The iconic theme song of Game of Thrones can be recognized anywhere in the world. The series changed television forever, especially drama and fantasy shows. So, when the series’ final season aired to the disappointment of many fans, the epic journey in Westeros seemed to have come to an end. That’s where House of the Dragon comes in.
Following one of the biggest families of this world, the Targaryens, the audience gets to see them in their prime: 200 years before the original series starts. Just like Game of Thrones, the new series is based on books written by George R. R. Martin, who is one of the executive producers of the show. As in the original series, there are various characters involved in the political game in House of the Dragon, so much so that HBO has a Targaryen family tree available on their website. But beware that there may be spoilers in the family tree if you are not up-to-date with the show.
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Two centuries before Game of Thrones, House Targaryen (and their dragons) ruled the Seven Kingdoms. But, the game of thrones is never an easy one, even for one of the most powerful families in all of Westeros. Here is a character and cast guide for the new show set in Westeros, so that the first episodes are not as confusing as they can be.
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen
HBO
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is the protagonist of the show. The character is portrayed by two actresses: Milly Alcock plays the princess when she is younger and Emma D’Arcy when the character is older. The princess is the daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen. Because she is the firstborn of the king, she should be the one that gets the Iron Throne when he dies; but since she is a woman, is not a simple matter. The realm is not too fond of having a queen ruling. Her journey toward power and the Iron Throne is not unchallenging, but her scarcity mindset combined with her strong temper make Rhaenyra a powerful contender to be the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.
King Viserys I Targaryen
King Vyserys I Targaryen, played by Paddy Considine, is the king of Westeros at the beginning of the series. He comes from a long lineage of conquerer kings, all from the house of the dragon. The king is married to Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke), who has failed to give him a son. The royal couple continued to try to have a son, even if that puts her life at risk. Viserys was chosen by the Lords of Westeros to be the ruler over his older cousin, Rhaenys Targaryen which caused some friction in the family. His kingdom has been pacific, by peace only lasts for some time before everything begins to crumble.
Daemon Targaryen
Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith, is the brother of the king. He is the rightful heir to the throne: due to the king only having a daughter. Daemon is ruthless, violent, and doesn’t care for being polite or political – that’s until he has his eye on the prize, the Iron Throne. His biggest problem is that most don’t see him fit to rule, mostly due to his temper and history of bad decisions. He is the commander of the City Watch.
Rhaenys Targaryen
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, played by Eve Best, is known by most as ’the Queen Who Never Was.’ She has the rightful air to the throne after her grandfather, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, but since she was discarded by the Lords of Westeros and her cousin was chosen to rule. That was when she gained her mock title. She is married to a powerful Lord, Corlys Velaryon, and has two children.
Corlys Velaryon
Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Touissant, is the head of a prominent house, the Velaryons. He was an astute sea explorer in his youth, receiving the title of ‘Sea Snake.’ He is an intelligent and ambitious man that is the owner of one of the largest navies, which contributes to his power in court. He and the king often disagree on how to deal with the problems that arise, but he remains loyal to the crown. That is mostly because he seeks to give his wife, in some way, what was taken from her: the throne.
Otto Hightower
Otto Hightower, played by Rhys Ifans, is the Hand of king Viserys. He is a knight of the Hightower House and the old and noble houses of the realm. He is Viserys’ most trusted advisor, but he must be careful to not place his ambitions in the way of the king’s decisions. He is the father of Alicent Hightower, who is princess’ Rhaenyra’s close friend. The Hand heavily dislikes Deamon, and the feeling is mutual. He is one of the most assertive politicians that think the king’s brother is not fit to rule.
Alicent Hightower
Alicent Hightower becomes a powerful player in the game of thrones. The character is also played by two actresses: Emily Carey plays the young version of the lady, and Olivia Cook plays her when she is older. She was raised in the Red Keep and is, if not the most, one of the closest friends the princess has. However, she and her father have a plan of their own – and that involves having a better title than Lady. She is described as one of the most beautiful ladies in all of Westeros.
Criston Cole
Criston Cole, played by Fabian Frankel, is a common-born knight of Dornish descent. He captures the princess’ attention when he beats her uncle in a tournament. This is only the beginning of their relationship, which starts to quickly develop the moment they begin to spend more time together.
