The House of the Dragon season 1 ending introduces the well-known “Dance of the Dragons,” a bloody civil conflict that would prove devastating for the Targaryen dynasty. Approximately 150 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon set the famous Targaryen civil war in motion during its time-traveling first season.
In episode 9, before Rhaenyra is even aware that his father has died, Alicent and her father Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who are leaders of the Greens, install the king’s firstborn son on the Iron Throne following the death of Viserys the Peaceful (Paddy Considine).
Read this blog for an explanation of the ending of House of the Dragon Season 1 and a prediction of what will happen in Season 2.
Advertisement House of the Dragon season 1 ending explained:
With a number of tragic and important events that completely shift the balance of power in Westeros, the House of the Dragon season 1 ending explained the groundwork for the Targaryen civil war, also known as the Dance of the Dragons. The following are the major incidents and their effects on the show’s future seasons:
The death of Rhaenyra’s unborn child:
When Rhaenys arrives with word of Viserys’ passing, and Aegon’s coronation, Rhaenyra, and her family are in Dragonstone and still in shock from the previous events at the start of the House of the Dragon finale. Daemon responds angrily, and Rhaenyra, heartbroken, goes into premature labor. Despite her suffering, she teaches her boys about the passing of their grandfather and demands that no conflict moves forward without her. Ignoring her cries, Daemon forces the Kingsguard to be faithful. Rhaenyra gives birth to a stillborn kid after a terrible, lonesome labor. As tensions rise, Ser Erryk Cargyll gives her father’s crown at a moving seashore burial, and Daemon crowns her queen, establishing her claim.
The New Queen waits to start an attack on the Greens:
In the following scenes, Rhaenyra shows alertness while her bannermen create some alliances, and important houses are still in doubt. Against the Greens’ four dragons, Daemon calls for a forceful approach. When Otto Hightower shows along, he makes an offer: Rhaenyra’s family will receive lands and positions in exchange for her support of Aegon. Otto uses symbols of power to justify Aegon’s validity, while Daemon angrily rejects the idea. He holds up a ripped page from the shared past of Alicent and Rhaenyra as a peace offering to stop the bloodshed. Daemon is frustrated when Rhaenyra says she will respond later.
The second-largest dragon is being chased by Daemon:
Rhaenyra, remembering Viserys’ stories of Valyria, speaks out against attacking the war council, stating that she would rather not govern an ash kingdom. Rhaenyra cites the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy during a private confrontation when Daemon disregards her advice. Daemon’s aggressive response indicates that he is not aware of the prophecy and that he is not considered Viserys’ heir. Daemon tries to gain power by bonding with Vermithor, a strong unclaimed dragon, in the volcanic depths of Dragonstone when he is not present at the next council.
The death of Lucerys, the son of Rhaenyra:
At the third war council, Lord Corlys makes a comeback. At first, he wants to live a tranquil life in Driftmark, but Rhaenys convinces him to back Rhaenyra out of concern for his grandsons’ safety. Corlys offers command of the Narrow Sea and his navy. Reluctant to declare war, Rhaenyra sends her sons as envoys to forge agreements. Luke takes a plane to Storm’s End, while Jace visits Eyrie and Winterfell. There, Aemond confronts Luke, who provokes him before Lord Borros Baratheon restrains him. After pursuing Luke and Arrax through a storm with his dragon Vhagar, Aemond kills them both. Aemond knows he’s started the conflict. House of the Dragon season 1 ending explains that Rhaenyra becomes determined to go to war after Daemon tells her of Luke’s passing.
The House of the Dragon Season 2 Expectations
After the House of the Dragon season 1 ended, fans were left wanting more, and more episodes have already been guaranteed.
By the end of Season 1, the Greens, mostly through Vhagar, had taken control of King’s Landing, the Kingsguard, the Lannister fleet, and four dragons. Despite Alicent’s advantage, the Blacks may probably count on the Arryns, Starks, and Velaryons to help them, situating Rhaenyra effectively. Judging by her keen gaze, Rhaenyra may give up on her previous honor-related restraints.
A bloody Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons is promised in season two. Aemond and Lucerys’ initial fight suggests that the younger generation will be involved in much of the fighting.
Moreover, Important relationships will change dramatically. The divide between Rhaenyra and Daemon and the growing hatred between Rhaenyra and Alicent—particularly following Luke’s passing—foreshadow complex connections. Fans will be left waiting for the following season, as the story has many possible paths to take.
Hype for House of the Dragon season 1 ending:
Fans Reaction on House of the Dragon season 1 ending;
The fans on Reddit showed excitement for season 2 after the House of the Dragon ending; One of the fans commented;
Want them to keep the events completely distinct. For S1, I genuinely believe that a dual crowning conclusion would be sufficient. S1 must establish the suspense, tone, and atmosphere for next events. tension. S2 ought to debut spectacularly. Blood and Cheese marks the conclusion of Episode 1 and the Battle Above Storm’s End in Episode 2. It’s utterly brutal and foreshadows how dire this civil war will become.
Wrap Up!
The House of the Dragon season 1 ending successfully sets up the Dance of the Dragons, predicting a grand and tragic contest for the Iron Throne. Future seasons will have the opportunity to fully explore the depth and impact of this momentous Targaryen battle, with the stage set for a bloody civil war. The complex interpersonal relationships, political drama, and dragon-fueled combat will keep viewers interested as the House Targaryen tale develops.