Through all listed episodes — ongoing or ending not confirmed
Coverage is limited to the scope described in this write-up. Recording changes, further installments or an unwritten ending may remain outside it.
Season 1
S1E1 · The Heirs of the Dragon
With both his sons dead, old King Jaehaerys I Targaryen convenes a Great Council to choose an heir. The Westerosi lords select Jaehaerys's eldest grandson, Prince Viserys, over Princess Rhaenys, the eldest grandchild. Nine years later, King Viserys organizes a tournament to celebrate Queen Aemma Arryn's pregnancy, confident she carries his long-awaited male heir. The Small Council disregards Master of Ships Lord Corlys Velaryon's warning that the Triarchy, an alliance of Essos's Free Cities, threatens to cripple Westerosi shipping lanes. Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower, criticizes Viserys's brother and heir, Prince Daemon, for his brutality as the City Watch commander, in response to Daemon and his men dismembering and/or murdering seemingly random commonfolk. At the tournament, Ser Criston Cole, a young common-born knight, outcompetes Daemon. Meanwhile, Viserys sacrifices Aemma in childbirth, authorizing a C-section. Their newborn son, Baelon, then dies. Viserys refuses the council's pleas to appoint a new heir until Otto reveals that Daemon mockingly styled Baelon as "The Heir for a Day." Outraged, Viserys banishes Daemon from King's Landing and appoints his only living child, Princess Rhaenyra, heir to the Iron Throne, revealing to her Aegon the Conqueror's dream that inspired him to unify Westeros.
S1E2 · The Rogue Prince
Six months later, Daemon has illegally occupied Castle Dragonstone. Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar, known as the Crabfeeder, menaces the Stepstones archipelago at the Essos Triarchy's behest. The Small Council dismisses Rhaenyra's suggestion to show force and instead relegates her to appoint a new Kingsguard knight. Ignoring others' advice, she chooses Criston, the only knight with actual battle experience. Ser Otto sends his teenage daughter, Lady Alicent, to console the grieving king; she advises Viserys to discuss his kingly duty to remarry with Rhaenyra. Lord Corlys and his wife, Princess Rhaenys, propose that Viserys unite their Valyrian houses by marrying their twelve-year-old daughter, Laena. Meanwhile, the Small Council learns that Daemon, proclaiming himself the true heir, stole a dragon egg and intends to marry his mistress, Mysaria, as a secondary spouse. Otto and a small detachment sail to Dragonstone to retrieve the egg. Rhaenyra follows on her dragon, Syrax, and forces Daemon to renounce his false claims and return the egg. Viserys announces his intention to wed Alicent, angering Corlys, who proposes an alliance with Daemon.
S1E3 · Second of His Name
For three years, Lord Corlys and Prince Daemon have battled the Crabfeeder and his forces in the Stepstones without the Iron Throne's support. Meanwhile, King Viserys plans a great hunt to celebrate his and pregnant Queen Alicent's son Aegon's second birthday. Rhaenyra resents her father's excessive attention towards her half-brother, Aegon. The ailing king insists that Rhaenyra, now seventeen, must marry to form a strong alliance and protect their lineage. Many suitors are considered, including two-year-old Prince Aegon. Lord Lyonel Strong recommends Ser Laenor Velaryon, Lord Corlys's son, as a potential match to mend the rift between the two houses. Overcoming previous doubts, Viserys assures Rhaenyra she remains his heir and can choose her consort. Meanwhile, brothers Hobert and Otto Hightower secretly scheme to make Aegon the successor, furthering their family's power and prestige. After Ser Vaemond Velaryon pleads for the king's help, Viserys sends aid to the Stepstones. Seeing his brother's support as ending his chance to prove himself, Daemon acts as bait to ambush and kill the Crabfeeder, winning the ensuing battle before the crown's forces arrive.
S1E4 · King of the Narrow Sea
After an unsuccessful months-long tour to choose a consort, Rhaenyra returns to King's Landing. Daemon also returns after conquering most of the Stepstones. Now called "King of the Narrow Sea", Daemon swears allegiance to Viserys and hands over his crown. As the reunited brothers celebrate, Alicent and Rhaenyra reconcile. After dark, Daemon and Rhaenyra sneak out to explore King's Landing, attend a bawdy play, and visit a brothel. Daemon seduces a willing Rhaenyra, but unable to consummate their affair, he abandons her there. Returning to the Red Keep, Rhaenyra seduces Criston. Informed by the White Worm's spy, Otto informs the king about Daemon and Rhaenyra's carousing. Alicent overhears and privately questions Rhaenyra, who swears she is still a maid. Viserys confronts a hungover and disheveled Daemon, who seemingly confirms the rumors and proposes that he wed Rhaenyra. Viserys claims Daemon only wants the crown and exiles him to the Vale. To avoid scandal and strengthen the throne, Viserys orders Rhaenyra to marry Laenor. Viserys dismisses Otto as his Hand after Rhaenyra accuses Otto of manipulating him for his personal gain. Grand Maester Mellos gives Rhaenyra a precautionary abortifacient tea at Viserys' request.
S1E5 · We Light the Way
In the Vale, Daemon murders his wife, Lady Rhea Royce. Before departing King's Landing, Ser Otto warns Queen Alicent that Rhaenyra becoming queen would make Alicent's two sons a threat to the crown. Rhaenyra and Laenor are betrothed, mollifying Lord Corlys. Understanding Laenor's homosexuality, Rhaenyra proposes fulfilling their royal duties to produce heirs, then pursue their own lovers. Criston is humiliated when Rhaenyra declines his proposal to elope to Essos and assume new identities; she prefers their current sexual liaison. Alicent questions Criston about Rhaenyra and Daemon, but after misunderstanding, he confesses to being Rhaenyra's lover. During Rhaenyra and Laenor's betrothal celebration, Alicent enters, interrupting Viserys's speech, wearing a green gown, the signal color for House Hightower's call to arms. Daemon also unexpectedly attends. Confronted by Rhea's cousin, Daemon denies murdering her and wishes to assert his claim to inherit her lands. Laenor's lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, surmises Criston is Rhaenyra's paramour. When Criston believes Joffrey is threatening blackmail, he brutally kills him, devastating Laenor and horrifying guests. Rhaenyra and Laenor are privately wed late that night. Viserys collapses after the ceremony. Alicent intervenes as a disgraced Criston is about to commit suicide.
S1E6 · The Princess and the Queen
Ten years later, Rhaenyra has three sons: Jacaerys ("Jace"), Lucerys ("Luke"), and newborn Joffrey. All lack the signature Valyrian platinum hair, but King Viserys rejects Queen Alicent's assertion that Ser Laenor is not their father. Alicent tells Aegon that, as Viserys's firstborn son, he must prepare to dispute Rhaenyra's claim to the throne. Daemon and his wife, Laena Velaryon, reside in Pentos with their daughters Baela and Rhaena. The prince of Pentos offers them a lordship in exchange for an alliance against a resurgent Triarchy. After agonizing labor leaves her unable to give birth, Laena commands her dragon, Vhagar, to incinerate her. Criston, now serving Alicent, goads Ser Harwin Strong into attacking him by implying Harwin fathered Rhaenyra's children. To ease family strife, Rhaenyra proposes that Jace marry Helaena, Alicent's daughter; Alicent refuses. Lord Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King, escorts his son Harwin to Harrenhal Castle. It is implied that Harwin fathered Rhaenyra's sons. Alicent confides to Lyonel's younger son, Larys, that she wishes her father, Ser Otto, was still the King's Hand. Larys recruits three criminals to set a fire at Harrenhal, killing Lyonel and Harwin. Rhaenyra moves her household to Dragonstone, also bringing Laenor's lover, Ser Qarl Correy.
S1E7 · Driftmark
King Viserys and his court attend Lady Laena's funeral in Driftmark. Viserys fails to reconcile with Daemon, but Rhaenyra and Daemon reunite and have sex. Prince Aemond claims Vhagar as his dragon, causing an altercation with his cousins and nephews in which Luke slashes Aemond's eye with a knife. As revenge, Queen Alicent lunges at Luke with Viserys's Valyrian steel dagger. Rhaenyra blocks Alicent but injures herself. Viserys decrees that anyone claiming Rhaenyra's sons are bastards will be punished. Later, Otto Hightower, who has been reinstated as Hand of the King, assures Alicent they will prevail, while Rhaenyra and Daemon unite against Alicent and her family. Qarl appears to murder Laenor, leaving behind a charred body. Daemon and Rhaenyra privately marry in the old Valyrian Dragonlord tradition to perpetuate the Targaryen bloodline. Laenor, having faked his death, escapes Driftmark with Qarl.
S1E8 · The Lord of the Tides
Six years later, Lord Corlys Velaryon is wounded fighting in the Stepstones. His brother, Ser Vaemond, petitions King's Landing to name him Corlys's heir, asserting Rhaenyra's sons are illegitimate. To defend their claim, Rhaenyra and Daemon return to the capital. King Viserys is now bedridden, disfigured, and mentally muddled. Queen Alicent and the king's Hand, Otto Hightower, oversee all royal matters. Alicent covers up Prince Aegon's rape of a handmaiden. Rhaenyra proposes two marriage arrangements with House Velaryon to gain Princess Rhaenys's support. She implores Viserys to defend her succession, quoting Aegon the Conqueror's dream about the Prince That Was Promised. Vaemond's petition is presented at court, and Viserys reaffirms Luke's position as the heir to Driftmark. Daemon beheads Vaemond when he denounces Rhaenyra and her children. The family appears to reconcile during a feast, but Aemond later incites a fight. Meanwhile, Alicent's lady-in-waiting, Talya, regularly provides Daemon's former mistress, Mysaria, with information. Viserys, near death and mistaking Alicent for Rhaenyra, mutters parts of Aegon the Conqueror's dream, which Alicent mistakenly believes refers to Prince Aegon.
S1E9 · The Green Council
After Viserys's death, Ser Otto and the Small Council plot to crown Prince Aegon. Criston unintentionally kills Lord Beesbury, who opposed the scheme. Kingsguard Lord Commander Harrold Westerling resigns in protest. Otto keeps Viserys's death a secret to fortify the council's position, then coerces the noble houses to switch their allegiance to Aegon. Those resisting are imprisoned or hanged. Otto and Alicent discuss whether to kill or exile Rhaenyra and separately rush to find and influence the missing Prince Aegon: Otto sends Kingsguard brothers Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk Cargyll, while Alicent tasks Criston and Prince Aemond. The Cargylls find Aegon first, but Criston and Aemond forcibly take him. Lord Larys tells Alicent that spies, including Lady-in-Waiting Talya, are within the Red Keep. Alicent approves of eliminating the head spy. Alicent persuades a resistant Aegon to claim his birthright. King's Landing citizens are herded into the Dragonpit to witness Aegon's coronation. Princess Rhaenys, refusing to support Aegon's claim, is held captive. Erryk frees her, and she enters the Dragonpit caverns. Astride her dragon, Meleys, she violently breaches the grand hall, causing mayhem, death, and threatening the royals; Rhaenys then flees King's Landing on Meleys.
S1E10 · The Black Queen
Princess Rhaenys arrives on Dragonstone to announce King Viserys's death and Prince Aegon's ascending the throne; the news shocks Rhaenyra into a premature stillbirth. Daemon pressures Rhaenyra to go to war. When Ser Erryk brings Viserys's crown, Rhaenyra is declared queen. Otto presents King Aegon II's terms for Rhaenyra's concession, including retaining her royal title and Dragonstone and her son's rights to inherit Driftmark; Daemon is angered when Rhaenyra considers conceding to unify the realm against the Northern threat foretold by Aegon the Conqueror's dream. Corlys pledges House Velaryon's allegiance to Rhaenyra's "Black" faction; Daemon plans to recruit more dragonriders and awakens a large dragon hibernating in a cave. Princes Jace and Luke are sent as envoys to secure Houses Arryn, Stark, and Baratheon as allies. Luke meets with Lord Borros Baratheon and discovers Prince Aemond is also there to secure the Baratheons as allies for Aegon II. King Aegon II offered Borros a political alliance through marriage between his daughter and Aemond, while Rhaenyra offered nothing. Luke leaves on his dragon, Arrax, but Aemond pursues him on Vhagar. The fractious dragons defy their riders; Arrax burns Vhagar; Vhagar then devours Luke and Arrax, stunning Aemond. Rhaenyra is devastated and enraged upon receiving the news.
Season 2
S2E1 · A Son for a Son
At the Wall, Cregan Stark promises Jace 2,000 troops for Rhaenyra 's forces. Rhaenys, who secured the Velaryons' shipping blockade of the Gullet, refuses Daemon 's command to jointly kill Aemond and Vhagar to avenge Luke. After confirming Luke's death, Rhaenyra demands revenge on Aemond. Aegon II strives to be a benevolent king, but Otto Hightower, his grandfather and Hand, urges restraint regarding the smallfolk to preserve scarce war resources. Aegon brings his precocious young son and heir Jaehaerys to the Small Council for training. Larys exploits Alicent's fears of betrayal. Guilt-ridden over Luke's death, Alicent asks Otto to wage war sparingly. Having survived the brothel fire, Mysaria arrives at Dragonstone and is arrested for treason. Daemon offers her freedom in exchange for help recruiting two assassins. Sneaking into King's Landing, Daemon bribes a ratcatcher called "Cheese" and a City Watch guard nicknamed "Blood" to kill Aemond. Unable to find Aemond in the Red Keep, the two enter Queen Helaena's quarters and instead murder Jaehaerys. Helaena, clutching Jaehaerys' twin sister, Jaehaera, escapes to Alicent's chambers, finding her and Criston Cole having sex.
S2E2 · Rhaenyra the Cruel
Prince Jaehaerys' murder causes chaos; King Aegon hastily assembles his Small Council, wanting revenge on Rhaenyra. Ser Otto suggests a public funeral to tarnish Rhaenyra's image. In the procession, a herald chants, "Rhaenyra the Cruel", as people lining the street express their condolences to Alicent and Helaena. City Watch guard Blood is captured; he confesses to Lord Larys that Daemon hired him and his accomplice, an unknown-to-him ratcatcher. In Dragonstone, Rhaenyra worries her popularity will suffer. Suspecting Daemon ordered Jaehaerys' death if Aemond was absent, Rhaenyra says she no longer trusts him. Daemon then flies to Harrenhal to recruit alliances. Having escaped assassination, Aemond, remorseful over Luke's death, seeks solace at a brothel. Criston orders Arryk to kill Rhaenyra by infiltrating Dragonstone disguised as his twin, Erryk. Rhaenyra grants Mysaria freedom. While departing Dragonstone, Mysaria notices Arryk arriving and notifies a guard. When Arryk enters Rhaenyra's chambers, Erryk bursts in and a fight ensues, ending with Erryk killing his brother. Grief-stricken, Erryk takes his own life. Aegon publicly hangs all ratcatchers, including Cheese, infuriating Otto, who fears a populist revolt. Aegon dismisses Otto as Hand of the King and appoints Criston.
S2E3 · The Burning Mill
In the Riverlands, the feuding Brackens and Blackwoods fight a deadly battle over a minor dispute. To avert war, Rhaenys tells Rhaenyra that Alicent may be reasoned with. Criston proposes a bold plan to conquer Harrenhal; Daemon arrives there first, whereupon Ser Simon Strong, the castellan, pledges allegiance. That night, Daemon dreams that a young Rhaenyra is sewing Jaehaerys' severed head onto his body. Daemon awakens and a strange woman, Alys, foretells his death occurring at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra sends Rhaena, her younger children, and dragon eggs to the Arryns to protect the Targaryen line. Mysaria becomes Rhaenyra's adviser, while Aegon makes Larys his Master of Whisperers. At a brothel, a man named Ulf boasts he is Daemon and King Viserys' bastard half-brother. Arriving at the brothel with his squires, Aegon encounters Aemond with madam Sylvi and cruelly mocks him. After Baela, patrolling on Moondancer, spots Criston's squad en route to Harrenhal, Rhaenyra's councilors urge war with dragons. Instead, Rhaenyra sneaks into King's Landing and secretly meets with Alicent but fails to negotiate a peaceful resolution. She realizes Alicent misunderstood King Viserys' dying words about "Aegon" as concerning Alicent's son Aegon II, not Aegon the Conqueror's dreams.
S2E4 · The Red Dragon and the Gold
Daemon dreams that he decapitates a young Rhaenyra, who accused him of treason. Grand Maester Orwyle prepares Alicent an abortifacient tea. He professes ignorance about whom Viserys named as heir. Criston beheads Lord Gunthor Darklyn of Duskendale, who refused allegiance. Alys Rivers tells Daemon that Harrenhal is haunted. Her potion causes him to hallucinate seeing his deceased wife, Laena Velaryon. Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and agrees to a war using dragons. Rhaenys volunteers herself and her dragon, Meleys. Aegon complains about Aemond and Criston planning battles without him but Alicent dismisses this, says his lacking wisdom and knowledge makes him an inferior king. She advises he can best serve the realm by doing nothing and defer to his advisors. Frustrated and drunk, Aegon flies his dragon, Sunfyre, to Rook's Rest. Rhaenys on Meleys burns Criston's troops while Aemond and Vhagar wait to ambush her. When Aegon and Sunfyre approach, Aemond delays attacking. As Meleys mauls Sunfyre, Aemond flies in and commands Vhagar to burn both dragons. Sunfyre falls with Aegon. Rhaenys and Meleys attack Vhagar, who also falls. As Rhaenys circles above, Vhagar suddenly rises and fatally throttles Meleys, plunging Rhaenys to her death. Criston regains consciousness and finds Aemond, sword drawn, near Aegon, who lies motionless next to the heavily wounded Sunfyre.
S2E5 · Regent
Corlys, Rhaenyra and Baela mourn Rhaenys' death. Criston parades Meleys' head through King's Landing, though the near-starving smallfolk consider it a bad omen. Aegon has survived but is comatose and severely burned, while Sunfyre is near-dead; Criston withholds telling Alicent what truly happened at the battle. Daemon dreams of incest with his mother, who calls him her favorite son. The Small Council reject Alicent's bid as regent and elect Aemond, wanting a male and a dragonrider on the throne. Aemond orders the city gates shut, preventing blacksmith Hugh Hammer and his family from fleeing. Jeyne Arryn tells Rhaena she is disappointed she received two hatchlings rather than a mature dragon. At the Twins, Jace obtains the Freys' allegiance in exchange for Harrenhal. Elinda is sent to King's Landing as a spy and agitator. Daemon declares he will be king once a large army is raised; he orders the Blackwoods to ravage the Brackens and forces their fealty. Alys criticizes Daemon's ruthlessness and the riverlords denounce his atrocities. Rhaenyra laments lacking riders for Vermithor and Silverwing, the only dragons large enough to challenge Vhagar; Jace suggests searching other noble houses for Valyrian descendants.
S2E6 · Smallfolk
Jason Lannister leads his army to the Golden Tooth. Aemond refuses vassal Humfrey Lefford's request to fly there and provide support. Aemond wants Tyland Lannister to ally with the Triarchy to break the Velaryon blockade. Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal and dismisses Alicent from the Small Council. Ser Steffon Darklyn, a distant Targaryen descendant, attempts to claim Seasmoke and is incinerated. Daemon continues having disturbing dreams and irrationally believes he is being poisoned. Aemond orders Larys to summon Otto Hightower to court. Aegon, slowly recovering, tells Aemond he remembers nothing about the battle. Gwayne Hightower assures Alicent that her youngest son, Daeron, is kind, unlike his brothers. Corlys appoints his illegitimate son, Alyn of Hull, his flagship's first mate. Meanwhile, Alyn's brother, Addam, is pursued by Seasmoke. Mysaria's spies spread rumors that the royals regularly feast while smallfolk starve. Mysaria sends food-laden Targaryen boats to King's Landing. The grateful citizens fight over limited supplies, causing a riot that Alicent and Helaena barely survive. Mysaria tells Rhaenyra that her father sexually abused her and why she is loyal. They passionately kiss. Upon hearing Seasmoke has a new rider, Rhaenyra leaves on Syrax to confront them.
S2E7 · The Red Sowing
Rhaenyra confronts Addam of Hull, Seasmoke's new rider, who pledges fealty to her. Alicent retreats to the Kingswood after being dismissed from the Small Council. Larys presses Grand Maester Orwyle to accelerate Aegon's recovery. While departing the Eyrie with the young princes, Rhaena leaves to find the wild dragon. Mysaria tells Rhaenyra to search for Targaryen dragonseeds (bastards with Valyrian blood) in King's Landing as potential dragonriders. The new Lord Paramount, Oscar Tully, offers Daemon allegiance but denounces his nefarious behavior. He demands Daemon's contrition and to mete out justice for allowing war atrocities; Daemon then executes Willem Blackwood for slaughtering the Brackens. Daemon has another vision of Viserys, who asks if he truly wants the crown and its burden. Jace confronts Rhaenyra, arguing that bastard dragonriders could challenge the Targaryens' power and threaten the succession due to his own illegitimate birth. At Rhaenyra's command, Elinda and Alyn deliver the dragonseeds to Dragonstone, Hugh and Ulf among them. Vermithor kills many dragonseeds until Hugh claims him; meanwhile, Ulf claims Silverwing and flies over King's Landing. Aemond pursues him on Vhagar but nearing Dragonstone, he quickly retreats upon seeing Rhaenyra with Syrax, Vermithor, and Silverwing.
S2E8 · The Queen Who Ever Was
Tyland Lannister recruits the Triarchy as allies, but first successfully defeats Admiral Sharako Lohar in mud-wrestling. Larys proposes that he and Aegon hide in Braavos where Harrenhal's gold is stashed, then reclaim the throne following the war. After long searching, Rhaena finds the wild dragon. Gwayne confronts Criston, who regrets the war. A rage-fueled Aemond destroys Sharp Point with Vhagar. Rhaenyra, who hoped having more dragonriders would deter conflict, declares war. Ulf's boorishness angers Jace. Alyn rebuffs Corlys's reconciliation attempts. Rhaenyra and Addam fly to Harrenhal after Simon Strong sends warning that Daemon may be traitorous. Alys leads Daemon to a weirwood tree where he foresees a future including a White Walker and Daenerys Targaryen; seeing himself as one part in a larger story, he swears fealty to Rhaenyra. Helaena refuses Aemond's demand to fly Dreamfyre into battle and foresees him dying in the war and Aegon reclaiming the throne. Alicent secretly travels to Dragonstone, offering to surrender King's Landing to Rhaenyra in exchange for her and her family's safety; Rhaenyra insists Aegon must die to secure the throne. Otto is glimpsed as a captive in a cell. Armies in the Reach, the North, the Westerlands and the Riverlands (as well as House Velaryon's and the Triarchy's fleets) mobilize for war.
Season 3
S3E1 · Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood
Rhaena mounts the dragon Sheepstealer and eventually bonds with him. Aegon and Larys are captured by guards loyal to Rhaenyra. Larys reveals their identities, believing they will make valuable hostages. Alicent finds Aemond on the Iron Throne, who claims Aegon has abdicated. She urges him to seize Harrenhal. Alicent forges a letter from Aemond and sends it to Ormund Hightower to delay the Hightower army. Daemon defeats Jason Lannister's forces and gains new allies, the Winter Wolves led by Roderick Dustin, who delivers Jason's severed head. Addam, Hugh, and Ulf wait to ambush Aemond at Harrenhal, but Alys urges them to leave. The Triarchy engages the Velaryon fleet at the Gullet and sacks High Tide. Lohar breaks from the battle to pursue Corlys. Jace has Rhaenyra confined to keep her from joining the battle. He and Baela fly their dragons, Vermax and Moondancer, to stop the Triarchy. Corlys navigates a rocky pass with Lohar in pursuit. Lohar throws Tyland overboard and rams Corlys's ship, which breaks apart. Corlys falls overboard, and Alyn kills Lohar. Rhaena arrives on Sheepstealer, who attacks ships indiscriminately. Vermax is shot by a scorpion bolt and drowns. Jace is killed by Triarchy bowmen.
S3E2 · Queen's Landing
Addam, Hugh, and Ulf pursue the Triarchy's remnants at the Gullet. Baela brings Jace's body to Dragonstone, leaving Rhaenyra emotionally distraught over her son's death. Jeyne asks a guilt-stricken Rhaena to leave the Vale, but Rhaena offers to protect it with Sheepstealer. Aegon and Larys escape captivity. Addam finds Corlys, who offers to legitimize Alyn. Alicent meets Luthor Largent, commander of the City Watch, and asks him to surrender the city to Rhaenyra. Jasper Wylde discovers this and attempts to rape her, but Orwyle has him arrested. Daemon receives word of Jace's death and returns to Dragonstone. Rhaenyra asks him to learn the identity of Sheepstealer's dragonrider. Aemond reaches Harrenhal on Vhagar, kills Simon Strong, but is injured, and begs Alys for help. Rhaenyra, Daemon, Hugh, and Ulf arrive in King's Landing on their dragons. Luthor reveals his loyalty to Daemon and arrests Hightower supporters. Rhaenyra demands Aegon, but learns he has fled the city. Daemon receives an imprisoned Otto as a gift from Larys. An emotional Rhaenyra beheads Otto, and Daemon beheads Jasper. Rhaenyra ascends the Iron Throne. Alicent, Helaena, and Jaehaera's escape attempt fails, and they are brought before Rhaenyra and Otto's decapitated body.
S3E3 · Rhaenyra Triumphant
Ormund reluctantly submits to Daemon, who takes Daeron Targaryen hostage and tells Rhaenyra they should execute him. Corlys informs Rhaenyra that the treasury has been emptied. Alicent suggests declaring Aegon dead, and Rhaenyra agrees. The High Septon refuses to anoint Rhaenyra without proof of Aegon's death and warns her not to antagonize the Faith. Corlys names Alyn his heir and asks Rhaenyra to legitimize him and Addam. Rhaenyra hears out petitioners and learns that the wealthy have starved the smallfolk. Daemon knights Addam, Hugh, and Ulf, but Rhaenyra does not legitimize Addam. Rhaenyra hosts a banquet for the city's nobility, serves them rats, and has the City Watch raid their storehouses for hoarded food. Daemon unsuccessfully urges Rhaenyra to seize the world with their dragons. She later addresses the smallfolk and distributes food with Mysaria. Corlys chastises Rhaenyra for not legitimizing Addam despite her own children's parentage and calls them bastards. Rhaenyra allows Alicent to see Daeron, but Alicent does not recognize him. The boy reveals that Ormund forced him to pose as Daeron. A dragonkeeper informs Rhaenyra that Ormund has seized the town of Tumbleton and is keeping Daeron's young dragon within its walls.
S3E4 · Tumbleton
Hightower soldiers harass Tumbleton's smallfolk. A soldier assaults Kat, Hugh Hammer's wife, but her brother defends her, and the soldier is punished. Daeron learns that Ormund plans to make him king. Ormund then forces Daeron to execute Kat's brother. Aegon and Larys find Sunfyre's body, which Aegon mourns. They reach Rook's Rest, now overrun with refugees, and are required to clean the latrines. Aegon protests and is forced to humiliate himself. Criston and Gwayne reach Harrenhal, where Alys claims Aemond is gone. Alyn informs Rhaenyra that Corlys has left to combat the Triarchy's remnants. Orwyle cautions Rhaenyra against removing the High Septon. Rhaenyra makes Torrhen Manderly the Master of Coin, so he takes the blame for the city's financial problems. Rhaenyra sends Hugh and Ulf to observe Tumbleton. Ulf tells Rhaenyra that the smallfolk are spreading rumors of her children's illegitimacy. She sends the City Watch to find those responsible. After Daemon receives gold from Jeyne, his dragon Caraxes leads him to Rhaena and Sheepstealer. Daemon attempts to ease Rhaena's guilt over Jace's death, but she flees. He brings Rhaenyra the head of whom he claims was Sheepstealer's rider, but she remains dissatisfied. Alicent discovers that Helaena is pregnant.
S3E5 · Unbowed and Unbent
Alys helps Aemond recover in Harrenhal. He later saves her when men arrive to collect a bounty on him. Aegon blames Aemond for his own failings, causing Larys to berate Aegon for his privileged upbringing. Tyland joins them at Rook's Rest. Aegon kills the man who humiliated him after he learns Aegon's identity. Addam and Baela search for signs of Aemond. Criston and Gwayne use guerrilla tactics against Oscar Tully's forces. Criston's army travels on foot to intercept the Tully forces marching south, but discovers they are too late after reaching a burned bridge. Refusing to give up, Criston tells Gwayne he plans to die in combat. Gwayne then abandons him. Alicent fails to convince Helaena to abort her pregnancy. Mysaria stops them from escaping and discovers Helaena's pregnancy. Alicent convinces her not to inform Rhaenyra. Alicent and Helaena use a secret passage to escape but become trapped. Daemon investigates the murders of multiple City Watchmen. After torturing one of the killers, Daemon learns Ormund paid for their deaths. He informs Rhaenyra that Ormund has declared Daeron king and is minting coins with his likeness. Daemon later finds Luthor and several City Watchmen gruesomely killed and labelled as traitors.
S3E6 · Faceless Men
Criston's army is ambushed by Tully soldiers. Criston challenges Roderick and Oscar to a duel, but Alysanne Blackwood shoots him dead. Aegon, Larys, and Tyland plan to flee to Essos. Jeyne chastises Rhaena after she is caught attempting to see Baela. Alyn comforts a troubled Baela. Alys shows Aemond a hidden clutch of dragon eggs and suggests they rule Harrenhal together. Daemon disguises himself as a City Watchman and kills an assailant after interrogating him. He then publicly humiliates Ulf for abandoning his duties. With men deserting the City Watch, the smallfolk blame Rhaenyra for rampant crime. She promises that Velaryon soldiers will help. Rhaenyra sends assassins to Tumbleton posing as envoys from House Baratheon. Gwayne deduces the ruse and kills the assassins, saving Ormund and Daeron. Hugh sneaks into Tumbleton to see Kat, but she refuses to leave with him. After their failed escape attempt, Rhaenyra confines Alicent and Helaena more strictly, causing Helaena's mental health to deteriorate. Alicent tells Rhaenyra that Helaena dreamed of Aemond at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra offers to free them if Alicent goes to Harrenhal and kills Aemond. At Alyn's request, Corlys sends men to King's Landing, but is captured by Jon Roxton.
S3E7 · The Dragon in Winter
Rhaenyra interrogates Helaena about her dreams. Mysaria tries to convince Rhaenyra that Daemon has betrayed her after Addam and Baela report spotting Sheepstealer with a rider. Sylvi criticizes Mysaria's position among the nobility. Jeyne informs Daemon that Rhaena has fled. Daemon tracks down Rhaena, who was planning to kill Vhagar so Rhaenyra would spare her. After Rhaenyra and Addam arrive, their dragons help Caraxes attack and heavily wound Sheepstealer. Rhaena is brought to King's Landing and reunites with Baela. Daemon justifies having deceived Rhaenyra to protect his daughter. Rhaenyra accuses Mysaria of manipulating her before they have sex. Alicent finds Aemond at Harrenhal but Alys warns him not to trust her. Aemond kills Alicent's escort, Adrian Redfort, to maintain secrecy. Alicent poisons Aemond, who collapses, and flees. Gwayne informs Ormund that the Tully army has almost reached Tumbleton. Daeron and Gwayne contemplate surrendering. Ormund tells Corlys that his captivity will dissuade the Velaryon army from aiding Rhaenyra. Alyn receives his father's severed ring finger. Ormund convinces the dissatisfied Ulf to betray Rhaenyra by offering him Driftmark. Larys abandons Aegon after learning that soldiers are searching for Tyland. Aegon and Tyland are later discovered, but Sunfyre appears and kills the soldiers.
S3E8 · The Treasons at Tumbleton
After learning that Aegon is alive, Rhaenyra becomes more ruthless. She detains Baela, dismisses Mysaria, and has a despondent Helaena force-fed. Rhaenyra has Alyn kill the High Septon after he refuses to anoint her and tells the smallfolk of Aegon the Conqueror's dream, stating that she is prophesied to rule. Alys informs Aemond that she became cursed with immortality after failing to save her dying son with magic. Aegon tells a remorseful Aemond to find Vhagar and help retake the Iron Throne. With the Tully army outside Tumbleton, Ormund lines the ramparts with children to dissuade Daemon from using Caraxes. Daeron and Gwayne free Corlys before negotiating with Daemon to divide the realm, but he refuses. Ormund finds Ulf hungover and beats him. Roderick's Winter Wolves scale Tumbleton's walls while Caraxes destroys the main gate. Ulf mounts Silverwing and attacks the Tully forces before burning Tumbleton, killing Ormund and Roderick while they fight. Jon duels Daemon, but Ulf's attack interrupts them. Corlys convinces Daemon to retreat. Gwayne cannot find Daeron while Hugh finds Kat dead. Rhaenyra learns that Helaena jumped from a window to her death, leaving a tapestry showing Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne surrounded by fire and blood.
S1E1 · The Heirs of the Dragon
With both his sons dead, old King Jaehaerys I Targaryen convenes a Great Council to choose an heir. The Westerosi lords select Jaehaerys's eldest grandson, Prince Viserys, over Princess Rhaenys, the eldest grandchild. Nine years later, King Viserys organizes a tournament to celebrate Queen Aemma Arryn's pregnancy, confident she carries his long-awaited male heir. The Small Council disregards Master of Ships Lord Corlys Velaryon's warning that the Triarchy, an alliance of Essos's Free Cities, threatens to cripple Westerosi shipping lanes. Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower, criticizes Viserys's brother and heir, Prince Daemon, for his brutality as the City Watch commander, in response to Daemon and his men dismembering and/or murdering seemingly random commonfolk. At the tournament, Ser Criston Cole, a young common-born knight, outcompetes Daemon. Meanwhile, Viserys sacrifices Aemma in childbirth, authorizing a C-section. Their newborn son, Baelon, then dies. Viserys refuses the council's pleas to appoint a new heir until Otto reveals that Daemon mockingly styled Baelon as "The Heir for a Day." Outraged, Viserys banishes Daemon from King's Landing and appoints his only living child, Princess Rhaenyra, heir to the Iron Throne, revealing to her Aegon the Conqueror's dream that inspired him to unify Westeros.
S1E2 · The Rogue Prince
Six months later, Daemon has illegally occupied Castle Dragonstone. Prince-Admiral Craghas Drahar, known as the Crabfeeder, menaces the Stepstones archipelago at the Essos Triarchy's behest. The Small Council dismisses Rhaenyra's suggestion to show force and instead relegates her to appoint a new Kingsguard knight. Ignoring others' advice, she chooses Criston, the only knight with actual battle experience. Ser Otto sends his teenage daughter, Lady Alicent, to console the grieving king; she advises Viserys to discuss his kingly duty to remarry with Rhaenyra. Lord Corlys and his wife, Princess Rhaenys, propose that Viserys unite their Valyrian houses by marrying their twelve-year-old daughter, Laena. Meanwhile, the Small Council learns that Daemon, proclaiming himself the true heir, stole a dragon egg and intends to marry his mistress, Mysaria, as a secondary spouse. Otto and a small detachment sail to Dragonstone to retrieve the egg. Rhaenyra follows on her dragon, Syrax, and forces Daemon to renounce his false claims and return the egg. Viserys announces his intention to wed Alicent, angering Corlys, who proposes an alliance with Daemon.
S1E3 · Second of His Name
For three years, Lord Corlys and Prince Daemon have battled the Crabfeeder and his forces in the Stepstones without the Iron Throne's support. Meanwhile, King Viserys plans a great hunt to celebrate his and pregnant Queen Alicent's son Aegon's second birthday. Rhaenyra resents her father's excessive attention towards her half-brother, Aegon. The ailing king insists that Rhaenyra, now seventeen, must marry to form a strong alliance and protect their lineage. Many suitors are considered, including two-year-old Prince Aegon. Lord Lyonel Strong recommends Ser Laenor Velaryon, Lord Corlys's son, as a potential match to mend the rift between the two houses. Overcoming previous doubts, Viserys assures Rhaenyra she remains his heir and can choose her consort. Meanwhile, brothers Hobert and Otto Hightower secretly scheme to make Aegon the successor, furthering their family's power and prestige. After Ser Vaemond Velaryon pleads for the king's help, Viserys sends aid to the Stepstones. Seeing his brother's support as ending his chance to prove himself, Daemon acts as bait to ambush and kill the Crabfeeder, winning the ensuing battle before the crown's forces arrive.
S1E4 · King of the Narrow Sea
After an unsuccessful months-long tour to choose a consort, Rhaenyra returns to King's Landing. Daemon also returns after conquering most of the Stepstones. Now called "King of the Narrow Sea", Daemon swears allegiance to Viserys and hands over his crown. As the reunited brothers celebrate, Alicent and Rhaenyra reconcile. After dark, Daemon and Rhaenyra sneak out to explore King's Landing, attend a bawdy play, and visit a brothel. Daemon seduces a willing Rhaenyra, but unable to consummate their affair, he abandons her there. Returning to the Red Keep, Rhaenyra seduces Criston. Informed by the White Worm's spy, Otto informs the king about Daemon and Rhaenyra's carousing. Alicent overhears and privately questions Rhaenyra, who swears she is still a maid. Viserys confronts a hungover and disheveled Daemon, who seemingly confirms the rumors and proposes that he wed Rhaenyra. Viserys claims Daemon only wants the crown and exiles him to the Vale. To avoid scandal and strengthen the throne, Viserys orders Rhaenyra to marry Laenor. Viserys dismisses Otto as his Hand after Rhaenyra accuses Otto of manipulating him for his personal gain. Grand Maester Mellos gives Rhaenyra a precautionary abortifacient tea at Viserys' request.
S1E5 · We Light the Way
In the Vale, Daemon murders his wife, Lady Rhea Royce. Before departing King's Landing, Ser Otto warns Queen Alicent that Rhaenyra becoming queen would make Alicent's two sons a threat to the crown. Rhaenyra and Laenor are betrothed, mollifying Lord Corlys. Understanding Laenor's homosexuality, Rhaenyra proposes fulfilling their royal duties to produce heirs, then pursue their own lovers. Criston is humiliated when Rhaenyra declines his proposal to elope to Essos and assume new identities; she prefers their current sexual liaison. Alicent questions Criston about Rhaenyra and Daemon, but after misunderstanding, he confesses to being Rhaenyra's lover. During Rhaenyra and Laenor's betrothal celebration, Alicent enters, interrupting Viserys's speech, wearing a green gown, the signal color for House Hightower's call to arms. Daemon also unexpectedly attends. Confronted by Rhea's cousin, Daemon denies murdering her and wishes to assert his claim to inherit her lands. Laenor's lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, surmises Criston is Rhaenyra's paramour. When Criston believes Joffrey is threatening blackmail, he brutally kills him, devastating Laenor and horrifying guests. Rhaenyra and Laenor are privately wed late that night. Viserys collapses after the ceremony. Alicent intervenes as a disgraced Criston is about to commit suicide.
S1E6 · The Princess and the Queen
Ten years later, Rhaenyra has three sons: Jacaerys ("Jace"), Lucerys ("Luke"), and newborn Joffrey. All lack the signature Valyrian platinum hair, but King Viserys rejects Queen Alicent's assertion that Ser Laenor is not their father. Alicent tells Aegon that, as Viserys's firstborn son, he must prepare to dispute Rhaenyra's claim to the throne. Daemon and his wife, Laena Velaryon, reside in Pentos with their daughters Baela and Rhaena. The prince of Pentos offers them a lordship in exchange for an alliance against a resurgent Triarchy. After agonizing labor leaves her unable to give birth, Laena commands her dragon, Vhagar, to incinerate her. Criston, now serving Alicent, goads Ser Harwin Strong into attacking him by implying Harwin fathered Rhaenyra's children. To ease family strife, Rhaenyra proposes that Jace marry Helaena, Alicent's daughter; Alicent refuses. Lord Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King, escorts his son Harwin to Harrenhal Castle. It is implied that Harwin fathered Rhaenyra's sons. Alicent confides to Lyonel's younger son, Larys, that she wishes her father, Ser Otto, was still the King's Hand. Larys recruits three criminals to set a fire at Harrenhal, killing Lyonel and Harwin. Rhaenyra moves her household to Dragonstone, also bringing Laenor's lover, Ser Qarl Correy.
S1E7 · Driftmark
King Viserys and his court attend Lady Laena's funeral in Driftmark. Viserys fails to reconcile with Daemon, but Rhaenyra and Daemon reunite and have sex. Prince Aemond claims Vhagar as his dragon, causing an altercation with his cousins and nephews in which Luke slashes Aemond's eye with a knife. As revenge, Queen Alicent lunges at Luke with Viserys's Valyrian steel dagger. Rhaenyra blocks Alicent but injures herself. Viserys decrees that anyone claiming Rhaenyra's sons are bastards will be punished. Later, Otto Hightower, who has been reinstated as Hand of the King, assures Alicent they will prevail, while Rhaenyra and Daemon unite against Alicent and her family. Qarl appears to murder Laenor, leaving behind a charred body. Daemon and Rhaenyra privately marry in the old Valyrian Dragonlord tradition to perpetuate the Targaryen bloodline. Laenor, having faked his death, escapes Driftmark with Qarl.
S1E8 · The Lord of the Tides
Six years later, Lord Corlys Velaryon is wounded fighting in the Stepstones. His brother, Ser Vaemond, petitions King's Landing to name him Corlys's heir, asserting Rhaenyra's sons are illegitimate. To defend their claim, Rhaenyra and Daemon return to the capital. King Viserys is now bedridden, disfigured, and mentally muddled. Queen Alicent and the king's Hand, Otto Hightower, oversee all royal matters. Alicent covers up Prince Aegon's rape of a handmaiden. Rhaenyra proposes two marriage arrangements with House Velaryon to gain Princess Rhaenys's support. She implores Viserys to defend her succession, quoting Aegon the Conqueror's dream about the Prince That Was Promised. Vaemond's petition is presented at court, and Viserys reaffirms Luke's position as the heir to Driftmark. Daemon beheads Vaemond when he denounces Rhaenyra and her children. The family appears to reconcile during a feast, but Aemond later incites a fight. Meanwhile, Alicent's lady-in-waiting, Talya, regularly provides Daemon's former mistress, Mysaria, with information. Viserys, near death and mistaking Alicent for Rhaenyra, mutters parts of Aegon the Conqueror's dream, which Alicent mistakenly believes refers to Prince Aegon.
S1E9 · The Green Council
After Viserys's death, Ser Otto and the Small Council plot to crown Prince Aegon. Criston unintentionally kills Lord Beesbury, who opposed the scheme. Kingsguard Lord Commander Harrold Westerling resigns in protest. Otto keeps Viserys's death a secret to fortify the council's position, then coerces the noble houses to switch their allegiance to Aegon. Those resisting are imprisoned or hanged. Otto and Alicent discuss whether to kill or exile Rhaenyra and separately rush to find and influence the missing Prince Aegon: Otto sends Kingsguard brothers Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk Cargyll, while Alicent tasks Criston and Prince Aemond. The Cargylls find Aegon first, but Criston and Aemond forcibly take him. Lord Larys tells Alicent that spies, including Lady-in-Waiting Talya, are within the Red Keep. Alicent approves of eliminating the head spy. Alicent persuades a resistant Aegon to claim his birthright. King's Landing citizens are herded into the Dragonpit to witness Aegon's coronation. Princess Rhaenys, refusing to support Aegon's claim, is held captive. Erryk frees her, and she enters the Dragonpit caverns. Astride her dragon, Meleys, she violently breaches the grand hall, causing mayhem, death, and threatening the royals; Rhaenys then flees King's Landing on Meleys.
S1E10 · The Black Queen
Princess Rhaenys arrives on Dragonstone to announce King Viserys's death and Prince Aegon's ascending the throne; the news shocks Rhaenyra into a premature stillbirth. Daemon pressures Rhaenyra to go to war. When Ser Erryk brings Viserys's crown, Rhaenyra is declared queen. Otto presents King Aegon II's terms for Rhaenyra's concession, including retaining her royal title and Dragonstone and her son's rights to inherit Driftmark; Daemon is angered when Rhaenyra considers conceding to unify the realm against the Northern threat foretold by Aegon the Conqueror's dream. Corlys pledges House Velaryon's allegiance to Rhaenyra's "Black" faction; Daemon plans to recruit more dragonriders and awakens a large dragon hibernating in a cave. Princes Jace and Luke are sent as envoys to secure Houses Arryn, Stark, and Baratheon as allies. Luke meets with Lord Borros Baratheon and discovers Prince Aemond is also there to secure the Baratheons as allies for Aegon II. King Aegon II offered Borros a political alliance through marriage between his daughter and Aemond, while Rhaenyra offered nothing. Luke leaves on his dragon, Arrax, but Aemond pursues him on Vhagar. The fractious dragons defy their riders; Arrax burns Vhagar; Vhagar then devours Luke and Arrax, stunning Aemond. Rhaenyra is devastated and enraged upon receiving the news.
Season 2
S2E1 · A Son for a Son
At the Wall, Cregan Stark promises Jace 2,000 troops for Rhaenyra 's forces. Rhaenys, who secured the Velaryons' shipping blockade of the Gullet, refuses Daemon 's command to jointly kill Aemond and Vhagar to avenge Luke. After confirming Luke's death, Rhaenyra demands revenge on Aemond. Aegon II strives to be a benevolent king, but Otto Hightower, his grandfather and Hand, urges restraint regarding the smallfolk to preserve scarce war resources. Aegon brings his precocious young son and heir Jaehaerys to the Small Council for training. Larys exploits Alicent's fears of betrayal. Guilt-ridden over Luke's death, Alicent asks Otto to wage war sparingly. Having survived the brothel fire, Mysaria arrives at Dragonstone and is arrested for treason. Daemon offers her freedom in exchange for help recruiting two assassins. Sneaking into King's Landing, Daemon bribes a ratcatcher called "Cheese" and a City Watch guard nicknamed "Blood" to kill Aemond. Unable to find Aemond in the Red Keep, the two enter Queen Helaena's quarters and instead murder Jaehaerys. Helaena, clutching Jaehaerys' twin sister, Jaehaera, escapes to Alicent's chambers, finding her and Criston Cole having sex.
S2E2 · Rhaenyra the Cruel
Prince Jaehaerys' murder causes chaos; King Aegon hastily assembles his Small Council, wanting revenge on Rhaenyra. Ser Otto suggests a public funeral to tarnish Rhaenyra's image. In the procession, a herald chants, "Rhaenyra the Cruel", as people lining the street express their condolences to Alicent and Helaena. City Watch guard Blood is captured; he confesses to Lord Larys that Daemon hired him and his accomplice, an unknown-to-him ratcatcher. In Dragonstone, Rhaenyra worries her popularity will suffer. Suspecting Daemon ordered Jaehaerys' death if Aemond was absent, Rhaenyra says she no longer trusts him. Daemon then flies to Harrenhal to recruit alliances. Having escaped assassination, Aemond, remorseful over Luke's death, seeks solace at a brothel. Criston orders Arryk to kill Rhaenyra by infiltrating Dragonstone disguised as his twin, Erryk. Rhaenyra grants Mysaria freedom. While departing Dragonstone, Mysaria notices Arryk arriving and notifies a guard. When Arryk enters Rhaenyra's chambers, Erryk bursts in and a fight ensues, ending with Erryk killing his brother. Grief-stricken, Erryk takes his own life. Aegon publicly hangs all ratcatchers, including Cheese, infuriating Otto, who fears a populist revolt. Aegon dismisses Otto as Hand of the King and appoints Criston.
S2E3 · The Burning Mill
In the Riverlands, the feuding Brackens and Blackwoods fight a deadly battle over a minor dispute. To avert war, Rhaenys tells Rhaenyra that Alicent may be reasoned with. Criston proposes a bold plan to conquer Harrenhal; Daemon arrives there first, whereupon Ser Simon Strong, the castellan, pledges allegiance. That night, Daemon dreams that a young Rhaenyra is sewing Jaehaerys' severed head onto his body. Daemon awakens and a strange woman, Alys, foretells his death occurring at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra sends Rhaena, her younger children, and dragon eggs to the Arryns to protect the Targaryen line. Mysaria becomes Rhaenyra's adviser, while Aegon makes Larys his Master of Whisperers. At a brothel, a man named Ulf boasts he is Daemon and King Viserys' bastard half-brother. Arriving at the brothel with his squires, Aegon encounters Aemond with madam Sylvi and cruelly mocks him. After Baela, patrolling on Moondancer, spots Criston's squad en route to Harrenhal, Rhaenyra's councilors urge war with dragons. Instead, Rhaenyra sneaks into King's Landing and secretly meets with Alicent but fails to negotiate a peaceful resolution. She realizes Alicent misunderstood King Viserys' dying words about "Aegon" as concerning Alicent's son Aegon II, not Aegon the Conqueror's dreams.
S2E4 · The Red Dragon and the Gold
Daemon dreams that he decapitates a young Rhaenyra, who accused him of treason. Grand Maester Orwyle prepares Alicent an abortifacient tea. He professes ignorance about whom Viserys named as heir. Criston beheads Lord Gunthor Darklyn of Duskendale, who refused allegiance. Alys Rivers tells Daemon that Harrenhal is haunted. Her potion causes him to hallucinate seeing his deceased wife, Laena Velaryon. Rhaenyra returns to Dragonstone and agrees to a war using dragons. Rhaenys volunteers herself and her dragon, Meleys. Aegon complains about Aemond and Criston planning battles without him but Alicent dismisses this, says his lacking wisdom and knowledge makes him an inferior king. She advises he can best serve the realm by doing nothing and defer to his advisors. Frustrated and drunk, Aegon flies his dragon, Sunfyre, to Rook's Rest. Rhaenys on Meleys burns Criston's troops while Aemond and Vhagar wait to ambush her. When Aegon and Sunfyre approach, Aemond delays attacking. As Meleys mauls Sunfyre, Aemond flies in and commands Vhagar to burn both dragons. Sunfyre falls with Aegon. Rhaenys and Meleys attack Vhagar, who also falls. As Rhaenys circles above, Vhagar suddenly rises and fatally throttles Meleys, plunging Rhaenys to her death. Criston regains consciousness and finds Aemond, sword drawn, near Aegon, who lies motionless next to the heavily wounded Sunfyre.
S2E5 · Regent
Corlys, Rhaenyra and Baela mourn Rhaenys' death. Criston parades Meleys' head through King's Landing, though the near-starving smallfolk consider it a bad omen. Aegon has survived but is comatose and severely burned, while Sunfyre is near-dead; Criston withholds telling Alicent what truly happened at the battle. Daemon dreams of incest with his mother, who calls him her favorite son. The Small Council reject Alicent's bid as regent and elect Aemond, wanting a male and a dragonrider on the throne. Aemond orders the city gates shut, preventing blacksmith Hugh Hammer and his family from fleeing. Jeyne Arryn tells Rhaena she is disappointed she received two hatchlings rather than a mature dragon. At the Twins, Jace obtains the Freys' allegiance in exchange for Harrenhal. Elinda is sent to King's Landing as a spy and agitator. Daemon declares he will be king once a large army is raised; he orders the Blackwoods to ravage the Brackens and forces their fealty. Alys criticizes Daemon's ruthlessness and the riverlords denounce his atrocities. Rhaenyra laments lacking riders for Vermithor and Silverwing, the only dragons large enough to challenge Vhagar; Jace suggests searching other noble houses for Valyrian descendants.
S2E6 · Smallfolk
Jason Lannister leads his army to the Golden Tooth. Aemond refuses vassal Humfrey Lefford's request to fly there and provide support. Aemond wants Tyland Lannister to ally with the Triarchy to break the Velaryon blockade. Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal and dismisses Alicent from the Small Council. Ser Steffon Darklyn, a distant Targaryen descendant, attempts to claim Seasmoke and is incinerated. Daemon continues having disturbing dreams and irrationally believes he is being poisoned. Aemond orders Larys to summon Otto Hightower to court. Aegon, slowly recovering, tells Aemond he remembers nothing about the battle. Gwayne Hightower assures Alicent that her youngest son, Daeron, is kind, unlike his brothers. Corlys appoints his illegitimate son, Alyn of Hull, his flagship's first mate. Meanwhile, Alyn's brother, Addam, is pursued by Seasmoke. Mysaria's spies spread rumors that the royals regularly feast while smallfolk starve. Mysaria sends food-laden Targaryen boats to King's Landing. The grateful citizens fight over limited supplies, causing a riot that Alicent and Helaena barely survive. Mysaria tells Rhaenyra that her father sexually abused her and why she is loyal. They passionately kiss. Upon hearing Seasmoke has a new rider, Rhaenyra leaves on Syrax to confront them.
S2E7 · The Red Sowing
Rhaenyra confronts Addam of Hull, Seasmoke's new rider, who pledges fealty to her. Alicent retreats to the Kingswood after being dismissed from the Small Council. Larys presses Grand Maester Orwyle to accelerate Aegon's recovery. While departing the Eyrie with the young princes, Rhaena leaves to find the wild dragon. Mysaria tells Rhaenyra to search for Targaryen dragonseeds (bastards with Valyrian blood) in King's Landing as potential dragonriders. The new Lord Paramount, Oscar Tully, offers Daemon allegiance but denounces his nefarious behavior. He demands Daemon's contrition and to mete out justice for allowing war atrocities; Daemon then executes Willem Blackwood for slaughtering the Brackens. Daemon has another vision of Viserys, who asks if he truly wants the crown and its burden. Jace confronts Rhaenyra, arguing that bastard dragonriders could challenge the Targaryens' power and threaten the succession due to his own illegitimate birth. At Rhaenyra's command, Elinda and Alyn deliver the dragonseeds to Dragonstone, Hugh and Ulf among them. Vermithor kills many dragonseeds until Hugh claims him; meanwhile, Ulf claims Silverwing and flies over King's Landing. Aemond pursues him on Vhagar but nearing Dragonstone, he quickly retreats upon seeing Rhaenyra with Syrax, Vermithor, and Silverwing.
S2E8 · The Queen Who Ever Was
Tyland Lannister recruits the Triarchy as allies, but first successfully defeats Admiral Sharako Lohar in mud-wrestling. Larys proposes that he and Aegon hide in Braavos where Harrenhal's gold is stashed, then reclaim the throne following the war. After long searching, Rhaena finds the wild dragon. Gwayne confronts Criston, who regrets the war. A rage-fueled Aemond destroys Sharp Point with Vhagar. Rhaenyra, who hoped having more dragonriders would deter conflict, declares war. Ulf's boorishness angers Jace. Alyn rebuffs Corlys's reconciliation attempts. Rhaenyra and Addam fly to Harrenhal after Simon Strong sends warning that Daemon may be traitorous. Alys leads Daemon to a weirwood tree where he foresees a future including a White Walker and Daenerys Targaryen; seeing himself as one part in a larger story, he swears fealty to Rhaenyra. Helaena refuses Aemond's demand to fly Dreamfyre into battle and foresees him dying in the war and Aegon reclaiming the throne. Alicent secretly travels to Dragonstone, offering to surrender King's Landing to Rhaenyra in exchange for her and her family's safety; Rhaenyra insists Aegon must die to secure the throne. Otto is glimpsed as a captive in a cell. Armies in the Reach, the North, the Westerlands and the Riverlands (as well as House Velaryon's and the Triarchy's fleets) mobilize for war.
Season 3
S3E1 · Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood
Rhaena mounts the dragon Sheepstealer and eventually bonds with him. Aegon and Larys are captured by guards loyal to Rhaenyra. Larys reveals their identities, believing they will make valuable hostages. Alicent finds Aemond on the Iron Throne, who claims Aegon has abdicated. She urges him to seize Harrenhal. Alicent forges a letter from Aemond and sends it to Ormund Hightower to delay the Hightower army. Daemon defeats Jason Lannister's forces and gains new allies, the Winter Wolves led by Roderick Dustin, who delivers Jason's severed head. Addam, Hugh, and Ulf wait to ambush Aemond at Harrenhal, but Alys urges them to leave. The Triarchy engages the Velaryon fleet at the Gullet and sacks High Tide. Lohar breaks from the battle to pursue Corlys. Jace has Rhaenyra confined to keep her from joining the battle. He and Baela fly their dragons, Vermax and Moondancer, to stop the Triarchy. Corlys navigates a rocky pass with Lohar in pursuit. Lohar throws Tyland overboard and rams Corlys's ship, which breaks apart. Corlys falls overboard, and Alyn kills Lohar. Rhaena arrives on Sheepstealer, who attacks ships indiscriminately. Vermax is shot by a scorpion bolt and drowns. Jace is killed by Triarchy bowmen.
S3E2 · Queen's Landing
Addam, Hugh, and Ulf pursue the Triarchy's remnants at the Gullet. Baela brings Jace's body to Dragonstone, leaving Rhaenyra emotionally distraught over her son's death. Jeyne asks a guilt-stricken Rhaena to leave the Vale, but Rhaena offers to protect it with Sheepstealer. Aegon and Larys escape captivity. Addam finds Corlys, who offers to legitimize Alyn. Alicent meets Luthor Largent, commander of the City Watch, and asks him to surrender the city to Rhaenyra. Jasper Wylde discovers this and attempts to rape her, but Orwyle has him arrested. Daemon receives word of Jace's death and returns to Dragonstone. Rhaenyra asks him to learn the identity of Sheepstealer's dragonrider. Aemond reaches Harrenhal on Vhagar, kills Simon Strong, but is injured, and begs Alys for help. Rhaenyra, Daemon, Hugh, and Ulf arrive in King's Landing on their dragons. Luthor reveals his loyalty to Daemon and arrests Hightower supporters. Rhaenyra demands Aegon, but learns he has fled the city. Daemon receives an imprisoned Otto as a gift from Larys. An emotional Rhaenyra beheads Otto, and Daemon beheads Jasper. Rhaenyra ascends the Iron Throne. Alicent, Helaena, and Jaehaera's escape attempt fails, and they are brought before Rhaenyra and Otto's decapitated body.
S3E3 · Rhaenyra Triumphant
Ormund reluctantly submits to Daemon, who takes Daeron Targaryen hostage and tells Rhaenyra they should execute him. Corlys informs Rhaenyra that the treasury has been emptied. Alicent suggests declaring Aegon dead, and Rhaenyra agrees. The High Septon refuses to anoint Rhaenyra without proof of Aegon's death and warns her not to antagonize the Faith. Corlys names Alyn his heir and asks Rhaenyra to legitimize him and Addam. Rhaenyra hears out petitioners and learns that the wealthy have starved the smallfolk. Daemon knights Addam, Hugh, and Ulf, but Rhaenyra does not legitimize Addam. Rhaenyra hosts a banquet for the city's nobility, serves them rats, and has the City Watch raid their storehouses for hoarded food. Daemon unsuccessfully urges Rhaenyra to seize the world with their dragons. She later addresses the smallfolk and distributes food with Mysaria. Corlys chastises Rhaenyra for not legitimizing Addam despite her own children's parentage and calls them bastards. Rhaenyra allows Alicent to see Daeron, but Alicent does not recognize him. The boy reveals that Ormund forced him to pose as Daeron. A dragonkeeper informs Rhaenyra that Ormund has seized the town of Tumbleton and is keeping Daeron's young dragon within its walls.
S3E4 · Tumbleton
Hightower soldiers harass Tumbleton's smallfolk. A soldier assaults Kat, Hugh Hammer's wife, but her brother defends her, and the soldier is punished. Daeron learns that Ormund plans to make him king. Ormund then forces Daeron to execute Kat's brother. Aegon and Larys find Sunfyre's body, which Aegon mourns. They reach Rook's Rest, now overrun with refugees, and are required to clean the latrines. Aegon protests and is forced to humiliate himself. Criston and Gwayne reach Harrenhal, where Alys claims Aemond is gone. Alyn informs Rhaenyra that Corlys has left to combat the Triarchy's remnants. Orwyle cautions Rhaenyra against removing the High Septon. Rhaenyra makes Torrhen Manderly the Master of Coin, so he takes the blame for the city's financial problems. Rhaenyra sends Hugh and Ulf to observe Tumbleton. Ulf tells Rhaenyra that the smallfolk are spreading rumors of her children's illegitimacy. She sends the City Watch to find those responsible. After Daemon receives gold from Jeyne, his dragon Caraxes leads him to Rhaena and Sheepstealer. Daemon attempts to ease Rhaena's guilt over Jace's death, but she flees. He brings Rhaenyra the head of whom he claims was Sheepstealer's rider, but she remains dissatisfied. Alicent discovers that Helaena is pregnant.
S3E5 · Unbowed and Unbent
Alys helps Aemond recover in Harrenhal. He later saves her when men arrive to collect a bounty on him. Aegon blames Aemond for his own failings, causing Larys to berate Aegon for his privileged upbringing. Tyland joins them at Rook's Rest. Aegon kills the man who humiliated him after he learns Aegon's identity. Addam and Baela search for signs of Aemond. Criston and Gwayne use guerrilla tactics against Oscar Tully's forces. Criston's army travels on foot to intercept the Tully forces marching south, but discovers they are too late after reaching a burned bridge. Refusing to give up, Criston tells Gwayne he plans to die in combat. Gwayne then abandons him. Alicent fails to convince Helaena to abort her pregnancy. Mysaria stops them from escaping and discovers Helaena's pregnancy. Alicent convinces her not to inform Rhaenyra. Alicent and Helaena use a secret passage to escape but become trapped. Daemon investigates the murders of multiple City Watchmen. After torturing one of the killers, Daemon learns Ormund paid for their deaths. He informs Rhaenyra that Ormund has declared Daeron king and is minting coins with his likeness. Daemon later finds Luthor and several City Watchmen gruesomely killed and labelled as traitors.
S3E6 · Faceless Men
Criston's army is ambushed by Tully soldiers. Criston challenges Roderick and Oscar to a duel, but Alysanne Blackwood shoots him dead. Aegon, Larys, and Tyland plan to flee to Essos. Jeyne chastises Rhaena after she is caught attempting to see Baela. Alyn comforts a troubled Baela. Alys shows Aemond a hidden clutch of dragon eggs and suggests they rule Harrenhal together. Daemon disguises himself as a City Watchman and kills an assailant after interrogating him. He then publicly humiliates Ulf for abandoning his duties. With men deserting the City Watch, the smallfolk blame Rhaenyra for rampant crime. She promises that Velaryon soldiers will help. Rhaenyra sends assassins to Tumbleton posing as envoys from House Baratheon. Gwayne deduces the ruse and kills the assassins, saving Ormund and Daeron. Hugh sneaks into Tumbleton to see Kat, but she refuses to leave with him. After their failed escape attempt, Rhaenyra confines Alicent and Helaena more strictly, causing Helaena's mental health to deteriorate. Alicent tells Rhaenyra that Helaena dreamed of Aemond at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra offers to free them if Alicent goes to Harrenhal and kills Aemond. At Alyn's request, Corlys sends men to King's Landing, but is captured by Jon Roxton.
S3E7 · The Dragon in Winter
Rhaenyra interrogates Helaena about her dreams. Mysaria tries to convince Rhaenyra that Daemon has betrayed her after Addam and Baela report spotting Sheepstealer with a rider. Sylvi criticizes Mysaria's position among the nobility. Jeyne informs Daemon that Rhaena has fled. Daemon tracks down Rhaena, who was planning to kill Vhagar so Rhaenyra would spare her. After Rhaenyra and Addam arrive, their dragons help Caraxes attack and heavily wound Sheepstealer. Rhaena is brought to King's Landing and reunites with Baela. Daemon justifies having deceived Rhaenyra to protect his daughter. Rhaenyra accuses Mysaria of manipulating her before they have sex. Alicent finds Aemond at Harrenhal but Alys warns him not to trust her. Aemond kills Alicent's escort, Adrian Redfort, to maintain secrecy. Alicent poisons Aemond, who collapses, and flees. Gwayne informs Ormund that the Tully army has almost reached Tumbleton. Daeron and Gwayne contemplate surrendering. Ormund tells Corlys that his captivity will dissuade the Velaryon army from aiding Rhaenyra. Alyn receives his father's severed ring finger. Ormund convinces the dissatisfied Ulf to betray Rhaenyra by offering him Driftmark. Larys abandons Aegon after learning that soldiers are searching for Tyland. Aegon and Tyland are later discovered, but Sunfyre appears and kills the soldiers.
S3E8 · The Treasons at Tumbleton
After learning that Aegon is alive, Rhaenyra becomes more ruthless. She detains Baela, dismisses Mysaria, and has a despondent Helaena force-fed. Rhaenyra has Alyn kill the High Septon after he refuses to anoint her and tells the smallfolk of Aegon the Conqueror's dream, stating that she is prophesied to rule. Alys informs Aemond that she became cursed with immortality after failing to save her dying son with magic. Aegon tells a remorseful Aemond to find Vhagar and help retake the Iron Throne. With the Tully army outside Tumbleton, Ormund lines the ramparts with children to dissuade Daemon from using Caraxes. Daeron and Gwayne free Corlys before negotiating with Daemon to divide the realm, but he refuses. Ormund finds Ulf hungover and beats him. Roderick's Winter Wolves scale Tumbleton's walls while Caraxes destroys the main gate. Ulf mounts Silverwing and attacks the Tully forces before burning Tumbleton, killing Ormund and Roderick while they fight. Jon duels Daemon, but Ulf's attack interrupts them. Corlys convinces Daemon to retreat. Gwayne cannot find Daeron while Hugh finds Kat dead. Rhaenyra learns that Helaena jumped from a window to her death, leaving a tapestry showing Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne surrounded by fire and blood.
Sources and content license
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