House of the Dragon’s “Red Sowing” was an action-packed, harrowing sequence full of dread. That’s why it was so shocking for viewers to see Rhaenyra watch passively from a balcony. Even Rhaenyra’s performer,Emma D’Arcy, has spoken out about the act – an act which they call narcissistic.
In “The Red Sowing”, Rhaenyra kicked a new plan into action: by summoning smallfolk with Targaryen blood to Dragonstone,she was able to gain two new dragon riders in Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer. Unfortunately for the smallfolk, many of them were eaten, stomped, or burned by an angry, rampaging dragon.
House of the Dragon
Taking place about 172 years before the events ofGame of Thrones,House of the Dragontells the tale of the rise of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria. The popular HBO spinoff show first starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before they were replaced by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the older versions of the characters. Also starring in the series is Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys Targaryen.
This is a more villainous turn for Rhaenyra than fans have seen so far. According to D’Arcy, this is intentional: in a new interview withGQ, they explain that Rhaenyra has increasingly turned towards religious fanaticism in order to feel closer to her deceased father.
“I think something that has been happening for Rhaenyra throughout the series is a growing religious fanaticism. After her father’s death, there is this desire to be connected to him in some way. And losing him happens at the same moment as having her throne usurped.”
Saying thatthe moment had “a narcissism in it”, D’Arcy went on to explain that Rhaenyra is trying to enforce her divine right to rule. That leads her to disregard the advice of all of her councillors, and her own son, Jace. As Jace — and D’Arcy — points out, his claim is tenuous due to accusations of his status as a bastard. The only reason that Jace’s claim is relatively safe is that he rides a dragon; if smallfolk can ride dragons, his claim is diminished. But Rhaenyra views her plan, which rests onAddam of Hull’s fortuitous claiming of Seasmoke, as a sign from the gods themselves.
What’s more concerning, according to D’Arcy, is thatRhaenyra is starting to view herself as “like a god”, and there’s even a little bit of pride in Rhaenyra as she sees people being burned by the dragons. While Mysaria has led Rhaenyra down a path that’s more complimentary towards the smallfolk, D’Arcy’s explanation shows that their lives are not quite as important to Rhaenyra as she would make it seem. So, whilethe dragons can empower the smallfolk, that appears to be a side effect more than an explicit goal for Rhaenyra.
Game of Thrones Creator Calls Out ‘Sloppy’ Mistake in House of the Dragon: ‘A Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing’
George R.R. Martin has been full of praise for HBO’s House of the Dragon, but there is one mistake that he had to point out.
Although D’Arcy shuns comparisons to Daenerys Targaryen, they also state that they feel Rhaenyra is attempting to paint herself as a savior for the history books.
“She’s imagining the history books, and you know, what’s happening right in front of her is awful. But in 300-400 years, what will be documented is possibly a very short war; a huge civil war that wasaverted. Thatwas the first ruling queen. That this ruling Targaryen queen expanded the Targaryen’s ability to have dragons within their armory.”
This could tie intoHouse of the Dragon’s Prince That Was Promised prophecy; if Rhaenyra has been told she’s destined for greatness and to save the world, perhaps she’s buying into her own hype.
