Top 10 Things You Missed in House of the Dragon Episode 10
#10: Who’s That Dragon?
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Of course, fans aren’t liable to miss the ginormous dragon that pops up toward the end of the episode, but non-book readers might be wondering how to refer to it. To recap, while Jace and Luke set out to gather allies, Daemon goes into the bowels of Dragonstone and serenades a big old beasty. This is widely being reported as Vermithor, the former steed of King Jaehaerys and currently the second-largest dragon behind Vhagar. Now, the scene seems to imply an understanding between Daemon and the dragon, but seeing as the former is already bonded to Caraxes, it’s unclear who will be riding this monstrosity, if anyone. Clearly, the Blacks already seem to have more dragons at their disposal than riders.
#9: Dragon Bond
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It’s often been said that Targaryens have more than an emotional bond with their dragons, and this episode gives a clear representation of that. As Rhaenyra strains under the pressure of a premature birth, her dragon Syrax roars elsewhere, clearly feeling the same kind of pain. Interestingly enough, this isn’t actually the first instance of a dragon reacting to the experience of its rider on “House of the Dragon.” Back in Episode 3, Daemon scorches the Triarchy forces in a resounding display of force. He’s at one point hit with a flaming arrow, but it’s his dragon Caraxes who cries out in pain. The lore goes even deeper than a psychic connection, however, which we’ll be getting into a little later.
#8: Criston’s Battle Technique
Ser Criston Cole doesn’t appear in this episode, but his presence can certainly be felt. At one point, Jace and Luke can be seen sparring on a nearby beach. More than just being older and larger, Jace is also ruthless and unforgiving, beating up on his brother and pushing him to the ground. This kind of take-no-prisoners fighting style is reminiscent of the lesson Ser Criston teaches the young boys back in Episode 6. Despite there again being a size advantage, Criston deliberately pairs Jace against Aegon, encouraging the latter to show no mercy to his adversary. It seems Jace was the one who absorbed this, and we’re willing to bet he wishes he’d been kinder to his brother in one of their last interactions.
#7: Dragon Illusion
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Though he was often criticized by those around him, it’s safe to say that Viserys was one of the wisest kings Westeros ever had, especially when it came to understanding limitations. In the first episode, Viserys rejects the well-held idea that the Targaryens control the dragons, calling it an “illusion.” While we’re well aware of their ferocity, it’s in this episode that we really see their independent nature. The rivalry between Lucerys and Aemond reaches a boiling point at Storm’s End, and it would seem that their enmity for one another - particularly Aemond’s - have been imprinted on their dragons. Vhagar ignores her fourth dragonrider, and instead assumes her dominance by wiping out the opposition.
#6: A Familiar Meeting Place
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It’s fair to say there’s no love lost between Daemon Targaryen and Otto Hightower, they having a heated confrontation on the bridge leading up to Dragonstone in this episode. Funnily enough, the scene parallels one they had in the same location just eight episodes prior. Still, while there are many familiar beats, oh how things have changed as Rhaenyra arrives on dragonback to instead back her uncle-husband. As if we needed any more similarities, Daemon even utters the phrase “mummer’s farce,” words that were also used by Otto in their previous confrontation. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, though, seeing as both episodes were written by Ryan Condal. We see what you did there.
#5: “Closer to Gods”
Sufficient to say, there were a lot of line callbacks in this episode. And we’re not even done still. With the revelation that Viserys has passed and the Greens have claimed the Iron Throne in the name of Aegon, Rhaenyra has to rally the troops and see which houses will stay true to her cause. Her sons Jace and Luke volunteer to be messengers. We don’t need to remind you how that goes, but Rhaenyra reminds them before they depart to be sensitive to the Gods of the Seven Kingdoms, despite Targaryens being close to gods themselves. These same words were spoken by a younger Rhaenyra in the series premiere. It’s good she hasn’t forgotten her sense of humility.
#4: Dragons Slaying Dragons
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We figured heavily that a show called “House of the Dragon” would feature more than a few dragon-on-dragon fatalities. But surprisingly enough, we hadn’t actually seen it on-screen prior to this episode. Even when the ice dragon Viserion fights his brothers Drogon and Rhaegal in the last season of “Game of Thrones,” it’s the destruction of the Night King that ultimately does him in. Still, Daemon bringing up the prospect here sure made us fretful of its foreshadowing implications. Sure enough, when Luke travels to Storm’s End to get Baratheon support, he and his dragon Arrax are challenged by Aemond and the massive Vhagar. Against her rider’s wishes, Vhagar resoundingly ends the smaller dragon and its rider to boot.
#3: “Die Screaming”
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This quote isn’t just our last of these callbacks - it isn’t our last Daenerys Targaryen callback either. While Rhaenyra is giving the most uncomfortable unassisted birth of all time, Daemon prompts a couple Kingsguard members to reswear their allegiance to the Black Queen, or side with the Greens and be granted a painless death. However, should they do the former only to become turncoat later, Daemon has a much less ideal option. Though ambiguous, it would seem the “die screaming” threat is a popular one among the Targaryen line, as it’s something Daenerys says - also in a Season 1 finale - at the beginning of her conquest. It’s yet to be seen if Daemon’s knights will fulfill this promise, but many of Daenerys’s enemies sure did.
#2: Half-Dragon Baby
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With apologies to Luke and his violent death, the most shocking moment may come when Rhaenyra gives birth to a stillborn fetus. We obviously can’t show it here, as its bloodied visage is shocking to even the least discerning viewers. However, one subtle detail is that of its scaly skin. The book’s description makes it even more apparent, describing it as having “a stubby, scaled tail.” Now, it’s often been said that Targaryens have the blood of the dragon in them. While that’s often taken as a metaphor, it’s been proven true more often than not. This is likely a result of Old Valyrian blood magic, but this seems to be the first time that characteristic is manifesting itself physically on-screen.
#1: “Kingdom of Ash & Bone”
Though they’re different in their own right, Rhaenyra and Daenerys Targaryen were going to be compared to each other no matter what, and this callback will only further that likeness. When Daemon suggests leaning into their dragon advantage in dealing with the Greens, Rhaenyra shrewdly rejects this notion, aware of the fiery devastation that campaign would have on Westeros. Her use of the “ash” motif harkens back to something Tyrion says and Dany echoes during the latter’s conquest in Season 7 of “Thrones.” Despite Dany’s best intentions, that’s exactly what she becomes when she sacks King’s Landing. Let’s just hope Rhaenyra can resist the temptation of abusing that kind of power.
