House of the Dragon season 1 recap: 5 things to remember before watching season 2

The story starts 172 years before the death of the Mad King Aerys and the birth of his daughter Princess Daenerys Targaryen. It is now the ninth year of King Viserys I Targaryen's reign. Just like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragons is also about struggles, betrayals, and fiery confrontations but only among the Targaryen family.

House of the Dragon season 1 recap: 5 things to remember

Princess Rhaenyra (daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen) and Prince Daemon Targaryen (brother of King Viserys I Targaryen) are competing to become the successor of King Viserys who chooses his daughter over the brother, thus breaking Westerosi tradition.

Meanwhile, King Viserys marries Alicent Hightower, Rhaenyra Targaryen's childhood friend, and aids in fulfilling the King's desire for a male heir. Alicent and Viserys have several children¡ªAegon, Helaena, and Aemond¡ªwhich not only strengthens the Targaryen lineage but also intensifies the question of succession.

On the other hand, Rhaenyra is married off to Laenor Velaryon. Her kids however are fathered by Ser Harwin Strong. Alicent and Rhaenyra are against each other as both of their children are in line to the Iron Throne. So, when Alicent gets to know about Rhaenyra's kids being bastards, she informs the King who in turn ignores this.

1. Aegon is king

X

Throughout House of the Dragon season 1, King Viserys' health steadily deteriorates, culminating in his death in episode 8. In his final moments, he speaks of a prophecy known as Aegon's Dream, passed down by Targaryen monarchs. Alicent misinterprets his mention of "Aegon" as a change in his chosen successor, believing he now wants their son Aegon to inherit the throne. Acting on this misunderstanding, Alicent works to place Aegon on the throne, who is initially resistant to take on his birth right. Eventually, he ends up becoming the King with the intervention of mother Alicent and his grandfather Otto Hightower.

2. Princess Rhaenys joins Rhaenyra's team

X

In episode nine, Princess Rhaenys is imprisoned for refusing to support Aegon's claim. During Aegon's coronation, she is freed by Ser Erryk and disrupts the ceremony on her dragon Meleys. She then returns to Dragonstone, where her news triggers Rhaenyra's premature stillbirth.

3. Rhaenyra Becomes Queen

X

Though not the official queen on the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra Targaryen proclaims herself as such, believing she is Viserys' intended heir. In season 1, Viserys summons the great lords of Westeros to swear fealty to Rhaenyra, an oath many honor after his death. She commands significant support across the Seven Kingdoms, causing division throughout the continent.

4. Daemon Is Rhaenyra's Husband

X

Following the deaths of their initial spouses in season 1, Daemon and Rhaenyra choose to marry, with Daemon becoming King Consort to Rhaenyra's Queen, but is he really by her side?

Also Read: House of the Dragon season 2 release date: When and where to watch Game of Thrones prequel

5. Aemond and Vhagar kill Lucerys Velaryon

X

At the end of season 1, Rhaenyra realizes the urgency of securing allies for her claim to the throne. She sends her second-born son, Lucerys Velaryon, to Storm's End to negotiate with House Baratheon. There, he encounters Aemond Targaryen, who has already allied with the Baratheons on behalf of the Greens. Aemond, still harboring a grudge from when Lucerys took his eye during a childhood altercation, pursues him on his massive dragon, Vhagar.

Also Read: Internet Is Still Outraging Over Aemond's 'Dumb' Behaviour In House Of The Dragon Finale

Although Aemond initially intends only to intimidate Lucerys, he loses control of Vhagar, who fatally attacks Lucerys and his dragon. The season finale of House of the Dragon ends with Rhaenyra's reaction to her son's death, her face set in a look of vengeance.

A war is awaited in House of the Dragon season 2.

For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.