In this week’s penultimate episode of *House of the Dragon*, the dragon pit saw some fiery trials as Rhaenyra’s search for dragonriders took center stage. With the stakes high, it was clear that aspiring dragonriders had to either claim a dragon or risk becoming dragon dinner.
Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), surprisingly chosen by Seasmoke, aligned himself with Team Black, though he kept his identity as Corlys Velaryon’s illegitimate son under wraps. Rhaenyra needed to secure the remaining two dragons to bolster her forces against Vhagar and Team Green.
Mysaria’s whispers across King’s Landing summoned potential dragonriders—many of whom were incinerated by Vermithor, the second-largest dragon in Westeros. However, two emerged victorious: Hugh (Tom Bennett), a blacksmith from King’s Landing, claimed Vermithor amidst the chaos, while Ulf (Kieran Bew), a beer-loving commoner, managed to bond with Silverwing.
Rhaenyra now commands five dragons, not including Daemon’s Caraxes, still at Harrenhal. Daemon made headway with the River Lords, despite the messy situation and the demands of Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) to execute Ser Willem Blackwood (Jack Parry-Jones) for past atrocities.
Daemon also faced unsettling visions of his late brother, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), who questioned Daemon’s desire for the crown and the pain it brings.
In other events, Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) sought a wild dragon, potentially adding to Team Black’s forces. Alicent (Olivia Cooke) secretly fled King’s Landing with Ser Rickard (Vincent Regan) and pondered her return. Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) learned that his brother Daeron’s dragon Tessarion is gearing up for battle and hesitated when faced with Rhaenyra’s newly bolstered dragon squad.
The episode closed with Aemond retreating in fear as he saw Rhaenyra’s dragons ready for a confrontation, setting the stage for intense future battles.
