50 Fun Facts About House of the Dragon

Approximately how many years before the events of *Game of Thrones* is *House of the Dragon* set?

House of the Dragon takes place nearly 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, chronicling the beginning of the end for House Targaryen.

Which book by George R.R. Martin serves as the primary source material for *House of the Dragon*?

The series is based on George R.R. Martin's 2018 novel *Fire & Blood*, a fictional history of the Targaryen dynasty.

The central conflict of *House of the Dragon* is known by what name?

The show portrays the events leading up to a devastating war of succession within House Targaryen, known as the 'Dance of the Dragons'.

Who did King Viserys I initially name as his successor to the Iron Throne?

After the death of his wife and infant son, King Viserys I named his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, as his heir, breaking a century of tradition.

What is the name of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen's dragon?

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen is bonded with the golden dragon Syrax, who is one of the most formidable dragons on her side during the Dance.

Which dragon is bonded with Prince Daemon Targaryen?

Prince Daemon Targaryen rides the red dragon known as Caraxes, also called the 'Blood Wyrm'.

What position did Ser Otto Hightower hold under King Viserys I?

Ser Otto Hightower served as the Hand of the King to King Viserys I, a position of immense power and influence.

*House of the Dragon* is loosely inspired by a period of English history known as what?

George R.R. Martin drew inspiration for the succession crisis in *House of the Dragon* from a 12th-century period of English history called 'The Anarchy', which involved a struggle for the throne between a man and a woman.

St Michael's Mount in Cornwall, England, served as a filming location for which ancestral seat?

The scenic St Michael's Mount was used to depict Driftmark, the ancestral seat of House Velaryon.

Which powerful seafaring house, known for its wealth and navy, is closely allied with House Targaryen at the start of the series?

House Velaryon, led by Lord Corlys 'the Sea Snake' Velaryon, is a powerful Valyrian house with a formidable navy and vast wealth, making them a crucial ally to the Targaryens.

How many children did Queen Alicent Hightower have with King Viserys I?

Queen Alicent Hightower and King Viserys I had four children together: Aegon II, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron.

How did Lady Laena Velaryon choose to die?

Lady Laena Velaryon, facing a fatal childbirth, chose a dragonrider's death by commanding her dragon Vhagar to burn her.

After a pivotal event, Ser Criston Cole shifts his allegiance to which character?

Following the royal wedding and a public confrontation, Ser Criston Cole, once Rhaenyra's sworn shield, pledges his loyalty to Queen Alicent Hightower.

What is the name of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen's dragon?

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, known as 'The Queen Who Never Was', rides the formidable red dragon Meleys.

Which dragon was responsible for the death of Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax?

In a tragic confrontation, Prince Aemond Targaryen, riding the ancient dragon Vhagar, caused the death of Lucerys Velaryon and his smaller dragon, Arrax.

Which historically cursed castle becomes a temporary seat for Daemon Targaryen and a significant location in the civil war?

Harrenhal, a massive and notoriously cursed castle in the Riverlands, is occupied by Prince Daemon Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons.

In 101 AC, a Great Council was called to determine the heir to which king?

The Great Council of 101 AC was convened by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen to settle the succession, ultimately choosing Viserys as his heir over Rhaenys Targaryen.

How many times does Prince Daemon Targaryen marry throughout the series, including his political unions?

Prince Daemon Targaryen marries three times: first to Lady Rhea Royce, then to Lady Laena Velaryon, and finally to his niece, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

What kind of affliction does King Viserys I suffer from, which slowly deteriorates his health?

King Viserys I Targaryen suffers from a progressive wasting disease that visibly deteriorates his body over the course of the series.

What is the nickname given to the City Watch of King's Landing, famously commanded by Prince Daemon Targaryen?

The City Watch of King's Landing is famously known as the 'Gold Cloaks' due to their distinctive attire, and Prince Daemon Targaryen once commanded them.

Which House's words are 'We Light the Way'?

The words 'We Light the Way' belong to House Hightower, one of the most ancient and powerful houses in Westeros, based in Oldtown.

Before Aemond Targaryen claimed it, which dragon was previously ridden by Lady Laena Velaryon?

Vhagar, the largest living dragon at the time, was previously ridden by Lady Laena Velaryon before her death, after which Prince Aemond Targaryen claimed her.

What Valyrian steel sword does Prince Daemon Targaryen wield?

Prince Daemon Targaryen is known for wielding the ancestral Valyrian steel sword, Dark Sister.

Which character is nicknamed 'the Sea Snake'?

Lord Corlys Velaryon, a renowned seafarer and explorer, is famously known as 'the Sea Snake'.

The funeral of Queen Aemma Arryn and her son, Prince Baelon, was filmed in the green hills of which English county?

The funeral scenes for Queen Aemma Arryn and Prince Baelon were filmed in the green hills of Hartland in Devon, United Kingdom.

What is the sigil of House Targaryen?

The sigil of House Targaryen is a three-headed red dragon on a black field, representing Aegon the Conqueror and his two sister-wives.

Which character is known as 'the Queen Who Never Was'?

Princess Rhaenys Targaryen was famously passed over for the Iron Throne in favor of her cousin Viserys, earning her the moniker 'the Queen Who Never Was'.

Which city in Spain was used to portray parts of King's Landing?

The medieval city of Cáceres in western Spain, along with Trujillo, were used as filming locations for scenes depicting King's Landing.

What is the name of the dragon ridden by Prince Jacaerys Velaryon?

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, the eldest son of Princess Rhaenyra, rides the green dragon Vermax.

Who is the younger brother of King Viserys I?

Prince Daemon Targaryen is the younger, often unpredictable, brother of King Viserys I.

What prophecy, known only to Targaryen kings, does Viserys share with Rhaenyra?

King Viserys I reveals to Rhaenyra the secret Targaryen prophecy, passed down through generations, known as 'The Song of Ice and Fire', which speaks of a threat from the North.

Which character is known as 'the Rogue Prince'?

Prince Daemon Targaryen's unpredictable and often rebellious behavior earned him the nickname 'the Rogue Prince'.

Who is the Hand of the Queen for Rhaenyra Targaryen?

Prince Daemon Targaryen eventually serves as Hand of the Queen to his wife, Rhaenyra Targaryen.

What is the name of Queen Helaena Targaryen's dragon?

Queen Helaena Targaryen is bonded with the dragon Dreamfyre.

Which character is known for their cryptic prophecies and interest in insects?

Princess Helaena Targaryen, daughter of Viserys and Alicent, is known for her fascination with insects and her occasional prophetic statements.

Which character is nicknamed 'the Clubfoot'?

Lord Larys Strong, known for his cunning and manipulative nature, is nicknamed 'the Clubfoot'.

What event causes King Viserys to officially name Rhaenyra as his heir?

The death of Queen Aemma Arryn and their infant son during childbirth leaves King Viserys I without a male heir, prompting him to name Rhaenyra as his successor.

Which Targaryen prince famously loses an eye in a confrontation with Lucerys Velaryon?

Prince Aemond Targaryen loses an eye in a fight with Lucerys Velaryon when they are children, leading to a deep-seated animosity.

Who plays the adult version of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen?

Emma D'Arcy portrays the adult version of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Who plays the adult version of Queen Alicent Hightower?

Olivia Cooke portrays the adult version of Queen Alicent Hightower.

What is the name of the white-haired mistress of Prince Daemon Targaryen, often called 'the White Worm'?

Mysaria, a Lysene dancer and Daemon Targaryen's mistress, is known by the moniker 'the White Worm'.

Which house's ancestral seat is Dragonstone?

Dragonstone is the ancient ancestral seat of House Targaryen.

Which character is initially King Viserys' Hand but is later dismissed due to his political machinations?

Ser Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, serves as King Viserys' Hand but is dismissed due to his persistent plotting against Rhaenyra's succession.

The war over which disputed territory reignites early in the series, involving Daemon Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon?

The war for control of the Stepstones, a strategically important chain of islands, is a key early conflict involving Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon.

Which character is known as 'the Realm's Delight' in their youth?

In her younger years, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was beloved by the court and citizens, earning her the moniker 'the Realm's Delight'.

Which character is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the beginning of the series?

Ser Harrold Westerling serves as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard at the beginning of *House of the Dragon*.

Which character is the Master of Laws and later Hand of the King to Viserys I?

Lord Lyonel Strong serves as Master of Laws and later as Hand of the King to Viserys I after Otto Hightower's dismissal.

Which character does Ser Laenor Velaryon secretly have a romantic relationship with?

Ser Laenor Velaryon maintains a clandestine romantic relationship with Ser Joffrey Lonmouth.

What is the name of the Valyrian steel dagger that plays a significant role in Targaryen prophecies?

The Valyrian steel Catspaw Dagger, used in an assassination attempt on Bran Stark in *Game of Thrones*, is shown to have been important to the Targaryens and their prophecy in *House of the Dragon*.

Which character is the Commander of the City Watch of King's Landing, affectionately known as 'Breakbones'?

Ser Harwin Strong, known for his immense strength, serves as the Commander of the City Watch and is nicknamed 'Breakbones'.