The fifth episode of House Of The Dragon season two dropped overnight, but what are dragonseeds and how do they play into Queen Rhaenyra’s plans?
The second season of the Game Of Thrones prequel series, based on Martin’s 2018 book Fire & Blood, is being released in weekly episodes, with the fifth having arrived last night (July 14) on HBO in the US and Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.
The season picks up following King Aegon II’s coronation and the death of Queen Rhaenyra’s son, with House Targaryen divided in two. With Aegon II ruling from the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra and her Black Council consider their next move, with civil war looming.
The fourth episode in particular left many devoted fans reeling, with some describing its shocking climax as “jawdropping and heartbreaking”, as well as “an all-timer” of an episode.
Prior to the season two premiere, House Of The Dragon was renewed for a third season in June 2024.
It was also announced last month that the next Game Of Thrones spin-off TV adaptation is set to hit screens in early 2025. Currently titled A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, it has begun filming in Belfast, although an exact release date has not been confirmed.
Recommended
In a blog post, he stressed that the dragons in the Game Of Thrones universe were designed to be like real animals, possessing just two legs “not four, never four”. He added: “No animal that has ever lived on Earth has six limbs.”
Despite those complaints, Martin recently heaped praise on House Of The Dragon writers for the “brilliant” way in which they changed his story.
He took the time in particular to comment on the opening two instalments of the latest run. “What a great way to start the season,” he wrote. “The directing was superb.”
What are dragonseeds in House Of The Dragon?
By the end of episode five, it becomes clear that Rhaenyra and The Blacks have a wealth of dragons at their disposal, but not enough people to ride them.
Dragonseeds were first mentioned back in episode three by Ulf (Tom Bennett). The Targaryens, according to lore, while often favouring incest, would often sleep with some of their female subjects on their wedding nights.
On Dragonstone, where Targaryens are revered for their connection to dragons, the women chosen became envied, and their offspring said to be “born of dragonseed”.
As only Targaryens can ride dragons and Rhaenyra needs dragon-riders, the dragonseeds therefore offer her a huge opportunity.
Only three episodes remain in the current season of the show, so fans can expect further drama as the dragonseeds become a crucial factor in the war.