted as even Aegon fell victim to treachery within his own ranks, leaving House Targaryen reeling from years of conflict and deceit that had eroded their once formidable image and legacy.
No One Wins When the Family Feuds
Though Aegon and Rhaenyra’s struggle for the throne ends with a decisive victor, labeling their triumph as absolute is an oversimplification. Beyond determining who sits on the throne after the battle, the Dance of Dragons serves as a stark depiction of war’s tragedy and the destructive power of greed. Once united souls found themselves bitterly divided in pursuit of power.
To clarify, the legend that grants the Targaryen dynasty a divine right to rule is debunked. Instead of being respected and safeguarded, dragons are now viewed negatively. As a result, it appears that Westeros was not adequately prepared for the approaching white walker threat, as the Dance of Dragons may have weakened its defenses.
In “House of the Dragon,” some viewers might find the pacing challenging, but fans are following beloved characters as they undertake crucial journeys that break their preconceived notions. Far from being in spite of their upbringing, these experiences – such as Alicent’s absence from King’s Landing, Daemon’s time in Harrenhal, and Aemond’s power struggles – are key elements shaping the monstrous leaders who bring destruction to the realm, whether on land, sea, or air.
In this latest season, we see a realistic portrayal of how people navigate and negotiate conflicts. Each move in the war is a mix of noble goals, selfish desires, and blatant wickedness, making “The Dance of Dragons” both highlight the devastating effects of unchecked arrogance and invite viewers to draw meaningful comparisons between fictional characters and those who influence our daily lives.
If the creators manage to preserve the core spirit of George R.R. Martin’s epic tale, whether through minor adjustments or major overhauls, I firmly believe that the final season will resonate beautifully with the novel’s themes and honor his intention of portraying “the human heart in conflict with itself.”
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2024-08-06 00:32