House of the Dragon Season 3 Overview

Season 3 of House of the Dragon premieres this Sunday. Two years have passed since the conclusion of Season 2, and remembering every character or their intricate, similar names might be challenging. Team divisions (Green vs. Black) and the reasons for conflicts might also be hazy. At its core, the battle is for the Iron Throne.

Background

In Season 1, King Viserys promised the throne to his daughter, Rhaenyra (Team Black). However, on his deathbed, a misunderstanding by Alicent (Team Green) led to her son Aegon being placed on the throne, sparking the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. This conflict is a violent struggle marked by intense battles and dragon confrontations.

Team Black

HQ: Dragonstone

Team Black is based in Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen. They are allied with several houses such as Velaryon, Stark, Arryn, and more. Their dragon count includes Syrax, Caraxes, Vermax, Moondancer, Vermithor, Silverwing, Seasmoke, and a few younger dragons or eggs.

Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy): Expected to inherit the kingdoms but was usurped by Aegon. Her son Luke was killed by Aemond, and tensions with her uncle/husband Daemon led to his temporary exile. She initiated a drive to recruit dragonriders.

Prince Daemon (Matt Smith): Although initially resentful, he united several houses under Rhaenyra. His past involved mystical experiences that did not yield much progress.

Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett): Son of Rhaenyra, secured alliances with Northern houses. Rides Vermax.

Other noteworthy figures: Lady Baela, Corlys Velaryon, Mysaria, Lord Oscar Tully, Alys Rivers, among others, play roles in Team Black’s strategies and dynamics.

Team Green

HQ: King’s Landing

Based in King’s Landing, specifically in the Red Keep. Allied with Hightower, Lannister, and Baratheon houses. Their dragons include Vhagar, Dreamfyre, and Tessarion. Sunfyre, Aegon’s dragon, remains unconfirmed.

Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke): Wife of Viserys, mother to Aegon, Aemond, and other children. She attempted a reconciliation with Rhaenyra to safeguard her son Aegon.

King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney): Aegon is perceived as cowardly and manipulative. Injured in a battle by his brother Aemond yet pretended ignorance of the incident.

Notable players include Larys Strong, Aemond, Helaena, Criston Cole, Otto Hightower, and new character Daeron, who rides Tessarion.

Key Points for Season 3

Battle at the Gullet

Anticipate an epic sea battle as the Greens plan to break a blockade enforced by Team Black at Blackwater Bay.

New Characters

The war introduces new characters such as Roderick Dustin and others, signifying possible departures of familiar faces.

Alicent and Rhaenyra Dynamics

The ongoing tension between Alicent and Rhaenyra remains a focal point, with this season possibly continuing to explore their complex relationship.